Arrivals

Arrivals

The school year in Bozoum is finished. At present we just began working for the end of school year in the villages: some twenty schools, for a total of 2,500 students. These schools are located in the faraway villages, where the state school does not exist. At the end of each quarter, about forty teachers meet in Bozoum, and together, under the supervision of Father Norberto and George, the school animator, correct the kids’ tests and write down the report cards.

Monday is the birthday of Sister Lydie, the nurse Sister. Thierry, one of Caritas' animators, also remembers is birthday and we have a common celebration for both of them. Early afternoon I go to Bangui, where I arrive at late night.

On Tuesday, I’m with the Fathers of the community, and I meet the young students of theology one after another. At 4.00 pm, under a heavy rainfall, I’m on the road which has become a river, and I go to the airport to welcome Father Enrico, back from Italy, and Father Saverio, our new Provincial Superior. Father Saverio had been here in Central Africa from 1998 to 2004, and after a few years in Italy and Israel, has just been chosen by our Province Chapter as Superior. In these days he meets Fathers and Students visiting all the communities, taking the various decisions, which will also involve some relocation of our Missionaries.

On Wednesday morning I go to the Nunciature to welcome the new Nuncio. For him too is a coming back to Centrafrica, where he worked as Secretary to the Nuncio from 1998 to 2001. We welcome him with other priests, religious and sisters, a little symbol of the Church that he is called to serve in the name of the Pope.

On Friday morning, together with Father Saverio, I leave driving towards Bozoum.