December 19, 2015

Dear Friends,

As Christmas approaches, I wanted to send you one final note before the holidays. I have been in meetings of the Plenary General Council of the Assumptionists, the expanded leadership team of the Congregation made up of the permanent members stationed here in Rome (five of us) and the provincials of the six districts of the Congregation. These provincials oversee our day-to-day operations in the 30 countries where we are located. Among those present was the provincial of Africa who is responsible for the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where the Beni school will be built. In an interview with me, he gives you the latest information about what is happening in this war-torn and forgotten corner of the world and what the latest plans are for the school. I think you will find that the interview is not only enlightening but that it also brings home how urgent this project is.

As many of you know, Pope Francis recently made a trip to three countries in East and Central Africa (Kenya, Uganda, and the Central African Republic). Many advisors tried to dissuade him from making the trip because of security reasons. But he was undaunted, explaining “A Father must go where his children are suffering”. Upon his return, he said, “I saw that where there is need, the Church is almost always present to heal the wounds of those most in need, in whom She recognizes the afflicted and crucified body of the Lord Jesus."

Thanks for helping the Church to heal these wounds! Best wishes to you and yours for a Merry Christmas!

Fr. John Franck, A.A., Assistant general

An Interview with Fr. Protais Kabila A.A., Provincial,
Province of Africa

- Could you please introduce yourself to our readers?

- My name is Fr. Protais Kabila Kalondo and I am the Assumptionist provincial of the province of Africa, one of the two largest in the entire Congregation, made up of more than 300 religious.

- Could you help us understand what is currently happening in the region of Beni and what has led to such a sense of insecurity?

- What we are currently living is truly a nightmare. Insecurity reigns throughout the region. There have been many of our simple, peasant villagers tied up with their throats slit by marauding militias. We have seen pregnant mothers disemboweled and their babies’ heads split open. The savagery is unbelievable. The local population is strangled by a fear that is everywhere palpable. Recently these militias cut the road between the two main cities in the region, Beni and Butembo. Everything is now isolated, enclosed. Hunger is rampant because farmers are afraid to go into their fields. Children, many of them orphans, roam the streets of Beni as a result of these massacres; they are losing all hope in life. It is these little ones that bring tears to my eyes since they have little hope of being fed, clothed, let alone getting an education.

- What is the goal of this school?

- I believe that education is the greatest gift we can give to children to help them overcome suffering. We have to teach all of society the need for communion among people, peace, and the dignity of each son and daughter of God. For us, to teach and to educate are like twins.

- What good could such a school do in this situation?

First of all, it would put a brake on militias recruiting children into their ranks. It would take them off the streets, renew their hope, and teach them basic human values, the value of work and respect for one another.

- Concretely, how do you see this school running? How will it operate?

It will be a private school approved by the State, but the State will not interfere with its day-to-day operation. Of course, we will respect the basic guidelines established by the Ministry of Education so as to assure official recognition of the degrees we will give. Basic tuition is modest by Western standards, only $50 a year. Some extended families will be able to help out but we are hoping to find lots of sponsors, benefactors willing to adopt one or another of these needy children.

- When would you like to open the school?

My hope is that it will open in September 2016, for the next school-year. We are already setting about the recruitment of teachers and other personnel. Let me take this opportunity to thank Fr. John Franck who has become a voice for these children and for all of those benefactors who are making this dream become a reality.

Thank you!