From Muslim to Nun: Imam’s daughter becomes Catholic sister at 27
This story has significance for readers across Kenya and beyond.
- Aicha Settimia Canté, 27, the daughter of a Muslim imam, made her first profession as a Catholic Religious Sister on August 15, 2026
- The ceremony took place in the Catholic Diocese of Bissau and was presided over by Bishop Emeritus José Câmnate Na Bissign
- Her decision sparked both celebration and hate speech online, drawing a response from the National Confederation of Islamic Youth
A 27-year-old West African woman raised in a Muslim household has taken a step that few could have predicted: making her first profession as a Catholic Religious Sister before a congregation in her home country.
Aicha Settimia Canté, originally from Safim in Guinea-Bissau, formally joined the Congregation of the Sisters of the Divine Spirit (CDS) on August 15, 2026, the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Mary.
Bishop Emeritus José Câmnate Na Bissign presided over the Eucharistic celebration at the Catholic Diocese of Bissau, and the event was shared widely on social media by Rádio Sol Mansi on the same day.
From Muslim Household to Consecrated Life
What sets Sr. Aicha's story apart is her background. She was reportedly raised in a Muslim home as the daughter of an imam, a religious leader within Islam.
Her journey to Catholic consecrated life began with her baptism at Our Lady of Grace Farim Parish in the Diocese of Bissau.
She later received Confirmation at St. Anne Mansoa Parish before entering the congregation's formation process, which took her through postulancy, novitiate and French-language studies.
During her thanksgiving address, Sr. Aicha spoke of her calling with deep conviction.
"Above all, I want to give thanks to God for calling me, choosing me and sustaining me until this moment," she said, describing her heart as overflowing "with joy, emotion and profound gratitude."
She also paid tribute to Bishop Na Bissign, the Sisters of her congregation, and the formators who guided her along the way, saying their "teachings, advice and gestures of love" shaped her growth both as a Christian and as a Religious.
Her profession was celebrated under the motto of St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus: "In the heart of the Church, my Mother, I will be love."
Online Celebration Mixed With Backlash
The news of her profession spread quickly across social media, generating a wide range of reactions. While many celebrated her courage and personal conviction, others directed hate speech at her decision to leave the faith she was born into for a different religious path.
The controversy was significant enough to prompt Guinea-Bissau's National Confederation of Islamic Youth to issue a public response.
Sr. Aicha's story has resonated deeply across Africa, touching on themes of personal faith, family expectation and the freedom to choose one's own spiritual path.
Reactions to the Story
Netizens across social media weighed in on the story, with many voices calling for tolerance and reflection.
Maiko Aruna Embalo wrote:
“This is not news or a reason to be surprised in today’s world. The freedom of conscience and choice is part of the trajectory of any human being... Faith is a personal and individual path, and not an unchangeable inheritance.”
Djae Seide noted:
“Apparently, our sister grew up and was raised in the Catholic faith since childhood, undergoing baptism, catechism, and confirmation in Mansoa. The decision to follow a religious life is the natural continuation of her upbringing.”
Aminata Sabrita offered words of encouragement:
“She certainly faced many challenges to get here... the most important thing is that she succeeded. Congratulations, Aicha! You are a symbol of resistance.”
Baldé Baldé added simply:
“The world is so beautiful. God has never oppressed us, never divided us; it’s us against our pride.”
Source: TUKO.co.ke
Reporting originally appeared via TUKO. Read the full source for additional context.