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[Central African Republic] My first day in the mission

19 June, 2014 by Alberto de la Portilla

After 3 days in Bangui, capital of the Central African Republic, to address the problems of documentation for obtaining a letter of residence in the country and also to accompany Élia and Teresa, my colleagues in the Mission, who had to buy food supplies, medicines, fuel, etc., we depart on the 24/05 at 6:00 am, to Mongoumba place of my destiny. On the road we came across the MISCA soldiers who were there to control the inputs and outputs, and still other groups of “popular militias” hitchhiking to collect “tolls”, money for their livelihood. We made several stops to visit some communities of sisters who are on their way, and especially to greet the Bishop of this Diocese M’Baiki, primarily responsible for this portion of the flock of Christ, the Church. I had a warm welcome and he gave me some advice, especially to be available to “serve” the people. We arrived to Mongoumba about 17:30, where the Comboni Fathers were waiting for us, responsible for this mission, which embraced with love and joy, and that night offered me a “welcome dinner “.

My first day in the mission

I left my parish, where I receive the “missionary mandate” in the Good Shepherd Day (May 11, 2014), and it was the motto: “That all may have life in abundance.” That He (Good Shepherd) sends his collaborators around the world. And so I went from Portugal to Central African Republic with this eco vibrating in my soul. Give life, give joy, give love. “But the Lord, never outdone in generosity, wanted to give me a good gift in my first day in the Mission: “To live with these people the full joy, the true “life in abundance”. With Élia and father Jesus we went to a Christian community in which was held, during the Eucharist, the baptism of 11 young, 6 boys and 5 girls, the result of “life” that others surrender to generate these Sons of God and the Church. I felt at home, in the country of my dreams and my soul vibrating with joy, to live the Party, the real “Party of Life”. Who said or thought I came to deal with the bullets, or death? Here, life is breathed through every pore of the body and soul!

The Mass began with a procession to the beat of a song with hundreds of vibrant vocals, drums and dance. It was the party started. At the appropriate time were called the catechumens, with decisive and powerful voice answered the priest: “I want the baptism of the Church”. They were then baptized, one after another, in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Then all leave the church and leave aside their old clothes and now dressed all in white, come back in procession to the altar of the church, singing and dancing, feeling the true joy of the children of God and the Church. Of the hands of their parents, received the lighted candle from the Paschal Candle to continue singing and dancing around the altar, holding, not the sword of death but the candlelight of life that was given to them from the Altar of Christ they surround with enthusiasm. It really touched me and I let a few tears roll. I looked at my watch and it was 10.15 hours, then remembered that it was celebrating Mass, also in my parish, Torredeita, with the difference that here had started at 9:00 am! I felt in tune with who I left, but deeply rooted in the people that the Lord provides me with such tenderness and benevolence.

At the time of consecration, were not the parents, but that the newly baptized that lit their own candles at Easter candle and make a crown around the altar, symbol of the guests for the wedding of the Lamb (Jesus Christ), who blew himself up to give them life. The Mass ended around noon; 3 hours party where everyone showed their smiling faces, a sign that they still wanted to continue.

Father Jesus took the opportunity to introduce me to the population as a well reinforces the community of missionaries, the servants of the People.

Élia was the photographer of the day, and at the end everyone were approaching her asking for a picture. Back home still Élia has to be “bad” and leave part of the passage of all those who want to return in the car, but they were so many that it was impossible. We got home three hours later. Élia asked: “Are you tired?” And I answered: “no, I’m very happy”. Maria Teresa was out with another priest and came later. However, it also came with an air of satisfaction.

And so began my first day of mission in the Central African Republic. A missionary hug to you all.

By Palmira Pinheiro

Dr. Samuel’s Story: “I should be your age”

16 June, 2014 by Maggie and Mark Banga

I (Maggie) was at a conference in Awassa last month with medical staff from several clinics. During a break, I chatted with a doctor – let me call him Dr. Samuel – that I had met a few times before from another clinic in the city. After multiple ‘hellos’ and customary Ethiopian greetings, I asked about his family, and whether he had any children, as this had not come up during our previous conversations. He replied that he had one daughter and another child on the way. I quickly congratulated him but he said “No, don’t congratulate me – my wife cheated me, I didn’t want another child”.

I was surprised by his reaction and then he said. “I don’t want my children to grow up with no father”.

This doctor had always appeared to be in good health to me, so I said causally with a smile “you are not old, what will happen to you?”

At that point, a small bell rang, signaling the start of the conference session. So our conversation came to a premature end. However, we met up later in the day and before the conference began he turned to me and started telling me about his sister in the USA. So I enquired whether he had ever had the chance to go to the USA.

Dr. Samuel replied with the following story. “I have only left Ethiopia once, actually 7 years ago to go to Kenya. I had had a cough for a few months and on the x-ray they saw a growth and referred me for more tests. They discovered a tumor but no treatment was available in Ethiopia. I arranged with my sister in the USA and she coordinated everything to get me there for treatment including her commitment to pay for all the hospital and travel bills. We had all the paperwork complete and I went to the US embassy in Addis Abeba to apply for a travel visa. Without a thought to me or a thorough read of my papers, the woman at the desk with skin even darker than mine, quickly stamped REJECTED on my papers. I was so hurt, not only because of the rejection but mostly because of the disregard I was shown. With this door shut, I had no option but to try to get to Nairobi, Kenya for treatment.” Dr. Samuel paused and while staring me straight in the eyes, he then abruptly interrupted his story by venturing down a side tangent: “You know, I should be your age….. do you know I was in prison for 12 years?” I kept silent and Dr. Samuel went on.

“When the DERG (the communist regime that held control in Ethiopia from 1974 until 1991) took power in the 1970’s, many university students were imprisoned because they were seen as a threat to the socialist manifesto. I was kept for 6 years. Following my release I went back to school and completed a Masters degree, but a few months later I was re-imprisoned again by the regime. I sat 6 more years in prison…. By the way, how old are you Maggie?” he asked me, but before I could peep an answer, he directed his eyes in a blank stare back to the wall and added: “If only I could have those years back.”

“When I got to Kenya, I failed to find any treatment for my tumor, so I ended up entering a refugee camp, thinking I might be able to get to the US for treatment but after three months they were on to me and they deported me back to Ethiopia.” He paused again.

“So what about your health now?” I cautiously enquired. “I don’t know” he replied. “I guess I’m doing okay. The tumor is still there.” The little bell rang again and with it, our conversation came to end as the conference session resumed. We didn’t meet again afterwards.

Last week, I ran into Dr. Samuel and heard his good news. His wife gave birth to a baby girl, his new daughter, shortly after the conference. Dr. Samuel smiled as he shared about his baby – a smile which at least for the moment seemed to soothe his scars from yesterday and fears for tomorrow.

– Maggie, Mark and Emebet, Comboni Lay Missionaries, Awassa, Ethiopia

We need missionaries

8 June, 2014 by Alberto de la Portilla

During this time, where I have been fortunate to serve in the international organization of the CLM, I have had the treasure of meeting and interacting with many missionaries around the world.

Many letters we have crossed from one side to another. Many share the joy of a life in service to others, how in their commitment have realized how their life have been filled and they become happier. They tell me about their dreams and difficulties in their work in the outskirts of the large cities, the adventures of teaching in a school with few resources but with amazing students. Looking for a good professional training for students and families of the communities where they live, care for the sick in hospitals and health posts where they are.

They also share how they live their faith with the communities where they are; the responsibility of each member of the community, bringing the Word of God to remote places on foot, by bike, jeep or canoe.

There are a myriad of experiences, joys and difficulties shared with people.

But I also get many requests for staff. Missionaries are needed! In many places the call repeats: are there people available to come to our community?

Cooperation projects are important, schools, hospitals, cooperatives, denunciation of the injustices… all is central and needs people to continue encouraging and being bridges. Someone reminded me that “the bricks do not embrace.” And it’s true, if there is something that I usually hear from the simple people is to thank for the company that offer the missionaries, to be with them, supporting them in tough times, celebrating the joys together… to have this close embrace. Make present the love of God through their hands supporting them and accompanying the road.

Therefore, in this celebration of Pentecost let the Spirit fill us, take us out of our closed rooms and bring us to the middle of the square, to the road.

If you feel a missionary concern I invite you to find the nearest group in the place where you live. You can also visit our website where you will find the contact of the 20 countries where we are in Europe, Africa or America. Find other people like you and find a time to discern your vocation.

Do not wait! Now is the time! Do not delay the response and start your formation that may lead you to your missionary service.

Comboni said that “the mission is a plan of love for which we shouldn´t spare any effort”.

Is up to you!

Three months in London

6 June, 2014 by Alberto de la Portilla

Three months has lasted our experience in London, in this process of intensive training before leaving for mission, where we worked to improve our English, and where we could know each other better and walk among us as a Community.

It have been the last stage before traveling to Africa, Gulu (Uganda) and it’s been a time we live intensely, to confirm our vocation and to confirm ourselves in this way. Since we landed in March, (Monika, Ewa, Asia and me), we have shared joys, birthdays, walks on the “city”, cultural visits, prayers, moments of doubt, some moments of sadness, but a lot of conversation and laughter.

We have also shared our hopes, our experience of God and our desire to live in this world with an attentive and generous heart. We have begun to discover each other praying together, listening, wondering, watching and we all want to do so in African soil.

We felt welcomed and cared by the Community of Comboni Fathers who have helped us with the language and manage on this amazing city, making these months have passed quickly and without any difficulty.

With the ending of our English classes, our meetings and other activities with people from school, we have realized it was time to start saying goodbye.

Ends specific training, but we know that training always will continue wherever we´ll go, learning every day… and let God transform us slowly. We will try to be open to the Gospel and to evangelization trough others.

With a big smile we leave this country, another experience in the heart, and with our suitcase in hand we are now ready for the next destination…

Carmen Aranda

Events in Ghana

4 June, 2014 by Alberto de la Portilla

1. We met in a village called Dadome some teachers sponsored by In My Father’s House. The target was to sow in their heart the desire to sacrifice themselves for the proclamation of the Good News to the poorest and abandoned. The fact that they were sponsored by IMFH is a predisposition to make such step. IMFH is an Institution witnessing the Good News to the “little ones.” They agreed to start the journey with the CLM. We then planned to be meeting. The coming meeting with them is on the 28^th June.

Ghana 2. At IMFH, taking advantage of the visit of Knights and Ladies of St John, we let them know about us. As they have already the desire to be closer to the children, they are a land that can produce committed and zealous CLM. We explained who we are and what we are doing to them. Fruit has started coming out already.

3. The Provincial Council of MCCJ has appointed two priests to journey with us. They are Rev. Fr Jean de Dieu Hounongbe (Vocation promoter) and Rev. Fr Yves Gbenou (member of the Provincial Council). Rev. Fr Abel Gueli (Mission Animation Commission secretary) is appointed to represent the MCCJ at the coming continental meeting. We are very happy about the way God is leading us and thank the Provincial Council for all their attention on the lays and their effort to give us the adequate formation as sharers of the same combonian charism.

Ghana 4. Talking about the involvement of MCCJ in our journey, we would like to thank God for the fortieth priesthood anniversary of Rev. Fr Joseph Rabbiosi. He is up till now the CLM chaplain. He gave himself totally for the good and consolidation of the CLM. He is the one closer to us, provides advices and show us the way we have to engage ourselves. We thank God for his life and pray that he may become a “holy and capable missionary.”

5. The 24^th May, we held our 13^th meeting at IMFH. As usual now, we have first participated to the Eucharist. We then met parents of some Senior High School students (students who are under the sponsorship of IMFH). The target was to involve them in their children schooling. The spirit to “save Africa by Africa”, “African should take their destiny in hands” is here our driven strength. Some of the children can be taken care of by their relatives and it is our purpose.

Ghana

After this meeting, we continued with our CLM monthly meeting. Among the various points discussed are our CLM structure, the letter head with logo, the various ways of raising found for CLM. We thought also on the way to start raising some funds within IMFH to support the same Institution (this is based on an experience in Layibi with the workers of Good Samaritain). The coordinator made the annual report of our group which we all passed through to see the way we are journeying. The challenges are many. The coming meeting will be on the 28^th June. We expect Fr Jean de Dieu and Yves Gbenou being among us to continue the journey with us.

Justin Nougnui, coordinator.