AFRICA/CENTRAL AFRICA - Missionary on the construction of a new monastery: "We thank those who help our mission"

Bangui (Agenzia Fides) - "On July 16, 2021, our community blessed and laid the foundation stone for the construction of a new monastery and church. Ten months have passed since then and the new monastery is slowly taking shape", reports the Italian Carmelite Father Father Federico Trinchero, who works as a missionary in Bangui, on the progress of the construction of the new monastery in the capital of the Central African Republic. "After the foundations were laid, the walls of the rooms on the ground floor were raised (dining room, kitchen, conference room, library, chapter and reception rooms, speaker's room, guest room...) and, in these days, we have finally arrived at the first floor, where you have a beautiful view of the Oubangui River and the hills of the Congo," the missionary continues. Father Federico does not hide that "during the construction period there were difficulties, discussions, unforeseen events and, as usual, some small changes to the project". "Unfortunately, especially in the last few days, we have been forced to slow down the pace of work due to the sudden increase in the prices of raw materials such as cement and iron. These materials in Central Africa, a country that has very few industries and no access to the sea, are unfortunately all imported and therefore prices often fluctuate. In Bangui, for example, a sack of cement can cost three or four times more than in other African capitals". But thanks to the international solidarity network that supports the mission, work has resumed. "I would like to thank all those," says Father Federico, "who responded to our call and generously wanted to help us or promised to do so. Thank you, thank you very much! With your support, the dream is finally becoming a reality. May the Lord bless you and reward you! Without you, the realization of this project would simply be unthinkable". "Thanks also to our international team of Italian, Congolese Rwandan architects and engineers who, with patience and competence, constantly accompany the works: Giovanni, Nicola, Massimiliano, Zowe, Louis d'Or and Révocat. Without forgetting Sylvie from Chad, the strict director of the company, and above all the fifty tireless Central African workers who every day from 7.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m., under the sun and in the rain, brick by brick, build our great new house. And then a big thank you to my confreres Father Anastasio, Father Davide and above all Father Aurelio for the passion, the work and the time you have dedicated to this great work". "We have almost made it halfway," says the missionary happily and is certain: "There is still an uphill stretch ahead of us, which is not without obstacles. But trusting in Providence and your help, we will not be discouraged". (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides, 3/5/2022)

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