AFRICA/EGYPT - “The beauty of the mission is like the colored tiles of a mosaic that together form a masterpiece”

Cairo (Agenzia Fides) – “The first blue tile is the rain that a few days ago soaked the dusty streets of Cairo for about five minutes. It practically never rains here; since I arrived three months ago, not a drop had fallen. I can assure you that these drops were a true blessing from heaven”, writes Anselmo Fabiano, a missionary of the Society of African Missions, from Cairo, sharing episodes of daily life.

According to him, “these are moments that reveal the beauty of the mission, like the coloured tiles of a mosaic that together form a wonderful masterpiece”. “It is the humble people who teach me gratitude to God”, he continues. “In those five minutes, I saw an old woman leaning out of the balcony with her hands raised in prayer and gratitude. A simple gesture from someone who still knows how to marvel and praise the goodness of God”.

“The red tile is a gesture typical of Orthodox Christians here in Cairo. When they make the sign of the cross, they kiss their hands: first the palm and then the back. It is a profound sign: thank God for what I have received (palm) and for what I have not received, or even what has hurt me (back). In this way they learn to live a constant gratitude, which they also reflect in their everyday words.”

“The yellow tile is the joy of our Tuesday friends, the poor and elderly welcomed by the Sisters of Mother Therese of Calcutta. Little by little, with our staggering Arabic, we organize little games and activities with them, sharing big smiles and laughter. Their joy is contagious and authentic, and the more time we spend with them, the more we realize how much they enrich us with their presence and simplicity.”

“Then there is the black tile like the smog of Cairo and like the color of the tuktuk, the famous Egyptian taxi. It is one of the most popular means of transport, economical and agile in the narrow streets, often crowded with passengers. Its drivers are real tightrope walkers who move between potholes and vehicles, accompanied by the constant sound of horns.

“The beige tile represents the large trays of bread that young people balance on their heads while riding bicycles. Bread, basic and affordable food, reaches markets and homes, often defying the laws of physics as they transport it and deposit it in the baskets lowered from the upper floors.

“Finally, the golden tile symbolizes the precious moments shared with the people who mark my missionary journey here in Cairo. Simple witnesses, ordinary people who, in fraternity, allow me to enjoy the beauty of being among them, sharing with them this mission and part of the journey. (AP) (Agenzia Fides, 11/11/2024)

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