On April 17, 2025, we will celebrate the 90th 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.
