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Chad: Comboni mission turns diversity into fraternity
St. Daniel Comboni’s desire of a Catholic and universal mission, has become a reality in Deressia, in southern Chad, thanks to the commitment of the international community of Comboni Missionary Sisters, who accompany people through education, health and youth formation.
By Sr. Loreta Beccia, SMC – Verona
Five Comboni sisters hailing from three continents – America, Europe and Africa – add richness to the Deressia community in Chad’s Laï Diocese, an area that can only be reached by an ox or horse-pulled cart during the rainy season. Their names are Olga Morales, Raffaella Pironti, Bakita Josephine, Amira William and Elisée Modiri.
Saint Daniel Comboni’s dream of a “Catholic – that is, universal – not Spanish or French or German or Italian” mission — a truly universal congregation capable of putting mission and love of the poorest and the abandoned at the forefront — has been fulfilled in Deressia.
A presence that began with a calling
The community in Deressia was established in 2003, following an invitation from Msgr Miguel Sebastian, MCCJ, Bishop of Laï at the time, who courageously asked the Comboni Sisters to be a hopeful presence there, in a place that Pope Francis would have described as an “existential periphery” in the peripheries of the world.
In 2003, Deressia was the vastest parish in the Diocese, spanning 5000 km². Due to flooding it is completely isolated for a period of six months per year. At the time, nine different languages were in use there. Today, this area is subdivided into various vicariates and parishes.
Sr. Amira and Sr. Bakita arrive at Deressia, Chad. Photo: Sr. Loreta Beccia, SMC
Catecheses, school and caring for the weakest
The Sisters are involved in different pastoral and social projects. Sr Amira and Sr Olga, who work in the school, bear witness to the joy of accompanying students on their journey of growth, especially girls. The school has 400 students, subdivided into eight classes ranging from early childhood to year six. Eight teachers work alongside the Sisters in providing this delicate service.
Sister Olga, who has 12 years of experience in education among the pygmy people in the Central African Republic, becomes emotional when she tells us about the effort involved in creating spaces for fraternal coexistence among the various ethnic and religious groups. “Today, after five years, I can say that the students are starting to see one another as brothers and sisters, who share the same Father in heaven”, she says.
She recalls a morning when a Muslim student was hit on the head by a dome seed, during break time. As large as a tennis ball, the seed had been thrown by a Christian student. After attending to the girl, Sr Olga asked her what she thought of what had taken place. The reply was astonishing: “Sister, he too is my brother. We are all members of one family. It was an accident. I’m fine”.
The Word of God, a traveling companion
Sr Raffaella is responsible for the “Star of the Morning” healthcare centre. Originating as a small structure, today it is recognized also at the government level, as a point of reference for the entire population. With Sr Bakhita, she dedicates herself mainly to the most vulnerable children.
During the rainy season, as she was on a difficult and dangerous journey back from a visit to distant villages, Sr Raffaella says she asked herself whether it all really made any sense. She found a reply to her question during a Eucharistic celebration: “I was sick and you took care of me”,(Matt 25:35-36). The Word of God offers peace and strength to face all the difficulties that arise in serving God and loving people.
Girls housed at the Foyer. Photo: Sr. Loreta Beccia, SMC
The Foyer: a home in which to grow together
The “Foyer Bethlemme” project is a space that has been set aside especially for girls from the most far away villages.
Although Sr Elisée is the one in charge, the entire community is involved in accompanying 15 girls on an integral, human and spiritual journey. In a context in which women are often marginalized, the Foyer is a place of redemption and fraternity that offers a practical opportunity for rebirth.
What Fr Tonino Bello called “conviviality of differences” takes place here every day. Each Sister, with her individual style and experiences, contributes to creating an atmosphere in which differences become shared richness, where one learns how to live together joyfully.
This experience reminds us that mission arises from encounter. Indeed, when we recognize others as a gift, we are building a fraternity that is capable of transforming the world.
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