Imam’s Daughter in Guinea-Bissau Makes Historic Profession as Catholic

Aicha Settimia Canté, the 27-year-old daughter of an imam, made her first profession as a Catholic Religious Sister on August 15, 2026, in the Catholic Diocese of Bissau, Guinea-Bissau. The ceremony marked a significant milestone for the Congregation of the Sisters of the Divine Spirit (CDS) and sparked a wave of attention across the country.

The Unlikely Path of Sr. Aicha

Aicha's profession is striking, given her background as the daughter of an imam and being raised in a Muslim household. However, she found her way to the Catholic faith, undergoing baptism, catechism, and confirmation in Mansoa. Her decision to follow a religious life is a natural continuation of her upbringing, as noted by Djae Seide.

"Above all, I want to give thanks to God for calling me, choosing me and sustaining me until this moment," Sr. Aicha said during her thanksgiving address, describing her heart as overflowing "with joy, emotion and profound gratitude." Her profession was celebrated under the motto of St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus: "In the heart of the Church, my Mother, I will be love."

Reactions to Sr. Aicha's Profession

News of Sr. Aicha's profession triggered a wave of offensive comments and personal attacks on social media, largely targeting her father's identity as an imam. The National Confederation of Islamic Youth in Guinea-Bissau responded by publicly condemning the attacks and defending freedom of conscience and religion. "Respecting someone's choice does not necessarily mean agreeing with it," the group stated.

Maiko Aruna Embalo weighed in on the story, saying, "This is not news or a reason to be surprised in today's world. The freedom of conscience and choice is part of the trajectory of any human being… Faith is a personal and individual path, and not an unchangeable inheritance." Djae Seide noted, "Apparently, our sister grew up and was raised in the Catholic faith since childhood, undergoing baptism, catechism, and confirmation in Mansoa. The decision to follow a religious life is the natural continuation of her upbringing."

A Symbol of Resistance

Aminata Sabrita As offered words of encouragement, saying, "She certainly faced many challenges to get here… the most important thing is that she succeeded. Congratulations, Aicha! You are a symbol of resistance." Baldé Baldé added simply, "The world is so beautiful. God has never oppressed us, never divided us, it's us against our pride." The story has sparked a wave of reflection and calls for tolerance across social media.

The incident highlights the importance of respecting freedom of conscience and choice, as emphasized by the National Confederation of Islamic Youth in Guinea-Bissau. As Sr. Aicha begins her journey as a Catholic Religious Sister, she embodies the values of her congregation and serves as a reminder of the power of personal choice and conviction.

Source: Yen People