Confirmations

 

 

 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!

 

Lanome

Gambo

I vangeli in Sango
Les évangiles en Sango
Los Evangelios en Sango

p.Jerome OFM