In 1992, he was appointed Bishop of the Diocese of Mbanza Kongo, where he exercised his pastoral ministry until he resigned in 2008 due to poor health.<\/p>\n
(Story continues below)<\/p>\n
When Bishop Kiaziku succeeded him in 2009, he said his predecessor shared a clear pastoral dream: to strengthen the missionary presence of the Church and expand beyond urban centers.<\/p>\n
\u201cAt the time, there were very few diocesan Priests\u2014only nine. His dream was to increase the number of missionaries, open new parishes, and reach the municipalities and communes,\u201d Bishop Kiaziku recalled.\u00a0<\/p>\n
He said he has continued to build on that vision, noting that the Diocese now has 34 Diocesan Priests and several new parishes and missions, despite challenges related to infrastructure and resources.<\/p>\n
Bishop Kiaziku added that Bishop Shyngo-Ya-Hombo followed the growth of the Diocese with joy, offering guidance and encouragement as a trusted counselor.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThe people were always happy to see their former Pastor return,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Reflecting on the years of war and post-war hardship in Angola, Bishop Kiaziku emphasized that his predecessor exercised his ministry under extremely difficult conditions.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cEven amid insecurity, poverty, and lack of infrastructure, he remained close to the people and ensured the presence of the Church,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Bishop Kiaziku said the memory of Bishop Serafim Shyngo-Ya-Hombo remains alive as a spiritual and pastoral reference for the Church in Angola.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cHis greatest legacy is his example of life\u2014simplicity, prayer, fidelity to the Mission, and love for the people of God. We pray that the Lord may receive him into His Kingdom. May his soul rest in peace,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
![\"Jo\u00e3o](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/1767602655_142_vissese_1700867008.png\")