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
