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Chad, a land-locked country surrounded by several
other countries, has a population of 6,000,000 people,
20% of whom are Catholic, 14.5% Protestant, 54% Muslim
and 0.7% of traditional religions.
The
country has suffered from civil wars for more than
30 years and it continues in a permanent North-South
conflict.
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Sr.
Agnes Madai (from DR Congo) teaches Bible to the women
of the catechists in Chad.
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The
Church
After
70 years of evangelisation, the Church numbers 67
local priests and 50 local religious sisters. In the
south of the country, there is a strong expansion
of Islam with an invader mentality. Despite the large
number of baptised Christians,
Chad remains an area of primary evangelisation.
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THE MSOLA, IN AN AREA OF PRIMARY EVANGELISATION
We have
been in the diocese of Moundou, in the south of Chad, since
1978.
We
have had two communities there, situated at a distance of
20 kms, one from the other, in the parishes of Deli and
Ndoguindi.
At present
we have only one community..
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As
religious missionaries, we are really happy
and in our place here in Chad where the urgency
of the numerous needs is a constant challenge
to live our charism.
In this difficult milieu which remains slow
in welcoming evangelical values, we are often
disconcerted. But we are ready to be attentive
to the signs of the Kingdom,
to begin over again constantly, without becoming
discouraged, and to accept not to see the
fruits of our work.
In
this milieu where ethnocentricity is strong,
the witness of fraternal communion and unity
in our international and interracial communities
is a sign that causes people to reflect.
Sharing
in community, discerning together in prayer,
putting everything in common, mutual help
and concern for one another…helps us
to persevere, and we remain rooted in Jesus
Christ, in our missionary vocation,
happy to be where we are.
The
urgency of the numerous needs is a constant
challenge to live our missionary charism.
Collaboration
with the Local Church
In
our diocese, the pastoral activity is generally
well organised and followed
up, which leads to good collaboration and
a family spirit.
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Sr.
Gloria Sedes with two young friends.
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Sr.
Marga Rodriguez with the women working in the
dispensary.
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All
our activities enter into this general pastoral plan, whether
in the health sector, in development or in the pastoral
work as such. To be sure, we need at times to surrender
our way of seeing and doing.
Some
time ago, the management of the parish of Ndoguindi was
given over to Chadian priests. We are learning to collaborate
through dialogue, flexibility, patience and respect, and
to enter into the initiatives of the local Church, all of
which is very enriching for us.
Our
presence in Chad is truly a mission of faith where the Spirit
is at work!
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