Burkina Faso Church feeding displaced and destitute Christians

ACN food distribution for internally displaced catechists in Nouna Diocese © ACN

Source: ACN

A Catholic charity has made it possible for a diocese in Burkina Faso to provide six months' basic food supply to impoverished IDPs (internally displaced persons).

Bishop Joseph Sama of Nouna has expressed his gratitude for the assistance received from Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), enabling his diocese to distribute essential food items to Christian families in great need.

Father Bertin Namboho, treasurer of Nouna Diocese told ACN: "In the name of his excellency, Bishop Joseph Sama, and the various priests of the parishes which have benefitted, we convey our deep gratitude for your support and are united in prayer with their mission, so that our world can live in peace."

Father Namboho said that the food supplies were distributed by catechists who have a vital role in supporting their communities in faith as well as in their daily lives.

He explained: "The family of the catechist is the heart of the Christian community.

"When the catechist's family has something to eat, then the whole community has something to eat."

Father Namboho said that the catechists have imparted many "blessings and a litany of thanks to the donors" who have helped.

One catechist, Emmanuel, told ACN about the extreme poverty he has faced and the difference the charity has made in his community by providing items such as rice, maize, beans and oil.

He said: "What we are receiving today feels like a dream, for since we left our village, we have lost everything. When the priest told us that there was help for internally displaced catechists, we were so happy…"

The father of two stressed that "the catechist's house is everybody's house", and supporting other people in need is an expression of his faith.

He said: "We will also be able to share with those who are in need, because when you receive, you must also share. Freely you have received, freely give, says the Gospel. We thank all the donors. God bless them and give them peace."

ACN has also provided Mass stipends for priests, formation support for seminarians and trauma counselling, medicine and other emergency aid for IDPs in Burkina Faso.

With thanks to Sina Hartert

LINK

Aid to the Church in Need: www.acnuk.org