Luanda: The leader of the Angolan Tocoist Church, Dom Afonso Nunes, announced on Saturday that he has a portfolio of short, medium, and long-term projects for Catete, the implementation of which is contingent upon the redevelopment of the municipality. According to Angola Press News Agency, in an interview with the press on the sidelines of his church's conference regarding the "Gains and Achievements: From the descent of the holy spirit to the present day," the bishop stated the religious institution wants to build necessary basic infrastructure, including healthcare facilities and job-creating projects that are capable of fostering the development of the capital of Icolo e Bengo. In this regard, he highlighted a three-story building in Catete scheduled to be inaugurated in the coming days as part of the Epiphany celebrations, set for July 25. These celebrations commemorate the descent of the Holy Spirit in Africa, in response to the request of the African prophet Simo Gonçalves Toco, which took place afte r a vigil held on July 25, 1949, in the city of Leopoldville, the former name of the current capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kinshasa. The bishop emphasized the urgent need for the redevelopment of the entire Catete municipality, including road paving, water supply, and the implementation of services based on the needs and priorities of the local population. The bishop stated that the Church would continue to prioritize social projects and ways to honor its social responsibility as a religious institution, assisting the government branch in resolving the people's problems, provided there is initiative on its part. In turn, Dom Afonso Nunes stressed that the Tocoist Church would act as a guardian of peace and contribute significantly to the well-being and harmony of all Angolans. Regarding the pilgrimage, he noted that over one hundred thousand church members are expected at the Catete Sanctuary during the four-day annual pilgrimage, and that all arrangements have been made to properly cel ebrate July 25th. The most important dates associated with the Prophet Simo Toco include April 17, 1935, the date he had a divine encounter with God, and July 25, 1949, the date of the descent of the Holy Spirit, as well as the remembrance of the Church.
