Central African Republic – Page 13 – Comboni Lay Missionaries

Voice from the mission

2 April, 20151 April, 2015 by Alberto de la Portilla

We received with joy, a testimony from the mission of Palmira Pinheiro the Comboni missionary secular who is currently in the Central African Republic together with the CLM Elia Gomes. Here we leave the testimony of the joys and hardships of this mission in the heart of Africa.

VOICE FROM THE MISSION

Although today is not Samedi (Saturday), Samedi arrived! As always out of time, when I’ve closed the door of the clinic and look forward to some rest because fatigue gets you. However, while I get to grumble with his mother, because she is not in hours, his smile, his bright eyes like two stars, his arms outstretched towards me, make me put aside my mood completely. All are my “dears” but Samedi has a special place in my heart. He was one of my earliest success stories! He was a child destined to die, but Life won!

In the second week of my arrival, some day when I had to close the door of the clinic, a woman appears, for more signs pygmy. She gave me the impression of having some mental retardation, and holding in her arms a small child than as explained by someone who accompanied would be premature, newborn and the mother had no milk to feed him. I weighed the baby, he hardly reach 2 kilograms because the pygmies are small, but he already had a “time”. What really matters is that he was hungry, since the mother, who seemed depressed, but with huge breasts, was not motivated to breastfeed, so the mammary glands need to be stimulated by the baby’s sucking to produce the “juice of life”.

We leave them to remain in the Rehabilitation Center about a month and a half trying to feed the mother and encouraging her to breastfeed the child. This was difficult because we could not always be present and, when we went we found her lying on the veranda of the Center asleep with his huge chest extended, the child also lying next, but, of course, without the ability to take the breast and suck. We used as a strategy, another mother also pygmy, who was accompanying her malnourished tiny, Jean Pierre, another favorite of mine, whom we trust to teach and encourage her to breastfeed the child. And in this way it was overcoming the most critical phase, in which, to make matters worse appeared some diseases (malaria, pneumonia, diarrhea, etc.) to which we responded with proper medication. Until one day the mother decided to leave without saying anything, then we lost hope, and thought he would die, he will not have a chance! But to our surprise, she appeared two weeks later with the child very sick with pneumonia, tremendously weakened and we doubt we have the chance to save him. But he stayed here a few days, and began treatment, feeding the mother so that she in turn feed the child, but when everything started to go well she stop treatment and return to the “Camp”. And so she continued to appear when the child was in his last and we just kept saying, This time he will not get it! But “LIFE” is stronger than death and Samedi won! Now he is 9 months all and remains small (like all pygmy), but he weighs 8 kilograms. It is great! When I approached him, jumps of joy, smiling and opening his arms to come into my lap.

I pressed him against my chest as a beloved son in whom I feel I’ve helped to live. He plays, laughs and has fun. It’s a happy boy! Occasionally taking his crisis of malaria, diarrhea, bronchitis, etc., but at least the mother is aware of bringing him when it is bad, because in addition to medication, always carry a bag full of food for two.

I think for me and for God: “Although I have not done anything, it was worthy to come to Mongoumba to see this child smile after being destined to die”

A hug to everyone.

Palmira Pinheiro (MSC)

Echoes of CLM mission

19 October, 2014 by Alberto de la Portilla

From an early age I wanted to be as close as possible to those who have nothing, and above all, be one with them, to become a bridge between the poorest of the poor and their local authorities and of course between them and Europe.

I remember when I left at 24, on a mission to the Central African Republic had no idea what to expect. I just knew that God was calling me and the heart of Africa needed me as much as I needed it.

In this sense, the formation of Comboni Lay Missionaries (CLM) was very important and helped me to confirm my vocation as a lay missionary and with the charism of Comboni. At that time I loved Africa, and did not conceive the idea of ”happiness” without actively strive for a happier, more just and true world. Today, after five years spent in the heart of Africa, I can say that the donation to Mission brings me more than happiness, brings me the meaning of life, the strength and hope in the new morning and, above all, I feel the love and presence of God more than ever, after all, being among the poorest in the world, I am among the most beloved people of God.

Forgotten by men

In Central African Republic, this country forgotten by men and loved by God, I joined what was the first international CLM community: Mongoumba, in the forest, living and working with Pygmies and Bantus (not pygmies’ population).

One of my daily struggles was the fight so that increasing deforestation ended. Indeed, if logging continues, soon will no longer exist in the region Pygmies; and Bantus, who live in the villages, will become cheap labor for those who want to exploit the region.

Currently, due to this situation, the Pygmies and non-Pygmies have been forced to live too close and, of course, the culture shock arise – for which no one was prepared and came by the interests of the European woods companies. This has made that Pygmies live in a state of slavery and total social exclusion. To work against this social exclusion, the mission has created and manages six schools for the integration of the pygmies. The schools are scattered throughout the jungle in a radius of about 60 km. We try, from a specific method, that the Pygmy children attend the early years of primary education and then be better integrated into public schools.

Other problems, abounding here, have to deal with health. To the extent that the Pygmies live in the jungle, and because it is being destroyed, opens a path of starvation and disease. On one hand we find hunger, because trees, which are the staple diet, are slaughtered. On the other hand, health, diseases increase because trees and medicinal plants used in traditional medicine begin to be hard to find. In this sense, and in order to help integration of the Pygmies in the public health system, the mission runs a health clinic. This is especially directed to the Pygmies and the poorest of the village. Here we pass no consultation, only serves as a bridge between patients and the public health center, in addition to providing the support necessary for taking medication. We work with a nurse-Central African lifeguard that helps us control that patients take the right medicines and make health awareness in the pygmies’ camps.

In this area, the struggles are more than everyday: are every minute! At all times we are facing serious medical errors in the public health center, which is resultant from both ignorance and negligence of those who work there, as well as discrimination and lack of awareness of the importance and value of life.

In this sense, there are days that this health center seems to produce more death than life. So when deaths occur “without having to occur”, brings us to the fights that sometimes end up in court and sometimes in the Ministry of Health.

Giving voice

Looking at these people – Pygmies and Bantu – one realizes that they are simply victims of the global corruption that helps Central African Government to be more concerned about arms supplies than to health and education. How can we, in this context, paddle upstream? It is certainly no easy task, but does not discourage us. However, makes us fight for life and true freedom in this country, theoretically independent, that continues to suffer daily abuses of colonization.

Today, this CLM community here counts with the help of the Comboni Missionaries and the Secular Comboni Missionaries. Within this Comboni Family, and working from the apostolic community, we develop projects in different areas trying, by the witness of life; announce the One who sends us to the Mission.

In fact, the mission in all parts of the World needs life testimonies that are keys to the liberation of the people. Today, in the mission, the challenge is not to “do something for others,” but “to be someone with others”. Prayer without action is useless and far from Gospel values.

Today, the mission challenges us to live according to the values we stand for and for a World where everyone, without exception, are considered, in fact, sons of God, so that in Him may encounter life in abundance.

Susana Vilas Boas CLM

Secular Comboni Missionary joins the Community of Mongoumba

21 May, 2014 by Alberto de la Portilla

Last May 11 was sent in her home parish Palmira Pinheiro, Secular Comboni Missionary that after a period of training in Spain and France along the CLM is already part of the CLM international community present in Mongoumba (CAR).

Palmira, retired nurse, arrived in Bangui (Central African Republic capital) on Tuesday with her suitcases full of enthusiasm and desire to work with the Central African people. There she will work with the CLM Teresa Monzón and Elia Gomes (Spanish and Portuguese CLM) in the mission of Mongoumba. Joining the community reinforces the missionary presence among the Central African people making actually the dream of Comboni of being a Cenacle of Apostles in the middle of the African people.

Palmira, we wish you all the best in this new phase of your life. Remember you have all our support and our prayers.

The palace of learning

11 March, 2014 by Alberto de la Portilla

The trip to Paris took me to the “palace of learning”, the house of the Comboni Missionary Sister where they gives “shelter” to everyone who wants to know and learn French to better serve the mission.

It was therefore here that I met Palmira. Palmira -Comboni Secular Missionary- has been during two months in Paris studying and preparing herself better to go to the Central African Republic, where she will integrate and collaborate with the CLM community present therein.

Always encouraged, Palmira, looks forward with missionary enthusiasm the time of departure and beyond the current situation of the Central African Republic, far from discourage her, is an incentive to keep going.

“Why do people ask me if I want to depart? Of course I do. I’m here for that and my desire is to be at the service of this mission!” – Said Palmira, full of desire to move forward.

During these days, we managed to contact Elia that rejoices in the strength of Palmira and reaffirmed its willingness to continue to share her life with this people: “There is fatigue, but nothing makes me want to leave. If Palmira comes, then we will be together in this missionary journey. In these difficult times the missionary family is my refuge and help. ”

We also find Veronica who, for professional reasons, is in France since October. Veronica is happy both professionally and at the pastoral level, offering to help Palmira with whatever she needs.

I want to show here my gratitude to Fr Luciano who accompanied me during these days. To the Comboni Sisters who welcomed me so well, thanks to Veronica for a fabulous dinner which gave us a good missionary moment. And especially big thanks to Palmira: for all that we have shared during these days.

God walks with us in this way that we continue towards the mission He entrusts to us.

By Susana Vilas Boas

Letter to the confreres in situations of violence and war

24 February, 2014 by Alberto de la Portilla

Saturday, February 22, 2014
Some African nations are prey to violence and war, especially South Sudan and Central Africa. Our confreres who live in those nations have decided to stay with the people and share their life. A choice of courage that helps us to remember that St. Daniel Comboni continues to love and to make common cause with the poorest and most abandoned in Africa today through these confreres. The following is a letter of appreciation, encouragement and deep affection coming from the General Direction and the circumscriptions’ superiors to our confreres so that they may, in turn, console the people with whom they share their lives.

Comboni Missionaries
Via Luigi Lilio, 80
Roma

February 22^th, 2014

“Console my people, console them, says your God.”
(Isaiah 40:1)

Dearest Confreres, Sisters and Lay Missionaries
in South Sudan and the Central African Republic,

Heartfelt greetings in the name of Jesus, the Lord of the Harvest.

During these two weeks of Meetings, prayer and reflection that Provincial and Delegation Superiors have shared with the General Direction of our Institute, we have followed with the greatest of concern the situation of wanton violence afflicting the countries in which you live.

We cannot remain indifferent to your plight and so wish to address these words of communion and fraternity to you.

Pain and death continue to indelibly mark out the way of the Mission. The telling witness of your remaining on and sharing the lot of the people you are called to serve in the midst of such mindless violence serves to remind us that St. Daniel Comboni continues to love, and make common cause with, the poorest and most abandoned in Africa today. Your wonderful witness in such tragic circumstances makes the presence of Comboni very much alive and active.

We are also aware of the political and economic interests that have brought about such a profound crisis in your societies: placing the many ethnic and religious elements present in trenchant opposition to one another, and rendering evermore precarious the peaceful co-existence that has prevailed between such groups over many years. The humanitarian crisis that this has provoked is without precedent. We know that the doors of many of our Parishes and Houses of Formation have remained open to welcome, accompany and console thousands of those displaced by the fighting and often fleeing for their very lives. This is without doubt an integral part of our ministry of ‘consolation’ among peoples that earnestly seek peace. We wish to share the risks and the dangers that you are living, your solidarity and something of your wonderful courage.

We can but recall the words our Father and Founder wrote a week before he died: “Everything that God wishes comes about. God never abandons the one who trusts in Him. He is the protector of innocence and the vindicator of righteousness. I am happy in the Cross which, when borne willingly out of love for God, gives birth to victory and eternal life” (Writings, No. 7246), and the words he spoke on his death-bed, “Courage for the present, but above all, courage for the future”.

We earnestly pray for a complete cessation to all violence and to the violation of human rights, that justice, peace and reconciliation may break through the boundaries of what is humanly-speaking ‘impossible’ and find a home in the hearts of all men and women of goodwill in your countries.

We embrace you all with tenderness and affection; you are very much present in our thoughts and prayers. May St. Daniel Comboni protect each one of you and every one entrusted to your care.

The Superior-General and His Council,
Provincial and Delegation Superiors,
and the General Direction of the Comboni Missionaries of the Heart of Jesus