In a note of condolence, the president of UNITA, Adalberto Costa Júnior, emphasizes that Óscar Braga influenced and actively participated in the formation of Angolan staff and a church in diversity, having focused on the Eucharist, scouting, the pastoral care of children, the creation of Promaica (Promotion of Angolan Women in the Catholic Church), among other actions.
"Dom Óscar Braga is an inescapable reference in Angolan society for his devotion not only as a pastor, but also for his altruistic character and great citizen committed to the values of peace, democracy and national culture," the note said.
UNITA highlights that Óscar Braga's actions have made him an icon to be remembered by several generations of Angolans, from various quarters of the country and sectors of society.
"He was a true shepherd. We bow before his memory and his grandiose work", underlines UNITA.
The bishop emeritus of Benguela died, on Tuesday, at the age of 89, at the Benguela General Hospital, where he arrived in an extremely delicate situation, already in cardiac arrest, according to hospital sources.
Óscar Lino Fernandes Braga was born in Malanje, on 30 September 1931. He entered the seminary with higher education and was ordained priest in 1964, ten years later, in Malanje.
In 1975 he took over the diocese of Benguela until 2008, when he was replaced by Eugénio Dal Corso.
More than 300 priests were ordained by Óscar Braga and in his 33 years of episcopal mission, three bishops left the diocese of Benguela: José Nambi, Mário Lukundi and Emílio Sumbelelo.
