Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
SMA
Dosso (Agenzia Fides) - "It is only a beginning, but we will do everything possible to make it a reality", Fr. Rafael Marco Casamayor, from the Dosso mission in Niger, writes to Agenzia Fides. "In my opinion, this is a small sign that fills us with hope for our future: I am referring to the dialogue between Christians and Muslims here in Dosso", explains the priest of the Society for African Missions (SMA) speaking about a recent meeting held in the mission with a group of young Muslims and Christians. About 100 young people from Niamey participated in this meeting, promoted by the diocesan Caritas. "Many were university students - explains Fr. Rafael - but there were also workers and high school students: some from Protestant churches, others Catholics and others Muslims, who immediately created a relaxed, joyful and youthful atmosphere. Among the speakers, a philosophy professor, Muslim, spoke of the need to get together to get to know each other in depth and thus respect and appreciate the values and spirituality of each one. It is an invaluable wealth that we can share - underlines Fr. Rafael. The truth is that we don't know each other and we tend to relate to inherited or learned stereotypes without any discernment on our part. We live together, work and often study together, but we don't know or trust each other". Organized by the “Ephesia” movement, born in France a few years ago with the idea of facilitating interreligious dialogue and building a world of peace through dialogue, the Dosso meeting had the theme 'Youth as a divine treasure'.
Fr. Rafael said he also met the pastoral workers from Gaya, Dogon Dutchi and Dosso, priests and nuns from the eastern sector of the diocese of Niamey. "I told them about our dialogue and study project which would be an invaluable support for our young Christians who often receive pressure from their classmates, teachers and Muslim society because of their faith". (AP/RC) (Agenzia Fides, 18/1/2022)
