Bishop Bogaio Constantino pledges to “shepherd with humility”

 “I come as a Bishop to serve. I am not a Bishop who seeks honor, but a Shepherd called to give his life for his people,” Bishop António said during the Eucharistic celebration that was held at St. Matthew the Apostle Cathedral of Caia Diocese. He said he “intends to get to know and walk side by side with all the faithful, Priests, Catechists, young people, and families,” adding, “Before projects, God asks for conversion. Before pastoral plans, He asks for holiness. Before strategies, He asks for humility.”

“A Bishop needs constant renewal in his heart. Each day will be an opportunity for spiritual and pastoral growth,” the Catholic Church leader said. The member of the Comboni Missionaries (MCCJ) said that the Diocese of Caia “was born from the heart of God, and therefore the work is Divine. If the work is God’s, we are not afraid of the future,” he said, and emphasized, “this Diocese will be strong if we are united in faith, mission, and charity.”

In his first homily Bishop António expressed his desire for pastoral closeness, saying, “The Bishop is not the owner of the flock; he is a servant. I want to listen to the Priests, support the Catechists, encourage the young people, comfort those who suffer, and walk with families. I want to be a Shepherd close to you.”

He reminded the faithful that the Diocese was “born missionary” and for evangelization, open to all. Invoking the charism of his congregation’s founder, St. Daniel Comboni, Bishop António echoed the missionary’s spirit of solidarity, saying: “I make common cause with you. I make common cause with these people entrusted to me, with this land, with the poor, with the young people, with families, and with all of you. The work belongs to God.”

He insisted that the Diocese’s pastoral mission must be rooted in prayer, saying, “the Diocese will only be strong if it is a community of constant prayer”. Addressing Priests, the Local Ordinary of Caia called for greater commitment to celebrating the Eucharist despite the challenges posed by vast distances and difficult terrain, emphasizing that “bringing the Word of God to every corner of the Diocese will be a priority, requiring sacrifice and pastoral dedication.”

To men and women Religious he encouraged active presence in parishes and communities, noting that “prayer and service are pillars for sustaining the faith of the people”. Turning to the lay faithful, he urged them to become “missionary disciples, committed in faith, united in charity and mission”, warning against passivity and division.

“We do not want spectators, nor sowers of discord; we want a Diocese of Disciples who live synodality and unity in love for Christ,” he said. The newly established Diocese of Caia has been carved out from the ecclesial territories of Beira Archdiocese and the Dioceses of Chimoio, Quelimane, and Tete; it is a suffragan of the Metropolitan See of Beira.

During his installation, Bishop António also highlighted the harmony between faith and culture, affirming that “the Christian faith must strengthen the cultural roots of the people and walk in partnership with traditional authorities”. He underscored the need to promote justice, peace, and integral development, particularly in poorer regions. Reflecting on the importance of unity, he said, “When a house is built together, it withstands the wind. This Diocese will only be strong if we are united. I dream of missionary communities, courageous in promoting justice and peace, close to the poor and committed to the faith.”

As Bishop of Caia, Bishop António will shepherd the people of God in the territory comprising the civil districts of Caia, Chemba, Cheringoma, Chinde, Doa, Luabo, Maringue, Marromeu, Mopeia, Morrumbala, Mutarara, and Tambara. The Diocese of Caia covers an area of 54,569 square kilometres and has a total population of 1,603,063, of whom 153,149 are Catholics. The Episcopal See begins its pastoral mission with 16 parishes, served by 15 Diocesan Priests and eight Religious Priests. It also has 17 women Religious and 18 Seminarians. After the division, Beira Archdiocese has an area of 41,437 square kilometres, a population of 1,951,119 and a Catholic population of 185,230, with 38 parishes.

João Vissesse – ACI Africa