Benguela - The Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Benguela, Dom Óscar Braga, was honoured on Saturday in this city at the first edition of the "Benguela Acácias" gala.
The event was promoted by Benguela Radio station, which is part of the Angola National Radio station (RNA) group, which chose Bishop Óscar Braga for his contribution to building the pillars of national unity, according to the organisation.
Through a video provided by the diocese, participants in the gala watched some moments that emphasised values such as forgiveness, tolerance and reconciliation.
These values have had an impact beyond borders, not only in the field of perfecting the priestly vocation, but above all in the search for the transgenerational formation of human beings, regardless of their area of specialisation.
During the event, the ordination of bishops Dom José Nambi, Dom Emílio Sumbelelo and Dom Mário Lucunde, the creation of the Promotion of Angolan Women in the Catholic Church (PROMAICA), as well as the ordination of more than 3,000 priests and the sending of many of them to study abroad, were remembered as Dom Óscar Braga deeds.
According to witnesses, the prelate put his life at risk during the armed conflict in Angola, travelling to war zones with the aim of bringing people to safer places.
Born in Malanje, where he was a priest, Dom Óscar Braga moved to Benguela province in February 1975. He was ordained bishop and remained there until 2020, when he died aged 89.
The Benguela vice-governor for political, economic and social sector, Lídia Amaro, who was one of the guest for the event, told the press that it is a mark that Benguela should keep doing, adding that the bishop is a “very important entity”, not only for the Catholic church but for all the society.
To her, the religious leader's legacy must be transmitted to future generations.
"In difficult times, Dom Óscar Braga managed to transmit peace, security and firmness to all of us," she said.
Another highlight of the gala was the awarding of prizes in the Culture, Sports and Society categories.
In the Culture category, the “Bismas das Acácias” dance group won, while in the Sports category, the prize went to Igor Silva, a cyclist from the Jair Transportes club.
In the Society category, Father Abel dos Santos won the award for his work in the Benfica neighborhood.
The director of Benguela Radio station, Gilceu de Almeida, revealed to ANGOP that they want to hold the event annually in August, with the sponsorship of strong companies for the benefit of society.
The "Benguela Acácias" gala aims to honour personalities from the province's seat municipality who stand out in the categories of Culture, Sport and Society.
The live music, provided by Banda Maravilha, helped to "warm up the cold" and put those present in a "good mood", who also enjoyed the food and drinks served by carefully selected professionals.TC/CRB/MRA/DOJ
