Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
FMA
Malabo (Agenzia Fides) – As the country celebrates the arrival of Pope Leo XIV, scheduled for 21–23 April 2026, preparations are intensifying, involving the entire population and the local Christian community (see Fides, 27/3/2026).
Among the activities organized, the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians in Equatorial Guinea have organized the ‘Campamento infantil 2026’, which brought together a group of 200 children, 35 animators and the Salesian Sisters of Don Bosco. “It was three days of great enthusiasm during which we placed the Church at the center, spoke about the Pope and prayed for him,” Sister Giusy Becchero, FMA, told Fides. “It was a wonderful experience which, like all beautiful experiences, touches the heart,” she remarked. The camp, themed ‘Christ Lives!’, took place from 28 to 30 March at the Malabo mission and featured various activities. “We celebrated Mass, carried out workshops, held reflection groups, prayer sessions, tournaments and a ‘cultural night’, an activity already well-known in our context. Our children's families have faith in us and in our leaders,” says Sister Giusy. “Furthermore,” she continues, “we retraced the Easter Triduum, highlighting the importance of the Church and the role of the Holy Father as Universal Pastor. “For this reason, we have chosen the name of a Saint of the Church for each of the ten reflection and activity groups: Saint Charles Acutis, Saint Pier Giorgio Frassati, Saint Kisito, Saint Josefina Bakita… so that our children may develop a sense of belonging to the Church and a desire to become saints.”
“The Camp began with a time of prayer and a time of sharing to motivate our children and the leaders. Three friends from the mission shared their personal experiences and, in addition to the value of prayer and living as brothers and sisters, reminded the participants of the importance of doing their work well and being people who respect adults. I can testify that these beautiful testimonies motivated us and allowed us to live in an atmosphere of listening, respect and great enthusiasm. The ‘cultural night’ was a celebration of the traditions of Equatorial Guinea with songs, dances and theatrical performances put on by our participants. We immersed ourselves in an evening rich in colours and music that made us feel happy and proud to live in this land!”
Sister Giusy concludes her testimony by thanking the Salesian animators who, “with Salesian passion and a Salesian heart, continue to walk alongside the ‘little ones’ of this land to build a future of Peace and Hope”. (AP) (Agenzia Fides, 8/4/2026)
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