Bishops on the Move
21 June 2026
Following the episcopal consecration of Mgr Joseph on Saturday in Bangui Cathedral, the following day, Monday 15 June, the bishops of the Central African Republic gathered at the Nunciature for a meeting with the bishop who had come from Rome for the occasion.
In the afternoon, we met a group of women leaders, with whom we discussed the hostages in Bambouti (on the border with South Sudan). They were taken at the end of December, and we are faced with parties that are unwilling to negotiate: neither the rebels nor the state…
On Tuesday morning, at 5.20, we set off in a convoy with all the bishops for the Assembly we are holding in Berberati, 600 km away. The roads range from bad to dreadful… and we arrive at our destination at 19.20!
Despite the late hour, we find a huge crowd waiting for us in the Cathedral to welcome us!
We are here for the whole week, for a time of fellowship, formation and brotherhood.
Every morning we begin with the celebration of Mass, and then the meetings get underway.
On Friday afternoon, we split up among the various parishes in the city for a time of fellowship and dialogue, which we conclude with the celebration of Mass.
At the Sacred Heart parish, I come across a large group of people from Bozoum, whom I am delighted to greet!
On Saturday afternoon, there is a cultural event, featuring dancing and singing.
On Sunday morning, Mass is scheduled to take place outdoors at 8.30, but it is pouring with rain, and we are forced to wait.
The service finally begins at 10.30, with a huge crowd who have come not only from the city but also from other parishes in the diocese.
At the end of the service (at 2.30 pm!), the final message from the Assembly of the Bishops’ Conference is read out. Its theme is ‘I saw a new heaven and a new earth’ (Rev 21:1), and it emphasises the protection of creation.
Here it is: https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:EU:7bad8f00-5e51-4cf8-a858-1607529d7dd4
And on Monday morning, at around 4 o’clock, we’ll be setting off for Bangui again… hoping it doesn’t rain!
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| Arrivo a Berberati Accueil à Berberati LLevada en Berberati |
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| Messa di chiusura Messe de cloture |
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