e, Xaverian Missionaries, arrived in DRC (formerly Zaire) in 1958. Starting from Uvira, we have multiplied our mission stations, built schools, prepared community leaders, and provided for the birth of numerous Christian communities. We have given particular attention to the younger generations to provide them with a sense of justice, dignity of work, and openness to others in charity and mercy.

But the Country and the Xaverian Missionaries have undergone many changes since October 1996, when the first invasion-liberation took place, and these have prevented us form carrying out normal apostolic and missionary work. Here are some of the effects this had on our activities:

Diocese of Uvira: the parishes of Nakiliza, Baraka, Luvungi, and Kavimvira have been closed. Our missionaries were forced to leave the missions, and later ransacked.

Diocese of Bukavu: the parish of Bunyakiri was closed.

Diocese of Kasongo: we closed the parishes of Kampene and Kigulube. Our Novitiate was moved from Panzi (Bukavu) to Kinshasa.

Still, by August 1998, when the second invasion-liberation took place, the so called "liberators" and "rebels", in addition to the usual looting, have now adopted the policy of kidnapping priests and sisters. This began with the Missionaries of Africa (Priests and Sisters) in the area of Maniema (diocese of Kasongo), and then continued with our missionaries in Baraka and Kampene. Ten Xaverian Missionaries are in exile: four were kidnapped (in Baraka and Kampene) and then forced to leave.

The Congolese Church has borne a "prophetic witness" against the chaos that pervades the country; as a result of which it has, unfortunately, become a target for reprisals: the archbishop of Bukavu was killed, as were four Spanish Marist brothers, and one abbe. This anti-Church mentality has continued into the second invasion, as testified by the murder of a priest and four sisters in Kasika, the priest killed in Goma, and the community leaders killed in different parts of the country.

Keeping in mind the present situation, with particular emphasis on the insecurity that surrounds us, the increasing misery and the indifference of the national and international communities, we will continue

striving to form people to nonviolence as the Christian response to violence;

working for a "real and sincere reconciliation" ensuring that truth be honored in the process; and

proclaiming the liberating presence and action of God throughout history and today.