Aicha Settimia Canté becomes Catholic nun in Guinea-Bissau

Aicha Settimia Canté, the 27-year-old daughter of a Muslim imam from Safim, Guinea-Bissau, has taken her first temporary vows as a Catholic nun. The ceremony took place on August 15 in the Diocese of Bissau, presided over by Bishop Emeritus José Câmnate Na Bissign, as part of the Congregation of the Sisters of the Divine Spirit.

Canté, who was baptized in the parish of Our Lady of Grace of Farim and confirmed in Santa Ana de Mansoa, described her decision as a divine calling, stating her heart was filled with “joy, emotion and profound gratitude.”

Her conversion and subsequent religious life have drawn significant backlash on social media, including personal attacks and hate speech. In response, the National Confederation of Islamic Youth of Guinea-Bissau condemned the attacks, asserting that freedom of religion and conscience belongs to every individual and calling for peace, tolerance, and respect for human dignity.