Our parish of Badalabougou organised a formation program for the young people who are preparing for confirmation this year 2023. This meeting took place at Sacred Heart School in Bamako Jikoloni from 28 to 31 December 2022, with the participation of 126 children and 41 accompanists.
I had the joy of accompanying the children of our Christian community in Kalabankura. The talks were on different themes: Baptism; the Commandments; Sin; the Bread of Life; Confirmation; the gifts of the Spirit. The children were attentive and interested in following the different teachings. After each talk the young people met in groups. Each group had two or three accompanists who helped them to deepen the theme and the questions asked. I appreciated the spirit of collaboration, sharing and attention during the different activities and also during the meal.
There was a recreational evening where questions were asked and those who managed to answer received gifts such as sweets, pictures etc. On the last evening I was happy to see that among the pictures there was also the picture of Our Lady of Africa. One of the girls received this picture and I was asked to give it to her. She was very happy to receive it and I explained to her who Our Lady of Africa is for us Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Africa.
On the day of our departure I was invited to speak to the young people about our congregation. Most of them asked me why we don’t wear a habit and they were happy with the answer.
Afterwards one of the catechists gave a testimony of what our sisters have been for the Church especially in giving catechesis to children and adults.
At the end we had a Eucharistic celebration and after the Mass we received the blessings for the New Year 2023.
Sr. Eliane Nzoyisaba, Kalabankura, Mali
