Mechernich/Gambella – Laughing children dance in a circle, clap their hands and sing a song. Adults stand around and rejoice, the atmosphere is light-hearted and cheerful. Together they celebrate life, creation. This scene is from a documentary that the "Apostolic Vicariate of Gamebella" published on YouTube (link) to report on their work in western Ethiopia, on the border with South Sudan.
Their spiritual leader is Bishop Roberto Bergamaschi SDB of Ambia, who is also the Apostolic Vicar of Gambella. The 69-year-old originally comes from Milan, but travelled to Ethiopia at a young age to help the people there and bring them closer to the Christian faith. He is now visiting Germany for a short time.
Some time ago, Father Tesfaye Petros Botachew, who is studying in Berlin and has been in contact with the Communio for two years, enquired where he could find accommodation for his bishop when he comes to visit for a week. So Sister Lidwina contacted the "Salesians" in Cologne, who agreed to provide accommodation.
They exchanged ideas, got to know each other and quickly realised: "it's a good fit!" The bishop left Gambella, embarked on the long journey to Germany and finally to Mechernich - the mother house of the Ordo. Here he was greeted by Superior General Father Jaison Thazhathil, the community, Salesian confreres from Don Bosco in Jünkerath and his friend Father Elex Normil. The bishop had also brought with him Reverend Tesfaye Petros Botachew and Indian Sister Saroj Kindo, the diocesan project manager, who were also delighted with their first visit to the motherhouse.
"Touching faith and joy"
It soon became clear that the contrasts between Mechernich and Gambella could hardly be greater. The people there mostly live in poverty, in simple huts without electricity or running water. Around 35,000 of them are Christians. Life is mostly lived on the streets, everyone helps everyone else - and the people are happy. Faith usually plays a major role in their everyday lives, also thanks to the humanitarian work of the vicariate under Bishop Roberto. He happily emphasised to the ProfiPress agency: "I am always touched by people's faith and joy."
In Gambella, the vicariate runs 57 chapels, two clinics, 34 kindergartens, a primary school, a secondary school, a college and a youth centre. A total of 4,200 young people, 7,400 children and 2,800 senior citizens live there. Divided into 14 parishes, 15 local priests and four missionaries work here. The languages spoken are Amharic, Anywak, Nuer and Kampatha - which is why a translator is often present at the church services.
The vicariate is supported by the "Sisters of Mother Theresa" and the "Brothers of Charity" from Belgium, who organise events, school lessons and care for the people. However, people from all over the world are now coming to Gambella to help - for example a clown from Spain who was able to put a big smile on the kids' faces. But visitors have also come from many German cities to help.
"Sign of peace and unity"
"I am very happy to be here today," Bishop Roberto told the representatives of the Communio as he and his delegation took their seats in the Ordo conference room. He began by talking about his vicariate, which was only founded in 2010 and is currently on its way to becoming a diocese.
"Alongside the people's love of life, you naturally also get a lot of sad impressions. But that is worth it to us, because we want to be as close to the people as possible and help them to help themselves," continued the bishop. Even today, there are still many different ethnic groups fighting each other: "As a church, we want to be a sign of peace and unity, end conflicts and strengthen people." To this end, each priest lives in the village or parish they look after, with the people. In addition to spiritual support, they also provide food, water and medicine. Rare and, above all, expensive goods that would otherwise probably not reach the people.
In addition to the already precarious situation, there are currently around 450,000 refugees from all over Africa who are stranded in western Ethiopia in search of a better life. Botachew: "We are open to everyone and take care of the people." Bishop Roberto added: "Praying on an empty stomach simply doesn't work."
"Foundation for the future"
Although this life is not easy, people still share almost everything. In addition to the poor supply situation, there are also deadly diseases such as malaria and typhoid and temperatures averaging 42 to 44 degrees Celsius. "Welcome to hell," joked Father Petros. But the people are always grateful to be alive. "They are poor, but happy," emphasised Botachew.
They are always open to visitors who want to see how they work on site and how donations are spent. The children in particular receive the most investment: "We want to create a good foundation for their future. We give them morals, education and faith." To this end, they are asking for donations and, above all, prayers for the poor people in Gambella.
Bishop Roberto Bergamaschi SDB has now been in Ethiopia for 42 years, while Botachew has been working there for 16 years. For both of them, time has flown by. "I love my life. I joined the people in Gambella as a young man, when my hair was still black. Today it is white, but thanks to my work, I am still young at heart!" says the bishop. Father Petros is particularly enthusiastic about the fact that "every day brings new challenges".
Donations urgently needed
During their stay in Mechernich, the delegation from Gambella was also given a tour of the house and learnt more about the special life and work of the nun Marie Therese. They also visited the long-term care facility Communio in Christo and the "Stella Maris" hospice. Here, Bishop Roberto spoke to three women who are on the last stretch of their lives and gave them an episcopal blessing. One of them was so moved that she began to cry. That left no one cold. "A really touching moment," said a delighted Sister Lidwina.
After his death, Bishop Roberto wished to be buried in Gambella, with the people. "But only God has that in his hands," he summarised.
Anyone wishing to support the "Apostolic Vicariate of Gambella" financially as well as with prayers can do so via the Communio in Christo e.V. donation account: Kreissparkasse Euskirchen, IBAN: DE21 3825 0110 0003 3109 27 Swift-Bic: WELADED1EUS. Keyword "Social projects in the Apostolic Vicariate of Gambella". Donation receipts can be issued on request.
Because just one euro is enough to provide a child in Gambella with enough food for a whole day... "We thank every donor sincerely. May God bless them!"
pp/Agentur ProfiPress
