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| Inizio della Settimana Santa Commencement de la Semaine Sainte Comienzo de la Semana Santa |
Holy Weeks
March 29, 2026
Having finally returned to Bangassou on March 20, I immediately resume the journey that will lead us to Easter in a few days, meeting with and visiting the communities.
On Sunday, March 22, I am in the parish of Tokoyo, a neighborhood of Bangassou. Here I celebrate Sunday Mass, attended by about eighty people who are members of one of the many Catholic movements, the Fraternity of St. Joseph.
On Wednesday I am in Ngamana, a village 8 km from Bangassou. Here there is a small shrine dedicated to Our Lady. Today is the Feast of the Annunciation, and I celebrate Mass here, also to inaugurate the small shrine, which was begun years ago and is now finally finished.
On Thursday, I meet the children at the “Maman Tongolo” orphanage: a friend from Cuneo gave me some caps for them, and they are proud to wear them!
Around 10 a.m., I’m at the airport to say goodbye to Bishop Aguirre, who is traveling from Bangui to Obo, where he will stay for the Easter season.
On Saturday, I’m leaving for Gambo, 75 km down the road from Bangui.
The rains have already started, and unfortunately, the roads are becoming difficult to navigate. Before Gambo, there’s a rough stretch with a lot of mud. And here we lose almost an hour because the Blue Helmets first have to pull out a truck stuck in the mud.
In Gambo, I celebrate Palm Sunday, which is deeply felt here as well.
Around 8:30 a.m., we gather on the street: many people, with beautiful woven palm branches. We read the Gospel account of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, and then we head toward the church.
And so we begin this Holy Week. On Tuesday, I will celebrate the Chrism Mass together with the priests of the diocese. On Thursday, we will commemorate the priesthood, the Eucharist, and Jesus washing the apostles’ feet.
On Friday, I will set out for the East. My first stop will be Rafai, on the day of Jesus’ death, and I will arrive in Zemio on Saturday, where I will celebrate the Easter Vigil and remain for a few days to bring the Peace of the Risen Christ.
Have a blessed Holy Week, and a happy Easter!
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| Tokoyo |
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| Ngamana |
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| La strada verso Gambo e Bangui La route pour Gambo et Bangui El camino a Gambo y Bangui |
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| Domenica delle Palme a Gambo Dimanche des Rameaux à Gambo Domingo de Ramos en Gambo |
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