am writing from Dondo, 25 miles from Beira, the second largest city in Mozambique.
I can't believe I am here for almost two months already!
During this time I've been around a bit... taking care of my immigration status, helping the fathers buying things for the house and for the three mission posts (at around 200 to 350 miles north of here), getting started with the language, but mainly just looking around, getting acquainted with the place, getting adjusted to the climate (hot
and humid, though not that 'impossible'), starting to learn about the communities we serve, their culture, their history and their faith…
The following are just some few scattered thoughts. Please, take them as they are: “first impressions” of mine. Their only purpose is to share among friends and “chat about mission” as it unravels and opens up to us day-by-day.
“Chisena”
As I mentioned, I am “back to school,” studying the "Chisena" language, which is necessary to do any type of pastoral work especially in the three missions up north. It is a beautiful, rich and very precise language that belongs to the Banthu language group.
I have to admit that I am finding it a bit difficult. It seem to me that’s like an intriguing puzzle that will need lots of effort and flexibility and memory… In any case, all I can say is that I’ll do my best.
Poverty
What struck me so much is the poverty all around... It’s shocking! You see it in the streets, in the market place, in the houses, even in the buildings in the city... It's understandable if we keep in mind the thirty years of war: 16 for the independence and then -- even worse -- 14 years of civil fighting! People live mainly of agricultural products… day-by-day… out of their “machamba”, a very small piece of land they borrow from someone… And the work there – carried out mostly by women – under the scourging heat and with no means is very harsh and, in a way, merciless. You see it in their faces: how quickly they age!
So much is the poverty all around... It’s shocking! You see it in the streets, in the market place, in the houses, even in the buildings in the city... It's understandable if we keep in mind the thirty years of war: 16 for the independence and then -- even worse -- 14 years of civil fighting!
I don't know if you heard over the news: there is a grave situation here in what they call "Austral Africa" (Southern Africa) because of the dryness, lack of rain, and thus lack of food... hunger... In Mozambique alone, the government itself said that there are almost 700,000 people suffering of hunger... this has been witnessed by our missionaries up north-west from here in our missions of Chemba, Sena and Charre. They said that people have been eating some roots they find in the woods or forest but that even them are almost gone now... A few people did die of hunger there... This situation will worsen throughout the region (especially south and center of Mozambique) during these months until next harvest next year... that is, IF (and that is a big “if”!) the rain should start coming these days... Unfortunately, so far, no rain, just lots of humidity. Even in our town the water is scarce and we too are just about to run out of it. Tonight or tomorrow we may go to some public wells and take some water home… We'll keep on hoping and praying.
The People
I found the people to be VERY warm, simple, welcoming, cheerful and optimistic.
A few weeks ago, I had a wonderful experience visiting two small communities – St. Matthew and St. Therese – together with some other Xaverians. We had great celebrations: the mass (around one and a half hour each...) with lots of songs and clapping of hands, the youth leading the prayers, kids sitting on the floor and smiling... moms breastfeeding their babies... A very calm, serene and prayerful environment!
Then, after eating together, there were some local dances performed mainly by the women. What a thrill to see their enthusiasm and joy, their love for the community and for the Lord... Then, the surprise: some women came to us to get us dancing too and --- though I am clumsy --- how could I refuse their offer, so spontaneous and sincere...?!
Last Saturday, then, I helped one of the fathers here take some ciment for the construction of a new church about 15 miles from here... Once got there, I got awe-struck: around the old chapel, under the trees, there must have been about 15 to 20 groups (with 15-10 peaple each!): kids and teenagers, young and adults, moms nursing their babies, and elderly too.. each with a bible/catechism in their hands. They told me they were spending the day for what we might call "catechism - bible - social - liturgy gathering"... In fact, after their reflection and sharing time they would share a meal together followed by the Mass. A full day! It's amazing to see and experience the energy and vibration this people have for the community and for their faith.
I do have much to learn besides the language!
The Xaverians Here
I found the Xaverians here in Mozambique – just twelve of us – to be very serene and committed to mission, a community that you see happy in its service. Last week we spent several days in a spiritual retreat and some meetings on the purpose and focus of our work here. Priorities are: evangelization among the non-Christians, working with the poor, education (especially for the young), formation of communities and their leadership, celebrations and catechesis… In the midst of all that needs to be done, what impressed me was their enthusiasm, their dedication… their “passion”: it’s a real gift to be here with them!
Closing, I send greetings to each & all there and to you. A sincere thanks for all your support and witness though the years.
We keep each other in our prayers. God bless.
(From Xaverian News)