Wow a Muslim Imam's Daughter Becomes a Catholic Religious Sister the Church Rejoices Welcoming Sr. Aicha with Love!

A Journey of Faith: Daughter of Muslim Imam Makes First Profession as Catholic Religious Sister

In Guinea-Bissau, Africa, under the banner of St. Thérèse's classic motto, "In the heart of the Church, my Mother, I will be love," 27-year-old Aicha Settimia Canté celebrated her temporary religious profession into the Congregation of the Sisters of the Divine Spirit (CDS).. The milestone liturgy marked the first time Santa Luzia Parish, in the Catholic Diocese of Bissau, hosted a religious profession ceremony. It was presided over by Dom José Câmnate Na Bissign, Emeritus Bishop of Bissau.

“Above all, I want to give thanks to God for calling me, choosing me and sustaining me until this moment,” Sr. Aicha said in her thanksgiving speech, noting that her heart “overflows with joy, emotion and profound gratitude.” Sr. Aicha’s religious vocation has particular significance because she comes from a Muslim family background. She is the daughter of an imam and is originally from Safim. She was baptized at Our Lady of Grace Farim Parish of Bissau Diocese and received Confirmation at St. Anne Mansoa Parish before embarking on her journey in Consecrated life.

Aicha’s story is a compelling testament to interfaith harmony in Guinea-Bissau. Born December 2, 1999, in Safim to Domingas Siga and Djai Baio Canté—an Imam in the local Islamic community—she freely chose to pursue a consecrated life within the Catholic Church.

Milestones of Her Vocational Journey

• September 19, 2021: Entered the Diocesan Formation House as an aspirant following high school graduation.

• October 5, 2022: Moved to Bignona, Senegal, for French language studies.

• October 11, 2023: Enrolled in post-graduate studies in Bignona.

• October 1, 2024: Entered the novitiate in Popenguine, Senegal, entering her formal period of spiritual discernment and consecrated training.

After years of preparation, Sister Aicha formally committed her life to serving God and the Church. Santa Luzia Parish extends its warmest prayers and blessings to Sister Aicha Settimia Canté as she begins a fruitful missionary life of faith, unity, and selfless service.