In Between showers....
On Friday the 15th we celebrated the Assumption
Day, and we went for the traditional march to Doussa, 5 km from here and did
Mass. Loads of people came on foot, time got better even if it had rained all
night. We prayed for our parish and for our country, always on the ragged edge.
We also prayed for the whole world, nowadays so threatened by wars folly. The
following day a bad accident happened. In Bombalou, 45 km from Bangui, they
stopped a car of a Ong working here for reconstruction. Thugs were Antibalakas,
threatened to kill the Muslim driver, thankfully they were satisfied by just
taking their money (150 euros) I wasn't sure what to do, nevertheless I went
there on Sunday afternoon. It took more than an hour, even for 45 km. once I
got there I met some head-villages and some people. Then I was determined to
send my message across, make them understand there must be consequences, such
an attack could put a stop to all attempt of reconstruction and send all ONGs
away. Their reaction was good, they thanked me and told me they would have a
meeting with those men the next a day. Some were actually present and told me
they felt the right to assault the car as the Muslim driver helped on the
defense for Muslim community. So I took that opportunity to think things over,
to try and start fresh and build for a new life of peace and coexisting based
on respect and forgiveness. As I was leaving I invited them to show their
repentance with a tangible gesture. Either surrender their weapons or
give back the money. Few days later three men came in Bozoum and brought me
some letters and half the stolen money. It was a good gesture. Hopefully this
will show and help people to stop with violence and threats. These days
boring works for wells continue. So far they did 5 wells in Bozoum, 3 in Baoro
and one in Bangui. Thanks to SIRIRI for the Bozoum school and thanks to mrs
Angela for the others!!! Here is the link to a small video with people dancing
in Marsaka for they were so happy about their new well. https://www.dropbox.com/s/rsz0vw87lxp6zcg/Marsaka%20video.MP4?dl=
Also we have novices here visiting with their
teacher Father Voytech. Three are from Cameroon, one from Car. In few weeks
they will go back to their first Profession, consecrating themselves to The
Lord in the Carmel community.
Thanks to the help of some volunteers here (Eleonora
from San Possidonio, Marta and Alessandra form Savona) some kids are learning
some skills. Shoemaking, leather tanning, and other crafts.
These are also steps towards the future.....
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| Pestando le corteccie per conciare le pelli en écrasant l'éorce de certains arbres pour traiter des peaux, pour faire les chaussures |
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