Equatorial Guinea is a former Spanish colony on the west coast of central Africa. It is a relatively small country with an area of only a little over 28,000 km² and a population of just 1.4 million souls. It has immense oil reserves and is therefore by no means one of the poorest countries in Africa. However, the only ones who profit from this wealth are a small elite, while the vast majority of the people still live in deep poverty and additionally suffer from the rampant inflation.
One good thing is that there are many vocations to the priesthood, even though for the young men who feel called to this vocation the priesthood offers neither comfort nor wealth. On the contrary, most of the priests have to endure the most basic living conditions, with no electricity or running water. And many also have to teach in the schools, simply in order to support themselves. Similarly, most parishes don‘t even have a vehicle at their disposal, so that the priests have to endure long and difficult journeys on foot, through the jungle, in order to be able to minister to the people in the outlying areas.
In 1994 an interdiocesan seminary was set up in the coastal city of Bata, the country‘s former capital and today still its largest city, where the seminarians from all five dioceses of the country, from the religious congregations and even from some of the neighbouring countries, come for their studies in philosophy and theology, as they prepare for ordination one day, to the priesthood. The number of vocations is increasing, year on year, and at present there are 90 seminarians here.
The rector of the seminary, Father Sebastian Mba Nguema Mokuy had previously asked us for help, since they urgently needed a minibus for the seminary. For at weekends the seminarians have to travel into the various parishes, as part of their training and in order to gain practical pastoral experience. And their formation also includes various extracurricular activities, such as excursions and attending Church events and gatherings. Finally, a vehicle is also needed for the weekly shopping expeditions, to purchase the necessary food and other essentials for the seminary and – last but not least – for transporting the sick to hospital in cases of urgent necessity.
Thanks to the support of our benefactors, we were able to provide 26,000 Euros for the purchase of a suitable minibus. The rector has written to thank us. „Your help has brought very positive results for all of us, and also for future generations. This vehicle is the only one we have, and it is a source of great joy and gratitude for us.“
