José Manuel Imbamba, Archbishop of Saurimo and president of the Episcopal Conference of Angola and São Tomé, presided over the International Anniversary Pilgrimage on 12 and 13 September.

The two-day gathering commemorated the September 1917 apparition of Our Lady of Fátima to the three shepherd children at Cova da Iria.

Before travelling to Fátima, Imbamba described the invitation as an honour and said the gathering offered pilgrims from around the world a chance to renew their faith. He also spoke about violence, war and rising nationalism, arguing that the message of Fátima remained particularly relevant in the current climate.

A call for forgiveness

On the evening of 12 September, the archbishop encouraged pilgrims not to be afraid or ashamed of living and expressing their faith. Taking Mary as an example, he spoke about love, solidarity and service to others.

His message on 13 September morning turned more directly to forgiveness.

During Mass at the Sanctuary’s Prayer Area, Imbamba warned about the damage caused by resentment within families and society and called for greater willingness to talk and reconcile.

He told pilgrims that forgiveness was not simply an emotion but a decision, arguing that it was necessary if hatred and resentment were to be overcome.

The September pilgrimage is one of Fátima’s major annual anniversary gatherings, marking the apparitions reported by the shepherd children between May and October 1917.

Imbamba, 61, was born in Luena, Angola, and ordained a priest in 1991. He later studied in Rome, completing a doctorate in Philosophy with a specialisation in Philosophical Anthropology at the Pontifical Urbaniana University. Before becoming Archbishop of Saurimo, he served in a number of church and academic roles in Angola.

His appearance in Fátima also brought an African voice to one of Portugal’s most internationally recognised Catholic sites.

For Imbamba, the pilgrimage’s international character was part of its importance. Ahead of the celebrations, he said prayer should lead to something beyond the Sanctuary itself, encouraging Christians to carry ideas of peace, forgiveness and reconciliation back into their own communities.