On the 28th June 2025, Br. Victor Luis Quematcha, OFM was ordained bishop for the diocese of Bafatá, in Guinea Bissau. The celebration took place at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Grace and was presided over by the Apostolic Nuncio, Msgr. Waldemar Stanislaw Sommeratag.
Msgr. Victor is the second bishop of this diocese since its creation some 25 years ago.
There were about ten bishops and more than 100 priests and numerous religious. The Franciscan presence included the Minister provincial and friars from the Province of St. Anthony’s in Northern Italy, other friars from Portugal, Brazil, some brothers from the Custody of Guinea Bissau, from the Province of the Incarnate Word (Togo and Ivory Coast), from the Provinces of Democratic Republic of Congo and representatives from the General Curia.
The celebration was filled with jubilation and animated with vibrant music as hundreds of faithful, interreligious representatives and civil leaders participated in the occasion. The diocese of Bafatá has waited for its shepherd for four years. It was indeed an occasion of jubilation, where young and old gathered to witness the event.
On the following day, 29th June 2025, the new bishop took possession of the Cathedral on the feast of St Peter and Paul. Many came back for that celebration despite the scotching heat of the day.
