By Paschal Norbert
ROME, JUNE 8, 2026 (CISA): “Finally, I would like to make one thing clear: we have a moral and spiritual duty to ensure that the full truth about what happened comes to light. The death of a pastor cannot be shrouded in silence or uncertainty. Truth is an act of justice towards Osório, towards his people, and towards our mission itself.”
With these powerful words, Fr. James Bhola Lengarin, Superior General of the Consolata Missionaries, has issued one of the strongest calls yet for transparency and accountability following the assassination of Bishop Osório Citora Afonso of Mozambique, a member of the Consolata Missionaries.
In a letter addressed to Consolata Missionaries worldwide on June 7, Fr. Lengarin described the bishop’s death as a profound wound not only to the missionary congregation but also to the wider Church, while insisting that efforts to uncover the truth behind the killing must not waver.
“The death of a pastor cannot be shrouded in silence or uncertainty,” the Superior General stressed, emphasizing that seeking the truth is both a moral obligation and an act of justice. He argued that establishing the circumstances surrounding the bishop’s death is essential not only for Bishop Afonso’s memory but also for the faithful he served and the missionary vocation he embodied.
Fr. Lengarin’s appeal comes amid growing concern and calls for a thorough investigation into the killing of the bishop, whose ministry was marked by closeness to ordinary people and an unwavering commitment to peace and reconciliation.
Reflecting on the life and witness of the slain prelate, the Superior General painted the picture of a humble shepherd deeply loved by those he served.
“Osório was one of us. He was a simple and joyful brother who walked among the people without protection, relying only on the strength of the Word of God. He was a missionary who never stopped believing in the goodness of people, in peace and in reconciliation. He was a pastor who devoted himself entirely to service until his very last day,” Fr. Lengarin wrote.
The Superior General said the violent death of Bishop Afonso has deeply shaken the Consolata missionary family, describing the tragedy as a moment of sorrow, pain and reflection.
“His violent death challenges us, wounds us and humbles us. Yet it is from this place of fragility that our strength also rises: our communion. We are a family and when one of us suffers, we all suffer. When one of us falls, we bend down to help them up. When one of us gives their life, we are all called to renew our own,” he stated.
While mourning the loss of the bishop, Fr. Lengarin called on missionaries and faithful to respond through prayer, unity and continued commitment to mission.
“Pray for Osório, his diocese and the Church in Mozambique, and for all those who are filled with fear and confusion. Pray that the Lord may transform this pain into light,” he urged.
He further appealed for solidarity in the face of violence, warning against allowing fear and uncertainty to weaken the Church’s witness.
“Let us not allow violence to divide or paralyze us. The mission continues through our fraternity, our fidelity, and our presence among the most vulnerable in society,” he said.
As tributes continue to pour in for Bishop Afonso, Fr. Lengarin’s message has added a strong voice to calls for justice, making clear that remembrance alone is not enough. For the Consolata Missionaries, honouring the slain bishop also means ensuring that the circumstances of his death are fully investigated and brought into the light.
Invoking the words of the founder St. Joseph Allamano, during this centenary year of his death, Fr. Lengarin encouraged believers to remain steadfast in faith despite the tragedy.
“The Lord guides and does not abandon,” he wrote, expressing confidence that Bishop Afonso now rests in the presence of the Risen Christ.
