From our community of Ghardaïa
On January 26, 2024, at the cathedral of Oran, Mgr Davide Carraro, PIME Italian of origin, was consecrated bishop. It was also his birthday to the day. He was previously vicar general of Mgr Jean-Paul Vesco, Archbishop of the diocese of Algiers. A choice that surprised some and not others. Since the announcement of his appointment as bishop, a shower of laudatory testimonies has been heard non-stop. Davide is a handsome man, a beautiful soul, a good choice, a face always happy. He is simple, sensitive, generous, very human, accessible, he has acquired experience alongside Mgr Vesco. Why was the appointment delayed when the right man was there?
“God is Love” This is the motto of Mgr Davide Carraro
“God is Love”, a motto which explains the goodness of God, painted on the face of Mgr Davide. He was consecrated bishop by two of his predecessors at Oran Cathedral: Mgr Jean-Paul Vesco, Mgr Alphonse Georger, the third consecrating bishop being Mgr Michèle Tomasi, the bishop of his diocese of origin. It was a good organization, great people, a great celebration. The Apostolic Nuncio, five other bishops and around forty priests took part. Each diocese of the Church of Algeria was widely represented at this historic moment.
Friends or brothers of Mgr Davide Carraro came from Algiers, Touggourt, Tunisia, Italy and elsewhere so as not to just be told about this unique and memorable day. Two sisters from our community of Ghardaïa represented us very well there. They were very touched by the beautiful organization of this happy event. The prayer of the evening before, marked by a touch of heavenly joy by his meditation, was a very strong moment. Two choirs responded to each other in a deep climate of contemplation, the choir of the Al-Alaoui (Sufi) brotherhood and the Christian choir composed of students, migrants and even an ambassador, that of Madagascar. Yes, the Church should be this glimmer of happiness that awaits us in paradise.
The Gospel of John 15.9-17, the spiritual testament of Christ or the commandment of love was the common thread of the homily of Mgr Jean Paul Vesco: “Who are we, so that Jesus, God Himself, wants to enter with each of us into a relationship of friendship which presupposes this relationship of otherness, of equals, regardless of differences in age, social condition, culture, religion… it’s dizzying!” Turning towards the chosen one of the day with great affection, he continued by saying to him:
“Dear Davide, it is not for nothing that you chose this passage from the Gospel… God is Love! The love that takes the form of the presence of friendship for everyone, the concern for everyone, the gifts for everyone, it’s all you! It’s your relationship to the world, your relationship to everyone.”
Just like Mgr Vesco, the participants in this celebration went from praise to praise wholeheartedly. The Apostolic Nuncio H.E. Mgr Kurian Matthew expressed his joy and satisfaction to him, his respect for him while encouraging him to pray constantly.
It was joy, because everything was beautiful, well done and well said. Everything that was experienced from January 25 to 27 in Oran: the prayer vigil enhanced by the contribution of the Al-Alawiya Brotherhood, the ordination mass, the thanksgiving mass in Santa Cruz, were only graces upon graces through moments of encounters, reunions, positive inspiration and fraternity. It was simply “a manifestation of unity in the church, a diocese which gives to the other”. Warm, family atmosphere, a beautiful liturgy of songs, with a moving procession of offerings, many priests, very touching to hear the Nuncio call Mgr Davide, ‘my son,’ said a participant.
An Algerian Muslim lady, coming from Annaba, with emotion, confides her joy at witnessing such an event for the first time in these terms: “It’s a source of pride, it’s unique, everything is well explained, I understood everything, the words, the songs contained strong words, the symbols are striking’; and concluding her remarks in tears:
“I am always overwhelmed by Christians, they do not seek God far away, because God is where they are, in everything they do. The pivotal moment of this mass was the ordination itself, rich in symbols, everything is strong and just. Even the Gospel is sung differently today with captivating gestures that gave goosebumps, it’s full of meaning. The ordination seemed to me a real transfer of powers between God and men, I have no words to say what I saw. The divine sap flowed freely throughout everything.”
Yes, a transfer of power between God and men, God who becomes Man, who gives himself to men without calculation or condition; Isn’t that also the meaning of the Eucharist? Christians, we are very fortunate. Joy, integration, intergenerational, all levels of society were present and involved in experiencing the celebration, from migrants to diplomats. It is a great wealth of this land of Algeria.
The words of everyone resonated with all the other testimonies: “A marvel, a lot of joy. The meeting of many people, of peoples in a Church which welcomes everyone.” Among the neighbours, in Tunisia, Father Anand Talluri, happily shares his experience: “The relationship with the locals, the prayer vigil was great. It was a family celebration.”
A native of Oran affirms that Mgr Davide will be the fourth bishop of Oran that he will meet. He first suffered, he said, from the departure of Mgr Vesco, a man of initiative and daring, a unifier without distinction of age, origin or religion: “He was a builder, he opened the Church and Christian spaces to Muslims. He will also help Algiers. I am very consoled by the arrival of Mgr Davide. They only say good things about him and I believe it.”
Bishop Davide was very grateful to everyone. These moments together show in what esteem the Church of Algeria is held in the heart of God. For these days of joy and celebration, several people testified to the family atmosphere, the admiration for the Church as a whole.
Wishes are also expressed for Mgr Davide and his diocese. A participant from Algiers, who knows Davide, recognizes for his part: “He is a person of experience and lucidity, he will know how to put his know-how and be at the service of the diocesan family of Oran. Bishop Davide has a big heart that will shelter everyone, at least all those who want it. God will not fail him. »
So be it.