Big party in Bangassou!
Returning to Bangassou as Bishop also means taking time to celebrate this grace together with the people who God entrusted to me.
For almost two months the community has been working hard. Since a celebration in Bangui on June 9th was not possible, we planned a big celebration on June 30th here in Bangassou.
There will be so many people, that Mass will have to be celebrated outside. We are now in the rainy season, and let's hope it doesn't rain. It ended but being overcast skies, clouds, but thankfully the rain will only come the following night!
At 6 a woman came and to tell me that, at the offertory, she will bring me a mango plant to plant. She said to me: "I wish your ministry is sweet and good, like the mango fruit!".
At 7.30 we were ready: a long procession, with dancers, altar boys, catechists and about thirty priests. Among them are the priests of Bangassou, a priest from the diocese of Bondo (DRC Congo). Also two Carmelite brothers, Fr. Mesmin and Fr. Arland, who came from Bouar and Baoro.
There were lots of people, in the shade of the large teak trees, and a couple of large canopies. The choir was in good shape, and the whole square vibrated in prayer, song and dance.
We read the Gospel of John, with the miraculous catch of fish and the dialogue between Jesus and Peter: "Peter, do you love me?". And at the third time Peter's response: "Lord, you know everything, you know that I love you!".
After communion, the various parishes and movements brought gifts for the new bishop: it was touching to see the affection and joy of so many people, who gave with joy and simplicity.
At 11.30 the Mass ended. Just enough time for a glass of cold water, and then there was the festive lunch. There were 250 official guests, but then there are the young people from the choir, and the poor: it's a party for everyone!
For Monday work, meetings and decisions that are not easy to make begin: schools, priests, parishes.
Good work!
Returning to Bangassou as Bishop also means taking time to celebrate this grace together with the people who God entrusted to me.
For almost two months the community has been working hard. Since a celebration in Bangui on June 9th was not possible, we planned a big celebration on June 30th here in Bangassou.
There will be so many people, that Mass will have to be celebrated outside. We are now in the rainy season, and let's hope it doesn't rain. It ended but being overcast skies, clouds, but thankfully the rain will only come the following night!
At 6 a woman came and to tell me that, at the offertory, she will bring me a mango plant to plant. She said to me: "I wish your ministry is sweet and good, like the mango fruit!".
At 7.30 we were ready: a long procession, with dancers, altar boys, catechists and about thirty priests. Among them are the priests of Bangassou, a priest from the diocese of Bondo (DRC Congo). Also two Carmelite brothers, Fr. Mesmin and Fr. Arland, who came from Bouar and Baoro.
There were lots of people, in the shade of the large teak trees, and a couple of large canopies. The choir was in good shape, and the whole square vibrated in prayer, song and dance.
We read the Gospel of John, with the miraculous catch of fish and the dialogue between Jesus and Peter: "Peter, do you love me?". And at the third time Peter's response: "Lord, you know everything, you know that I love you!".
After communion, the various parishes and movements brought gifts for the new bishop: it was touching to see the affection and joy of so many people, who gave with joy and simplicity.
At 11.30 the Mass ended. Just enough time for a glass of cold water, and then there was the festive lunch. There were 250 official guests, but then there are the young people from the choir, and the poor: it's a party for everyone!
For Monday work, meetings and decisions that are not easy to make begin: schools, priests, parishes.
Good work!
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