About Our Lady of Muximama Shrine (Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora da Conceição da Muxima) in Angola:
This location has a dark past, being one of the major slave ports on the continent. A church was first founded here in 1599 along the Cuanza River, Angola’s largest and a major slave trafficking route. As such, this is where the Portuguese baptized many slaves as Christians before taking them to the Americas. Although this is hard to understand in these modern times, slavery was legal in the country.
The current structure here was built in the 17th century after being razed by occupying Dutch forces. Over time, the church also became important for the Christianized locals. Numerous miracles were attributed to Nossa Senhora da Conceição da Muxima (Our Lady of the Conception of Muxima), an icon housed here.
By 1833, an annual pilgrimage was being held here. It continues to this day, with over a million people now descending on the town every August 31 and September 1.
Traveling to the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora da Conceição da Muxima in Angola:
The sanctuary is situated 130 kilometers from Luanda, the capital of Angola. Ground transportation is the only way to get there….you travel over the 17 de Setembro Bridge, which crosses the Kwanza River, to reach the site.