after Bozoum, news from Bangassou: The diocese turns 40 (actually, 41!)

Saturday, November 30, 2019

The diocese turns 40 (actually, 41!)

The diocese turns 40 (actually, 41!)

In 1978 Paul VI created the diocese of Bouar, in Central Africa: a very populated area, where the missionaries (first French, then Italian, and later Polish and other nationalities) worked a lot during those years.
The first bishop, the Capuchin father Armando Gianni, guided us for the first 38 years, building the various establishments (catechist schools, Cathedral, Seminary) and sowing in depth the Word of God, always combined with a great attention to the needs of the people ( especially in health and education).

The second bishop, ordained in February last year, Mgr Mirek Gucwa, wanted to emphasize the anniversary of the diocese to help all, the faithful, priests, men and women religious, to resume with strength and joy the journey of the church that is in Bouar.

Opened last year in Bouar, the jubilee was closed here in Bozoum, the first Mission of the diocese (founded in 1927), from which all the other missions were born.

And so Bozoum was for a few days the center of the diocese!

On Friday 22 November came the first arrivals: the bishop of Bouar, Mgr Mirek, some priests and, in the afternoon, Mgr Santiago de Wit Guzmán, the Apostolic Nuncio (the Pope's Ambassador) with his secretary, Fr Natale Albino. Together there were also the delegations of all 12 parishes of the diocese: at home, among bishops, friars, priests and religious, we were about forty, while over 270 people come from all the parishes. For everyone, in one way or another, there was a place to sleep, and something to eat!

We worked hard, but the dozens of volunteers who took care of the delegations (kitchen, reception, liturgy, hygiene, decorations, songs, dormitories, etc.) were especially busy.

Friday afternoon we started with the Via Crucis, a moment of reflection and prayer, which brought several hundred people to the top of Mount Binon.

On Saturday morning Bishop Mirek presided over Mass, where we welcomed 8 children with the sacrament of Baptism. Throughout the morning catechesis and moments of prayer followed one another.
In the afternoon it was time for Confessions: we were about twenty priests, and many faithful approached, for the Mercy of God who always forgives.

There was time, around 8pm, for an evening of songs, music and skits, organized by the youth of the parish.

Sunday morning at 8.30 the great celebration of the Eucharist began. The church was packed, and the atmosphere vibrated with songs, colors, prayer and participation. We even had seven couples celebrate the sacrament of marriage today!
At 11:10 am, Bishop Mirek concluded the celebration by recalling that it is not the end of an anniversary, but a new stage in the journey, and announcing the consecration of the diocese and of each parish to the Infant Jesus of Prague, on 6 January 2020!

And then: full speed ahead!