Newly Consecrated Bissau-Guinean Catholic Bishop Urged to Pay Attention to “people’s pain”

Bafatá, 30 June, 2025 / 8:30 PM

The representative of the Holy Father in Guinea-Bissau, Senegal, Cape Verde, and Mauritania has called upon the new Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Bafatá in Guinea-Bissau to align his Episcopal Ministry with the public ministry of Jesus Christ, manifested in closeness to the suffering.

In his homily during the June 28 Episcopal Ordination of Mons. Victor Luís Quematcha, Archbishop Waldemar Stanisław Sommertag, called on the Bishop-elect to be a shepherd who promotes unity in a diverse society.

“May your heart be deeply conformed to that of Christ so that you may be a pastor with the heart of Christ, attentive to the people’s pain, servant of the poor, and promoter of unity,” Archbishop Sommertag said during the Eucharistic celebration that was held at the courtyard of Our Lady of Grace Cathedral of Bafatá Diocese.

He added, “The new Bishop must assume his ministry with a mission of proximity, service, and absolute fidelity to the Gospel.”

The Vatican diplomat noted that the Bishop’s ministry is not an honorary role but a vocation rooted in service and humility. 

“The Episcopal Ministry is not a title of honor or a reward. It is a grace and a deep commitment. The Church is a living body where no one is self-sufficient. Each member has a role, and every gift its place,” he said.

Archbishop Sommertag emphasized the model of servant leadership, recalling Christ’s teaching to the Apostles.

“The greatest among you must be your servant. The logic of the Kingdom of God is the reverse of the logic of the world. Power becomes service. Authority becomes humility and self-giving. Our model is Christ, who came not to be served but to serve and to give his life for others,” he said.

The Apostolic Nuncio underscored the importance of unity in the diverse Diocese, saying, “The Bishop must be a bond of unity among the religious, cultural, and ethnic diversities present in the Diocese.” 

He further said the Bishop, “Must recognize and value every charism, listen, integrate, teach with humility, and correct with love. Unity is the foundation of the Church.”

“Today, the Diocese of Bafatá receives a new pastor, a guide and father to the people. A new successor of the apostles who brings not only the mission but also the strength of the Holy Spirit to guide him,” Archbishop Sommertag said.

The late Pope Francis appointed Mons. Quematcha, a member of the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin (OFM Cap.), as the Bishop of Bafatá Diocese on March 8. 

The Bissau-Guinean Episcopal See had been vacant since March 2021 following the passing on of Bishop Pedro Carlos Zilli. 

In his June 28 homily, Archbishop Sommertag reminded the people of God of the Bishop’s spiritual role.

“The Ordination Rite reminds us that, in the person of the bishop surrounded by his priests, Jesus Christ, the Eternal High Priest, is present. It is He who, through the bishop’s ministry, proclaims the Gospel and offers the faithful the mysteries of faith,” he said.

The Polish-born Vatican diplomat continued, “The Bishop’s mission is not limited to the administration of the Church. He must be a sign of Christ to the world in all aspects of life.”

Encouraging Mons. Quematcha to embrace his mission with wisdom and prudence, Archbishop Sommertag said, “It is Christ Jesus who, through the bishop’s paternal duty, adds new members to His body, the Church. It is He who, through the bishop’s guidance, leads the people on their earthly pilgrimage to eternal happiness.”

He added, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon you, Mons. Luís. He is the one who sends you. He sustains you, strengthens you. As bishop, you act not in your own name but in Christ’s name—proclaiming the Good News, healing wounded hearts, and announcing the grace of the Lord.”

Archbishop Sommertag further urged the Bishop-elect to always act with love and tenderness, especially toward the most vulnerable.

“This is not an impossible demand, but the true path of a good shepherd,” he said.

In his first speech as Local Ordinary of Bafatá Diocese, Bishop Quematcha said, “I receive this mission with humility, surrender, and ardent pastoral zeal.”

He underscored the importance of a spirituality rooted in trust, saying, “I place my trust in the mercy of God, the intercession of the Virgin Mary, and the guidance of St. Francis of Assisi.”

Promising openness and hospitality, he said, “As it is in the Church of Bafatá, we are called to serve all who come to us, to promote listening, shared responsibility, and fraternity in accordance with the Gospel.”

Describing the day of his ordination as a moment of divine blessing, he said, “God is giving us a beautiful sign. There will be rain. These are blessings from God. It means that Bafatá and Heaven are opening their doors to a new and divine fraternity.”

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“We are brothers and sisters, helping each other to live in harmony and fraternity—not only in the Diocese of Bafatá but throughout Guinea-Bissau,” Bishop Quematcha said.

Bishop Quematcha is the second Local Ordinary of Bafatá Diocese, which measures 24,635 square kilometers with an estimated population of 827,700, Catholics numbering 35,550, according to 2023 statistics.