A vehicle for pastoral work in a large parish

Some time ago, we told you of an appeal from Burundi—a small but densely populated landlocked country that is also one of the poorest in the world.  The country has witnessed repeated genocides and a civil war that lasted from 1993 until 2005. To this day, the political situation is very unstable and there is fear that a fresh escalation of the violence could occur at any time.

The Catholic Church in the country is doing everything in her power to bring about reconciliation within society and to help heal the wounds of the past. This is the only basis on which a peaceful future can be built. Among those working for this same goal are the Montfort Missionaries in the parish of Bwoga-Chioggia, on the outskirts of the capital, Gitega. It is a parish that covers three of the poorest quarters of the city, plus some 39 villages or so in the surrounding area. The priests are especially focused on working with young people.

In their work of reconciliation, delivering the sacraments, and visiting the sick, the priests regularly visited the faithful, many of whom lived in villages that were difficult to reach on foot.  As they were in great need of a vehicle, they turned to us for help. Thanks to the generosity of our benefactors, who donated $33,992, the priests now have a vehicle. There was great rejoicing!

Father Jean-Trésor Bafengo, the parish priest, has written to thank us. “Our country is in a stage of national reconciliation, and so we decided, on the basis of our experience, to play our part in this reconciliation, which is one of the principal challenges for the Church. We are trying to guide the young people forward, in a spirit of peace and personal responsibility. Until now, we had to walk everywhere, and it cost us a great deal of time, visiting all 39 villages. But now, with the vehicle you have given us, we are in a position to reach all our faithful. On behalf of all the Catholics in the parish of Bwoga-Chioggia, we want to say a heartfelt thank you!”