Sir, - Extensive coverage has been given by the media to the plight of the refugees in eastern Zaire, and rightly so. Similarly, considerable attention had been given to the heroic endeavours of the various relief agencies before they were obliged to withdraw. But I was struck when a TV journalist stated on November 4th that he was in Goma and there were no "Westerners".
As if they did not exist, the continued presence of missionaries in both Goma and Bukavu, as well as the surrounding regions, has been passed over in silence by the media. Without any fear of doubt, I can affirm that there were, and are, "Westerners", missionaries, if you like, in Goma.
With regret, I do not have the statistics for other societies, but there are ten missionaries of Africa ("White Fathers") in Goma and another nine in the immediate vicinity. In and around Bukavu there are even more.
Archbishop Christopher Munzihirwa, SJ, Archbishop of Bukavu, was killed on October 29th. Rather than flee, he had chosen to remain. Was it a coincidence that he and his driver were beaten to death shortly after his pastoral letter had been read in all churches? In that letter, he had condemned the increasing violence and appealed for peace. With his assassination, an authoritative voice appealing for a just peace was silenced.
"Blessed are the peacemakers".
"And as catalysts for peace the missionaries have chosen to remain on the spot. - Mise le meas,
M.Afr.,
Missionaries of Africa,
148 Wainsfort Road,
Terenure,
Dublin 6.