Zogbadjè, Republic of Benin — A fierce storm with torrential rain swept through much of Benin on Tuesday night, causing widespread destruction, including trees and branches that toppled major roads. Worst affected was St. Paul Catholic Church of Zogbadjè, where strong winds flattened significant sections of the building of the church in construction.

In a spirit of solidarity, the Superior General of the Society of African Missions (SMA), Fr. Antonio Porcellato, joined by Fr. Désiré Salako, Provincial Superior of Benin, Fr. Jean-Paul Silué, Superior of the Egypt Delegation, Fr. James Shimbala of Tanzania, and parish priest Fr. Joseph Kakpo, took part in Sunday’s Eucharistic celebrations with the local faithful to offer encouragement and support.

Speaking to the congregation, Fr. Porcellato called for resilience, urging the community to view the disaster as a chance for increased unity and shared strength. “this calamity could be an opportunity to step back in order to better jump,” he declared. Fr. Salako too had the same spirit, quoting Psalm 127: “Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain,” promising that God Himself would see the church finished.

Unfazed by the disaster, the St. Paulians are more resolute. Parishioners have re-committed themselves to the building project, mobilizing resources and manpower to resume the project. Fr. Kakpo called for restraint and urged the faithful to desist from speculation on what could have led to the collapse, leaving such inquiries in the hands of capable experts.

The tragedy leaves as many questions as it provides answers—whether due to nature, structural failure, or some other reason—is still unknown, but meanwhile, hope and faith are the things on which St. Paul’s community continues to prosper.