- svd-generalate
- / General Visitation
- / Fr. Yulius Yasinto /
- SSD / CNG
General Visitation to Chad Mission and Congo Province: Unforgettable Moments
Fr. Yulius Yasinto, SVD
I was particularly inspired by a video sent by a confrere from Congo on Mission Sunday, October 19, 2025. His words, appearing in the subtitles, perfectly captured the missionary spirit of our brothers:
“Welcome to the SVD Congo Province, where tough roads make tough missionaries.
By land and by water, we go in the name of Jesus.
Here, you are greeted with love and affection.
We dance to the rhythm of life, praising God with joy.
Life is simple—one with nature.
There may be no internet connectivity, but there is always a network of friends and family.
Our food is simple and natural.”
Tough Roads and Rivers: The Cost of Missionary Presence
Transportation remains one of the greatest challenges in the missions of Chad and Congo. Confreres regularly travel to remote areas, often spending hours on motorbikes, on foot, or in small boats to reach the people they serve. Many parishes—such as Boro and Maibo in Chad, and Beno, Tumikia, and Kenge in Congo—have up to 50 outstations, often accessible only by rough trails.
In places like Beno and Maibo, confreres must cross rivers on motorbikes, sometimes traveling over 100 kilometersfrom the parish center to visit distant communities. Yet they go faithfully, ensuring that the people are not deprived of the sacraments and pastoral care. Their perseverance truly embodies the saying: “Tough roads make tough missionaries.”
Local people repeatedly expressed deep gratitude for the constant presence and pastoral dedication of the SVDs. These daily sacrifices, carried out with quiet faithfulness, have transformed lives and strengthened communities.
Welcomed with Love and Affection
Everywhere I went, I felt the warmth and affection of the people. I never felt like a stranger among them. The people of Chad and Congo welcome missionaries as members of their families, sharing with us whatever little they have — simple food, heartfelt smiles, and genuine hospitality.
Even in places with no internet or modern conveniences, I witnessed what the confrere’s video described so beautifully: “When there is no connectivity, there is still a network of friends and family.”
The people’s love for singing and dancing is contagious. Their liturgies are filled with rhythm, joy, and color. Everyone—young and old—joins in singing and dancing during the Eucharist, especially at the Gloria. These lively celebrations are not distractions but deep expressions of faith and community. Yes, Sunday Mass may last three hours, but can we ever say that time spent with God is wasted?
Simple and Natural Life
Simple and Natural Life
Most of our mission areas in Chad and Congo are remote and rural, where life remains simple and close to nature. Economic opportunities are scarce, and our confreres depend largely on the generosity of benefactors worldwide and on regular support from the SVD Generalate, the Congo Province, and the Chad Mission.Access to clean water and electricity is a constant struggle. To sustain daily needs, our confreres engage in farming and livestock raising in their parishes and formation houses. The land is fertile, and the people often share what little they have, contributing simple offerings during Mass.
Access to clean water and electricity is a constant struggle. To sustain daily needs, our confreres engage in farming and livestock raising in their parishes and formation houses. The land is fertile, and the people often share what little they have, contributing simple offerings during Mass.
Despite hardships, many confreres radiate joy and peace. They live with simple food, difficult conditions, and frequent loneliness, yet they remain strong in faith—grounded in the assurance of Jesus’ words:
“Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” (Luke 12:7)
The missions in Chad and Congo remind us that true missionary life is not measured by comfort or success but by faithfulness, presence, and love.
