The Catholic Church in Guinea-Bissau solemnly consecrated the nation to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, calling for peace, reconciliation, and the restoration of democratic governance following the recent military coup. All parishes participated in Masses for the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, replacing the traditional national pilgrimage to Cacheu, which was cancelled due to political instability. Bishops of Bissau and Bafata dioceses, joined by priests, religious, and the faithful, led prayers invoking Mary as a spiritual guide and Queen of Peace. The act sought divine support for the nation, asking for forgiveness for greed, indifference, selfishness, and violence, and imploring guidance for the country to emerge from political and social unrest. Church leaders emphasized the moral responsibility of citizens to uphold reconciliation and justice while cultivating hope for the future of young people and communities across Guinea-Bissau.
The consecration highlighted the Church’s awareness of the country’s challenges, including political disputes, human rights violations, drug trafficking, corruption, and erosion of public trust. In this context, the faithful were called to become artisans of communion and active builders of peace. Bishop Victor Quematcha led prayers that emphasized forgiveness, reconciliation, and the protection of religious freedom, underscoring the Church’s commitment to guiding societal transformation through faith and ethical leadership. The ceremony served as both a spiritual act and a moral appeal, reminding citizens of the enduring presence of God and the importance of collective responsibility to restore harmony, safeguard human dignity, and foster social cohesion in a fractured political landscape.
Church authorities stressed that the nation’s spiritual renewal must be accompanied by civic engagement and ethical action. By invoking Mary as Queen of Peace, the Church reinforced the role of faith in guiding public life and cultivating a culture of dialogue, forgiveness, and solidarity. Religious leaders encouraged Guineans to address societal divisions constructively and to reject hatred, vengeance, and indifference in favor of reconciliation and communal well-being. The consecration also emphasized the Church’s broader mission to support peace-building efforts in fragile contexts worldwide, demonstrating the alignment of spiritual devotion with practical moral action. Through this symbolic and communal observance, the Catholic Church in Guinea-Bissau reaffirmed its commitment to promoting peace, justice, and the protection of human and religious rights amidst challenging circumstances.
