A diocese on the move

 

A diocese on the move

Every year the diocese of Bangassou gathers for a large pilgrimage to Nyakari, a parish 15 km from the city.

For 4 days we live together, pray, sing, work hard and rejoice.

This year there were more than 2,500 pilgrims, who came from Bangassou, the parishes and villages of Bema, Ouango, Gambo, Lanome, Rafai, Bakouma, Nzacko... The furthest walked for more than 115 km!

From Bangassou I left at 7:45am on foot together with the seminarians and the older children from the Maman Tongolo orphan center. We crossed the city, and at the exit we stopped and then continued in small groups, praying the rosary and singing.

Part of the path was in the forest, where we had some shade. We walked quickly, and once we reached the bac (the large barge used to cross the river) we moved to the other bank, and at 10:45am we arrived at the Sainte Croix Parish of Nyakari.

There are already some pilgrims here, and others will arrive today, and in the following days.

In the evening we met in the sanctuary (a large shed with a statue of the Madonna), and here we opened the pilgrimage with Eucharistic Adoration.

On Friday we started with the catechesis. This year we chose the theme of the next Jubilee, and the family.

The catecheses were followed by moments of meeting and sharing in groups (first the movements, then by age groups), and all were well attended. There was great attention and the joy of discovering the beauty of a faith that is embodied in the life of every family.

Confessions were on Saturday afternoon. We were about twenty priests, and for almost three hours many people came to receive God's forgiveness and His Mercy.

Sunday morning there was the great closing Mass. This year we had the joy of ordaining two new priests, Julien Mbayoro and Placide Matchicou. It was the first ordination I have done in the diocese, and it was a great emotion to consecrate "my" first two priests!

The Mass ended just before midday with the blessing of the pilgrims' "sticks".

After Mass, we left for home. There was much joy, and the desire to share the beautiful things we experienced during these days.

 

I due nuovi sacerdoti, Placide e Julien
Les deux nouveaux pretres, Placide et Julien

Il bac
Le bac

 

 

 

Life in the diocese

 

 

 

Ouango

Life in the diocese

Amidst many commitments, and connection difficulties, I find that I am slowing down the publications a bit.

After the consecration of the new bishop in Kaga Bandoro, I participated in a Catholic Media workshop, two days of meeting, reflecting and working with representatives from all dioceses. It is a field very close to my heart, and one that the bishops have entrusted to me. The Church was born from an announcement, and it has been announcing Him for centuries. But in addition to having something beautiful to say, one must also say it well!

Thursday, November 21 I return to Bangassou, together with Bishop Aguirre, and we start a lot of paperwork, preparing reports on various projects.

Saturday and Sunday I go to Ouango, a beautiful mission 75 km from Bangassou, along the Mbomou River.

I am here because there are some problems in the parish, and we have decided to send a new priest, whom we are officially introducing to the community.

Sunday morning we celebrate the Eucharist, on the feast of Christ the King, and then meet at length with the parish community.

In the afternoon we set off -- but the car begins to give us serious problems. We advance with much difficulty, and we have to disassemble the diesel filter several times. A mechanic comes to meet us from Bangassou, but after a couple of hours of trying, in the dark, we decide to leave the car in a forest clearing, and return to Bangassou. We arrive home at 7:30 p.m.!

The next day the mechanic starts again, and manages to bring the car back here. But the repairs are not over yet!

On Thursday I have the joy of welcoming Fr. Federico Trinchero, provincial superior of the Carmelites. We have been together for many years, and his visit is a beautiful moment of fraternity and joy.

And yesterday, Thursday, October 28, there was the first meeting of some friends and confreres, to create an association to support the various projects for Bangassou!

Atelier Medias Catholiques - Bangui

Café

Carta della diocesi
Carte du diocèse

P.Federico, Mgr Aguirre, io

Uscita dalla scuola
La sortie de l'école

I bambini del centro Orfani
Les enfants du Centre des Orphelins