There is great rejoicing in the parish of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour in the suburban parish of Lakka, in Freetown, the capital of Sierra Leone. For, thanks to your help, they have now been able to consecrate their new presbytery.
It was some time ago that we turned to you for help, for at that time Father Emmanuel Francis Allie was living in an altogether derelict house, with a leaking roof and a rotting wooden stair that threatened to collapse at any moment. The plumbing and electrical wiring were also in a dire state and the floor of this low-lying building was regularly flooded. Moreover, there was no security and the house was open to all comers – a real danger, given the high crime rates in the area. It had previously been used to shelter refugees and victims of the civil war, but now it had become impossible and even dangerous to continue living there.
The parishioners had done their best to help their parish priest, but they themselves are all poor and even their small contributions were made at the cost of great sacrifice. As for Father Emmanuel, he himself considered it far more important to first of all build a parish church, before thinking of his own needs.
You responded generously to our appeal and so we were able to raise the 45,000 Euros needed. And now the new parish house is finished and consecrated. Father Emmanuel Francis has written to thank all our benefactors. „It is a great joy for me to thank you once again and express my profound appreciation. The money you gave was an immense help for all our parish community. My profound and heartfelt thanks!“
