Echoes of the Jubilee in Fontem

Memories, gratitude and commitment were the keypoints of the celebrations in Fontem, Cameroon, for the 50th anniversary of the arrival of several focolarini in the Cameroon forest to begin a work in close harmony with the local Bangwa people. In the opening remarks of civil and traditional authorities, and Focolare co-president Jesús Morán, the importance of those beginnings was remembered as well as the notable development that followed. The method used by the focolarini was also emphasized: dialogue with the local population and its traditional religion. This approach, which is typical of the Focolare, gave rise here and throughout the world to many positive experiences of interreligious dialogue, as Rita Mussallem from the Focolare’s Centre for Dialogue remembered in her address. The keynote address was given by Bishop Nkea Andrew, Bishop of the Mamfe Diocese who, through his own personal experience as a Bangwa, confirmed the precious value of this dialogue and its total conformity to the Gospel. One young Austrian priest who attended the events, commented: “The harmony between the values of African culture and Christian values is quite striking.”

On the second day, which was dedicated to testimonies, one of the first nurses and first doctors emphasized how the close collaboration with the local people was a light for providing care to the sick that took into account the needs of both body and spirit. New and lasting friendships were born that brought healing. There were touching testimonies of accompanying people in the final moments of life. This was followed by the testimonies of several ex-students of the College: a police comissioner, a young priest and a nurse. They all said that along with the excellent scientific knowledge, they were also provided the possiblity of discovering those human and spiritual values that now make them happy human beings and appreciated by the Church and society. There was a presentation of the Economy of Communion in Cameroon, a project that will soon be launching an international conference on the continent.

The third day was dedicated to giving thanks. Several presentations remembered all those, among the first, who gave their lives for Fontem like Piero Pasolini, Dr Lucio da Soglio, and so on…. Since they considered the others to be their equals, their work was marked by reciprocity and not assistenzialism. This was followed by traditional dances from five Fondoms (territories) that comprise Lebialem Division. More than 2,500 people were then served lunch thanks to the love of many “mamme” who had worked tirelessly, day and night, in the days leading up to the event. In the evening, there was a very moving musical presented by the children and students, which recounted the story of Fontem.

On the fourth day, the presence of Our Lady Seat of Wisdom College in Fontem was celebrated. The bishop of Mamfe exhorted the many ex-students who had come from many countries of the world, to be aware of the gifts they had received and have made them ambassadors of unity wherever they may go. Charles Tasong, who was among the first Bangwa to know the Focolare commented: “During the Cry Die (commemorating Lucio Soglio, Lino D’armi and Doris Ronacher, who died recently after spending all their energy on Fontem), I realized that there is no longer the Focolare and the Bangwa; no longer the whites on one side, the blacks on the other – but one family. I want to embrace the challenge of bringing forward in my own life the powerful reality of unity that we experienced here in Fontem.”

Biagio Sparapano