Michel Cartatéguy sends a message of solidarity to the churches of Burkina Faso and Niger.

 

At the attention of Bishop Théophile Naré and his laity of the diocese of Kaya.

Gathered at the General Assembly in Rome, we, delegates of members of the Society of African Missions are shocked by the murder of five Christians and their priest, Fr. Simeon Yampa, we share in the pain, the distress and the courage of the Diocese of Kaya .

This horrible and incomprehensible act at a time where the small community of Dablo was united in the fervor and tranquility of hearts recalls the feeling of violence that inhabited that pierced the heart of Christ on the cross at Golgotha.

The Father did not abandon his Son on the cross! You also will not be either. Be assured of our cordial prayer that faith in the One who triumphed over death will encourage you to live fully and to believe with Saint Paul (Rm 8) that “nothing will be able to separate us from the love of Christ …. neither anxiety nor persecution … on the contrary in all this we are more than conquerors […]

United in the peace of hearts.

fraternally in Christ.

+ Michel CARTATEGUY, Archbishop Emeritus of Niamey

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To the attention of Bishop Laurent Lompo and his diocesan faithful.

We are worried and saddened by the news of the events that occurred at St Jean-Baptiste parish in Dolbel on last Monday.

These events, in addition to those of the neighboring dioceses of Burkina-Faso, are once again source of disarray for Christians in the region.

We are united in prayer so that the courage of Christ who has confronted the violence of those who are inhabited by hatred empowers you at this painful moment. We pray for each one of you and especially for Father Nicaise for his speedy recovery and for the Security and Defense Forces who look after him and protect him.

The SMA members gathered in the General Assembly in Rome express their solidarity and sympathy.

More than ever united in Him who told us: “do good to those who hate you and pray for those who mistreat you and persecute you.

Sincerely to each of you.

Michel Cartateguy.