Ad limina visit of the Bishops of Guinea Conakry

On the occasion of their ad limina visit, the Episcopal Conference of Guinea Conakry met with the Dicastery for Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life to present the situation of consecrated life in their country. This is a young church and it is the first time that bishops have come to our Dicastery on an ad limina visit.

Cardinal João Braz de Aviz, Prefect of the Dicastery, who presided over the meeting, stressed his deep appreciation to the bishops for their collaboration with members of consecrated life, who offer a significant witness of evangelical life in the areas of catechesis, education and health care. The two Undersecretaries and office heads were also present.

Bishop Norbert Tamba Sandouno of Guéckédou expressed gratitude for the Dicastery’s welcome and support. During the meeting, the he said that in the country of 13 million inhabitants, there are only 22 religious institutes (including male and female) and 2 monasteries, one male and one female. It is their wish to have a more substantial presence of consecrated men and women.

He then stressed how the Holy Father’s creation of the new diocese of Boké and the appointment of Bishop Moïse Ttenguiano as pastor of the diocese was a moment of joy for the growth of the Church in Guinea. The commitment of consecrated men and women working in different areas together with bishops, priests and laity for a “synergistic pastoral care” was also discussed.

The contribution of consecrated life in youth formation and pastoral activities was highlighted, while recognizing the economic challenges and material needs of people that the Church has to face.