Lanomé in celebration
The parish of Mary Mother of God is located in the village of Lanomè, 35 km from Bangassou.
An important village, years ago, when roads existed and it was possible to go to Bangui, the capital, in a couple of days.
Now it takes more than two weeks for a truck to get to or from Bangui: transport prices have risen so much, and many products no longer find a market. This is the case with coffee, which is produced in abundance in the region, and particularly in Lanomè.
The little church, built over the years by an Italian missionary, Fr Fedele Villa (from Turin), is small and no longer sufficient for the community.
With the help of the Pontifical Missionary Works' (with donations collected on World Mission Day in October) we have started the construction of the new church.
During these weeks, Alessio Vada, a fellow villager from Priero (Cuneo), has been with us. Together with Dieubeni and his team of local masons, Alessio worked hard and was able to finish the reinforced concrete pillars.
Also here, thanks to a family from Bologna, we were able to finish building the primary school: from September, the children will be able to work in the beautiful, large and bright classrooms instead of the thatched roofs used until now.
During the week, I went to Lanomé on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.
On Friday, I met 224 boys and girls who were preparing to receive Confirmation. Meeting, catechesis, explanations, to help them understand the gift of the Holy Spirit and the importance for their lives!
On Sunday 27 July, we celebrated Mass in the open air: in addition to Confirmation, today was also the wedding of Prosper and Clarisse.
There are lots of people, not only from the village, but also from a dozen neighbouring villages.
At the end of Mass we move to the new school, for a prayer and the blessing of the classrooms.
The doors and painting on the walls are still missing, but in September everything will be ready. The family that donated the school wanted to christen it with this name: 'Source of Hope'. And it will be, for hundreds of pupils and parents!
The Mass, which began at 8 a.m., ends at 12.30 p.m.!
And the wedding party follows, with a simple lunch... and hundreds of guests!
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| Catechesi nella vecchia chiesa di Lanome Catéchèse dans l'ancienne église |
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| Il cantiere della nuova chiesa a Lanome Le chantier de la nouvelle eglise de Lanome |
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| Benedizione della nuova scuola di Lanome Bénédiction de la nouvelle école |
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