MAMÃ MUXIMA

This shrine and the image of Nossa Senhora da Muxima are the subject of great devotion from Angolan Catholics, from generation to Generation. Called with affection Mamã Muxima, she is the most popular and venerated saint of the whole country. She receives hundreds of thousands of pilgrims every year. This devotion grew in the late th century when the region was seriously affected by African trypanosomiasis or "sleep Sickness". This scourge had decimated entire communities from the Kwanza region.

Pilgrims travel large distances to come up with their offerings in compensation for the efforts of the Holy and to "converse" with Mamã Muxima.

According to a popular legend Mamã Muxima reportedly appeared twice in the early th century. Legends, miracles, beliefs, contradictory narratives, overlapping and made Muxima a place of attraction for the hearts of millions of visitors over the last few centuries. They tell him, entrust him with their secrets, ask him to protect their children, to free them from poverty, to fulfil their wishes, etc.

A five-day pilgrimage is organised every year between late August and early September, culminating in a huge mass celebrated on the last day. This is Angola's greatest pilgrimage.

The image of the Holy Father, vandalisée in November 2013, was withdrawn for renovation. It was to be reinstalled for the pilgrimage 2014.

This place was probably already revered by the local populations before the arrival of the Portuguese and the construction of the church. This would not be the first case in which religious authorities would become a sacred place.