Missionaries living in colonised and exploited parts of Africa, where war is an ongoing reality, or in Middle Eastern countries such as Syria – yet to be rebuilt, are keenly aware of this critical moment. Feelings of shock and sorrow caused by the escalating conflict from Gaza to Iran are being felt across the globe. Italian missionaries remind us not to lose hope.
Rebuilding from the rubble. “We are rebuilding with the young people of the Don Bosco missions in Syria, preparing them for a future of citizenship and coexistence,” said Father Pier Jabloyan, director of the Salesian community in Syria and communications delegate for the Middle East Province, speaking from Aleppo. “We are well aware that this is a terrible time for the whole of the Middle East. After 15 years of war in Syria, in which the conflict has been right on our doorstep, we have almost become accustomed to war. Young people call it the “unjust normality”. But never before has war raged so intensely all around us in terms of duration and scope. Even amid the chaos in Syria, Father Jabloyan says, “there were ceasefires, periods of respite.” However, these conflicts — from Palestine to Iran — are “unending.”
“The population yearns for change.” All surrounding territories appear to be embroiled in armed conflict right now”, he explained to Popoli e Missione. “It’s as though the destruction previously witnessed in Syria had somehow laid the groundwork for the current situation, this critical juncture, this final reckoning.”
“On behalf of everyone in Syria, I voice our aspiration for a peaceful, inclusive Middle East”
one that “embraces the greatest number of people and where no one is excluded nor are their rights violated on the basis of their religion or ethnicity.” War always stems from a “failure to accept otherness”, explains the Salesian priest. In Syria, “we are emerging from an era of totalitarian rule. People are longing for radical change and human dignity. Christians, Muslims and followers of other faiths all want to live in a country that ensures their dignity.”
“Hope does not disappoint.” Sister Loretta Baldelli from Morocco shares these sentiments, expressing her feelings of “helplessness and heartbreak” regarding the situation in the Middle East. “It’s unacceptable that Israel is planning and carrying out acts of war with appalling cold-bloodedness for personal and economic gain,” she says. “I feel indignation, dismay and anger. All the Franciscan missionaries in Tangier and Egypt are deeply saddened, but there is still room for hope that does not disappoint.” “Our prayers and efforts continue unabated, confident that the seeds of goodness will always defeat evil.”
No to war, yes to active listening. Sister Elvira Tutolo of the Missionaries of Giovanna Antida Thouret, based in Bangui, in the heart of the Central African Republic, underlines the challenges of daily life in Africa, plagued by poor governance, corruption and violence.
“The world needs no more warfronts,” she says.
“Those raging here are more than enough. In Bangui, there is no rule of law; corruption and violence are rife; armed gangs operate with impunity; and young people have no prospects. Starting any project is expensive and involves paying bribes.” The country is still extremely fractured, with several regions under the control of armed groups fighting government forces. The bishops of the Central African Republic recently wrote, “This is not a time for war, but for dialogue! This is no longer the time for violence, but for active listening.”
“We will continue to pray.” Speaking from Zambia, Comboni missionary Father Antonio Guarino explains, “We all know that it would take very little to restore peace in the Middle East.
But no one wants it, and that is the big obstacle. Those who could help us get through this difficult time are not offering a helping hand. The tragedy in Gaza suits everyone: we will continue to pray, but the Lord gives us the freedom to choose between good and evil, and between being instruments of peace or instruments of war. Only He can touch the hearts of those who started the war.”
*Popoli e Missioni editorial staff
