I come, but what can I do? | “Mercy lived” according to Father Piumatti
From the diaries of Fr. Piumatti, fd of Pinerolo and missionary in North Kivu for 50 years. Telling Africa and giving it back its word is a gesture of mercy toward it
“ What can I do? I would like to be useful…I don’t know how to do anything!”
These are the phrases I hear when I propose to someone to come to Africa, when I invite them to come and get to know these brothers and sisters.
It is the direct knowledge of the people, of daily life, that will be able to introduce us to a more beautiful world.
In all these years, quite a few have come to spend a month in Africa: boys and girls, priests and lay people, married and single, retired and even young kids.
The last time Mother Catherine, my mother, came, she was 82 years old: she was walking in the village, sitting in the courtyard surrounded by children, not “doing anything…” When she left, people would not stop thanking her “for everything you did!”
Our efficient, productive society, which does so many things, has managed to contaminate us; those who do not produce, those who do not do … are not worth nothing, counts for nothing.
To come to Africa to build a little hospital, to spend the day bandaging sores … surely it is a good thing, useful, great, rewarding.
If you know how to hammer a nail, sew a shirt, make a little wall, repair an engine, show how to work on a lathe-anything is welcome!
But don’t think that’s what matters.
And you are wrong if you think our people are waiting for that from you.
People’s lives here are still made up of small gestures: you go to draw water, gather some wood, hoe the field, sow seeds, peel potatoes, etc.
Gestures that make everyday life….
And you are wrong if you think our people are waiting for this from you.
Even knowing that you are at the mission and you are sleeping here tonight is enough for them.
What joy, when the car arrives with guests !
What anticipation, when you said you are coming to visit !
What an appetite, when around the table we are many !
What zest for life, when you’re there too !
“Thank you for coming !” For years they will tell you.
For years.
Source and image
- Father Giovanni Piumatti