Centenary of the Stigmata in Goma

In the context of celebrating 800 years of the Stigmata of St. Francis from the 16th -17th September 2024, the Franciscan family organized a pilgrimage in the refugee camp where our brothers and sisters are stigmatized by life and the effects of the war in Goma - Northern Kivu. The decision was carried out of carrying out by the commission of the representatives from the Franciscan family who work in Bukavu region, in easter part of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

An intensive activity in the area of ongoing formation, enabled the friars to organize catechesis on the stigmata of St. Francis and on the pardon of Assisi through conferences in Franciscan parishes in the region of Bukavu which was broadcasted by radio Maria of Bukavu sensitizing all the faithful in the region. 

The whole day of 17th September 2024 was characterized by four principal events: 

1. The Eucharistic celebration which was presided by Fr. Marie-Pascal Rushura, Vicar Provincial of the Province of St. Benedict the African at the convent of the friars Minor in Goma with the participation of all the pilgrims. 
2. Visting and listening to the refugees in the camp of Lushagala. The delegation of thirty-five pilgrims from the Franciscan family listened to the refugees in small groups sharing their on their daily life as refugees.
3. There followed public catechesis in the context of being a refugeed and on the gift of the stigmata. The catechesis was given by friars Gustave Muderhwa and Marie-Pascal.  It was a message of compassion, comfort and human contact from the sons and daughters of St. Francis of Assisi which brought joy to the refugees.
4. Distribution of things such as food and other things which were donated by the Christians from parishes and some other groups such as charismatic movement in Lushangala refugee camp where the density of ten thousand refugees in one camp has caused a lot of humanitarian disaster in the country. Unfortunately, they are no measures put in place that guarantee the living of the refugees. 

The Franciscan family noted the presence of much suffering among the old people and persons with disability. When food is distributed in the camps those who profit are the fittest. Those who are weak find themselves at the margins. This category of the refugees needs particular attention. During the distribution, the Franciscan family begun with this category. This brought a positive impact to all the refugees.

Fr. Gustave Muderhwa, OFM
Provincial Moderator for Ongoing Formation in the Province of St. Benedict the African