Cardinal Alexandre do Nascimento
Apr 14, 2005
Born in Malanje, Angola, on March 1, 1925, Cardinal do Nascimento was ordained on December 20, 1952. He received his degree in Theology from the Gregorian Pontifical University and taught Dogmatic Theology for many years at the Major Seminary of Luanda.
(catholic.net) He served as Preacher of Luanda Cathedral from 1956 until the outbreak of civil war in 1961, when he was forced to emigrate to Lisbon, Portugal.
Ten years later, do Nascimento returned to Angola, and in 1971 he was named Professor of the Pius XII Institute of Social Sciences and Secretary of the Angolan Caritas.
On August 10, 1975, he became Bishop of Malanje and Vice-President of the Angolan Episcopal Conference. He was promoted Archbishop of Lubango on February 3, 1977.
In 1982, Cardinal do Nascimento was taken hostage by guerrillas, and held from October 15 to November 16. After his release, he was elevated to the College of Cardinals by John Paul II during the Consistory of February 2, 1983. He was appointed Archbishop of Luanda on February 16, 1986.
Cardinal Alexandre do Nascimento