Cardinal in CAR Calls for Renewed Commitment to Mission at Launch of Pastoral Year in Bangui Archdiocese

The member of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit (Spiritans/Holy Ghost Fathers) reminded the faithful of the essential role of missionaries in building the Church, both past and present. 

“The Church of yesterday in the Central African Republic was formed thanks to its mission. Our forefathers, deeply religious and seeking God in Central African spiritualties, received the Good News through the sacrifice of missionaries who left their homes and cultures to come here,” Cardinal Nzapalianga said, and added, “Today, that mission is handed down to us. We must continue it, for without today’s missionaries, how can we have the missionaries of tomorrow?”

He noted that evangelization is not optional but an “absolute necessity” for the life of the Church. 

“The Church is only truly Church when it proclaims Christ. Today, we must prepare the missionaries of tomorrow by being active participants in the mission. We cannot afford to be mere observers,” the Cardinal said.

The 57-year-old Cardinal who started his Episcopal Ministry in July 2012 as Archbishop of Bangui called on the people of God to prioritize mission within the family, which he described as the first place of evangelization and “the laboratory that produces valuable missionaries.”

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Cardinal Nzapalainga urged Christians to deepen their faith, live according to the Gospel, and become enlightened and convinced Christians who embody evangelical values.”

He went on to caution against “worldly wisdom”, which he said is rooted in covetousness, envy, and selfishness and instead called on Christians to choose divine wisdom, which he noted leads to peace, righteousness, and a life centered on God. 

True wisdom, he said, is not found in power or prestige but in a heart turned toward God. “It is the wisdom that Christ exemplified in his service, life, and teachings,” the Cardinal said.

Cardinal Nzapalainga encouraged the faithful to take up this call to serve, saying, “If anyone wants to be first, let them be the last of all and the servant of all. This is the key to true greatness in the eyes of God.”

Jude Atemanke is a Cameroonian journalist with a passion for Catholic Church communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Buea in Cameroon. Currently, Jude serves as a journalist for ACI Africa.