Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Nouakchott (Fides Service) - In the diocese of Nouakchott, capital of Mauritania, a community of Franciscan Missionaries of Mary is a significant presence in a small Catholic community which bears witness to Christ in a country 99.9% Muslim. In a population of about 3 million, between 4 and 5 thousand declare themselves Catholics, all foreign citizens resident in Mauritania for a short period of time.
The Franciscan Missionaries of Mary have worked in the diocese of Nouakchott since 1981. At present the Sisters are involved in development programmes involving 9 villages. Their mission is to guarantee fraternal presence through prayer and service of others.
This year Nouakchott diocese is celebrating its 40th anniversary. The papal nuncio, 9 bishops and about 30 priests concelebrated at the anniversary Mass presided by Bishop Martin Happe. “So Catholic women could take part in the mass, other women several of them Muslims cooked a meal for the many guests present. It was a wonderful example of good relations between Christians and Muslims” writes Bishop Happe. “In the afternoon, different national and ethnic groups shared the riches of their culture with great imagination and vivacity.”
In preparation for the anniversary the local Church announced a Jubilee Year. Starting from Pentecost 2004 various meetings were organised. Priests, religious, lay people, young people and children were invited to reflect on the theme “The Church in Mauritania, faithful to God and man” and aspects of mission in that country . (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 12/4/2006 righe 25 parole 279)
