Imam’s Daughter in Guinea-Bissau Professes as Catholic Sister: “I give thanks to God for calling me”

He emphasized that responding to God’s call requires determination, a generous response, and a willingness to serve, noting that God continues to call men and women to participate in His plan for humanity despite the challenges facing young people today.

According to the Bishop, a vocation should not be understood simply as an individual choice detached from mission, but as a response to God’s plan.

“It is a Divine Mission,” he said, emphasizing the responsibility of those who place themselves at the service of God and humanity.

Bishop Na Bissign also described faith as essential for navigating life and overcoming its challenges.

“Those who do not have faith in God find themselves completely disoriented,” he said, urging those responding to God’s call to keep their relationship with Him at the center of their lives.

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He also highlighted prayer and thanksgiving as essential elements of the Christian journey and called for a permanent relationship with God amid personal and social challenges.

‘In the heart of the Church, I will be love’

The temporary profession was celebrated under the motto attributed to St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus, “In the heart of the Church, my Mother, I will be love.”

Bishop Na Bissign presented the Virgin Mary as a model of response to God’s call.

“Mary is the complete response to God,” he said, adding that she represents “the ark of the new covenant” because of her willingness to receive and fulfill God’s will.

The Catholic Bishop also highlighted the role of the Holy Spirit in the Church’s mission, describing the Spirit as “the principal companion of the Church.”

Attacks on social media

Sr. Aicha’s religious profession also attracted offensive comments, personal attacks and hate speech on social media, particularly because of her father’s identity as an imam and her decision to embrace Catholic Religious life.

The situation prompted the National Confederation of Islamic Youth in Guinea-Bissau to condemn the attacks and defend freedom of conscience and religion.

The organization expressed “deep concern over the wave of offensive comments, personal attacks and hate speech” that circulated on social media following news of Sr. Aicha’s religious choice.

The Islamic youth organization recalled the Quranic teaching that “there is no compulsion in religion,” and called for the Islamic faith to be expressed through peace, mercy, justice, tolerance, wisdom and respect for human dignity rather than insults, humiliation, threats or persecution.

“Respecting someone’s choice does not necessarily mean agreeing with it,” the organization said, stressing that disagreement over religious choices does not justify attacks on another person’s dignity.

The group also warned that freedom of expression should not be confused with the freedom to defame, insult, incite hatred or provoke religious conflict.

It called for a Guinea-Bissau in which Muslims, Christians and people of other convictions can live “with respect, fraternity and dignity,” describing the episode as an opportunity for reflection and dialogue rather than further division.