Angola’s Catholic men urged to ‘strengthen families, be examples of integrity’

ACI Africa, Sep 23, 2025 / 11:35 am (CNA).

Archbishop Zeferino Zeca Martins of Angola’s Archdiocese of Huambo has urged members of the Catholic Men Organization (CMO) in the southern African nation to be involved in the fight against societal voices, strengthen faith practice in their families, and exemplify integrity.

In his homily during a Mass of thanksgiving marking the 11th anniversary of the Movimento dos Esposos da Promaica (MEP) (Movement of Promaica Husbands), Zeca said: “The battle against corruption must be seen as a moral and spiritual imperative, which begins within each family and extends to society at large.”

“The Church and apostolic movements have a decisive role in transforming Angolan society, starting from the authentic living out of the faith,” the archbishop said during the Sept. 20 event, which was held at St. John the Baptist Parish in the Huambo Archdiocese.

Zeca further said: “We cannot pretend that nothing is wrong in the environment we live in. Corruption, lies, selfishness, and greed are wounds that strike at the heart of our society, and even many of us, members of the MEP. That is why it is urgent that each one of us, as a husband, as a father, as a Christian, be examples of integrity and fight against these practices.”

“The transformation of society begins within the home, since the family is the fundamental cell of society,” the archbishop continued. “Where the wife is, there the husband should be; where the children are, there the parents should be. The family is the first battlefield against the forces that try to destroy Christian values. He who cannot live honesty and love in his own home will hardly be able to do so outside it.”

He reminded CMO members that “the MEP was created precisely to strengthen family bonds and the living out of faith among Catholic spouses.”

Addressing the moral crisis in Angola, Zeca said: “The apostle St. Paul warned that in the last days many would turn away from truth and justice, giving way to selfishness, lies, and corruption. We are living in those difficult times, and therefore it is up to us, as Christians and citizens, to be vigilant and fight against these forces.”

He emphasized that “it is not enough to denounce injustices and corruption; each of us must also take responsibility not to be contaminated by these practices.”

The archbishop, who is a member of the Society of the Divine Word, further stated: “The fight against corruption is not just a political or social issue but above all a spiritual battle. Corruption is born of selfishness and lack of love for one’s neighbor, of greed and the reckless pursuit of power and wealth.”

“If we do not renew our spirit and hearts in faith, we are doomed to continue living in unjust and inhuman societies. That is why I urge you to live the faith, prayer, and Christian commitment intensely, as antidotes to these evils,” he said.

This story was first published by ACI Africa, CNA’s news partner in Africa, and has been adapted by CNA.