PRAGUE
ARENZANO
Poste Italiane S.p.A. – Sped. in abb. postale – D.L. 353/2003 (conv. in L. 27/02/2004 n.46) art. 1, comma 2 e 3, CB-NO/ TORINO - TAXE PERCUE - TASSA RISCOSSA TORINO CMP - Autorizzazione del Tribunale di Genova N.45 del 23/12/91
CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC
Missionary Friendship News from the Sanctuary of the Infant Jesus of Prague and the Mission in Central African Republic
BANGUI, JANUARY 1, 2015: THE NEW YEAR STARTS WITH THE CHILDREN’S SMILING FACES. Responsible manager: P. Anastasio Roggero BOSI KARMELITANI - KARMELITSKA 9 118 00 PRAHA 1 - REPUBLIKA CESKA Tel. (00420) 2 57 53 36 46 • Fax (00420) 2 57 53 03 70 mail@pragjesu.info • www.pragjesu.info
Bimonthly periodical Year XXV
January/February 2015
n.1
PRAGA
ARENZANO CENTRAFRICA
Missionary Friendship
The bimonthly periodical published in seven languages (Italian, English, French, Spanish, Czech, German and Portuguese) is sent to 114 countries in the world free of charge to the friends of the Missionary Carmelite Fathers. English edition by Vanda Krutsky and Fr. Victor Fernandes For information or write to our missionaries: P. ANASTASIO ROGGERO BOSI KARMELITANI - KARMELITSKA 9 118 00 PRAHA 1 - REPUBLIKA CESKA Tel. 00420 257 533 646 - Fax 00420 257 530 370 e-mail: mail@pragjesu.info - www.pragjesu.info
ARENZANO (ITALY) SHRINE OF CHILD JESUS Holy Mass Schedule Monday to Saturday: Masses at 8 a.m. | 9:30 a.m. | 11 a.m. | 5 p.m. Sundays and holidays: Masses at 8 a.m. | 10 a.m. | 11 a.m. | 12:15 p.m. 4 p.m. | 5:30 p.m. Every day At 4:30 p.m. (weekdays at 5 p.m.): Eucharistic adoration.
Monthly feast of Infant Jesus: every 25th day of each month at 4 p.m.
Annual feast day of Infant Jesus: Saturday and Sunday, September 5-6, 2015 E-mail: santuario@gesubambino.org Self-service for pilgrims: ristorazione@gesubambino.org
PRAGUE - CZECH REPUBLIC MONASTERY OF THE INFANT JESUS Mass Schedule Monday to Friday: At 9:00 AM Mass in Czech | At 6:00 PM Mass in Czech Saturdays: At 9:00 AM Mass in Czech At 5:00 PM Mass in Spanish At 6:00 PM Mass in Czech Sundays: At 10:00 AM Mass in Czech At 12:00 Noon Mass in English At 5:00 PM Mass in French At 6:00 PM Mass in Italian At 7:00 PM Mass in Czech Thursday: Mass in Honour of the Infant Jesus 5.00 PM in English - 6.00 PM in Czech SUNDAY, MAY 3, 2015 ANNUAL CORONATION FEAST OF INFANT JESUS OF PRAGUE www.pragjesu.info • mail@pragjesu.info Tourist services for pilgrims: www.pilgrimages.cz • pilgrimages@centrum.cz Graphical design and print: BCD Genoa
Letter from Father Anastasio
Dear Friends, Prague, January 24, 2015
In this first edition of 2015 I would like to offer you the voice of our dear Pope Francis in the form of extracts from his message “No longer slaves, but brothers and sisters”, which he published for the World Day of Peace celebrated on January 1st: “I offer heartfelt wishes of peace to every man and woman, to all the world’s peoples and nations, to heads of state and government, and to religious leaders. In doing so, I pray for an end to wars, conflicts and the great suffering caused by human agency, by epidemics past and present, and by the devastation wrought by natural disasters. I pray especially that, on the basis of our common calling to cooperate with God and all people of good will for the advancement of harmony and peace in the world, we may resist the temptation to act in a manner unworthy of our humanity.” Pope Francis would like to bring our attention to slavery that still today so many people live in, and he challenges us to fight against it. Following his introduction of the various faces of slavery in the past and today, he pursues its deep cause that lies in the concept of human figure, which allows us to treat it as an object. In addition to that there are other causes – of social and economic character: poverty, corruption, violence and terrorism. e pope concludes with an invitation to “global fraternity”, instead of slavery and indifference. e work done by the religious and their lay co-workers all over the world, confirm the pope’s words about activities of the church on the field of charity. For many years I have been visiting the schools of the congregation of Mother of Carmel in India where millions of students who come from various religions are formed. By way of our “Missionary Friendship” our readers can follow how close our missionaries were, and still are, to the poor in the Central African Republic during these two years of war and political instability in our missions in Bozoum, Baoro, Bouar-Yolé, St. Elias and Bangui where our Carmel is still accommodating 4 000 refugees about whom Father Federico writes in the upcoming pages. I have just received a letter from Father Stefan Molon, the superior of the mission in Bouar, who writes: “e country still can’t seem to get out of chaos, in spite of the presence of more than 10 thousand UN Blue Helmets. We are living in uncertainty together with the poor people – one fellow brother, a Polish priest, was held by a group of menat-arms for nearly two months before he was rescued – against all hope – together with 20 others who were kidnapped. Father Federico was slapped again by some rebels on a road block when he was com-
PRAGUE, 30 NOVEMBER 2014: FR. AGNELO WHO CAME FROM GOA AND CELEBRATED HIS FIRST HOLY MASS IN PRAGUE.
BANGUI, CARMEL, 4 DECEMBER 2014: FR. DIEUDONNÉ, PRIEST IN BAORO, CELEBRATING A HOLY MASS IN CARMEL.
BANGUI, CARMEL, 9 DECEMBER 2014: FATHERS MESMIN, FEDERICO AND MATTEO SURROUNDED BY OUR YOUNG STUDENTS
ing to visit our mission. ere are times when it is dangerous to It’s a great and demanding task for me and for my fellow brothers, travel. e schools – and we are in the middle of January – are just but I believe that it’s the right and effective answer to the situation now starting the school year 2014/2015 and most students have got in the country.” used to not going to school and studying. e country remains split During my last visit to the missions last December, I spent some in two parts; the situation is not developing and it is still very bad time also with our students and Fathers in the Carmel in Bangui. without any clear perspective for the near future. In this situation, On Sunday December 7, I celebrated holy mass with Father Marco my fellow brothers and I try to give hope and consolation to many Poggi and the seminarians in Yolé. During intercessions we prayed young people and children who come to us, as well as to their fam- for peace on earth. Aer mass I met with the CMC Sisters – they ilies. In reaction to food uncertainty we are expanding the growing are amazing, always smiling and willing to work. Following my visit operation on our monastery property. In addito the mission in St. Elias I start to head back at Pope Francis poses a tion to our vegetable garden and orchard, we 12 noon because we have 460 km to go and travare now also growing feed for our rabbits, ducks, elling at night would not be wise. Nevertheless, challenge turkeys and poultry. Our community (but also we arrive aer sundown and the night apto fight against slavery proaches fast! When we get to the Carmel the first the children and youth whom we give food to and who come to help us on our farm) is pracstars are already above us in the sky. We are dethat many people are tically self-sufficient with respect to food. At the lighted to find out that at the end of the year Pope victims of still today. same time this should be encouragement and Francis will honour the Central African Republic example for the people. with his visit. An increasing number of boys and girls come to our community In Prague we received a beautiful present on November 26, 2014 – regularly: we help them with school attendance, we look aer their the arrival of Father Agnelo Paulo Casmiro Rebelo, who came from human and spiritual formation, and when it is necessary also aer Goa in India and is in charge of services in English. food and medicine. We have already registered about 50 of them – e winter season cools down the city, but does not slow down the those who are the most talented and motivated, usually orphans or rhythm of pilgrims who come from all parts of the world and among individuals in difficult family situations – to private schools in the whom were also at the end of December young people who particicity because those are the only ones that really function. We per- pated in the prayer meeting Taizé in Prague. sonally monitor them. Every Saturday and Sunday over 100 of them I am sending my greetings and ask Child Jesus for a blessing. attend formation meetings and activities for children and youth. Yours sincerely,
Infant Jesus in the World
From Nigeria
Nigeria is experiencing very difficult times dealing with great fear of assassinations. In 2014 over ten thousand people were killed and 850 people were forced to leave their homes due to violence. It is estimated that the Boko Haram movement, which wants to establish Islam law in the country, has attacked 20 cities in the north-east part of the country in the past six months. In spite of this, on December 11-14, 2014 a 27th annual traditional national pilgrimage took place in Benin, one Nigerian town – the capital of the Edo region. Father Waltermary Obiefuna Avogy, Discalced Carmelite
and superior of the confraternity of Infant Jesus of Prague, prayed together with many people who came for this occasion in order for the Little King to protect the whole country from violence.
A trip to India
With Infant Jesus and his saints in Southern India
KERALA - ANGAMALY, 17 JANUARY 2015: SISTER L
the church is supposed to lead the faithful to fix their eyes to the centre of the altar where a monumental wooden cross is located. The space is early every day, I welcome with joy the faithful coming from India lit up by the light shining through the lattice windows that hold saints to our church and I remind them that the great Gandhi wanted made from wrought iron through which the sun rays are coming. The love, not revolution as the foundation for democracy. “Only love day before there was an anniversary here that I also participated in 1995 can save the world,” is his motto, which is written at the airport in for the inauguration of the church built on a hill that dominates the city: Mumbai. It is the love of Child Jesus that we want to spread! Veneration a large painting of Infant Jesus was placed behind the altar at which the bishop together with 50 priests celebrated a holy mass at 6 p.m. There of Infant Jesus is alive in India among Christians as well as the Hindus. Thousands of Christians in Mumbai are loyal visitors of the shrine in were 14 000 chairs prepared for the faithful! The lights and hymns light Nashik that is run by the Jesuits. The shrine in Bangalore (Karnataka) and up the night. Vivek Nagar (meaning “place of wisdom”) is able to hold up to 5000 On 23 November 2014, Pope Francis canonized two saints from India to whom we, Carmelites from the Liguria province, have very strong bonds. faithful and it is often overfilled. On 11 January in the afternoon Fr. Ivo is waiting for me at the airport in On the facade of the St. Peter Basilica in Rome, together with paintings Goa in order to take me to Margao, a small town 40 km away. I have of four Italian saints, there was also a painting of St. Kuriakose Elias Chavara and St. Euphrasia. The first biography in the come here as a pilgrim to visit the ruins of the first Malabar language was written by our Father Carmelite monastery in India that was founded If we have faith, Leopoldo Beccaro, whom I have already mentioned around 1620 and abandoned under sad we can move many times before. That same Father Leopoldo, circumstances in 1700. I have already visited this together with St. Kuriakose, founded a religious historical place in 2007 and back then, although a mountain: where St. Euphrasia lived her holy life, disappointed myself, I encouraged my fellow and changing a flight congregation as well as the association of Infant Jesus with the goal brothers to take interest in renewing the monastery, departure to administer a female school. The feast day of these which is located near the church where St. Francis of Xavier, the patron of missions, is resting in peace. is actually much easier. two saints was celebrated in Ollur on 10 January with the participation of 40 000 faithful! Grounds with We provided them with significant help and we tents were prepared for this occasion and behind the wished for this place to become the destination of pilgrims once again. Unfortunately, the monastery ruins, grown over podium with the main altar a wooden reproduction of the facade of St. with trees and lianas, are accessible only on foot by a small Peter’s Basilica was made. Among all the participants there were only two Italians: I and Cardinal Giuseppe Versaldi, an honourable guest, who uncomfortable trail. I leave Goa on the train taking me through Karnataka: the endless forests recalled that when he was a parish priest in the Vercelli diocese (in Italy), of coconut palm trees with their circular crowns invite to look up in the he used to come to the shrine in Arenzano (near Genoa) once a year. The sky. On 15 January I celebrated a holy mass in the Church on Infant Jesus superiors of 20 provinces of this congregation carried banners depicting in Mangalore among coconut trees. The pentagon shape floor plan of the two saints as well as a portrait of Father Leopoldo whom we would 10 – 20 January, 2015
N
KERALA - ANGAMALY, 17 JANUARY 2015: BISHOP MONS. JOSE PUTHNVEETTIL, SISTER ANIL AND SISTER ANNE MARY.
4 Missionary Friendship
KERALA - OLLUR, 10 JANUARY 2015: THE GRAVE OF ST. EUPHRASIA.
also like to see among saints. The canonization is already on the way and in the Carmelite breviary, on the feast day of St. Kuriakose, we can read one of his texts. (The second reading is usually some text by one of the teachers of the church or some church document). And there was another reason that led me to India this year: on 17 January Sister Lisieux, together LISIEUX AND HER RELATIVES. with 30 fellow sisters, celebrated the anniversary of her religious solemn vows. Last year during the sad events in the Central African Republic, Sister Lisieux was attacked and robbed by Muslim mercenaries, and due to the trauma she suffered she had to leave the mission, where her heart remained and she hopes to return there.
I joined the 50 priests and Bishop Jose Puthenveettil in the celebration in the basilica in Angamaly. I follow the text in the missal in the Malabar language, which I have been trying to learn for some time now. For the celebration, the sisters come in an endless number. Sister Lisieux who was with our boys in Yolé and took care of the cooking for 15 years, asked me a long time ago if she could be present at the celebration as a missionary representative. I can remember a funny thing that happened: some years back sister Lisieux had to go from the Central African Republic to Tanzania right on the day before my arrival to Bangui, which meant that we would not see each other. She prayed to Infant Jesus to be able to say hello to me. Her flight was postponed for the next day, therefore she was able to greet me before her departure. Sister Lisieux is convinced to this day that the delay of her flight was caused by her prayer. After all, Jesus said that if we have faith like a grain of mustard seed, we will be able to move mountains: and to delay a flight is actually much easier than that! Father Anastasio Roggero
Album of Friendship
2014: PRAGUE, 19 OCTOBER IA AND CYPRUS FROM INDIA, COLUMB
PRAGUE, 27 OCTOBER 2014 – FROM SYDNEY (AUSTRALIA)
Father John Knight with his pilgrims from St. Patrick’s southerland in Sydney, after the mass.
Ashoka de Mother Teresa in the monastery “I recall the days when I used to gui shrine of Infant Jesus of Prague in Vivek Road in Bangalore. I used to visit the church prior to the current building was Nagar. I remember when the original it rained and the water would fall on the only a tent. I used to kneel even when d a prayer for Child Jesus’ mercy. I first faithful. It was here that I experienceI was hired at the chemical factory. Then I prayed to get work in Bangalore and to England or Australia and in 1979 I had prayed for the possibility to emigrate which I’m very grateful for. At that time I the opportunity to travel to America,fulfilled my promise together with my wife promised to come to Prague. Today I nk you Infant Jesus!” Durbar Claudius and daughter who lives in Cyprus. Tha us with his wife Alba, On the photo: Father Victor, Claudi ni from California. his daughter and Mrs. Maria Mazzo
PRAGUE, 30 DECEMBER 201 4 – FROM REGGIO EMILIA
(ITALY) “This year the traditional prayer me eting Taizé took place in Prague, the refore we were able to visit the Shrine of Infant Jesus of Prague. From the re we remembered our Capuchin frie nds who had their mission in the Cen tral African Republic but had to leave due to the war.” Andrea Boni On the photo (from the left) Matteo Lugli, Jacopo Marziano, Cristofer (Po lish), Lorenza Artoni, Andrea Bon i, Sara Bonaccini and Marzio Bru seghin
PRAGUE, 24 JANUARY 20 15 – FROM TRNAVA (SLOV
AKIA) It is Mrs. Růženka’s 67th pilgrimage to our church and she thanks Infa nt Jesus for many graces that she received. She is accompanied by Mrs. Anka and Michaela.
Missionary Friendship 5
Witnesses of the Gospel
At the Carmel in Bangui is always like Christmas
I
t’s a bit late for us to tell you Christmas stories but at the Carmel in Bangui it has looked like Christmas for over a year now. And this time kids are the main protagonists of what I want to share with you. In the morning on December 5th 2013, nearly at the end of mass, our prayers and hymns were interrupted by gunshots. Just during this one day there were about 500 people killed in various parts of town and many houses robbed and burnt. Back then we had no idea that these gunshots would change our lives so much and for such a long time. Shortly after, thousands of people came to our mission. Without even realizing it we turned into a large Nativity Scene. And this Nativity Scene is still here, only there are little fewer figures: about 4 000 of them have remained. Once in a while we think nostalgically back to the first few months when the children slept in the church, women gave birth in the refectory and we ate rice and beans in the hall between our rooms. And then there are the children – it is a great joy to see them grow. Do you remember St. John of the Cross, the first child born at the Carmel on December 13th, 2013 in our monastery church? Now he is walking and babbling a few words. Who knows where he will be when one day someone tells him his story. For about three months now the situation in the capital city is much calmer. But it’s too soon to say that there is peace; maybe they just got tired of fighting. And unfortunately there are still areas in the north part of the country where there are still gunshots and tension. Now there are 12 000 UN soldiers in the country. A peace conference should take place and, God willing, the long awaited elections should take place before the end of the year.
BANGUI CARMEL, 24 DECEMBER 2014: FR. MESMIN IS CARRYING A STATUE OF INFANT JESUS IN A PROCESSION OF ALL THE BROTHERS, WHO ARE GOING TO GIVE OUT CHRISTMAS PRESENTS TO THE REFUGEES.
6 Missionary Friendship
The life in our refugee camp is continuing quite normally. The International Red Cross performed unbelievable census using tools of very high technical level – they gave every family head a card with a photo and a bar code. The result of the census revealed that there are over 1 000 families. In the upcoming months we should start with activities that will help them to return to their original neighbourhoods. Do you re We had a few sleepless nights due to our dream to give a small Christmas present to every child in our refugee St. John of camp. It is sometimes hard to come up with a present the first chil even for someone who has one or two children, so you Carm can imagine how we felt when all of a sudden we over 1 000 of them. Surely, it’s true that it does not take Who k much for African children to be content compared to when his their European peers... but nevertheless there are still be told to hi so many of them and they are still children. And so we actually forgot about this project, almost as if it was a bad idea. And then a miracle happened. Evidently, we were not the only ones with this dream. In the afternoon on December 24 we received a visit from 20 gentlemen who were very serious and well dressed. They were from one unknown Central African non-profit organization. They unloaded five large boxes from their cars and told us: “We brought you 1600 toys for children from 0 to 5 years of age. Please give it to them whenever possible.” And then these gentlemen disappeared just as fast as they appeared. We could not believe this. So we started to talk about distribution of these toys. We divided the toys according to categories into 48 big bags. Each brother took four bags and we headed to the monastery. Father Mesmin was in the lead with a statue of Infant Jesus. We followed him with our gifts, we sang, we played and danced into the rhythm of tam-tams, rattles and bells, following our best Carmelite tradition (adapted to the African culture respectively). After their initial confusion, the children looked like they were going to jump out of their skins. So this year Santa Claus, instead of his white beard, red outfit and a sleigh, “multiplied” into 12 brothers, dressed in brown with no beards, who jumped around like maniacs with a statue of Infant Jesus. We managed to give everything out in an hour and half and wish our refugees a Merry Christmas. I must admit that at that moment I would not want to be in other place in the world than with my brothers and these people. After that we organized a Christmas play, a sort of living Nativity Scene, which was accompanied by readings from the Gospel. Our friends actually adjusted the biblical story a bit: the census reminded us of what the Red Cross had done, the Roman soldiers were dressed a little like the Seleka
and our St. Joseph, who does not say anything at all in the Gospel, was much more talkative. He even came to Maria with a direct offer: “Maria, if I understood correctly since I was actually sleeping, God told me to take you as my wife. If you agree, we must head to Bethlehem quickly.” And Maria agreed right away this time. Then there was our midnight mass that we celebrated at 6 p.m. For us it was already a sign of peace because last year we had to move the mass to 3 p.m. due to the war. On the day of the Birth, a festive mass took place with 12 christenings. The mass was attended even by some italian “Alpini” with colonel Renna. At the end of mass they took out of their armoured vehicles balls, pencils, notebooks and crayons that they got from “Alpini” from Turin and Como. That was a truly unexpected present. How beautiful this Italy is – discrete,
emember f the Cross, ld born in the mel? knows, s story will im one day...
A Gesture Worthy of Telling There was so much emotion among the faithful of the San Lorenzo parish in Peveragno in Italy when Father Aurelio Gazzera came to celebrate a mass on 27 December to bring a missionary testimony and “expand our mind and heart all the way to the end of the world,” as the parish priest Valerio Ferro put it. Father Aurelio left from Italy to the Central African Republic in 1992. He earned a highly respected reputation there – they call him “the man who disarmed the bandits”, during a conflict in the region. He is the parish priest in Bozoum, a town of about 25 000 population, where 3 000 refugees found asylum at the mission during the war that has been afflicting the country for several years already. “Several weeks ago,” he started telling us, “I suggested making a gesture of solidarity towards the Muslim families that live in Bozoum and that have now, as a result of the war events, ended up as refugees without resources and in great need of help. They are those out of whom some joined the persecutors of Christians, therefore I did not
unpredictable and unmatchable in generosity! Our children were naturally satisfied, but also a little bit confused: today Santa Claus is neither red, nor brown, nor green, but with a bullet-proof vest and a strange hat on his head with a black feather! But don’t think that that was the end of everything because Christmas here is celebrated to the fullest. We had another surprise during the night. It’s almost 1:30 a.m. and we are all sleeping, when all of a sudden I get called to the gate. One woman is about the give birth. I run to wake up Aristide, our novice and orderly. When he saw her, he told me that we don’t have enough time to take her to the hospital because the delivery has started. And at this moment our roles had been reversed: Aristide is my teacher and I am the novice (and, to be honest, a little moved). Within moments the chapter room is being transformed to a delivery room. We even have a wooden funnel that we use to listen to the heartbeat of the baby. An older woman, mother of eight children, is sitting beside the woman in labour. She is holding a well-used rosary in her hands, and she is giving her valuable advice on how to push, how to breath, etc. – which is something I was never taught during my theological studies. Her composure is unbelievable – it is as if she knew exactly when the moment of delivery would start. The woman in labour is not screaming at all, just sighing and praying, it’s almost like she doesn’t want to disturb the monastery nightly peace. And then there is a beautiful little girl among us. After cutting the umbilical cord, the old woman takes the baby in her arms to wipe her, dress her and welcome her as if a long chain of generations, wisdom and femininity needed this look and hold, for the life cycle to continue. At this moment the father enters the picture. He takes the placenta and umbilical cord so he can bury it: an ancient gesture, a wish for future fertility. It’s almost dawn and soon the bells will ring for prayer. Aristide – and let He be praised for introducing him to us several days before the war broke out! – jokes around and suggests for us to place the baby girl in the Christmas crib instead of the Infant Jesus statue and watch the reactions of our brothers. And then he remembered that we had not weighed the little girl yet. I place the little body in the bowl of the scale. How romantic our Nativity Scene is! There are no angels, shepherds, wise men from the East; but books by Plato, treatise of St. Augustine and Summa Theologiae of St. Thomas Aquinas. Then I look at the hand on the scale: 3500 grams of life, hope and peace. Father Federico Trinchero urge helping these refugees too much. And in spite of that, contrary to my expectations, during a Sunday mass the parishioners in Bozoum joined in great numbers and brought lots of food to these brothers, former enemies who are now in need. Their gesture was great and touching. We usually collect about 20 EUR during mass, but this Sunday we collected over 70 EUR. It may not seem like a lot, but for someone who has nothing, it is a sign coming from the heart that forgives and understands the needs of brothers, even though they hurt him before.”
PEVERAGNO (CUNEO), 27 DECEMBER 2014: FATHER AURELIO AND THE PRIEST VALERIO FERRO.
Missionary Friendship 7
St. Teresa celebrates 500 years ... and she doesn’t look it
“At last, my Lord, I am dying as a daughter of the church” The Church according to Teresa
T
he human and spiritual story of St. Teresa of Avila (1515- sive nun “would give up her life a thousand times to save one 1582) takes place in a certain historical and church con- and only soul”. (C 1,2) This is the world and the church that text that was dramatic and complicated. Teresa was Teresa was born in, lived, prayed and wrote: “When I think of born several years after Europe discovered the New World. the great needs of the Church, the pain I feel is so great that She was a little girl when Martin Luther started the reforma- any other suffering seems to me like nothing in comparison.” tion movement that led to the division of Western Christian- (R 3,7) And in this church the Spanish saint implements her ity. Teresa was already a reformer of the Carmel when the admirable work of reform of the Carmel – male and female. church ends with the Council of Trent (1545-1563) and Eu- And without receding from this church, Teresa dies, while she utters one of her famous statements: “At rope is submerged in wars against the last, my Lord, I am dying as a daughter of Turks (let’s just recall the Battle of Lepanto Teresa is still a child Church.” in 1571) and at the same time religious when she wants to undergo the Teresa loved the church of her time, priwars (the famous St. Bartholomew’s Day marily its servants, saints, as well as sinmassacre took place in 1572). Teresa is not martyrdom It is impossible to count Teresa’s only informed (in spite of the barrier of and decisively sets out to a region ners. friendships with priests and religious. But the reclusion and an absence of commuthat is occupied by Muslims. we should recall at least one of these nication resources), but she is engaged friendships. We are in the year 1538 and existentially and spiritually. All of these events enter her prayer, motivate her in her projects, and Teresa is in Becedas visiting her sister, where she was supstimulate the radicalism of her path. Teresa is still a child posed to undergo treatment at some healer. In this situation when she wants to undergo martyrdom with her inseparable this young nun from Avila – she is just over 20 years old – brother Rodrigo and sets off decisively to a region in Spain, makes contact with a young priest to whom she confesses. A which is still occupied by Muslims. In 1562 she founds the deep friendship is born between the priest and the nun and Carmel of St. Joseph in Avila with an explicit mention of the Teresa does not hesitate to write that she “liked him very “evil in France”, meaning the wars between Catholics and much” (Ž 5,4). However, the priest in question has been living Protestants and desecrating the Eucharist. Then when her in a relationship with a woman who had enchanted him brothers, one after the other, leave for America, Teresa pas- somehow. When Teresa found out she did not speak about sionately listens the stories of Franciscan missionaries, who it like about a scandal, but she wrote: “As soon as I found that are returning from these countries where millions of souls out I started to express greater love to him. I spoke about live that need to be gained for Christ and for whom a reclu- God. That was supposed to encourage him, but I think the 8 Missionary Friendship
fact that he liked me very much was more important.” (Ž 5,6) Eventually, the priest recognized his mistake, he freed himself from his dependence on that woman and he re-discovered the beauty of his vocation. There is no doubt that on this turning path the decisive factor was Teresa’s approach – firm and motherly. Teresa, whom one apostolic nuncio defined as “restless and roving woman”, obeyed the church of her time, church in the Trent counter-reformation and with inquisition trials. In her situation – perhaps the only one in church history – as a woman, founder, writer and mystic, there was not a lack of opportunity for conflict with the church authorities or with the judge of the inquisition tribunal. Teresa, however, always acted obediently and patiently, bravely and decisively, but pri-
marily she was humble and aware of the fact that God gave her an uneasy mission that she was supposed to fulfil in the middle of various scheming circles of the Spanish church of the 14th century. In every one of her texts and in every one of her mystic experience, Teresa always presented herself as obedient, always ready to be corrected, incapable of not conforming to “everything that our mother holy Roman Catholic church believes and teaches”, willing “in defending even the slightest truth taught by the church... undergo thousands of deaths and ... not dodge in anything from what the church teaches, even if she saw an opened sky.” (Ž 25,12) Father Federico Trinchero To be continued: Humbleness according to Teresa
From Saint Teresa to Today
Passing over the Gospel to the young Interview with... Father Marco Poggi, 32 years old, 6 years a missionary in the Central African Republic Father Marco, how did you acquire the desire to be a missionary? I’ve had this desire since I was a boy when I entered the seminary. I was fascinated by the storytelling of the Carmelite missionaries who used to return to Arenzano, Italy for a short time every year bringing back with them a pile of experiences. They used to show us photos from the Central African Republic and tell us students about the situation there in the south. So year after year the desire to go there personally and be useful there where it’s needed was maturing in me.
marily remind them that they are loved by Jesus. It’s important for them understand that the Lord looks after them like a father and mother and that He is always supporting them, especially in difficult moments, which there were lots of in the recent years due to the war. And then I keep repeating to the boys that they should share all the good things that they receive and help that way the Central African church grow, because it needs authentic and competent Christians. Some of the tens of the boys who study in the seminary become priests: and that is always a joy for us teachers!
When did you finally get the opportunity to go to the missions in the Central African Republic and what kind of Africa did you find? I was 22 years old. It was challenging due to the different culture as well as language problems. And then day after day I started to touch the great poverty. I learned to understand that they need truly everything here and that we missionaries, with God’s help, can help. But primarily I felt the strong challenge to share the beauty of the Gospel, love and hope. That’s a mission which is impossible to keep it to oneself! When I was asked to go to Yolé, I was glad that they chose me, although I experienced moments of tiredness and helplessness.. but the Lord always gives the strength to continue.
Many supporters and volunteers send their specific help to the Central African Republic. How much does that encourage you? Although we are thousands of kilometres apart, we strongly feel the closeness of all those who support us whether it is with prayer or some specific help. Our thanks go to them as do the thanks of all the students who know that they could not continue on their path to growth and faith without this help. We are physically present – we are the arms, hands and eyes of the mission, but if we did not have those who support us with their heart, we could not continue! Thank you!
What responsibilities to you have in Yolé? Right now I am teaching boys in the early grades at the secondary school. That’s a very motivating mission: it’s primarily about their human formation, as well as teaching them to work, to brotherly and spiritual life. We teach them the mission of the Gospel and we pri-
Father Marco, how do you see your future? Still in the Central African Republic? I’m convinced that God’s project is at the base of everything. I can feel it on myself that I was sent to develop this mission and until He will want, I will continue to be available, therefore I am submitting myself to Him and if Africa will still be here, my work can continue.
Missionary Friendship 9
Projects for the Mission
“Da ti Nzapa” “The House of God” Let us also remember the churches: a challenge from the villages in the bush in the Baoro area Our missionaries write to us and here is one of their letters: “In the villages in the bush the local Christians expressed that they are willing to contribute and they will offer their work for free, as well as some small financial resources that they have, but the construction and carpenter work that are needed to be done on these buildings are far above the possibilities of these poor village churches. That is why we are offering this challenge to all the good hearts and to Christian solidarity of our friends to support this project. In individual cases they are not great sums but all together it is economically quite demanding project. Therefore, as always, I am counting on the help of those who would like to participate, encouraged by God’s mercy that awakens His love in our hearts.” Father Renato Aldegheri and Father Lionello Giraudo
What can we do? In the Central African Republic the war has brought great damage as we have already written: armed bandits plundered, burned and destroyed the houses of poor people. Churches were often spared and some of them became temporary asylums for many refugees who slept, cooked and performed their daily activities here, expecting to have their own house where they used to live back one day. Now the village churches need to have various reconstructions done: some need to be painted, some need bricklaying work or a new roof. Following are the most urgent needs, divided according to village, work and respective cost: 10 Missionary Friendship
WHERE
WORK
Village Bayanga Didi
Water undermined the foundations: bedding from stones is 600.000 FCfa = € 900 needed in order for the construction to be stabilized; The floor and entry stairs are falling apart.
Village Yoro
The floor needs to have holes and cracks repaired.
Village Samba Bougoulou
The door to the sacristy needs to be changed for metal-mounted door; there are cracks in the walls and floors as a result of water 250.000 FCfa = € 380 damage from rain.
Village Pate B.
The wooden truss beams need to be replaced because they are rotten; the church door needs to be replaced preferably with an 1.600.000 FCfa = € 2.450 iron one.
Village Bayanga Bode
The sheet metal plates on the roof have been loosened; The foundations are uncovered due to water erosion.
Village Dobere Katara
One damaged metal plate on the roof needs to be changed; The interior walls need to be painted with bleaching powder to dis- 130.000 FCfa = € 200 infect it; The foundation is uncovered due to water erosion from rain.
Village Barka Bongo
Crack in the walls need to be repaired; Painting is needed.
Village Bawi
The roof is in bad shape and the beams are starting to decay; The walls need to be painted and disinfected; 350.000 FCfa = € 540 We are considering to expand the church, which is too small at this moment for the Christians in the village.
Village Mbormo
The sacristy is not furnished and needs to have at least the most 100.000 FCfa = € 150 essential things: a chair, a table and a cross.
Village Ngombou
The roof has damaged sheet metal plates that need to be replaced; Some pillars have the iron reinforcement uncovered that need to 60.000 FCfa = € 90 be repaired and covered with concrete.
Village Valo
The roof has holes; The walls are made from unburnt bricks and they are fragile; The shutters need to be replaced with windows 300.000 FCfa = € 460 to allow air and light inside.
TOTAL COST
COST
200.000 FCfa = € 300
380.000 FCfa = € 580
230.000 FCfa = € 350
4.200.000 Fcfa = € 6.400
Then we also have a more ambitious project in the village Balembé, 45 km from Baoro, where a strong Christian community of Protestants live, but in the past several years also Catholics are increasing and they have a strong desire to build a small brick church. They have already started working on it and got ready the stones for the foundation and they also organized a collection to contribute to the church construction. WHERE
WORK
COST
Village Balembé
Construction of the first brick church
6.560.000 Fcfa = 10.000 €
Someone could ask: “Building a church is a priority in a village that has suffered war violence?” The answer comes from our African brothers: they did not ask us for food or equipment... but they asked for support of their faith, which they consider to be the foundation in their lives!
How are projects from previous months continuing? Dear friends, thank you for your help! We have received the following amounts thanks to you: PROJECT
PERIOD
DONATIONS RECEIvED
“Let’s start a printing house”
N.3 - May/June 2014
10.790 €
“Let’s transport material help to the place of need”
N.4 - July/August 2014
6.440 €
Let’s support the school
N.5 - September/October
8.050 €
School for automechanics - Baoro
N.6 - November/December
€ 700 €
In addition to that it is possible to support other projects from the following areas; please mark the purpose:
➀ Education of children in the Seminary in Yolé ➁ Help to small orphan children ➂ Medicine for medical centers in Bozoum and in Yolé ➃ For the Infant Jesus of Prague Church ➄ Distance adoption of children from schools ➅ Emergencies in the missions ➆ Wells for villages that do not have drinking water
Celebrating Holy Mass
I
t is possible to enter a prayer for someone deceased or for some special purpose and join the mass that our missionary brothers celebrate. With this specific gesture, it is possible to think about your dear deceased and express support for the priests who live in a poor missionary country. It is possible to join a mass that the missionary priests celebrate right in the missions in Carmel in Bangui, Bozoum, Bouar or Baoro. And also, considering the fact that there are still a lot of orphaned children in the Central African Republic due to the war, like when a family loses someone close, if you would like you can join the contemplation of the mass and remember the victims of violence in this country. The support is directed to the priests who live in the missions and celebrate mass in this way.
TO MAKE A DONATION: • Bank current account: IBAN: IT42D0503431830000000010043 BIC/SWIFT CODE: BAPPIT21501 USA: please make checks to the Society of the Infant Jesus 8630M Guilford Rd. Suite 401, Columbia, MD, 21046, USA
BAORO, 2014: IN THE VILLAGE CHURCHES THAT DON’T HAVE REAL BELLS, WE USE THE DISKS FROM TRUCK WHEELS.
If you would like to use Western Union for a quick and practical sending of your donation for the Carmelite missions, please enter the following name as the receiver: DAVIDE SOLLAMI Country of destination: ITALIA If you make a payment for the missions, please send us an email to notify us missioni@carmeloligure.it, in order for us to collect the money designated for the missions in the Central African Republic. Thank you! Fr David Missionary Friendship 11
A page for the youngest
c
Dear children, the pen of Marco Paravidino, our favourite illustrator, produces beautiful stories inspired by the daily life in the Central African Republic. And today we have selected this one for you.
pully – a chicken that wanted to study
HIckEn puLLy WakEs up In afrIca EvEry mOrnIng as sOOn as tHE rOOstEr crOWs.
and HE knOWs tHat HE must run...
bEcausE HIs scHOOL Is far – aLL tHE Way On tHE sIdE Of tHE fOrEst.
HE runs tOWards tHE scHOOL bEtWEEn tHE brancHEs, puddLEs and HOLEs.
and Had brEakfast frOm tHE dEW
but puLLy Is cLEvEr and rEady, and HE runs aWay frOm bOtH.
aftEr HE tHankEd tO tHE sky
but tHErE arE mOrE ObstacLEs On HIs Way LIkE a WILd cat Or grass snakE.
tHE tEacHEr gIvEs HIm a pEn and papEr and puLLy nEarLy jumps Out Of HIs skIn WItH jOy.
and fInaLLy HE rEacHEd HIs dEstInatIOn.
SCHOOL
tOday tHEy arE LEarnIng tO rEad and WrItE In tHE sangO LanguagE.
H E L LO
tHat EvEnIng aftEr a LOng WaLk HOmE, HE Is tIrEd but Happy. “It dOEsn’t mattEr tHat I HavE tO ExErt sucH EffOrt EvEry day, I’m gLad tHat I can gO tO scHOOL and LEarn nEW tHIngs abOut LIfE.”
“WHEn I grOW up and I WILL knOW many tHIngs, yOu WILL bE my futurE.”