25 YEARS (+
ONE)
Twenty five years ago on 22nd
September 1992, I arrived in Central Africa. I had already lived in Bozoum for
a year, in 1982-83 just for a pastoral experience. But in 1992 it was for real, and
for a long time. It does not even seem true to me, and I can only thank God, my
people, my Carmelite family and my own family for all that I have received in
these years. 25 years are a breath, and they go so fast. As for now I simply
look ahead.
On Saturday, I was still in Bouar
with our Communities committed to the formation of our young people. Early that
day, during di morning Liturgy of the Hours, 7 young people received the
religious habit, and they started their Novitiate year. A little later, three
young guys completed the Novitiate year by declaring their vows, promising God
to live in poverty, chastity, and obedience. September, here in Central Africa, is the period of
resuming all pastoral and educational activities.
On Sunday 17th, the twenty
Ecclesiastical Movements of the Parish were present at 8.30 am Mass, in which
we began the pastoral activities. Catechism is also being resumed in these
days: around 300 children, young people and adults are preparing to receive
Baptism during a four years journey.
Monday is the opening day of schools
across the Country. And finally, after a couple of months of vacation, the
streets, the square and the classrooms of the Mission are filled with the
voices of hundreds of kids, from the Maternal School to the High School,
passing through Elementary and other grades. They are all happy: teachers,
parents and children: even among the youngest, no one is crying. I have to say:
the contrary!
On Tuesday morning I’m on my way back
to Bangui. Here we have two working days with Giovanni, architect, who came to
help us in reviewing the construction project of the Bangui Carmel Convent. I
come back to Bozoum on Friday morning.
I feel satisfied for the work done,
but also worried because these same days we received a letter in which the
MINUSCA (UN Peace Keepers) accuses the Catholic Church of supporting antibalaka
militias, and of being against Muslims. While instead our Missions welcome and
defend Muslims, take care and protect them. The truth is that some Fathers are
threatened because they publicly denounce what is happening (and for this
reason a Polish Capuchin friar was beaten for long 4 hours)... And this
happened while we were meeting just with religious leaders (Catholics,
Protestants and Muslims). It’s really sad to receive this kind of letters with these
unfair accusations, from those who should defend the civilians. Instead they
didn’t show the courage to go and help the tortured Father while they were just
15 meters away. They simply went on without stopping.
Courage!
 |
| Riunione a Bangui con p.Federico, p.Arland, p.Mesmin, p.Dieudonné e l'arch. Giovanni (a dx) |
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