The violent death of Fr Osória Citory Afons, murdered last Saturday at his residence, brings sadness to the Muslim Church.
The president of the Episcopal Conference calls on the faithful to pray and hope, announcing the ceremony program. The Rector Major of Missionaries of Our woman of Comfort (Consolates) calls for unity, prayer and a full explanation of the circumstances of this event," says Vatican News.
"At this minute of sorrow we join the universal Church, and especially the Mosaic Church, in prayer and thanksgiving to God for the life and ministry of Fr. Osório and in asking for comfort to his families, both blood and spiritual." Thus wrote in the condolence letter of Rev. Archbishop Inácio Saure, Archbishop of the Metropolitan of Nampula and president of the Conference of the Episcopal Conference of Mozambique, after the death of Bishop of the Diocese of Quelimane, who died on Saturday during the night raid on his residence. "We invitation all believers and people of good will to live this time in a spirit of faith, hope and community, entrusting the soul of Bishop Osório to the Lord of Life, who never abandons his faithful servants," the Archbishop continues, giving the program of ceremony ceremonies.
On Friday morning Mass in Our woman of Liberation parish will be celebrated by Fr. Archbishop Luís Miguel Muñoz Cárdaba, Apostolic Nuncio in Mozambique. After the celebration, the urn with the ashes will be transported by plane to Nampula Archdiocese, where a private ceremony and burial will be held at the churchyard in Nampaco. Upon arrival in Nampula, the body will be exhibited at the Consolata school. At night there will be a ceremony vigil for all believers who will be able to attend.
On Saturday, the body will be exhibited in the parish of Our woman of Fatima, where Fr Osório was baptized, confirmed and ordained as a priest, and then a ceremony Mass will be celebrated. The Eucharist will be chaired by the president of the Conference of the Episcopal Conference of Mozambique.
Born on 6 May 1972 in Ribaué, in the Diocese of Nampula, associate of the Consolat Missionary Assembly, Osório Citora Afonso was ordained a priest on 3 November 2002 and bishop on 28 January 2024. Pope Leon XIV appointed him Bishop of Quelimane on 25 July 2025, and in April 2026 admin of the Apostolic Archdiocese of Beir.
APW, KAI
