Confirmations
May 3, 2026
I am writing from Rafai, where
we celebrated Confirmations. Thus, the beginning of this special period,
dedicated to parish visits, catechesis, and the celebration of this
Sacrament, which seals the adult life of every Christian, thanks to the
gift of the Holy Spirit.
Work on the various construction sites is progressing well, both at Lanome (the church) and Gambo (the rectory).
Wednesday
morning, in Bangassou, the College of Consultors met. These seven
priests from the diocese assist the Bishop in making the most important
decisions. We discussed the calendar, programs, changes, and the
appointment of parish priests for the coming months.
Thursday morning, I departed Bangassou for Rafai, arriving early in the afternoon.
Fr.
Jerome, a Franciscan, also arrived with me. He is now returning after
several months in Poland, where he was battling cancer.
He's
happy to return, to be reunited with his brothers and, above all, with
the people! He tells me, "I've realized that the most important thing
about the Mission isn't the houses, the churches, or the facilities. The
most important thing is the people!"
Fridays and Saturdays are
dedicated to catechism and the formation of the boys and girls who will
receive Confirmation. The candidates are bright and well-trained by the
catechist, Apollinaire, and they follow with interest and attention.
Last
year, with the help of the Bangassou Foundation, we had 11,000 Gospels
printed in Sango. They hadn't been available for years, and this allows
Christians to have the Word of God in their hands. It's wonderful!
Today,
Sunday, May 3rd, we celebrated Confirmations in Rafai: about seventy of
them, including children, young people, and a few adults.
Tomorrow, Monday, I continue to Zemio, where I will administer Confirmations on Thursday.
Thus begins the Confirmation season!
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| Lanome |
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| Gambo |
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| I vangeli in Sango Les évangiles en Sango Los Evangelios en Sango |
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| p.Jerome OFM |
