Guinea-Bissau Consecrated to Immaculate Heart of Mary as Bishop Calls for Peace after Military Seizure of Power

The Catholic Church leader underscored the need for everyone to contribute to “the reconstruction of the nation, caring for young people and encouraging the responsible participation of every citizen.”

Army generals in Guinea-Bissau seized power on November 26 – the eve of a scheduled official declaration of the winner in the West African nation’s presidential election.

Alleging a destabilization plot by unnamed politicians and drug lords, the military suspended the electoral process and blocked the results of the November 23 presidential poll that both the now former president, Umaro Sissoco Embaló, and the opposition candidate had claimed victory in.

General Horta Inta-a, the head of the presidential guard, was subsequently sworn in as “transitional” leader, and Ilídio Vieira Té, a close Embaló ally, was appointed prime minister. 

In his December 6 homily, Bishop Quematcha said, “We are called to act with compassion and to strengthen the bonds of fraternity, keeping faith alive even in the face of adversity.”

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Guinea-Bissau Consecrated to Immaculate Heart of Mary as Bishop Calls for Peace after Military Seizure of Power

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The Bissau-Guinean member of the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin (OFM Cap.) noted that this was a time to overcome duality and divisions that distance citizens from one another, promoting solidarity, security, and hope. 

He reiterated that recognizing one’s own mistakes is the beginning of wisdom and that faith must guide every action for the common good. 

“Whoever refuses to look at himself remains a slave. The work of peace begins with the recognition of our faults,” the Catholic Church leader said.

In the act of consecration, read by Bishop Quematcha, the Church acknowledged that Guinea-Bissau is facing “times of instability and profound challenges, including political disputes, disrespect for the Constitution, violations of fundamental rights and freedoms, drug trafficking, corruption, and a breakdown of trust in human relationships.”

“These wounds, according to the document, dismantle the dream of peace and development and seriously affect the hopes of young people,” he added.

The celebration ended with entrusting the nation to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, reaffirming trust in Mary’s protection and the importance of faith and hope in facing current challenges.

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