"Once again we are witnesses to this tragedy: our brothers and sisters are suffering terribly because of the war, because of the irresponsibility of those who should be taking care of them... But Don Bosco does not want to remain on the sidelines: he has always been present here; he still is today," said Fr. Basañes.
The AFC Provincial - a former member of the Congregation's General Council for 12 consecutive years (2008-2020), first as Councilor for the Africa-Madagascar Region, then as Councilor for Missions - went to Goma to console and show closeness to the thousands of people, especially children, young people, women, including pregnant women, and the elderly, who wander about before the doors of the Salesian centers in Goma. He visited the site where the displaced people have settled, at the "Don Bosco Ngangi" center, and the Kanyaruchinya camp at the northern exit of Goma city.
"Thank God with the cooperation of so many organizations in society, little by little, we are bringing the essentials to support all these youth," he added further.
In addition to consoling the displaced and thanking those who are providing humanitarian aid, he condemned in the strongest terms this war that is killing people, and also the criminal indifference of all those who could help solve the problem. "Let us not be like those who saw the wounded and abandoned traveler of the Gospel and passed by: this indifference is criminal. Let no one remain indifferent. Don Bosco is here," the AFC Provincial added.
Addressing the Christian population, both the youth and the elderly, Fr. Basañes urged them to courageously face the crisis that persists in the area, and invited everyone to have the courage to open their doors to the displaced, to be reconciled with themselves and their neighbors. He said, therefore, "Let us bury the war hatchet."
He also expressed his confidence in the support of the Salesian Family and the sympathizers of the work of Don Bosco: "We know that the solidarity of Don Bosco, which is international, is worldwide, will be able to be close to us to alleviate the pain of all this youth. Thank you for your prayers. Thank you for accompanying us and helping us to make these people feel that Don Bosco is present and that humanity is present with him. Because this tragedy can be cured only with humanity."
Finally, it is worth mentioning that in the morning of the following day, Saturday, Nov. 26, the AFC Provincial, accompanied by Salesians Fr. Jonas Yav Madich, Provincial Delegate for Youth Ministry, and Br. Donatien Bope, a Salesian coadjutor, held a talk with the students of the Institute and the Vocational Training Center "Don Bosco Ngangi." to whom he addressed a message of comfort and hope regarding the unstable situation in the area, which has caused a massive displacement of several people who have spontaneously poured here and there into camps for displaced people.
The AFC Provincial's video message is available in English and French on ANSChannel, in the respective language channels.
Source: Journal Jambo Vijana/AFC-EST
