A double episcopal anniversary celebrated under the sign of pastoral renewal and moral rigor.
MOLEGBE – Sixty-two priests and eight deacons gathered around their bishop to redefine the contours of the modern priesthood. This Sunday, July 19, 2026, the Cathedral of Saint Anthony of Padua in Molegbe resonated with the rhythm of a double historic celebration. His Excellency Bishop Joseph Mopepe presided over the closing session of the diocesan clergy retreat, also marking his first anniversary of episcopal ordination.
Opened on July 12th, this spiritual gathering addressed all current issues. In the face of contemporary crises, Father Gratien Mole opened the proceedings with a firm reminder of the importance of preventing and punishing sexual abuse of minors and vulnerable adults. He issued a stern call for vigilance and priestly fidelity.
The digital world also became a topic of discussion. Father Patrick Mbawa outlined the ethical guidelines for ordained ministers regarding social media. The objective is clear: to transform the digital world into a space for evangelization without compromising the dignity of the mission. Meanwhile, a reinterpretation of Pope Leo XIV's encyclical Magnifica Humanitas , led by Father Alfred Imonda, emphasized the primacy of humanity over technological progress.
The spiritual retreat, preached directly by Bishop Joseph Mopepe Ngongo, returned to the roots of the faith. Drawing on Christ's question to the Apostle Peter, the bishop invited his collaborators to renew their love for the Lord and their commitment to the faithful.
The closing Mass, a celebration of great ecclesiastical fervor, brought together political and administrative authorities, religious leaders, and a large crowd. A sign of the diocese's vitality, 75 newly baptized individuals received their First Communion from the bishop. The festivities concluded in a fraternal atmosphere with a communion meal, marking the end of a week of grace and pastoral renewal.
A fitting adage : technology advances, the world changes, but the pastor's holiness remains the flock's only compass.
Information source: Father Carlos TSHASA
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