Spiritual Leader Welcomes Delegation from the U.S. Embassy
His Holiness Father Mayamona, Spiritual Leader of the Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ in the World (TOCOISTAS), welcomed Jacob Doty, Political and Economic Counselor at the U.S. Embassy in Angola, on Tuesday at the TOCOISTA Missionary Complex in Golf, Kilamba Kiaxi Municipality, Luanda, the Universal Headquarters of the Church. During the meeting, they discussed various matters concerning the Church and other areas of mutual interest. As part of his visit, Counselor Jacob Doty toured the TOCOISTA Missionary Complex, visiting several of its facilities and institutions, including the Cathedral, the Tocoista Higher Polytechnic Institute (ISPT), and Tocoista Radio. The visit provided an opportunity to showcase the Church’s spiritual mission, educational initiatives, and communications work. During the tour, the delegation also visited Tocoista Radio, one of the Church’s communication platforms. [PHOTO 7 — Visit to Tocoista Radio] At the conclusion of the visit, Jacob Doty expressed his admiration for the Church’s development at all levels and for the important work it continues to carry out. Source: Rádio Tocoista #TOCOISTAS #PaiMayamona #TocoistaChurch #USembassy #Angola #FaithAndService #ChurchDevelopment #ReligiousDiplomacy #ISPT #radiotocoista
Father Mayamona Highlights Individual Responsibility and Overcoming a Defeatist Mentality
During the sunset service held on October 11, 2026, under the sermon “The soul who sins shall die,” based on the biblical scriptures of Exodus 20:5 and Ezekiel 18:20, His Holiness Father Mayamona appealed for individual responsibility before God, perseverance in faith, and the spiritual and intellectual preparation of the new generation. Among the key messages, he emphasized the importance of not viewing family history as a sentence of failure, but as an experience from which one can learn to build a different future. His Holiness likewise encouraged young people to take on their role in transforming their families and society through prayer, study, planning, and keeping God’s commandments. “I ask you to lose sleep to think, plan, design, research, and pray.” — end of quote. The sermon further reinforced the idea that each person must answer for their own actions without remaining trapped by past mistakes, responsibly taking ownership of their path to transformation. “This connection has been broken. There should no longer be a curse from parents onto children, nor from children onto parents.” — end of quote. The service featured performances by the choirs A Voz do Toco and Tabernáculo Central, with instrumental accompaniment by the Tabernáculo Central Band and the Fanfare Band. Courtesy of Nkembo TV
Sacred Union: Celebrating the Holy Matrimony of Prophet Simão Toco and Mother Maria Rosa Toco
Within the universal Tocoista Church, few historical milestones hold as much spiritual depth as the holy union between our Venerable Leader, His Holiness Prophet Simão Gonçalves Toco, and our Venerated Mother, Dona Maria Rosa Toco. More than a traditional marriage, their union unfolded in two distinct, divine moments—establishing both a spiritual foundation and an earthly testament of faith. 1. The Spiritual Marriage (July 23, 1949) The first moment was entirely spiritual. Under the direction of Elder Pululo Joseph, God Himself manifested to join the young Simão and young Rosa in holy matrimony. Witnessed by three faithful brothers—Mavembo Sebastião, Timóteo Menakuluse Lutokamu, and Ambrósio Kinanvwidi Nvanga—this union transcended earthly customs. Honoring the sacred nature of this moment, Dona Maria Rosa Toco did not immediately cohabitate with our Leader, returning instead to her parents’ home. 2. The Civil Ritual and Formalization (August 22, 1949) To fulfill earthly formalities, a second ceremony took place at Mayengue Street No. 159 in Kinshasa. Led by Elder Tumissungo Pedro Cardoso, an intimate gathering of brothers gathered to hear scriptures from Matthew 7:3–5 and Genesis 2:18–25 proclaimed. Elder Pululo Joseph provided both the table’s flower vase and the wedding cake. Following this ceremony, Mother Maria Rosa Toco moved into our Leader’s home. A Legacy Tested by Tribulation. Their marriage was blessed with three children: daughters Ilda and Esperança, and a son. During the painful period of banishment and isolation imposed by Portuguese colonial authorities in southern Angola, their infant son passed away shortly after birth—a tragic chapter shrouded in the unresolved suspicion of abduction by colonial forces. Through exile, persecution, and the birth of a global movement, Mother Maria Rosa Toco stood as the “Rose of Sharon” beside the Prophet. Today, Tocoistas across the United States and the world honor their sacred union as a enduring model of faith, devotion, and spiritual partnership. Reflect & Connect How does the story of our Venerated Mother and Father inspire your daily faith? Share your thoughts, prayers, or reflections in the comments below! Join Us for Service: Learn more about our worship services on our Worship Service page. Related Articles You Might Like: Commemorating the Birth of Mama Maria Rosa Toco (1932–2004) The Descent of His Holiness’s Sacred Body to the Earth
The 1976 Assault and the Sacred Legacy of Majestic Mother Maria Rosa Toco
CHURCH OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST IN THE WORLD THE TOCOISTS Revived on July 25, 1949, By His Holiness Prophet Simão Gonçalves Toco EPISCOPATE HISTORICAL REMEMBRANCE: THE 1976 ASSAULT AND THE SACRED LEGACY OF MAJESTIC MOTHER MARIA ROSA TOCO His Holiness Prophet Simão Gonçalves Toco; Respected Members of the Body of 24 Elders and the Episcopate; Distinguished Members of the Central Coordination of the Men’s Order; Most Dignified Mothers of the Leadership of the Central Women’s Council; Valiant Youth of the Central Youth Ministry and the Central Children’s Council; Distinguished Guests; Beloved Brothers and Sisters. As always, it is to God the Father—Creator of Heaven and Earth—to Our Lord Jesus Christ—Our Savior—and to the Holy Spirit—the Force that Guides and Comforts us—whom we address and thank first, on this day when we commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the assault and looting of our Leader’s residence, which occurred in Block 6 of the well-known Congolese neighborhood, and the 22nd Anniversary of the burial of the body of our Majestic Mother, Dona Maria Rosa Toco. We extend our gratitude to each and every one who deigned to mark their presence in today’s Worship Service, a Special Worship Service in which we commemorate two dates and two events that are humanly sorrowful, but spiritually, clearly reveal the manifestation of the power, greatness, and invincibility of God. Hallelujah! In the history of Tocoism, some events portray the heroism of its Leader and His Followers in defending the Cause of the Most High’s Business, due to the execution of tremendously ignoble actions to which He was subjected in Africa and Europe. Teaching the Word of God—through which true Salvation is achieved, which is in Our Lord Jesus Christ—constitutes the primary reason for the presence of His Holiness Prophet Simão Gonçalves Toco in this world in which we find ourselves. The philosophy of His doctrine was and is rooted in the Holy Bible and has as its basis the teachings of Christ, that is, to cultivate the seed of love, peace, and harmony among men and nations. He never did any harm to anyone. He never used violence against anyone. He never hurt a single soul or stained His hands with blood. Upon His return from the Azores Archipelago, where he suffered severe abuse, His captors, serving the Portuguese fascist regime, classified Him in bold letters in an important media outlet of the time, Notícia magazine, as: “THE GOOD MAN.” Hallelujah! Seeing a shining Angola and a united, reconciled Angolan people constituted and constitutes His primary concern. To this effect, He spared no effort and spoke with the 3 Presidents of the then Angolan Liberation Movements: Mr. Holden Roberto of the FNLA, and Doctors Agostinho Neto and Jonas Savimbi, of the MPLA and UNITA, respectively. Regrettably, He was not understood. Instead, He was viewed as a target to be eliminated. As a consequence, on June 22, 1976, His residence was assaulted and looted by civilians and armed military personnel. Through divine protection, the worst did not happen. Our Leader and everyone who resided with Him, including Mother Rosa, were defended by the Most High Creator, Exodus 14:14. From that date forward, His Holiness began residing in a room measuring 2×3 meters, commonly referred to as the “hole,” where He remained for one (1) year and 54 days. June 22, 1976, was an extremely horrendous day, and as it happened, history recorded it. On a day like today, June 22, 2004, the body of our Majestic Mother was laid to rest. Prior to that, on a Sunday morning, June 13, 2004, the Tocoist faithful and society in general were enveloped by the sad news of her passing. Humanly speaking, without a doubt, that Sunday turned into a true nightmare for all her daughters and sons scattered across the planet we inhabit. Our Mother had just left us physically, causing tremendous grief and a high sense of pain within us. As if the state of physical sadness in which we found ourselves was not enough, the entire environment surrounding the funeral preparations was characterized by the emergence of anomalous occurrences aimed at diverting and taking control of Mother’s body by certain brothers who remain distant from the Church and ignorant of the program directed from above by His Holiness Bishop Dom Afonso Nunes—PAI MAYAMONA. The LORD willed that, on the day the body was to depart for Ntaya in Maquela do Zombo, His Holiness intervened, going personally to the airport and, with DIVINE POWER, dismantling all the malicious intents that had been planned. It was, therefore, amidst a turbulent climate that the body of our Venerated Mother was transferred from Luanda to Ntaya, where she would be buried, in the presence of His Holiness, Priest Ntemo António, Church Leaders, thousands of faithful, and the then Vice-Minister of Culture, Architect André Rodrigues Mingas, representing the Government of Angola. Our beloved Mother, Dona Maria Rosa Toco, was a true and righteous wife to our Eternal Leader, His Holiness Prophet Simão Gonçalves Toco. She never betrayed the highest figure of Tocoism. Despite the countless difficulties and hardships encountered on this journey, she knew how to stand by her husband as his true crown, in accordance with the Book of Proverbs 12:4, which I quote: “A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband…” Our Mother’s life was marked by the fact that she renounced the charms and pleasures of the world in which we live, accepting and enduring thousands of sacrifices in search of the true Life found in Our Lord Jesus Christ. Alongside her husband, she crossed rivers, cleared forests, and moved mountains, facilitating the journey of the female gender toward the Holy City of New Jerusalem. She was a Woman whose personality and deeds left an indelible mark on the History of Tocoist Women and beyond. Though we cannot see her physically, her Spirit makes its presence felt at every moment, giving us the certainty that in this world in which we find ourselves, she will never abandon
Official Announcement: Fasting Decree for the 5th Month (May 2026)
CHURCH OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST IN THE WORLD THE TOCOISTS Revived on July 25, 1949, By His Holiness Prophet Simão Gonçalves Toco E P I S C O P A T E ANNOUNCEMENT For the knowledge and fulfillment of its contents, the Episcopate of the Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ in the World “THE TOCOISTS” hereby communicates the following: The Fast of the 5th month, taking place on May 2, shall be carried out with great spiritual rigor (Joel 2:13-17). The observance of holiness and consecration is recommended starting from May 1 for everyone; all Tocoist Faithful who are not in conflict with the Law must participate. Participation extends to toddlers, children, young children, youth, and adults; abstention from consuming any food is mandatory. Newlyweds, even those on their honeymoon, must participate in this Fast. During the Fast, there must be peace and fear [of God]; no one should present themselves casually or in their own way, nor should they participate as if forced; The Fast shall take place in Temples, Tabernacles, or residences where Temples and Tabernacles do not exist, however, with doors closed. The Faithful are required to dress in sackcloth and anoint themselves with ashes. The fulfillment of what is outlined in this Announcement is assured for the benefit of the generosity of GOD the Father. FOR A UNITED, UNIQUE, AND INDIVISIBLE CHURCH: ORDER, FIRMNESS, AND FAITH. EPISCOPATE OF THE CHURCH OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST IN THE WORLD “THE TOCOISTS” in Luanda, April 30, 0026 – Year of Return to Tocoist Values: Peace, Love, Forgiveness, Work, Justice, and Unwavering Faith. GOD is Great – Millennium of Christ. FOR THE GOOD OF THE CHURCH, THE ELDERS AND COUNSELORS Signatures: Pedro Ernesto, Daniel Salem, Tomás Destinado Manuel
God Visited Africa: The Theophany of Prophet Simão Gonçalves Toco
On April 17, 2026, we will celebrate the 91st anniversary of the Theophany of Prophet Simão Gonçalves Toco. This special event honors his divine encounter and reflects on how it transformed lives and impacted our community. The Journey Begins At the tender age of 17, Simão Toco was a student at the former Salvador Correia de Sá High School. He was selected to join a group from northern Angola, tasked with traveling to the south of the country to learn improved farming techniques. This group comprised six local leaders (sobas) and one young student, Simão Gonçalves Toco, totaling seven members. Their journey took them from Lukala to Luanda, ultimately leading them to the Huila Province, previously known as Sá da Bandeira. The Stop in Catete During their travels, the group paused in Catete for approximately seven days due to work obligations. On the third day of their stay, around four in the morning, young Simão felt an overwhelming urge to step outside. He invited some of his companions to join him, but they were hesitant. One of them, Soba Kiala Miguel, a leader from Damba, declined, citing discomfort from mosquito bites and a reluctance to venture out. The Encounter at Jango Santo Determined, Simão ventured out alone. After walking a short distance, he noticed a brilliant light shining through the bushes, a site now revered as Jango Santo. At that moment, he struggled to continue fastening his pants. Suddenly, from the light, a figure emerged, appearing to be between 25 and 35 years old. A voice resonated from the brightness, asking, “Simão, Simão, do you know me?” Young Simão responded, “Yes, I know you; you are our Lord Jesus Christ!” The figure replied, “You are mistaken, Simão… I am not Christ; Christ is my son. Listen to me, Simão; I will place something within you that neither you nor anyone else in the world will comprehend. I see everything that is happening in the world.” As the figure spoke, it began to fade, and the light diminished until it vanished entirely. This marked the moment of the Holy Prophet’s encounter with the Most High God. Conclusion The encounter of Simão Toco is a powerful reminder of the divine presence in our lives. As we prepare to celebrate the 90th anniversary of this significant event, we reflect on its lasting impact on our community and the faith it inspires in us all. As we celebrate this milestone, we recognize that the Catete Sanctuary, where Prophet Simão Toco encountered Jehovah God, has become a national patrimony and a sacred site for people worldwide. It stands as a place where both Christians and non-Christians alike come to pay pilgrimage, honoring the profound spiritual legacy of this encounter. We invite individuals from all corners of the globe to visit the Catete Sanctuary, to experience its transformative power, and to connect with the divine presence that continues to inspire and uplift all who seek solace and enlightenment in this sacred space.
January 31, 1974 – 2026: Celebrating 52 Years of the Tocoist Youth Ministry
History is often written in the quiet moments of sacrifice. In January 1974, while the Spiritual Leader of our church, Simão Gonçalves Toco (Father Mayamona), was in exile in Ponta Delgada, the Azores, his heart remained with the faithful in Luanda, Angola. Despite the distance, his focus was on the future: the youth. In a landmark letter sent from the Azores, he reached out to his “beloved brothers, sisters, nephews, and nieces” to establish a new order of leadership. He didn’t just see children or “minors”; he saw the “seeds” of a global movement. The Pioneers: A Legacy in Action Pictured above: To the right of Father Mayamona: The first seed and 1st General Representative of the Youth, Brother Luzaísso António Lutango, who serves today as an Auxiliary Bishop. To the right of Lutango: An “Angel in person,” Sister Rosalina Cumbelembe Xavier, the first female General Representative (In Memoriam), who returned early to the Glory of the Father. To the left of Father Mayamona: The 1st Representative of Luanda, Brother Tuassolo Victor, currently an Auxiliary Bishop. To the left of Tuassolo Victor: Sister Elvira Mateus Sebastiāo, the first female Representative of Luanda and current Elder Advisor of the Central DPJ. The 1974 Decree: A Transcript of the Original Extract Below is the translated transcript of the original decree issued on January 30, 1974, which officially appointed these first representatives: From: Simão Gonçalves Toco Location: Ponta Delgada, St. Michael – Azores «Extract» 3rd. Your youth named António Lutango, brother of Quiala Lutango, is appointed as General Representative of all Tocoist boys in Angola, North and South. Respect him, just as the girl Rosalina Cumbelembe Xavier is very young—respect her. The elders of both sexes must instruct these two minors in respect and in the word of Jehovah God. 4th. The girl Elvira Mateus Sebastião is appointed as General Representative of the Tocoist girls residing in the neighborhoods of Luanda. Respect and instruct her, for Jehovah God will work His will in her. 5th. The youth Tuassolo Victor is appointed as the representative of all Tocoist boys in Luanda. The elders must instruct him in obedience and respect for the word of the Lord. 6th. Every neighborhood of Luanda, and all neighborhoods and villages throughout the North and South, shall appoint boys and girls as representatives of their respective communities. — Simão Gonçalves Toco
The Descent of His Holiness’s Sacred Body to the Earth
CHURCH OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST IN THE WORLD THE TOCOISTS Remembered on July 25, 1949, By His Holiness Prophet Simão Gonçalves Toco EPISCOPATE HISTORICAL SUMMARY OF THE EXPULSION OF THE HOLY PROPHET SIMÃO GONÇALVES TOCO AND HIS FIRST FOLLOWERS FROM THE FORMER BELGIAN CONGO, AND OF HIS PHYSICAL DISAPPEARANCE AND THE DESCENT TO THE EARTH OF HIS SACRED BODY. His Holiness Father Mayamona; Beloved Deaconess Mother Feliciana Fernando Nunes; Honorable members of the body of the twenty-four Elders; Esteemed members of the Episcopate; Distinguished leaders of the Central Coordination of Men’s Ministry; Beloved Mothers of Women’s Ministry; Valiant youth of the Pastoral Youth Ministry; As always, we first address OUR GOD—Creator of Heaven and Earth; His Beloved Son, OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST—Savior of the world and of humanity; and the HOLY SPIRIT—our Guide and Consoling Strength. We thank them for allowing us to be here together to remember January 9, 1950, December 31, 1983, and January 10, 1984. These are historical dates that mark, respectively: the expulsion of the Holy Prophet and his first followers from the former Belgian Congo; the physical disappearance; and the descent into the heart of the earth of the Sacred Body of the Holy Prophet Simão Gonçalves Toco in Ntaya – Maquela do Zombo, Uíge province. To our distinguished guests and to all those who left their duties to come here and share in the remembrance of these three dates with us, we offer our heartfelt thanks. Beloved Brothers and Sisters; January 9, 1950 – The Expulsion of the Holy Prophet and his First Followers from the Former Belgian Congo January 9, 1950 – January 9, 2026: 76 years have passed since the government of the former Belgian Congo finalized the process of expelling the Holy Prophet Simão Gonçalves Toco and his first followers to Angola by train to Matadi—the border region with Angola (via Nóqui). This decision was carried out in two distinct moments: on January 9 and April 6, 1950, under the Decree of the Belgian colonial authorities dated December 8, 1949. The group expelled on January 9, 1950, initially composed of eighty-two (82) people, was destined for the Loge Valley Settlement in the municipality of Bembe. Their names are listed in the book Tocoist Encyclopedia – Genesis and Doctrinal Identity, page 112. This was followed by the expulsion of three other groups whose members can be found in the book Simão Toco: The African Prophet in Angola, pages 88, 89, and 90. These followers were sent to the city of Luanda, where they were divided into two subgroups; one remained in the nation’s capital, and the other was transferred to the city of Benguela. During these events, while still in the territory of the former Belgian Congo, a Belgian administrative official named Pirote dared to raise his hand against our Leader’s face. As a consequence, God took his life, and he died. With these expulsions, beloved brothers and sisters, the troubled life of the Holy Prophet and all Tocoists began across the entire national territory, marked by imprisonments, deportations, the shedding of much blood, and deaths (with some bodies thrown into mass graves), and so on. December 31, 1983 – The Physical Disappearance of the Holy Prophet Throughout the year 1983, His Holiness Prophet Simão Gonçalves Toco withdrew to his bed for spiritual reasons. Concurrently, his physical health began to decline sharply, and on December 21 of that year, he suffered a stroke (CVA). Consequently, and lamentably, on December 31, 1983, the worst and most unimaginable scenario occurred. At 3:00 PM, he took his last breath, preceded by a mighty wind and a strong whirlwind that struck and enveloped the walls of the house where he lived, causing the shaking and breaking of a perfume bottle that sat upon his nightstand. The news, which was shockingly unpleasant for all of us, spread as fast as the wind. No one believed it. We suddenly felt as if we were trapped in a dream whose nightmare would vanish upon waking. But as time passed and spirits calmed, what we sincerely wished was a dream slowly gave way to the harsh and repulsive reality: Uncle Simão, Father Mayamona, Our Leader, the Old Man, the One who called us and showed us the Path of Salvation found in Our Lord Jesus Christ, had just left us physically. The realization of this harsh reality left us with various scars and disturbances. In those first hours, we became unrecognizable to ourselves and recognized nothing. We felt like shadows of ourselves, and everything around us seemed like a shadow. Our consciousness and judgment vanished. No one felt like anyone. We were like a balloon without air. We were completely emptied. Slowly, like a phoenix reborn from the ashes, we began to stand up and lift our heads. After all, it was necessary to tend to the funeral rites and create conditions for a dignified burial. To that end, the Tocoist children, who had appeared divided, united their ideas and combined their efforts. This allowed for the essential conditions to implement the program for the wake and funeral. In Luanda, some defended the idea of His Holiness’s body being buried in the Sant’Ana or Alto das Cruzes cemeteries. However, God intervened through the Elder Domingos Quibeta, who had previously spoken with family members and First Pastor Cutendana João; it was decided that the Sacred Body of His Holiness would be buried in Sadi Zulumongo. This eventually took place in Ntaya, Maquela do Zombo, because the physical territory of Sadi Zulumongo was uninhabited. Subsequently, the then-young men Simão Fernando Quibeta, Francisco Domingos, and João Fernando were chosen to draft the funeral eulogy, based on the written history read by young Simão Fernando Quibeta during the 64th birthday celebration of the Holy Prophet Simão Gonçalves Toco, Father Mayamona. The reading of the eulogy was conducted by João Fernando in Luanda and Francisco Domingos in Ntaya. The funeral procession, which received the support of the Angolan government and was
New Year’s Message from the Spiritual Leader
CHURCH OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST IN THE WORLD THE TOCOISTS Revived on July 25, 1949, By His Holiness Prophet Simão Gonçalves Toco OFFICE OF THE SPIRITUAL LEADER DEPARTMENT OF DOCUMENTATION AND PUBLICATION LITERARY PRODUCTION NEW YEAR’S MESSAGE “SPECIAL” PRONOUNCEMENTS OF THE SON OF MAN – THE CHRIST OF THE LIVING GOD, HIS HOLINESS THE PROPHET SIMÃO GONÇALVES TOCO “FATHER MAYAMONA” TO THE CHURCH, THE ANGOLAN NATION, AFRICA, AND THE WORLD Greetings and Reflections on the Past Year Beloved members of the Body of the 24 Elders, Esteemed members of the Episcopate, Your Most Reverend Auxiliary Bishops, Distinguished members of the Women’s Central Council, Distinguished members of the Youth and Children’s Central Council, Illustrious Guests, Daughters and sons of God! I want, on behalf of the Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ in the World and in my own personal name, to thank from the bottom of my spirit God and Father of glory, for the way He knew how to protect us, during the 365 days, against the various challenges that the contemporary world placed before us day after day. It would be ungrateful on my part and, at the same time, imprudent, if I did not recognize His power and glory that made the one who was insignificant in the eyes of the world, transforming him into the brightest star and the foremost man that humanity has ever known by making him sit on the throne, placing him among the great and in the midst of the kings of this world, I Samuel 2:8. The year 0010 of the Millennium of Christ was marked by memorable events that elevated the Church’s good name and prestige. Many noteworthy facts took place in the period of reference, standing out among the many, the pilgrimage to the Holy City of “Ntaya” Maquela do Zombo, on the occasion of the celebrations of the ninety-second birthday of the Founder of Tocoism, on February 24, 0010, in which the world observed the commotion of the one who was, is, and will forever be the Prophet Simão Gonçalves Toco, dead in the flesh, but living in spirit, working and guiding his Church, so that triumphantly it can proceed with its mission. God, in His mission to save the world, to rescue man from sin, and guide him back to paradise, has been using men who interpret and make His designs known to the world. Thus, it has been since the time of the Prophets and Patriarchs, passing through our Lord Jesus Christ, his Disciples and Apostles, up to the present day, thus giving substance to what is written in the book of the great preacher where one can read: “What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun.” I was citing Ecclesiastes 1:9. Beloved members of the Body of the 24 Elders, Esteemed members of the Episcopate, Your Most Reverend Auxiliary Bishops, Distinguished members of the Women’s Central Council, Distinguished members of the Youth and Children’s Central Council, Illustrious Guests, Daughters and sons of God! I made this brief foray so that the spiritual phenomena that surround us and that we live in today can be easily understood. God is indeed the same God as always. He is the one who took the people of Israel out of slavery in Egypt through Moses, He is the same who spoke to the Prophets, He is the one who protected Daniel in the lions’ den, and the same who spoke to Abraham, He is the one who gave His only Son to save humanity and He is the same who speaks with us today. In an analogy to the biblical world and making a parallel to the mission of the Prophet Moses, we affirm with propriety and conviction that, just as Aaron had Moses for God and Moses had Aaron for a mouth, so it is today that Simão Toco has Afonso Nunes for a mouth and the latter has Simão Gonçalves Toco for God who transmits to him what comes from God, and it is through him that until today he has received instructions from God the Creator of Heaven and Earth. This may seem like madness, but it is a pure reality. If we admit and believe that the God who spoke with Moses in the burning bush is the same God of our days, and He IS immutable, just as He spoke in Aaron, through Moses, using Aaron’s mouth to speak to the people, we must admit the event that I am describing to you, Exodus 4:15-16. Today, I spoke a little about the relationship between Bishop Afonso Nunes and Master Simão Gonçalves Toco. Next time, it is important that I speak much more about the matter, although I recognize its complexity in human and perhaps scientific vision, but which, however, encourages me with the certainty that it will be good for those who believe in the immutability of God and His Saints. Beloved members of the Body of the 24 Elders, Esteemed members of the Episcopate, Your Most Reverend Auxiliary Bishops, Distinguished members of the Women’s Central Council, Distinguished members of the Youth and Children’s Central Council, Illustrious Guests, Daughters and sons of God! Achievements and Administrative Advancements As for the year that has ended, as I said before, it was very fruitful for us, although Satan did not stop trying to create constant disturbances. But our God always knew how to guarantee His Church resounding victories. We successfully held the III Congress, which laid the foundations for the development of the Church in the five years 0010/0015; we trained 200 Pastors from various Parishes in Angola and abroad; we created favorable spiritual and moral conditions so that the Leadership emerging from the III Congress could fit into the new work philosophy. We managed to rescue and grant the Church and its Founding Leader the respect and dignity that had long been lost. For the first time in the
Commemorating the Birth of Mama Maria Rosa Toco (1932–2004)
Mama Maria Rosa Toco, affectionately known as Mama Rosa, was the wife of Simão Gonçalves Toco. She was the daughter of Alvaro Makengo and Isabel Massanga, born in the former District of Portuguese Congo, centered in Maquela do Zombo—now the Municipality of Maquela do Zombo in the Province of Uíge, Angola. Early Life and Heritage Mama Rosa was born on December 27, 1932, in the village of Mbanza Mbata (Kimankondo). She was a descendant of the Na Nzinga Uzinga Kongo Mponda, Mbangala Nzundu Tadi clan of the Bakongo tribe. She received her education at the French School of the Baptist Evangelical Mission in the former Belgian Congo (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo). Her Journey in Tocoism Her spiritual journey was deeply intertwined with the history of our faith. She was admitted into Tocoism in 1949 and was a witness to the historic Descent of the Holy Spirit. On August 22, 1949, Mama Rosa united in marriage with Simão Gonçalves Toco, the Founder of Tocoism. The ceremony was officiated by the elder and cousin of the groom, Tumissungu Pedro Cardoso, with the ritual guided by Mpululu Josefo. The union took place at the Tabernacle, located at No. 159 Mayenge Street. The marriage was witnessed by the elders Ambrósio Kinavuidi Mvanga, Mavembo Sebastião, Pedro Nzila, André Mancota, and Lutocamo Timoteo Menakuluse. Life in Exile and Family While in exile in the Azores, His Holiness Simão Toco wrote of their life together: “In Leopoldville, I married a young woman who was a student at the French School. She was also Angolan, and together we had three children—two daughters and a son. Sadly, our son passed away while I was in Ponta Albina, 25 km from Porto Alexandre. Due to the heartbreak of his passing, my wife fell ill and is currently hospitalized in the city of Ponta Delgada, here in the Azores.” Her Passing Mama Rosa passed away on June 13, 2004, following an illness. She was laid to rest on June 22, 2004, in the city of Ntaya, Municipality of Maquela do Zombo, Uíge Province. We honor her memory, her resilience, and her devotion to the Church. FOR THE GOOD OF THE CHURCH Source: COLJCW Archives