All Set for Episcopal Consecration of Catholic Bishop for Bafatá Diocese in Guinea-Bissau

The Episcopal Consecration is to take place at the courtyard of Our Lady of Grace Cathedral of Bafatá Diocese with Archbishop Waldemar Stanisław Sommertag, Apostolic Nuncio in Senegal, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, and Mauritania as the Principal Consecrator. 

In the June 25 interview with ACI Africa, Fr. Tambá noted that “there is great collaboration, both ecclesiastical and civil authorities.”

The Catholic Priest further said that this cooperation goes beyond Catholic circles, noting the mobilization of Muslims and followers of traditional African religions.

“Guinea-Bissau is a country rich in cultural and religious diversity. The support we’ve received from all religious communities is deeply encouraging,” the Catholic official said.

The Diocese of Bafatá spans five administrative regions—Bafatá, Gabú, Quinara, Tombali, and Bolama-Bijagós—where Christians are a minority in a predominantly Muslim and traditionally religious society.

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Fr. Tambá also recognized with appreciation the involvement of the government in the preparations, calling it a sign of strong Church-State collaboration.  

“The government has played an active role, not just in organizing but also in supporting the event. This demonstrates the good relationship that exists between the Church and the State in Guinea-Bissau,” he said.

This relationship extends beyond logistical support, he went on to say and explained, “When needed, the Church, our two Dioceses, and the government work together not only on economic issues but also in addressing national challenges.”

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 has been vacant since March 2021 following the passing on of Bishop Pedro Carlos Zilli. 

Born in April 1967 in Cúmura in the Catholic Diocese of Bissau, the Bishop-elect was ordained a Priest in May 1998 in Nhoma, Guinea Bissau.

As a Priest, Mons. Quematcha served as OFM Cap. Assistant Novice Master in Dapaong, Togo, and Rector at St. Kizito Minor Seminary in Guinea-Bissau. 

The holder of a licentiate in Moral Theology from the Pontifical Alphonsian Academy in Rome also served as lecturer of moral theology at Bishop Settimo Arturo Ferrazetta Inter-diocesan Major Seminary in Bissau, master of OFM Cap. temporary professed members in Brá, and custodian of the OFM Cap. Custody of St. Francis of Assisi for Guinea-Bissau.

The Bissau-Guinean Bishop-elect also served as Parish Priest of the Our Lady of Candelaria Cathedral of Bissau Diocese, and Director of the Mal-de-Hansen Hospital in Cúmura.

He chose as Episcopal motto, “You are all brothers”, emphasizing his commitment to fraternity and unity within the Church and society.

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In the June 25 interview with ACI Africa, Fr. Tambá said, “The Episcopal Consecration and installation of Mons. Quematch is a concrete expression of ecclesial communion and Christian hope, especially in a region where Muslims are the majority.”

The Coordinator of the Diocesan Clergy Association in Guinea-Bissau noted the generosity of local families, both Christian and non-Christian, who are offering their homes to host guests during the celebrations. 

“Everyone is mobilized for this great day. We continue to invite all forms of support—economic, spiritual, or otherwise—as we finalize preparations for this joyful event,” he said.

Once ordained Bishop, Mons. Quematcha is to serve as 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.

João Vissesse is an Angolan Journalist with a passion and rich experience in Catholic Church Communication and Media Apostolate.