The retirement home of the African Missions in Montferrier where, more often than not, days peacefully passed by, was suddenly placed under spotlight. In fact, on Thursday November 24, 2016 at 9:30 pm an intruder violently assaulted one of the personnel on duty.

violently assaulted one of the personnel on duty. He tied her up, gagged and beat her up and then made remarks suggesting that he could commit the irreparable. The employee, tied up and left alone managed later to break free and knock on the door of Father Rassinoux. They both called the gendarmerie urging for quick intervention. Meanwhile, the aggressor went down to the laundry room where the second worker was. And then later at round 10:30 pm, we heard she had been murdered at her workplace.

The bunch of gendarmerie that arrived then became more and more important as other units joined them from nearby brigades. Soon, the RAID arrived on the spot as well as all the people involved in what could, at that time, appear as a terrorist attack. About more than 30 police vehicles were at the house’s entrance.

At that time, some question were trotting: who is this intruder? Where was he hiding? Was he still in the house assaulting residents? With these question, it became necessary to secure the building so as to neutralize the aggressor if he was still there. The gendarmes then entered the house with precaution but determination to find out whether the intruder was in or not. Consequently, while opening the doors those that did not open were forced. Though most residents were able to open their doors before they were broke. From these, the house was secured between 2 to 3 am.

The idea of evacuating all residents was envisaged at a point but quickly dropped as the firefighters and the Red Cross officers realized that many residents, if not all, were dependent when it comes to walking. After receiving a visit from our director, most of them continued their night peacefully, totally ignoring what was going on.

While some investigators were looking for a slightest clues in the house, others were looking for the intruder with the help of a helicopter equipped with a thermal camera. However, it is an abandoned car behind the house that led to identifying the suspect; he had forgotten owner’s papers in the car. It was later discovered that the intruder was once employed by the house about fifteen years ago. Twenty hours later, on the afternoon of Friday, November 25, he was apprehended near his home, tired after a night of cavalry.

The event took place a little more than a week ago now; but since then, life has resumed its usual course in the house. Gendarmes have gradually brook camp but patrols regularly come to visit day and night to restore confidence. The memory of that night is still vivid. Nevertheless, if it is true that most residents have resumed their habits, it is not easy for the staff members to recover from the trauma. They often comment, it could have been me. It might take time for the emotion to subside. Commenting on the present emotional prevailing an employee cleaning the corridors this morning said, I lost a lot of energy. Fortunately, there is a psychological support team set to welcomes those who wish to meet it.

You all might have followed the event as it was happening. It was broadcasted live on television and strikingly there were immediate reactions from all over the world. Calls continuously came in to express friendship and compassion. The house felt supported. A huge online solidarity chain was set up and lasted several days it was very much impressive. These reactions can only but spark off a heartfelt thanks to you all for what you have been. Equally, many staff members who go the information came in the middle of the night to offer their supports and services though they could not get access to the house because access was blocked by security forces.

Currently, the night duty personnel cannot yet take up their services, but some retirement homes do send staff to replace them. Others make available their laundry to help because the one of the house would be under sealed for a fairly long time. Again, the chain of solidarity has been and remains very effective.

Residents and staff of house gathered in the chapel on Thursday evening, December 1 for prayer and meditation. There indeed was a need to be together to tell one another that this is one family. Father Jean-Pierre Michaud evoked the memory of Cathy; warmly thanked her for her ten year service in this house. She was such a smiling, gentle, discreet person to the point that even the sickest resident remembers her very well. We prayed for her and her family. We wanted to live together this moment of unity, friendship and gratitude towards all those who are with us every day to help us live our last days in peace and security. We especially wanted to comfort them and tell them how much they matter to us, even if sometimes our behavior astonishes and shocks them. This moment of peace has helped one another to keep hope.

André Mauriceau, sma

 

============

Message of the Provincial Council

In front of such a tragic event like the one which occurred in our Montferrier House, we feel so helpless. Our only weapon in similar situation is prayer; an expression of our solidarity and fraternity.

The Provincial Council invites all either at the personal level or community level to pray for Catherine, the unfortunate victim of this aggression and her family, for the injured caregiver and all the staff of our house of Chênes verts profoundly affected by this attack.

Let us also pray for the aggressor and his family.

May the Lord help us to heal the moral and physical wounds of all.

The Provincial Council