Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
SMA
Bengo (Agenzia Fides) - "We have been without electricity for a month. ...The generator only works for a few hours in the evening," says Father Martino Bonazzetti of the Society of African Missions.
"But even amidst obstacles and unforeseen events, there is always hope and joy, because the most important thing is not to give up," writes the missionary, who lives and works in the parish of Desvio da Barra do Dande (Bengo) and returned to Italy a few days ago for a short period.
"We are currently finishing the cistern on the roof of the church, which will be fed by rain (which should arrive soon) and will be used for the kindergarten and community activities in Terreiro. We have launched a cooking and baking class to motivate women and young people. One thing leads to another..." These are some of the various projects carried out by the missionaries in the community in Terreiro, "inspired by faith but also by ingenuity." "The schools are also being visited by children and young people who have not been able to attend classes until now," the missionary continued.
"Now is a time of pause for me," the missionary continued. "The fact of returning to Italy pushed me to finish several things. For example, we are in the process of completing the mill house for maize and cassava flour. Everything is finished, and we hope to harvest the maize later, as it has hardly rained this year. The mill is here, and we hope it works! A young man working as a bricklayer on the construction of the mill told me that a group of women has already asked when it will be operational. This means that we no longer have to travel all the way to Desvio to make flour... and that means we save money because we do not have to pay for the trip! It exists, so it should work."
"In Angola, we are moving forward with experience, breaking with rigid and existing patterns. And there is always something that surprises us," Father Martino concludes, "and the most important thing is the faith of the common people." (AP) (Agenzia Fides, 9/4/2025)
