«The Church of Africa has not remained silent. In addition to great moral and spiritual support, many dioceses in Africa have set up a special fundraiser to provide practical help to those affected by Cyclone Idai,» said Father Donald Zagore, a priest of the Society for African Missions in Togo, to Fides News Agency.
The situation in Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Malawi remains critical after the violent passage of Cyclone Idai. The death toll and the wounded continue to rise, the waters recede, houses and buildings have been destroyed, roads are blocked, and many areas are inaccessible. The risk of epidemics is also high: the government has declared cases of cholera in the city of Beira.
«The work of solidarity is an action that reflects the fundamental identity of the Church of Africa that wants to be ‘Family of God’. A family, in solidarity with the suffering of its brothers and sisters, offers a testimony of faith and charity above all in this period of Lent, an intense moment of charity and fraternity,» noted the missionary.»If at times in Africa, faced with the catastrophes afflicting the continent, eyes are generally turned towards European aid, today we must strive to create a mentality of prompt reaction and mobilization on our continent. Africans must first be able to rely on their brothers and sisters more than on anyone else. We are never too poor to help.
«The spirit of solidarity has always distinguished the African continent. It transcends all cultural, ethnic and tribal divisions and helps anyone who knocks on the door of our charity. The value of ‘African solidarity’ must be constantly nourished by concrete actions capable of resisting the threat of great cultural changes in our modern world, built on individualism and selfishness. Solidarity with our devastated brothers in Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Malawi is a priority commitment for all of Africa.»
