t does not occur often that a missionary is attributed a title of ‘Imam’. This is the case in Sierra Leone of
Father Gerardo Caglioni, a Xaverian who at the start of October received honorary citizenship of Mabonto with the name of ‘Alimamy Bangura III’. ‘Alimamy’ originates from the Arabic name (of the Imam) given to the leader of Islamic prayers and became the actual name of the family of birth of the Alimamy Bangura II, the ‘chief paramount’ (traditional leader) of the old kingdom of Kafe Simiria and Mabonto, in the heart of Sierra Leone.
The very rare recognition, conceded only to select deserving people, is a thanks from local authorities to the Italian missionary for the creation of a secondary school for students between the ages of 11 and 14 of the community.
“Over forty students are already frequenting the school”, explained Father Caglioni, who added his name of baptism to his title, becoming Fr. Gerry Bangura III. “We are particularly happy because it is the first scholastic structure of this type in the zone”, he added over the phone from his mission of Bumbuna, around 20km from Mabonto. The city was among the strongholds of the rebels of the RUF (Revolutionary United Front) during the decade of war that devastated Sierra Leone.
“In the colonial times Mabonto was home to the residence of the British governor and some garrisons. The opening of this school marks the turning of a new page from the long period of decadence, linked also to the conflict ended in 2001. Promoting education and instruction means lifting the youngest generations from isolation”. With great dedication typical of his people (originally from Dalmine, Italy), in little time the Xaverian managed to complete the Mabonto structure, next to the primary school opened in the past years.
(From MISNA)