José Abílio Praia, SJ

José Abílio Praia, SJ is a Jesuit priest from Angola, ordained in 2015. He completed his B.A. Honors at Arrupe Jesuit University and the University of Zimbabwe. He studied theology at Hekima University College in Nairobi and earned a Certificate in Leadership and Management, and he holds a First Dan Black Belt in Shotokan Karate. His academic training is complemented by teaching experience in Tanzania and South Sudan, where he integrated language education with pastoral accompaniment. He later served as Vice-Rector of a diocesan seminary in Angola before being missioned to the Philippines for studies at the Loyola School of Theology, Ateneo de Manila University. He recently completed his Licentiate in Sacred Theology (STL) in Moral Theology, graduating cum laude, with a thesis titled “Pope John Paul II’s Vision in Mulieris Dignitatem and Ubuntu Philosophy: A Path to Decolonizing Women in Angolan Patriarchal Society.” He speaks English, French, Portuguese, and Umbundu, and reads Spanish, Arabic, Kiswahili, and Kikongo.