The Pope's visit is getting closer...

The Pope's visit is getting closer...

Sunday 15 I leave Cameroon going back to Central Africa. To get to our convent of Carmel we need to make a few turns to avoid passing through areas still dangerous. At Carmel I meet the journalist Maurizio Dischino and the cameramen Charles Petruzziello sent by TV2000. They are in Central Africa to prepare some reports in view of the Pope's visit. Around the Cathedral there are ongoing works to pave and prepare everything for the arrival of Pope Francis, scheduled for November Sunday 29 and Monday 30. During these days I’m receiving calls and emails all asking how we are getting ready for this event. It is not easy to say, because we are experiencing alternate feelings of hope and gratitude for the choice of this Country and for the willingness of Pope Francis to come to Bangui on one side, and the feelings of frustration in the face of constant attacks in the capital and in front of general insecurity on another side. We are anxious because we do not know for sure if he can make this step, even if he attaches to this visit such great importance. Security is very fragile and yet these days some neighborhoods have seen fighting and looting. There’s a serious need to think about the safety of the Pope, and this already isn’t easy. Then there is the safety of those who want to come and see him during the Celebrations or on the streets. This is even more difficult to ensure. But the best part is that the waiting is still so high. The Central Africans, from senior officials to the simplest people understand that the visit of Pope Francis is an extraordinary moment. It is the first trip of Pope Francis in Africa, and it is he who wanted and insisted on coming in Central Africa. Pope Francis has no magic wand, no resources like the United Nations, no weapons. Humanly speaking his visit will not solve the big problems of Central Africa, at war for over three years. But he carries and embodies the presence of Christ, His passion for the weak and the suffering, the love of God the Father who loves and forgives. Will open right here in Bangui the Holy Door of the Jubilee of Mercy: a huge gesture, which puts Central Africa at the center of the world of Mercy. This is why we hope to see him. And we hope that his voice is welcomed and listened carefully. The actual reality can change, because things may really change.

Bangui

si rivedono le immagini registrate in questi giorni con i confratelli carmelitani

Maurizio Dischino

Si fa il pieno
On fait le plein de carburant

un SMS che annuncia in Sango l'arrivo di Papa Francesco in Centrafrica, messaggero di Pace
Un SMS qui annonce en Sango l'arrivée de Pape François en RCA, messager de Paix