Rome, 19 August 1998
Prot. 191/98
Dear brothers,
Several times recently we have been asked for news about our communities and fellow religious in the Congo. Only today have I been in a position to give you substantiated news that, thank God, assures us that our men are well and much more serene than they were last year at this time. Without detailing the general situation in the Congo with which you are familiar through the M.C.S., I restrict my statements to our men and their missions, based on what I heard from a firsthand witness.
Kisangani was afflicted by three days of warfare (4-6 August). The ferocious struggle took place almost entirely around the new airport and the fuel depot at St. Gabriel. The exchange was between the counterrevolutionaries and the soldiers of the Kabila government. The latter put down the revolt. Several diocesan priests offered to assist the wounded and bury the dead but no one was given permission to approach the battle fields. We know there were dead and wounded but not how many.
Several of the diocesan priests note that in the city of Kisangani alone, where minor skirmishes took place, there were probably 200 dead. The victims were all soldiers, except for a few civilians (not more than 10 or so) killed by the explosion of wayward shells.
As of today, the new airport is still closed to traffic. Only the old airport is working and for military purposes. Normal air traffic has not resumed.
A large number of our men are at Kisangani where they had been holding their annual retreat before all these events began. All the men from Basoko, Fr. Mondry from Opienge, Fr. André Lutete from Ibambi, and Fr. Jean Claude Nkuka from Babonde are still at Kisangani.
In the interior region of the countryside, only Frs. Broccardo and Lamieri stayed at Mambasa while Fr. Maher remained at Ibambi, and Fr. Jadowski at Babonde.
While these events were taking place, there were no instances of looting. All our houses and the persons of our religious were treated with respect. There were only two small incidents, one involving soldiers who briefly entered St. Marthe on the left bank to see if any Rwandans were hiding and one involving the provincialate, Maison Sacré Coeur, where the phone system was taken and then later returned after Br. Selenke protested and the governor intervened.
Some sisters' convents were searched to see if Rwandans were hiding there.
Archbishop Monsengwo is at Kisangani. He had come to participate in the diocesan priests retreat and for ordinations held on August 16.
From where I sit, it is difficult to give any projection as to how things will turn out. While we have no idea where things will go, we hope for the best. Without a doubt you will learn more facts and hear more theories in the M.C.S.
Our men are tranquil and composed even though saddened by the events that afflict this martyred country. While retaining the right to return to their home country, our men have reconfirmed their choice to remain there in service to the Gospel and in solidarity with the Congolese people. They are concerned about respect for human rights as a "hunt" for Rwandans seems to be taking place. Many are preoccupied too for the unity of the country which they clearly view as menaced by the conflict of hidden interests.
The Congo has a special place in our hearts and in the history of our Congregation. We all feel the impact of these events and wish to express our esteem, closeness, and solidarity with all the members of the ZA province and with the local church born from our missionary effort and with the people we admire and love. We express our love through prayer to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, source of reconciliation and peace. We fervently invoke the protection of Our Lady of the Rosary, patron of Kisangani, and of venerable Fr. Founder who loved the Congo so much and always considered it the chief mission of the entire Congregation.
May our Christian hope always be stronger than these trials and may missionary zeal always remain alive and well throughout the Congregation, especially among our young.
P.S. I use this occasion to notify you that on 17 August, Mrs. Maria Bettoni Panteghini, mother of Fr. Panteghini died. The funeral will take place in his home town on August 20, 1998 with Fr. Panteghini present. The address is: 25010, Bienno (Brescia), Italy.