Massangano: Participants in the pilgrimage to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Victories in Massangano, Cuanza Norte province, have highlighted health, family, and employment stability as their primary reasons for attending the event. The pilgrimage, which began on Friday and is set to conclude on Sunday, has drawn around 10,000 Catholic faithful from various dioceses across Angola.
According to Angola Press News Agency, some believers see the pilgrimage as an opportunity to seek blessings in their lives. Missionary F¡tima Cataleco, from the Pauline Sisters' congregation, expressed her gratitude for the blessings in her personal and family life and prayed for the unity of Angolan families. Francisco Chiati, from the Diocese of Ndalatando, joined the pilgrimage to reinforce prayers for health, employment, and family unity. Meanwhile, young Etelvina Gonga from Luanda sought peace of mind and prosperity in employment, family harmony, and motherhood.
Other pilgrims, like Suzana Caluete, have come to express gratitude for educational and employment opportunities. Pilgrims Maria Ant´nia Borges and Domingas Mateus emphasized their prayers for family health and spiritual renewal.
The event, held under the motto "With Our Lady of Victories, let us be faithful and joyful disciples," features various prayers, sharing, and liturgical celebrations. Pilgrims have praised improvements in water and electricity supply and the construction of spas, sanitation, public safety, and medical care services. Although the area lacks a mobile phone network, an Internet access point with free Wi-Fi has been installed to facilitate communication. Pilgrims, including Francisco Chiati, Maria Ant³nia, Etelvina Gonga, and Susana Caluete, welcomed these developments and improvements to the access road.
Despite the progress, pilgrims have called for the urgent installation of a mobile phone network, banking services, and more restaurant options to enhance the experience for visitors. Previously a commune within Cambambe, Massangano was elevated to a municipal district in 2024, following a political-administrative division that increased Cuanza-Norte's municipalities from 10 to 17.
