Monsignor António Constantino: “Let’s walk together in faith and communication”

by Kati Dijane · November 10, 2025

Monsignor-Antonio-Constantino-with-Kati-Dijane

New media officer of IMBISA, Monsignor Antonio Constantino, with journalist Kati Dijane

By Kati Dijane – The golden jubilee celebrations of the Inter-Regional Meeting of Bishops of Southern Africa (IMBISA) brought together bishops, clergy and faithful from across the region under one message of unity and hope. Held from 24 to 28 September 2025 in the Diocese of Manzini, Eswatini, the 14th plenary session was themed “A Synodal Journey, Nourished by Compassion and Blossoming in Faith as Pilgrims of Hope.”

It was against this backdrop of faith and fellowship that I met Monsignor António Manuel Bogaio Constantino, MCCJ, the auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Beira in Mozambique, who has recently been entrusted with the responsibility for communications within IMBISA. Calm and humble in demeanour, Bishop Constantino, who celebrates his birthday on 9 November, during the feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica, spoke passionately about his vision for his new role and the meaning of IMBISA for the Church in Southern Africa.

Evangelising through communication

“I always say that what is important is to evangelise,” he shared with a gentle smile. “As communicator, I will continue what my predecessor, Bishop José Luís Gerardo Ponce de León IMC did, and perhaps add new objectives as we journey together.”

Though modest about his plans, Bishop Constantino brings a wealth of experience to IMBISA. A Comboni Missionary, journalist and educator, he has worked in media for many years in Mozambique, serving as editor of Vida Nova and contributing to Mundo Negro. He also holds a degree in journalism from Madrid, Spain.

Now stepping into his first IMBISA plenary, he described his approach as one of learning and collaboration. “When people ask me what plan I have, I say the plan is Jesus Christ, that He may be known. That is the whole point of the media.”

For him, communication in the Church is about transformation, sharing the message of faith with compassion and clarity. “We are journeying together,” he added. “We must take the first step, listen to the Spirit and allow Him to guide us.”

Listening to the spirit

Reflecting on his experience at the plenary, Bishop Constantino described it as a moment of deep listening and discernment. “It was a deeper experience of sharing and listening to each other, and to the voice of the Spirit,” he said. “We need to give time for the Spirit to talk to us, not only for ourselves to talk.”

This spirit of synodality, he believes, is something that the Church in Africa must continue to cultivate. “When I return to my diocese, I will tell my priests that listening first before speaking is a good method for all of us. It allows the Spirit to work through us.”

IMBISA as a family

When asked how young people can relate to IMBISA, Bishop Constantino offered a beautiful image: “IMBISA is like a family, we have the grandparents, the parents and the children. All of us together make this family of God.”

He emphasised the vital role of youth in shaping the future of the Church. “The future of the Church in Africa is in the hands of young people,” he said. “We, as bishops, and the youth must work together. When you see IMBISA, see your family.”

He encouraged the faithful, especially the youth, to take part in the life of the regional Church. “It is our task as bishops to go back and share what IMBISA is with our people. When we return home, we must tell our communities that our family is not only our diocese or our country; we have a bigger family, which is IMBISA.”

A message of hope

Bishop Constantino concluded with a heartfelt message to the faithful: “Please, don’t give up. The Lord is walking with us. He is with us.”