Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Dakar (Fides Service)- “An exceptional event involving the whole Christian community ” said Fr. Giuseppe Giordano, OMI, National Director of the Pontifical Mission in Senegal, describing the arrival in Dakar in Holy Week of the Youth Day Cross at the start of a pilgrimage across Africa. “The Cross arrived at the parish near the airport of Dakar on Holy Tuesday. On Good Friday it was taken to St Paul’s parish in a procession with massive participation” said Fr. Giordano. “The sight of the Youth Cross gave new vitality to the faith of Catholics who are a minority in this mainly Muslim country” the PMS director said, adding “nevertheless it was important to make sure people realised the true significance of the Cross to avoid any sort of superstition”.
“The arrival of the Cross in Holy Week, the time in the year when Senegalese Catholics are most fervent in their prayers, gave new impulse to our communities” said Fr Giordano. “At Easter time in Dakar parishes find it difficult to attend to the needs of all the people who come for the sacrament of confession and to take part in the Easter services. We also see many Muslim believers at the Holy Week services as a sign of respect and affection for their Christian brothers”.
After the capital Dakar, the Youth Cross went to other parts of Senegal. During one transfer there was a small accident. “The Cross was on its way back from Saint Louis in northern Senegal to Dakar, when the small truck on which it was travelling overturned because the driver swerved to avoid hitting an animal in the middle of the road and lost control of the vehicle. The truck tipped over and a few people were hurt but only slightly thank goodness, but the Cross broke. However luckily a very good local craftsman repaired it perfectly” said Fr Giordano.
“You cannot even see where it was repaired ” said Fr Tonino at Koumpountum Mission, where the Cross was welcomed immediately after the accident. “Unlike Dakar, my mission is in an area where Catholics are a minority. The arrival of the Cross was an exceptional event and an occasion to strengthen our Catholics’ faith and sense of belonging to the Church. Local Muslims also came to see the Cross and approached it with great respect. This was also thanks to an appeal launched over the local radio by the under-prefect a Muslim who reminded people that Islam regards and respects Jesus Christ as a prophet”.
After Senegal, the Youth Cross will visit the following countries: Guinea Bissau, Gambia, Ghana, Togo, Burkina Faso, Niger, Cameroon, Gabon, Congo Brazzaville, Burundi, Rwanda, Kenya, Malawi, Zambia, Madagascar, Botswana, Swaziland, South Africa. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 27/4/2006 righe 37 parole 500)
