Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Algiers (Fides Service) - Fr Jean Paul Kabore from Christ the King parish at Baskouré in Burkina Faso, has been on mission for some months in Algeria. In Koupela diocesan ‘Bullettin d’information et de liaison’ he writes “I was welcomed by the diocese of Algiers on 3 November 2005. Day by day, week by week I am discovering the diocese. The brothers here, Archbishop Teissier in the first place, have been most kind, dedicating much time to me. The local people are good and I have had no trouble settling down. On 23 November 2005 Archbishop Henri Teissier and I signed an agreement for my stay here proposed by the Bishops Conference of Burkina-Niger. Not long afterwards I was appointed assistant priest at St Francis Assisi parish at Bordj El Kiffan, 15/20 km from Algiers. I have made friends with a young French priest ordained in June 2005, a member of the Lazarist Fathers, the Institute of St Vincent de Paul”.
Sharing his experience the priest said the archdiocese is divided in 5 large sectors and that he has been put in charge of the largest Bab Ezzouar (Bordj El Kiffan). “Pastoral work with students concerns movements, associations, formation, camps, catechesis, celebration of the Sacraments- says Fr. Jean Paul -. Many different nationalities render the work somewhat difficult but with God’s help all is going well. I have been asked to give French lessons two hours a week at Bordj El Kiffan parish. I am gradually discovering the country but with caution because attacks are the order of the day”. Fr Jean Paul concludes his testimony of these first months in Algeria saying he “sustained by prayer I am confident, happy and optimistic about living with people of other faiths, mostly Muslims, and certain that God will be glorified in this mission with which I have been entrusted”. (R.F.) Agenzia Fides 11/5/2006 - righe 24, parole 348).
