Compassion: Passionist from the Congo, cont.

Passionist from the Congo, page four

What do the Passionists bring to the Congo?

"My country, since its beginning has known only suffering," Fr. Bernard says. "Our charism is very important in the present situation. The Congo is living its passion and its people are suffering very much. I ask myself every day: What can I do about it?

"Some of my brother Passionists speak on the radio at times, and we meet with them to help them prepare. People are tired of words, they want action.

"Because of violence, communication has broken down in my country. We are isolated. We have some communication with our Belgian province, but it is hard to keep in touch with the Congregation throughout the world."

The Passionists of the Congo have a strong family spirit, however. Father Bernard believes that the church and his Congregation will flourish there, attracting men and women to religious life. In an unsettled land, he sees hope for the future.

above, right: Lake Kivu, one of the Great Lakes of Africa, which is on the border between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda.

beginning of article

Passionists in Africa • Congo • Botswana • Japan
Passionist Sisters Meet • What Can We Offer?
Jesus Carries His Cross • The Last Sermon
Editor's Note • Act with Compassion

Sign of the Passion