Quiçama - The spokesman for the pilgrimage to the Sanctuary of Muxima, Father Queiroz Figueira, on Friday urged the devotees to abstain from alcohol consumption during the three days of the event and focus their attention on God.
"As in past editions, we once again remind our brothers that we do not want alcohol at Muxima because the sanctuary is a place of peace, harmony and above all of recollection", he appealed.
According to the religious man, the police will be attentive and will inhibit and repress all acts likely to disturb the spiritual peace of those focused on the purposes of the pilgrimage.
During the event, many stallholders take the opportunity to introduce and sell alcoholic beverages to the faithful and beyond, tarnishing the spirit of the pilgrimage, which is why this behavior is discouraged, according to the priest.
The town of Muxima is undergoing redevelopment, with several machines and men in motion, aiming to build social infrastructures and a basilica that will turn the space into a main religious tourist hub.
Despite this, accommodation conditions for devotees, parking and restaurants have been created for those who go to Muxima.
On Friday (August 30), Muxima already has hundreds of pilgrims coming from the 18 provinces of Angola, some arrived a week ago to position themselves in the best areas.
Two giant tents are also set up, one for the prelate, located on the banks of the Kwanza River and the other in front of the first, for guests, among rulers and members of other religious confessions.
The festivities as such have already begun with masses, prayers and rosary prayers.
The pilgrimage to the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora da Conceição da Muxima is annual and in this edition, it takes place from August 30th to September 1st, under the motto, "With Maria Let Us Live in Faith the Year of Prayer". AJQ/CF/DOJ
