Let’s Foster Unity, Human Dignity, Faith Practice “as pillars for national renewal”: Bissau-Guinean Catholic Bishop

Bissau, 19 August, 2025 / 6:05 PM

Bishop Víctor Luís Quematcha of the Catholic Diocese of Bafatá in Guinea-Bissau has urged citizens of the tropical country on West Africa’s Atlantic coast to actively engage in the “national renewal” of their country by fostering unity, human dignity, and faith practice.

In his August 16 homily at St. Basil Geba Parish, Bishop Quematcha stressed that it is on relying on God’s strength that meaningful transformation can be realized.

“We must practice unity, uphold dignity, and deepen our faith as pillars for national renewal,” he said.

The Catholic Bishop added, “Only the strength of God can guide Guinea-Bissau to good.”

Drawing on a reality familiar to the people of God in his Episcopal See, Bishop Quematcha likened the faithful to the River Geba, which sustains the land and connects communities.

“The River Geba brings the lands together, irrigates the marshes, nourishes the rice fields, and sustains the life of Guineans. In the same way, we too must be able to nourish and sustain the life of our people,” the Catholic Church leader said.

“It is within this spiritual depth that the force capable of regenerating Guinea-Bissau must be born,” he further said, adding that “any depth has a relationship with God—God’s strength dwells within the people.”

The Bissau-Guinean member of the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin (OFM Cap.) continued, “Just as the river nourishes life, we must nourish and sustain the life of our people.”

He went on to encourage the people of God to rise above divisions, saying that ethnic, religious, or social differences should never hinder solidarity.

“In Geba, no one is excluded. National unity is built on the shared dignity of all. The mission of national reconstruction must rest on dignity and fraternity among all sons and daughters of the country,” he said, underscoring the need for reconstruction.

Such reconstruction, Bishop Quematcha further said, “must reject religious and ethnic divisions.”

The Catholic Church leader pointed to the Blessed Virgin Mary as a model of humility, trust, and service. He said, “Mary’s greatest quality is her trust in the Word of God. Seek to be sources of humility. Seek to strengthen family ties.”

Bishop Quematcha also called upon the people of God to value family and serve others selflessly.

The Local Ordinary of Bafatá, since his Episcopal Ordination on June 28, warned against corruption and selfishness and called for renewed commitment to solidarity and action at every level—family, church, and nation.

“Let us give each other a name that strengthens fraternity—not only among the sons and daughters of Geba, but also fraternity at the level of the whole Church,” Bishop Quematcha said.

He further cautioned against despair, saying, “Do not give up in the face of difficulties. Live your faith with joy and courage, trusting always in God’s power.”

“It is not just human strength we need—it is God’s strength. May Christ the King, the Son of God, make us know that Yours is a God who helps us fight for life and the world,” Bishop Quematcha implored.