Bishops in Mozambique are reflecting on the violent death of Bishop Osorio Citora Afonso, the Ordinary of Quelimane and Apostolic Administrator of the Archdiocese of Beira. The bishops lament the lack of clarity about the circumstances of the prelate’s death.
Rogerio Maduca – Beira
In a statement issued at the conclusion of the Extraordinary Plenary Assembly of the Episcopal Conference of Mozambique (CEM), held from 2 to 4 September at the St Augustine Interdiocesan Major Philosophical Seminary in Matola, in the Archdiocese of Maputo, the bishops said they want to know exactly what happened. They encourage continued efforts to seek answers and clarity.
Church seeking answers
In the statement addressed to Christian communities and all men and women of goodwill, the bishops say that the Catholic Church in Mozambique and around the world continues to live with profound sorrow and concern over this unprecedented murder in the country’s history. They also lament that, despite efforts so far, the competent authorities have provided no information about what happened.
Questions such as: “Who exactly killed Bishop Osorio? Who were the moral and material sponsors of this violent death? What might have been the motives behind the murder?” — all these questions remain unanswered, three months after the tragic day.
Truth and justice
The Episcopal Conference of Mozambique encourages judicial authorities to continue their efforts to investigate the truth, emphasising that the pursuit of truth should not cease, so that a path of hope, reconciliation, and purification can be followed—one capable of healing this heinous wound.
Expressing solidarity and closeness with the Diocese of Quelimane, and recognising its pastoral complexity, the CEM appointed two bishops to fraternally assist the Apostolic Administrator of Quelimane, Bishop Estevao Angelo Fernando.
Strengthen relationship with God
According to the bishops, Bishop Osorio’s death reveals the fragility of human nature within the Church, which is always in need of renewal. They also speak about internal challenges and situations where the local Catholic Church must examine itself.
The Mozambican Bishops have appealed to everyone to reflect on the foundation of life and mission. They clarify that building a life oriented toward the common good requires everyone—bishops, priests, religious brothers and sisters, seminarians, and laypeople—to strengthen their relationship with God.
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