GOMA, Democratic Republic of
Congo
Father Adeodatus Muhigi is
among the Roman Catholic faithful in Democratic Republic of Congo's restive
city of Goma who prepared to welcome Pope Francis last July, before the pontiff
had to postpone
a trip to Africa because of a knee ailment.File photo
Now instead of welcoming the
pope in Goma during the rescheduled
trip, Father Muhigi will join dozens of other Catholics from the east,
including victims of violence and natural disasters, who are making the
cross-country journey to the Congolese capital Kinshasa this week.
When the plan for Francis'
visit to the Central African Country, the first by a pontiff in 38 years, was
revived in
December, there was no longer any mention of a visit to Goma after rebel
violence flared in the region.
"We were looking forward
to it with great joy," Father Muhigi said. "It's not a disappointment
for me, because it's understandable," he said.
"We know that it was in
his heart to come to Goma, that is why he insisted that there should be a group
from Goma, especially victims of the violence who he wanted to meet. So, we
understand. It shows that he really wanted to come."
Eastern Congo has witnessed
a resurgence
of fighting between the Tutsi-led M23 rebel group and the Congolese
army. The rebels have seized territories in a rapid onslaught and advanced to
around 20 km (12 miles) from Goma. The fighting has displaced at least 450,000
people.
Father Muhigi said many of the
people from the east who would meet the pope were those affected by the
fighting.
"We have focused on
victims - victims of the various wars, violence, and those who suffered natural
disasters," he said.
He held a last service on
Sunday before the 1,500 km (930 mile) trip to the capital, leading a
congregation in prayer in a simple blue-painted chapel.
"Here we have volcanic
eruption and war. He is coming so that we always know that God is here, he is
with us. God does not abandon us despite our suffering," said congregant
Sister Marie-Julienne Mwene Bikira, who is also travelling to Kinshasa.
In 2021, a volcanic
eruption outside Goma left a smoking trail of destruction half a mile
wide, burying hundreds of houses and displacing thousands of people. -
Reuters
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