Father Elysée NIYOKINDI, head of the Chemin Neuf Community in Chad, shares his reflections on the past year and news from the community.
‘If the Lord had not been on our side’ (Psalm 124). The psalmist praises the Lord’s presence alongside Israel.
We are at the beginning of the 2025-2026 pastoral year. We give thanks for the past pastoral year. It was marked by the departure to the Father of a brother and sister as well as members of the Cana fraternity. It is always difficult to lose a brother or sister, a companion in the struggle, a husband or wife, a father or mother. This is part of our life here in Chad. These departures to the Father in heaven encourage us to continue evangelising. Like the disciples after the death and resurrection of Christ. We believe that life is stronger than death.
That is why, despite these departures, our various missions have been able to continue. We have organised sessions for young people, families and their children. The Saint Luke Health Centre in Ku-Jericho has continued its mission of providing care while offering advice on how to prevent other diseases or complications. As for the Monsignor Gabriel Balet School, the hard work of the brothers and sisters and teachers has borne fruit. Our young children who graduate from this school are achieving better results. Parents are even asking for a secondary school so that our children can complete their education.
The year ahead of us is full of hope. In August 2026, we will have the joy of welcoming the ordination and lifelong commitments of our brothers and sisters from Chad. We are greatly looking forward to this day. We will also have the opportunity to celebrate 30 years of the Cana mission and 20 years of the Chemin Neuf Community’s presence in Chad.
In Psalm 124, the psalmist asks himself where his help will come from.
At the beginning of this pastoral year, our thoughts are occupied with worries and a lack of material and financial resources. These shortcomings can frighten us. However, the end of Psalm 124 reassures us and gives us direction: ‘Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth.’ It is to the Lord that we must stretch out our hands.
Thank you to those who share and allow the Lord to be generous to us. Thank you for your gifts, large and small, which will enable us to serve and share the Gospel. May the Lord bless you.