"LAVIGERIE"
LAY MISSIONNARIES
Bukavu
(D.R. Congo)
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They
commit themselves in the middle of war
It
is during difficulties that courage abounds.
In the crisis situation of the Congo, seven
young men and women of that country made a promise
at Bukavu, last November 25th, as the first
«Lavigerian» lay missionaries. Following
in the footsteps of Jesus and in keeping with
the example of Lavigerie, they committed themselves,
as Associates of the Missionary Sisters of Our
Lady of Africa, to live out the «All things
to all», striving to be close to the victims
of the slavery of today.
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| The
first group of Lavigerie lay missionaries, the day
of their commitment at Bukavu, with Sr. Marie-ClaudeBerraud
MSOLA |
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jeunes "Lavigerie" ont le soucis des autres.
Ils visitent les gens et sont souverts à
ceux qui "sont en dehors".
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It
all started with the celebrations
for the Centenary of Lavigerie
Attracted by the spirituality of Lavigerie,
a small group of young people decided to continue
to live in the Lavigerie spirit of service to
all, as a way of living their christian life.
After
some groping, a road seemed to open up to them:
to be missionaries, first of all in their milieu
and eventually elsewhere...
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Sr.
Madeleine Bédard, MSOLA working in the missionary department
of the diocese made the link with the new orientation of the Church
of Bukavu towards Missionary Animation. Archbishop Kataliko, recognised
the group.
In September
1997, this little group began a study of the texts of the Cardinal
with great eagerness, while progressing in their personal prayer
life, in their apostolic commitment and in a spiritual accompaniment
through recollections with the Missionaries of Africa.
The war situation
provided the natural setting for living the dimensions of the
«all things to all» without ethnic distinctions, to
become witnesses of reconciliation, of commitment, even at the
risk of their own lives, to save, for example, refugees from all
sides and to share with the most deprived. The whole group was
preparing to make contact with the Pigmies who, neglected and
despised, live in the forest of Idjwi Island, in the middle of
Lake Kivu, but the second war put a break on their enthusiasm.
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The
promise blessed by the ancestors
In July 1998, three days of silent retreat were the
occasion for making a definitive choice. Seven of
them made their promise on 25th November. More than
three hundred people accompanied these young lay people.
The Eucharist was studded with texts of the Cardinal;
«It was as though he were speaking to us today»
said one of the participants.
«What
I need now» said Cardinal Lavigerie,
«are men and women animated by an apostolic
spirit, courage and abnegation, to come and join the
workers of the first hour.
Do
you want to be among these?» «We do,»
they answered, without a trace of hesitation.
«May
the Lord accomplish in you what He has begun!»
and they
committed themselves.
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Le
groupe Lavigerie dans un quartier de Bukavu
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«Lord
Jesus, you draw us to yourself
by enabling us to feel your love of Good Shepherd
for your People who search for happiness,
among whom are some who do not yet recognise you
as Beloved Son of the Father.
Following Cardinal Lavigerie, I.....commit myself for a year:
· to love you with a strong and ardent love,
· to be all things to all,
· to offer my life each day through love,
striving to be near those who are far from You,
near to the victims of the slavery of today.
"I
commit myself to be an artisan of justice, of unity and of
peace. I want to live this calling to be a Lay Missionary
of Lavigerie, as an Associate of the Missionary Sisters of
Our Lady of Africa, and according to the statutes of the Association.»
And then
they received the cross and red cord expressing their readiness
to die at the service of the mission.... Each of them was
well aware of its significance.
A
seed that bears fruit...in their own milieuu
This step
awakened a great interest among the local clergy and the Christians,
and especially among the young people.
The group
is growing. Today there are some 40 cadets from 14 to 17 years
of age...about 30 young people spread out in two parishes
and about 15 adults. More than 200 young people are able to
identify with this spirit.
During
this time of war, it is a sign of hope and of faith in the
power of God, at work in hearts. No, «the hand of God
is not growing shorter».
Marie-Claude
Berrod, Bukavu, Congo
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