The Nouakchott Community, shares with us some echoes of the episcopal ordination of Mgr Victor Ndione.
Testimony by Mr Serushago Wellars (layman)
Father Victor Ndione, Vicar General of the Diocese of Nouakchott, was appointed on February 10 by the Holy Father, Pope Francis, bishop of the same Diocese. He succeeds Mgr Martin Happe who retired due to his advanced age.
On the first day of receiving the news, the entire Catholic Christian community, that of Nouakchott in particular, gave thanks to the Lord for the choice and the precious gift of the new shepherd. In general, Christians in the ecclesiastical region of West Africa as well as the Muslim Community and other religious denominations showed their joy with messages of congratulations and encouragement to the new Bishop.
All the Christians of the diocese, priests, religious and laity were mobilized for this gigantic preparation through the various commissions: logistics, housing, catering, liturgy, security, communication, cultural, health etc. Each Christian found himself in at least two commissions. The contributions in kind or in money, in manual work or in advice, have been very significant. We also point out that members of the community have made private cars available to the commissions to transport guests or for other errands as well as rooms for the accommodation of certain guests.
On the big day, immense joy could be seen on everyone’s faces. The atmosphere was grandiose in the eyes of the guests. Catholic Christians, Muslim faithful, Christians from revival churches were there to honor the new shepherd.
We do not forget to point out the presence of political, civil, military, police and other authorities. Let us point out the fact that all these guests agreed, despite their different beliefs, to come together to share this immense joy. The guests came from all corners of the world: Europe, Senegal the new bishop’s native country, Mali, Cape Verde, etc.
At the end of the ceremony, joy was expressed through traditional African songs and dances. Note that the feast ended without a major incident. All the delegates who came from different countries, returned home in peace.
May the Lord God bless the Mauritanian Catholic Church, may God protect our new bishop in his mission.
Testimony of João Neto, CSSp (Consecrated):
For me, the episcopal ordination of Mgr Victor Ndione was a significant moment for the diocese of Nouakchott and for Mauritania as it was the first time in history that there was an episcopal ordination. This event, associated with the Eucharistic celebration, allowed pastoral agents from the diocese and other neighboring dioceses to meet. It was a meeting point for fraternity.
Something important to highlight: through this celebration, it was possible to discover the cultural diversity that exists in Mauritania.
It was a moment of great discoveries for us and our guests. I believe that the doors to new horizons and perspectives on mission and its context have been opened. The guests were able to feel and experience what a mission of presence looks like.
The culmination of this entire meeting was centered on the Eucharistic celebration: all the preparation of the novena and the preparatory triduum helped us in this. We prayed and became aware of what the episcopal mission is.
Being able to collaborate effectively in the liturgy left an impression on the formation and missionary process of the beauty of interculturality and the liturgical form of the African continent. The words that express all these feelings are joy and gratitude.
Testimony of Mr Tidiane Diagana (Muslim)
An immense joy to share the consecration of our friend and brother, Father Victor Ndione to the supreme title of Monsignor at the Saint Joseph Church of Nouakchott.
We wish him much peace and success.
His presence and human mobilization testify to the high qualities of the man we have known for more than a quarter of a century in Mauritania and in particular in Nouakchott. The greatness and breadth of views of the man of God contributed to strengthening our bonds of friendship and tolerance in our Islamic-Christian-Dialogue group.
All our congratulations to all of our friends, in particular to the valiant sisters whose sense of humanity has contributed to empathy and the union of hearts.