Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Sabou (Agenzia Fides) – This year, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, marked another great event for the mission and the people of Sabou, a town in central-western Burkina Faso. In a testimony sent to Fides, Fr. Giambattista Buonamano, Director of the Missionary Center of the Friars Minor Conventual, told of the day of the official inauguration of the Hospital dedicated to St. Maximilian Kolbe.
"The day began with a Mass celebrated by Archbishop Basil Tapsoba, Bishop of the Diocese of Koudouogou and chair of the Bishops' Commission for Local Health, which was attended by many priests and faithful,” the priest said. “At 11 we went to the hospital, where in front of the Minister of Health, local authorities, and provincial OFMConv ministers of Abruzzo and Poland, a presentation of the work and blessing was held in the presence of about 2,000 people. Many speeches and best wishes for the future, on this beautiful and meaningful occasion."
Among those mentioned by Father Giambattista were Fr. Giorgio Di Lembo, Min Prov. Abruzzo, who recalled that: "As followers of Francis, who had come to Burkina Faso to witness the Gospel of Jesus, they immediately perceived the presence of so many brothers and sisters afflicted in body and especially in little bodies of children. As early as June 2003, a small parish pharmacy was set up and at the end of summer 2003 the CREN (nutritional center for children) was expected to open. In these three years (2006-2009) the hospital has been built.” In presenting the Project of the Hospital - continues Father Giambattista - Director Fr. Tomek stressed that "the Medical Center wants to offer its service for the good of all without distinction of religion or ethnicity." A further testimony highlighted by the Director of the Mission Center has been that of Sister Maria, a doctor of the structure, who summarized in the work of the hospital. "There are about 22...including nurses, attendants, pharmacists, entertainers, and an accountant. 7 nurses alternate day and night for emergencies, treatment of malnourished children, in the department of general medicine (about 30 consultations per day and 5 or 6 in-patient). Four workers must take care of malnourished children with mothers. These follow a precise protocol of recovery (care and nutrition) and educating mothers to a better hygiene of life; we often have to solve very painful social problems. Currently, we usually have 12/18 children suffering from severe malnutrition admitted to the hospital with their mothers, while there are about 30-70 depending on the season who daily come to the center."
"Despite the challenges, we look to the future with hope. Everyday we experience the Providence of God, who sustains us with his love of a Father. Trusting in Him and grateful to have been chosen to serve our brothers and sisters in Burkina Faso, we live in the joy of a new life given to us in Christ our Savior," concluded Father Giambattista.
(AP/GbB) (14/12/2009 Agenzia Fides)
