Message from Bishop Michel Cartatéguy after the Easter celebrations in Niger with, in the background the attacks on churches in Niger.

Thanks to police’s presence in our worship places, Easter celebration in Niger has been peaceful, quiet and tranquil. Apart from the university chapel that was stoned and the wall of St. Paul’s Parish in Niamey tagged with some hostile words again Christians, there had not been any other incident.

Still rebuilding Churches
The compounds of churches in rebuilding were packed with people; giving the impression that Christians have attended more than ever this Easter celebration as compare to previous ones. They have equally welcomed in their midst the newly baptised, 390 of them who were both young and adult. With these it can be said with certainty that January crises have not watered down the determination of our people, those events have rather sparked off faith among the Christian population of Niger.

To reflect on what could have been our responsibility
In light of the protests against Christians, all the priests whose parishes were burned and ransacked have gathered to organise a tailored station of the cross for the whole diocese on Good Friday. The goal of such gathering wasn’t to weep over what has happened to us but to reflect on what could have been our responsibility on such violence against our Church.

lack tolerance among us
The answer could be found in the 7th station of the customised way of the cross when Jesus’ second falling provided an opportunity for the following meditation: “the re-visitation of the events could be emotionally charged and give rise to the feeling of powerlessness. In fact, we have been hurt as our basic human right of freedom had been infringed… What a load for a journey! However, a critical look into our own lives could reveal that we are not any different from our oppressors. We often make the same mistake as they made. We lack tolerance among us, we trample our own rights as well as those of others at will according to our moods. We are so often caused discouragement and downfall of others.”

Today been in Eastertide, we are having the joyful experience of the disciples of Emmaus who on their way walked side by side with the Resurrected One who explained to them what had happened. In the similar way, Jesus is helping us to understand what we are experiencing.

Bishop Laurent Lompo will be installed on June 14, 2015
I would like to thank once more in a specific way each and every single one of you for showing concern to our Church, happy with your support. Till date, thanks to your generosity, we have covered 20% of the financial need for the rebuilding of our destroyed churches. I would also like to use this opportunity to inform you that the ceremony of installation of Laurent Lompo, the new archbishop of Niamey, will be held on June 14, 2015. Before then, he would pay visit to our European partners to make appeal. As the popular wisdom goes “little strokes fell great oaks”, we are certain to overcome these difficulties.

Please receive our gratitude and be assured of our prayers.

+ Michel Cartatéguy, Apostolic Administrator of Niamey.
09/04/2015