Kanza — “A solid roof over one’s head, a good cassava field, learning to read… without ever being discouraged and with the help of God” is the Hope for the Bayaka pygmies of Central Africa.
“God never leaves us alone and always holds our hand” Fr Michele Farina, a priest from the diocese of Savona, associated with the Society of African Missions missionary in Monasao, in a recent testimony, explaining what Hope, the central theme of Jubilee 2025, is for him and his very special parishioners, the Bayaka pygmies, who live in the forest. “For them, Hope is something very concrete” the missionary continues.
In a video presented for the occasion (see attachment) Fr Michele says, among other things, that every Sunday the catechist who leaves Monasao on a motorbike for the celebration of the Word said that for him, who had a difficult childhood, struck by polio as a child and saved by a nun from the mission at the time, hope is never to be discouraged.
A father from the community of Kanza, 15 km from Monasao, said he would like to see a beautiful harvesting field built, yet another said his wish is to see his children grow up to be able to do something beautiful and important in their lives, and to be cherished by their children when they are old. “Young people – says Fr Michele – instead have a very easy but difficult hope for them, learning to read! I was particularly struck by a young girl who said she wanted to learn to read for herself and to be able to teach it to her mother who had not had the opportunity to study. What emerges in all of them is a strong desire to be able to learn to read and write so that they can do more in their lives besides tending their fields and huts.”
In this Jubilee year – he concludes – I join the hope of these dear brothers and sisters of the small community of Kanza, hoping that this Jubilee, as they ask, will give them the strength to realize together with God all the beautiful hopes they carry in their hearts. (AP) (Agenzia Fides, 15/5/2025)
Attachment to the article
Link to the video
