ow much John Paul II did for peace! Starting from the window of his apartments, looking out on the world, he yelled: ‘Stop with war, stop… let’s set down our weapons and build a
civilization of love’”: these were the words written by Fr. Luigi Lo Stocco, a Xaverian missionary operating for nearly 30 years in Bukavu, in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, in a message entitled “Apostle of peace” a day before the first anniversary of the death of Pope John Paul II who passed away on April 2 of last year after a long illness.
“In our world thirsty for truth, justice, authentic values, many human beings live in difficult situations of violence, death, pillaging and war”, added the missionary, who also directs the diocesan ‘Radio Maria Reine de la Paix’.
In his message, the Xaverian reminds of the difficult situation in these areas of DR-Congo, where despite the end of the war (1998-2003) insecurity remains extremely high: “Our common dream, particularly here in the east, is to one day see our land bursting with a lasting peace, where one can live and grow in harmony”. For this, in a phase in which Congo approaches its first landmark elections after 40 years, “we are called to incessantly be apostles of peace”, concluded the missionary.
(From MISNA)