Our Lady of the Mount

Marian vocation of Lubango (former Sa da Bandeira) (Archdiocese of Lubango)
Recognized by the Church

In the city of Lubango, which in colonial times was called Sa da Bandeira, in southern Angola, Nossa Senhora do Monte (Our Lady of the Mount) is venerated in a sanctuary on a mountain that dominates the city. Devotion is one of the most emblematic in the south of the country, historically linked to both Portuguese settlers and the local population. There is no precise chronology of its origin or the date of construction of the sanctuary in the sources.

Main data

Origin and history

In the city of Lubango, which in colonial times was called Sa da Bandeira, in southern Angola, Nossa Senhora do Monte (Our Lady of the Mount) is venerated in a sanctuary on a mountain that dominates the city. Devotion is one of the most emblematic in the south of the country, historically linked to both Portuguese settlers and the local population. There is no precise chronology of its origin or the date of construction of the sanctuary in the sources.

The image and the sanctuary

The sanctuary crown a mountain that rises on Lubango, which makes the pilgrimage to the high a strong sign of the Virgin's protection over the city.

Sponsorship and coronation

Local recognized Marian Sanctuary, including among the main Marian Sanctuaries of Angola. No canonical coronation.

Party and devotion

In the Lusopona Catholic tradition there are several parties of Nossa Senhora do Monte, but it does not know with certainty the date of Lubango. Popular religiosity speaks of promises and exvotes for the protection received during the civil war, although no specific accounts have been properly documented.

Link to the Rosary

To go up to the Mount of the Virgin, Rosary in hand, is for the faithful of Lubango a way to raise the heart with Mary to God and to ask for her protection over the city and the region.