A minibus for the interdiocesan seminary
Equatorial Guinea is a former Spanish colony on the west coast of Central Africa. It is a relatively small country with an area of a little over 28,000 km² and a population of almost two million people. It has immense oil reserves and is therefore by no means one of the poorest countries in Africa. Yet only a small elite benefit from this wealth, while most of the population still lives in deep poverty and also suffer from rampant inflation.
Although the priesthood offers neither comfort nor wealth to the young men who feel called to it, the good news is that many are still choosing this vocation. Indeed, most of the priests experience basic living conditions, with no electricity or running water. And many also teach in schools, simply to support themselves. Similarly, most parishes don’t even have a vehicle at their disposal, so priests must endure long and difficult journeys on foot, through the jungle, in order to minister to the faithful in remote areas.
In 1994, an interdiocesan seminary was set up in the coastal city of Bata—the country‘s former capital and still its largest city today—where the seminarians from all five dioceses of the country, from the religious congregations, and even from some of the neighbouring countries, come for their studies in philosophy and theology, as they prepare for their eventual ordination to the priesthood. The number of vocations is increasing year after year, and at present there are 90 seminarians here.
The rector of the seminary, Father Sebastian Mba Nguema Mokuy, had asked us for help, more specifically for a minibus, because on the weekends, seminarians travel to the various parishes as part of their training, to gain practical pastoral experience. Their formation also includes various extracurricular activities, such as excursions and attending Church events and gatherings. A vehicle was also needed for the weekly shopping trips, to purchase food and other essentials for the seminary, and—last but not least—for transporting the sick to hospital in cases of emergency.
Thanks to the support of our benefactors, we were able to provide $39,000 for the purchase of a suitable minibus. The rector has written to thank us. “Your help has brought very positive results for all of us, and also for future generations. This vehicle is the only one we have, and it is a source of great joy and gratitude for us.”
