“The commitment to evangelization and Christian unity will be essential for the success of his mission. Collaboration between Priests, Missionaries, and the Bishop will be fundamental to promoting peace and harmony in a region marked by religious and cultural diversity,” the Catholic Priest said.
He suggested, “Resuming pastoral activities, promoting Christian unity, and strengthening ties between communities are priorities for the new leadership.”
Fr. Tambá noted, “Another crucial aspect will be the potential creation of new parishes, as the Diocese currently has about 15 parishes covering a vast area. The need for pastoral expansion will be one of the issues the Bishop will need to address to ensure effective coverage of the region.”
“The Clergy of Bafatá hope that the new Bishop will bring a new dynamic of leadership, focusing on the essential: evangelization and promoting unity within the Christian body, helping the local Church be a beacon of hope and reconciliation for all Guineans,” the Catholic official said.
He said the community awaits the arrival of the new Bishop, who is currently in Rome, to officially assume his duties.
“The expectation is great, and the Diocese of Bafatá is ready to work alongside Bishop Vítor Luís in building a more united and peaceful future,” Fr. Tambá told ACI Africa.
Popo Francis appointed Mons. Quematcha as the Bishop of Bafatá Diocese on March 8. The Bissau-Guinean Episcopal See has been vacant since March 2021 with 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 deputy master of novices in Dapaong, Togo and Rector of the St. Kizito Minor Seminary in Guinea Bissau.
The holder of a licentiate in Moral Theology from the Pontifical Alphonsian Academy in Rome went on to serve as professor of moral theology in the Bishop Settimo Arturo Ferrazetta Interdiocesan Major Seminary in Bissau, master of temporary professed in Brá, custodian of the Custody of Saint Francis of Assisi for Guinea Bissau.
