Nzacko and Bakouma
On Wednesday, May 28, I leave in the early afternoon for Bakouma, a parish 130 km from Bangassou.
The road is good, and in 3 1/2 hours I arrive in Bakouma.
On Thursday, May 29, I celebrate Mass on the Feast of the Ascension, and then leave for Nzacko, a parish 55 km from Bakouma. The road is bad, and there are several fallen trees. It takes more than 3 hours to get to this village, an area of gold and diamonds.
There are a lot of people waiting for me, partly because we have not celebrated Confirmations here for years.
The parish had been destroyed in 2017. The church and rectory were razed to the ground, while of the hospital and kindergarten the walls remain (while the roof is gone).
It is a very tried community, but also very strong. And happy and proud that the Bishop is coming to them!
In the afternoon I meet the boys and girls for Confirmation, which we celebrate the next day, Friday 30.
The celebration takes place outdoors, in front of the destroyed rectory, which makes a bit of a backdrop!
And the ruins behind the altar highlight the strength and beauty of the faith, which has accompanied people over the years.
In the afternoon I resume the road to Bakouma, where I arrive around 4 p.m.
Saturday, May 31, is dedicated to catechesis and the preparation of the confirmands.
In the afternoon I go to explore a small river, on which, 30 years ago, a missionary had built a turbine, with which he used to power the Mission and the village! Time has destroyed almost everything ... but I would like to at least restore the aqueduct, to distribute water to the parish and schools!
On Sunday, June 1, I celebrate Confirmation, outdoors, with a beautiful liturgy.
In the afternoon I return to Bangassou. The ferry (15 km from arrival) is under repair, but fortunately there is another road, and with about 20 km more I manage to get home.
The situation in the east of the country is still tense, with thousands of people fleeing to Congo or taking refuge at the Mission. The violence continues, unfortunately, and there seems to be no will to stop and discuss!
lkajsdlajdal
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| Arrivo a Nzacko Arrivée à Nzacko |
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| Nzacko |
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| Bakouma |
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| Nzacko . scuola materna Nzacko - l'école maternelle |
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| Nzacko - l'ospedale Nzacko - l'hopital |
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| Nzacko . la canonica Nzacko - le presbytère |
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| Nzacko - la chiesa distrutta Nzacko .- l'église détruite |
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