Bissau-Guinean Bishop-elect Pledges to Foster “the spirit of meeting, listening, learning”, Not “start a revolution”

Reflecting on the religious diversity of Guinea-Bissau, the Bishop-elect named interreligious dialogue as essential. He said, “We live in a land of religious plurality—Christians, Muslims, and traditional African believers. I go with a spirit of dialogue among all who believe in God. Religion must be a force for peace—both interior and social.”

On inculturation, Mons. Quematcha underscored the importance of integrating the Gospel message with African cultural values. “Our work is to ensure that African values are seen and lived through the lens of the Gospel. The Gospel must be embodied in our culture,” he said, adding that during his Episcopal Ministry, he will seeks to continue, rather than overhaul, the ongoing inculturation efforts.

He also pledged to prioritize the ongoing formation of the Laity, saying, “It is not enough to train only Clergy and women and men Religious. A vibrant Church requires well-formed laypeople.”

The Bishop-elect emphasized the importance of women in the Church and society, adding that the fact his March 8 Episcopal appointment coincided with the International Women’s Day.

“This date made me reflect deeply. It’s not by chance. Women have a vital role, not just as mothers, but as pillars of the Church. Perhaps Our Lady is asking me, through this mission, to give more space to women—to let them help us grow as a Church and society,” he said.

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Denouncing a top-down leadership approach, the OFM Cap. Bishop-elect said that he will be joining the Episcopal Ministry as a brother among brothers.

“I do not go to Bafatá as the boss. There are no chiefs in the Church. Before God, the Bishop is not more important than the janitor or the radio station director. God entrusts us with a mission, but it does not make us superior to others,” Mons. Quematcha said, and added, “I go with the spirit of serving and walking alongside my brothers.”

Bafatá Diocese 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.

Once ordained a 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.