December 20, 2025
In celebration of the 50th anniversary of Angola’s independence and the 60th anniversary of the Bible Society of Angola (BSA), the BSA formally presented a special Commemorative Bible for the National Independence Jubilee.
Angola, a former Portuguese colony, achieved independence in 1975 after five centuries of colonisation and oppression. To honour this historic milestone and express gratitude for the nation’s progress, the Bible Society produced a unique edition of the Scriptures dedicated to the Jubilee of National Independence.
A National Celebration of Faith and Thanksgiving
The Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service, held on November 8, 2025, at the 11 de Novembro Stadium, brought together the entire Angolan Church in a unified act of worship and thanksgiving. The service theme, “Angola, 50 Years of National Independence, Rejoice in Christ!” (Leviticus 25:10–18), set a tone of joy and spiritual reflection for the celebration.
During the service, the BSA unveiled a commemorative Holy Bible, featuring a specially designed cover that incorporates the 50 Years of Independence logo. This edition was prepared to honour the nation’s Jubilee and to serve as a symbol of hope for Angolans.
More than 40,000 worshippers attended the service, including leaders from various religious, political, and civil society organisations. Special recognition was given to the President of the Republic of Angola, Dr João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, and his wife, Dr Ana Dias Lourenço, who received the commemorative Bible from Beatriz Hupa, BSA General Secretary. The Vice President of the Republic also received a copy.
Before the presentation, a Catholic bishop highlighted the spiritual significance of the moment, stating: “We produced this Bible so that in the coming years the country will be governed according to the Word of God.”
Following the presidential presentation, all dignitaries, both governmental and ecclesiastical, received their own copies of the commemorative edition. For this historic event, the Bible Society printed 12,000 Portuguese Bibles in Brazil.
Continuing the Mission in Angola
Remaining faithful to its vision of “Bible for All,” the BSA continues its mission of bringing the Word of God to every person in Angola: “BSA – 60 years bringing Hope and Light through the Word of God,” inspired by the Gospel of John 1:9.
Beatriz Hupa, the BSA General Secretary, expressed her gratitude for the occasion:
“It is a profound joy to witness God’s Word placed at the heart of our nation’s Jubilee, reminding us that Scripture remains the foundation for hope, unity, and transformation in Angola.”
