AFRICA/SENEGAL - “Young Catholics in Senegal promise to shoulder their responsibilities as baptised Christians following the example of John Paul II” said a missionary in Senegal

Abidjan (Fides Service)- “I am in the car travelling back from a visit to eastern Senegal 400 km from Abidjan where I met many young people deeply upset by the news of the death of the Pope” said Italian missionary Fr. Tonino Mazzeo, OMI, stationed in Senegal. “In the area I just visited there are about 1 million Catholics scattered in 25 villages. Some of the younger ones went to Abidjan to take part in World Youth Day mass on Palm Sunday. We celebrated a mass for the Pope in a little church in this area” the missionary said. “Although the young people were deeply saddened by the news but they were also obviously committed to live the legacy left by John Paul II and determined to be personally involved in evangelisation and Christian witness as responsible Christians” Father Tonino told Fides.
“This commitment will include dialogue between Christians and Muslims” the missionary continued. “And precisely April 6 is the opening date of an Islam/Christianity Conference promoted by the President of Senegal, Mr Wade. The President said the initiative has the blessing of John Paul II” the missionary concluded. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 5/4/2005 righe 20 parole 220)