A Car for Parish Outreach in Burundi

Burundi is one of the smallest countries in Africa, at just under 11,000 square miles, but one of the most densely populated, with almost 12 million people. Ranked the poorest country in the world, it has been plagued by multiple genocides and a civil war that lasted from 1993 to 2005. To this day, Burundi is politically unstable, and escalating violence is a risk at any time.

The country’s Catholic Church is relatively young. The first missionaries arrived here 125 years ago, and they were killed. Today, however, approximately 60 percent of the population is Catholic, and there are many vocations to the priesthood and religious life. Burundi is even able to send missionaries to other countries. Despite their poverty, the faithful demonstrate great commitment and a spirit of sacrifice, even working to ensure that their local parish can build a church of its own.

And the Church plays a vital role in promoting societal reconciliation, so that Burundi has a peaceful future. This is a principal aim of the De Montfort missionaries in the Parish of Bwoga-Chioggia, on the outskirts of Gitega, the country’s capital. The parish includes three of the city’s poorest areas and 38 villages in the surrounding countryside. Father Jean-Trésor Bafengo, the parish priest, along with his fellow missionaries, want to commit more deeply to reconciliation efforts and help build ”bridges of peace.“

Father Bafengo is particularly worried about the youth of Burundi. He tells us, “The majority of the population is young, but many young boys and girls cannot even attend school, due to the extreme poverty of their families and the consequences of genocide and civil war. So they just sit around at home, feeling frustrated. They have nothing to do, and no one cares about them, and so they often get drawn into a life of violence. We believe that we can help them become builders of peace by being there for them, and that they can contribute to the honor of the Church and the country.” But to achieve this, the parish must train group leaders and organize activities and meetings.

In order to do this, and regularly visit localities in the parish, the De Montfort Fathers urgently need a vehicle. We have promised them $26,498. Will you join us in supporting the Church in Burundi?

Aid to the Church in Need commits to invest your funds where they will have the greatest impact for the Church we serve. Funds donated to Aid to the Church in Need’s projects will be used towards the greatest need in our programs to help keep the Faith alive.

Code: 112-01-29