Update from Mozambique

New vehicle arrivesHope all is well with everyone, writes Fr John Bermingham CsSR. I am writing to thank everyone who supported in any way the 'Miscellany' event held in Mooretown last year.

This event was held to help the new Redemptorist mission in the northwest of Mozambique. We look after a huge area which runs along a border region with Malawi, up as far as Zambia. The Diocese of Tete where we work is bigger than the whole island of Ireland. The infrastructure is very poor and the roads along which we travel are very bad. Up to now we have been driving an old jeep which was falling apart and giving lots of problems.

Recently however, after much waiting, our new jeep finally arrived. This will be a huge help to us as we travel around to the many small rural communties within our area. The money raised from the 'Miscellany' event was such a big help in being able to acquire our new vehicle. We really appreciate this support and the many good wishes that we have received along the way.

Our mission is only beginning and as such continues to be very fragile. We have a lot of learning to do, not only in relation to language, but also to the cultural aspects of life. Trying to understand how we can best be a presence that enhances the life of the people here will be an ongoing challenge.

The people have been very welcoming to us, they have such patience regarding everything, or so it seems to me. In spite of the very difficult circumstances in which they live we never hear them complain about anything. They are great singers and dancers, it's so much part of life here. They work very hard, they smile and laugh a lot and are very friendly people.

All in all we're very happy to be here, doing our little bit. At present we have three members in our community, two Irish priests and a brother from Brazil, and in September we will be joined by another Irish Redemptorist.

Once again thank you for support and good wishes, it means a lot to us, we continue to remember you in our prayers.