Angola’s sacred Pilgrim Image of Our Lady of Muxima departed Luanda for Viana following an intense spiritual tour across local parishes.
Archbishop Filomeno do Nascimento Vieira Dias marked the departure with a call for believers to transform silent faith into living action.
Addressing the faithful at Holy Family Parish, the prelate urged Catholics to mirror Mary’s profound humility, absolute obedience, and selfless service.
The widespread devotional journey serves as a spiritual prelude to the nation’s major annual pilgrimage scheduled for early September.
Devotees revere the image as Mamã Muxima, a Kimbundu name meaning “Mother of the Heart” deeply woven into Angolan culture.
“Mary’s faith is manifested through gestures and actions that reveal a life surrendered to God,” Archbishop Dias told worshippers.
The Archbishop emphasized that true devotion requires concrete care for society’s most vulnerable, including street children and the abandoned.
Originating from a 16th-century Portuguese settlement along the Kwanza River, the shrine remains Angola’s most celebrated destination for pilgrims.
The sacred image will now tour the neighboring Diocese of Viana before thousands gather at the riverbank sanctuary.