In a Wednesday, June 10, communiqué, Saint Anne Parish of Quelimane Diocese distanced itself from reports appearing on some Facebook pages that allegedly associate Fr. Novais Adelino Amado with the death of the 54-year-old Bishop, who was killed in a gunshot attack at his residence during the early hours of June 6.
“At this moment of mourning, pain, and shock for the entire Church, Saint Anne Parish urges Christian responsibility in the face of false information circulating on some Facebook pages,” the communiqué states.
The parish said allegations linking Fr. Novais to the Bishop’s death have no official basis.
“Unverified and seriously irresponsible information has been published, attempting to associate the name of Reverend Father Novais with the death of Bishop Osório Citora Afonso. This information is false, unofficial, and must be rejected,” the statement further reads.
The Mozambican Parish goes on to appeal to Catholics and the wider public not to contribute to the spread of rumors as investigations into the Bishop’s death continue.
“We ask all the faithful not to share rumors and not to comment on baseless accusations,” the statement says.
Instead, Saint Anne Parish urges the people of God to “await with serenity and prayer an official statement from the Episcopal Conference of Mozambique (CEM), the only legitimate body authorized to speak on the matter.”
Mozambican authorities have confirmed that assailants gained access to the residence of the fourth Bishop of Quelimane and opened fire, striking him in the chest.
Reflecting on the Church’s response to the tragedy, the parish cautioned against allowing grief to become a source of division.
“Pain must not be used to spread hatred, division, or lies. As Christians, we are called to truth, prudence, and charity,” the communiqué says.
The parish concluded by inviting the people of God to remain spiritually united as the Church mourns the slain Bishop.
“Let us remain united in prayer for the eternal rest of Dom Osório Citora Afonso, entrusting everything to God’s justice and mercy,” the statement says.
According to biographical information circulating in local media, Fr. Novais is a Priest of the Diocese of Quelimane. Born in August 1986 in Quelimane, he was ordained a Priest in November 2017.
Since his ordination, he has served in several pastoral and administrative roles in the Diocese, including Diocesan Chancellor, Assistant Pastor of Holy Family Parish, and lecturer of Ethics at the Catholic University of Mozambique (UCM).