Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Inongo (Agenzia Fides) - "The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light" is the theme of the message for the Christmas and New Year 2010 that the Bishop of Inongo, Bishop Philippe Nkiere Kena, has written taking inspiration from the verse of the prophet Isaiah (cf. Is. 9:1). "The night of which Isaiah speaks, we know it too. And how well!” writes the bishop in the text sent to Fides. "The tragic date of 25 November is before our eyes: a hundred of our brothers and sisters drowned in a lake, our lake! In the eastern part of the country the war continues with all its disastrous consequences ... The hungry are more and more, our prisoners live in inhuman conditions, the unemployed are an ever greater number, as are the young people left to fend for themselves without education."
"On this night of misery and humiliation, most of us are discouraged and desperate" continues the Bishop, but insisting: "But we also hear of liberation; we are given the security and joy that our night is illuminated by a presence ... The Son of God became incarnate in our midst. Now our whole path is lit by his presence, free of all obstacles."
Bishop Nkiere Kena stresses that the coming of the Son of God requires from each one an authentic re-orientation of everyday life, pervaded by a presence that lights up from within. We need to create a bright space around us through concrete acts of love. "Then, you too will become a light for the steps of many brothers and sisters who still lie in the darkness of sadness, isolation, and despair," the Bishop urges.
Among the “bright” events of 2009, the Bishop of Inongo recalls the Golden Jubilee of the 50th anniversary of the country's independence: "Thank God for the wonderful gift of our country. Let us thank him for guiding us with kindness and wisdom through the various events in our national history. He helped to preserve the unity of the nation against attempts to balkanization. In this jubilee year, "we need to move beyond all darkness of personal and social evil, which we have become too accustomed to ...It is a constant battle against all manner of injustice and oppression, especially corruption."
Moreover, in the year 2010, they will be celebrate the 100th anniversary of the foundation of the Parish of Sainte Croix in Bokongoro. The Bishop hopes that the power of God's Word of Love, "that animated the early missionaries will make us become credible witnesses of authentic love for our brothers and sisters, for only love can save and make us change from night to day, from death to life."
"Africa has celebrated this year in Rome its second Synod, on the theme of justice, peace, and reconciliation. Even this is an 'bright' event. The light that brings justice, peace, and reconciliation for us is a Person, Someone who is alive: Jesus Christ, the Peace of God for the universe," concluded Bishop Nkiere Kena. (SL) (Agenzia Fides 29/12/2009)
