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From Missionari Saveriani by Fr. Riccardo Nardo, s.x.January 2011
Fr. Nardo: Mission life is showing the love of Jesus to the unfortunate of this world
I am in Italy for medical treatment and for a little vacation. I
was invited to write something about my mission experience and I do it willingly
for Africa and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where I have been working
for 38 years. The mission of the Xaverian Missionaries are scattered all over
the world and have the task of bearing witness to the gospel that was entrusted
to us by Christ. The contexts are different and the missionary is called upon to
adapt to different situations that arise with the passing years.
Lots of Changes
When I left for Africa in 1972, it was a different world. In those days we
worked to the bone in the forest. Now it is much harder after many years of hard
work, as if we should start over. Missionary work in the last 15 years is of
particular importance, given the state of war that surrounds and affects all
life in the Congo. The war is over mineral resources and the interests of great
business and governmental powers.
The dignity of People
We wish to cry out to the injustices that occur almost daily in our country and
the lack of interest on the part of the rest of the world regarding Africa's
problems. We missionaries live with the people and their challenges, with all
sorts of dangers, because we want to be close to them and their fears. With all
our faults, we can say that the people look at us with love. They feel at home
and safe among us. At the slightest hint of danger international organizations
escape. But we stay with the people.
One evening, after several days of looting, some mothers asked if we had eaten
something. They brought us bananas and rice and they told us: "We stayed here
because you are left behind. You are the only ones who love us: stay with us."
What better affirmation could one want?
Widows and Children
The city teems with people, especially mothers and children who flock from the
countryside and forests to escape the violence and looting in their villages.
The cost of living has increased. Then there is the problem of sending their
children to school, which requires a monthly fee. Thus, the most disadvantaged
are the children, who are often illiterate. In my small way, according to the
possibilities, I try to help some young people to complete grade school, so that
one day they won’t be ashamed because they cannot write their own name.
Then there are the poor widows who cannot pay the rent for their simple hut. We
feel like we are living the days of the Old Testament, where the widows are the
poorest of the poor!
Health care
A third priority in my opinion is healthcare. There is no assistance. We are in
daily contact with people who need care and should undergo surgery, but have no
money.
We read in the Gospel of Matthew that the corporal works of mercy are the best
proof we give to show our love for Jesus. What is given with love has a value
greater than any sermon.
I invite all to pray for us, so that the Lord may give us strength and grace to
witness the gospel without fear and without losing sight of the vocation we have
received.
