A Pilgrim’s Path from Queens to Malabo
Malabo, Equatorial Guinea (March 8, 2026) At the Catedral de Santa Isabel de Malabo steps, Mr. Victor Mooney of Queens, New York, knelt with gratitude and humility in remembrance of countless women who have taught, healed, and built our world.
As his head turned to the Atlantic Ocean, sensing the cries of woman who were forced to make a transatlantic journey on slave ships, a tear dripped from his eyes. Mooney reflected on those nights where his ancestors sang while he rowed across the high seas aboard Spirit of Malabo with Psalms 91 being a blanket of protection.
Día Internacional de la Mujer
Malabo, Equatorial Guinea (March 8, 2026) - At the historic Catedral de Santa Isabel de Malabo, Victor Mooney joined the nation in celebrating Women's Day during Mass. The liturgy was punctuated by a series of readings that honored women.
“Where would any of us be without the contributions of women in our society? Every child’s first breath, every step toward progress—these are the gifts of women, often silent, always steadfast," said Mooney.
Ahead of Pope Leo XIV visit, Equatorial Guinea president receives the "Pilgrim of Hope" award
Malabo, Equatorial Guinea (March 6, 2026) H.E. Mr. Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, President of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea will receive the Pilgrim of Hope Award from Mr. Victor Mooney, the Goree Challenge rower and the executive director of New York based South African Arts International at the Presidential Palace.
For President Obiang, the award is more than a decorative token; it is a reminder of the promise he made nearly five decades ago—a promise to his people and to God that the nation would rise from the shadows of persecution into the light of faith and prosperity.
Catholic Church in Equatorial Guinea unveils logo for the Apostolic visit of Pope Leo XIV
Malabo, Equatorial Guinea (ACI Africa)| March 5, 2026) The Episcopal Conference of Equatorial Guinea (CEGE) motto for their logo, “Christ, Light of Equatorial Guinea, Towards a Future of Hope”, encapsulates the identity and mission of the local Church.
Among other things, Equatorial Guinea is commemorating 170th anniversary of the beginning of evangelization in the country.
Minister of Foreign Affairs welcomes Victor Mooney home in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea
Malabo, Equatorial Guinea (March 3, 2026) Mr. Victor Mooney was received by H.E. Mr. Simeón Oyono Esono Angüe, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and the Diaspora in presence of H.E. Mr. Anatolio Ndong Mba, Permanent Ambassador for the Equatorial Guinea Mission to United Nations in New York.
In the receiving area, during remarks by H.E. Mr. Simeón Oyono Esono Angüe, he welcomed Mr. Mooney home, and they discussed areas of common interest.
Faith stands at center court for Pope Leo XIV historic visit to Equatorial Guinea
Malabo, Equatorial Guinea (February 27, 2026) Mr. Victor Mooney arrived safely at the Malabo International Airport. The Permanent Mission of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea to the United Nations in New York dispatched a driver to shuttle him to the National Hotel.
As the country intensifies preparations for Pope Leo XIV Apostolic visit, pilgrims, visitors, diplomats and delegations are expected to arrive in April. Mooney's visit comes on the tail end of Black History Month.
Faith and Service aligned in Mooney's visit to Equatorial Guinea
Malabo, Equatorial Guinea (February 27, 2026) Victor Mooney’s arrival is timed not merely with the Pope’s impending visit but with the tail end of Black History Month, a period in which the United States turns a light onto the narratives of African diaspora. In his hand, Mooney will unveil the book cover for his memoir titled El Espiritu de Malabo.
Pope Leo XIV’s forthcoming apostolic journey is a milestone for the Catholic Church, underscoring its commitment to a global flock that is as diverse as it is interconnected. Mooney has spent fourteen years building bridges. While Malabo basks in the glow of anticipation, Pope Leo XIV’s itinerary extends to Angola, Cameroon, and Algeria.