Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
SMA
Monassao (Agenzia Fides) - "Ready, set, go! This adventure begins and on the first day there are more than 200 children with 600 spectators. And to think we only told two children". Thus begins the story of Anselmo Fabiano, a young seminarian of the Society for African Missions (SMA), received by the mission of Monassao, among the pygmies of Central Africa.
"This week I was able to enjoy so much daily life shared with people, many meetings and many stories", writes the seminarian who left to stay a month with Father Davide Camorani and Father Michele Farina SMA missionaries, who work in Central Africa (see Fides, 27/1/2022). "One afternoon, together with Don Michele, we came up with the idea of organizing some games for the children with a moment of prayer and catechesis. And so from nothing, the Grest in Monassao was born with the theme: Walking in the footsteps of Mary. Intense, tiring, but unique days. Full of life, encounters, smiles and suffering to cherish. It was a real adventure. Already being understood and being able to speak the same language was a real challenge. But it was so good! The smiles and laughter of children are priceless - adds Anselmo enthusiastically -. It was a small ray of sunshine in this endless poverty".
The seminarian highlights the presence of the Muslim community in this initiative as well, "a real surprise! – he writes -. Game truly unites everyone and overcomes any division. I keep the smile of Mocassi, the 'madman' of the town in my heart. His smile is the smile of the marginalized, it is the smile of God. There is so much poverty and looking around you discover that the most obvious things here is a luxury that no one can afford". (SG/AP) (Agenzia Fides, 1/8/2022)
SMA
