Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Mimi Mefo Info
Published on 2024-04-04 07:44:44
The highly esteemed place of worship in the Archdiocese of Yaoundé was targeted in an attack by unidentified individuals. Several devotional objects were destroyed.
The Sanctuary of Nsimalen, located just a few meters from the Yaoundé Nsimalen International Airport, was attacked on the night of Tuesday, April 2, 2024. “The sanctuary of Nsimalen was vandalized: the various religious objects were broken. We invite all pilgrims of the Sanctuary and all devotees of the Virgin to pray for the mercy of God to manifest for the perpetrators and for them to convert,” wrote the communication service of the Archdiocese of Yaoundé. Neither the identity of the perpetrators nor the exact tally of the destroyed objects has been disclosed.
Increasingly, places of worship are being targeted by vandalism in Cameroon. Last February, the Marian grotto of the Notre-Dame des Champs parish in Mbandjock, in the Catholic diocese of Obala, was vandalized, according to the parish priest.
In a statement by Father Kisito Essele Essele, the parish priest, he condemned vandalism as a “heinous act,” adding that investigations are ongoing.
“It is with deep sadness that we inform you that an act of vandalism has been perpetrated at the Marian grotto of our Notre-Dame des Champs parish in Mbandjock. In the early hours of Wednesday, February 7, 2024, the community was confronted with this sad reality,” Father Essele declared, adding: “We are all deeply moved by this event, and share the grief and outrage it has aroused.”
The priest reminded that “the damage is not just material, but also spiritual, as the Marian grotto is a place of prayer and meditation for many faithful,” specified the Cameroonian Catholic priest, before continuing: “Investigations are currently underway to identify the perpetrators of this heinous act. We are working closely with the relevant authorities to ensure that justice is served.”
“In this difficult time, we invite each of you to remain united in prayer and solidarity,” he added.
Father Essele took the opportunity to emphasize the value of unity: “Together, we will overcome this ordeal and rebuild our Marian grotto, a symbol of our faith and devotion to Mary.”
“We will keep you informed of the progress of the investigations and the measures taken to repair the damage,” he added, before imploring: “Let us pray for peace and reconciliation to guide our hearts.”
Albert Atangana
Read the original article(French) on Mimi Mefo Info
