The Rector Major celebrated Mass in St Joseph's Cathedral in Goma, in the presence of numerous Salesian priests and priests of the diocese, as well as political and administrative authorities, including the Deputy Governor of North Kivu province. Four bishops concelebrated this solemn Eucharistic celebration: Bishops Emeritus of Goma, Faustin Ngabu and Théophile Kaboyi, Willy Ngumbi Ngengele, the current Ordinary of the diocese, and Bishop Christophe Amade Aloma, Bishop of Kalémie-Kirungu, where the Salesians began a new presence last August.
In the homily, the Rector Major urged the Salesian Family in Goma and all those present: "My great message is to invite you to love and communion to build unity in adversity. Let us remain united in the Lord despite the difficulties of life” he said. He also stressed the importance of preparing young people as hope for the future of a country, according to the vision of St John Bosco. He then thanked the Bishop of the diocese of Goma "and all the other bishops present. I thank you once again for your welcome, because I feel at home here. Your presence, that of all of you, people of God, is very significant for me, since I had this great desire to come and visit the Church in Goma and to know how the Salesian mission is carried out here in Goma" he said.
Bishop Ngumbi expressed his gratitude to the illustrious guest for his presence there. “We are delighted to have you with us in Goma. We are very honoured by your visit, because it is a testimony of love and compassion for God's people here in Goma.” he added that "You came to us in a climate where young people are abandoned, a climate of despair for young people; but your presence brings a message of hope, comfort and peace to these people. On this occasion, we ask you not to forget, upon your return, to pass on to the Holy Father the desire of the people of God of Goma, who aspire only to peace", he concluded.
During the celebration, Salesians Fr Jacques Balabala and Brother Domingo de la Hera received jubilee gifts and the apostolic blessing of Pope Francis, through the Rector Major, for their 25 and 60 years of religious life respectively.
After the Mass the Rector Major went to meet the young people at the Industrial Technical Institute in Goma (ITIG), where he laid the foundation stone for the construction of a boarding residence for the young people of ITIG, the first and oldest Salesian work of the AFC-EST, where the Salesians arrived in 1981.
After the laying of the foundation stone the young people warmly thanked the Rector Major for his paternal and pastoral presence. And they took advantage of his presence to express their gratitude for the guidance they receive from the Salesians of Don Bosco. "We thank you for the missionary zeal that you have never ceased to instill in all Salesians, and in particular in those from the St Joseph Delegation, whose faithful service to young people we applaud" the boys and girls said in their speech.
Friday 10th, which began with the Rector Major's greeting to the Governor of the Province in the morning, ended with Cardinal Fernández Artime visiting the displaced people in the camp at the Don Bosco Ngangi centre.
In his address to the displaced, the Rector Major again expressed closeness and empathy: "Seeing the elderly, women and children in these conditions saddens me deeply. As Salesians of Don Bosco, we cannot rejoice in situations like this However, I am comforted to know that the Salesian house in Ngangi is still there for you and ready to welcome you in peace" the Rector Major said. He invited those present to live in the faith, because, he said, God loves them, especially at this difficult time in their lives.
In turn, the displaced people warmly thanked the Rector Major for the food aid and basic necessities that they regularly receive from the Salesians. They asked him to convey their gratitude to all the people who stand in solidarity with them in this situation of misery, and they also promised him their prayers.
After meeting with the displaced, the Rector Major visited the children at the Ushindi orphanage at Don Bosco Ngangi youth centre, where he was moved by the situation of these children without parents who have the Salesians of Don Bosco as their only family.
JAMBO VIJANA,
AFC-EST Magazine
