Rome, Italy, May 21, 2007 / 09:58 am
The small minority of Catholics in the predominantly Muslim African country of Mali remains committed to mission by “good example and concrete works,” says Bishop Jean-Gabriel Diarra of San, Mali. Still, he said, there is the need to announce that these good works are animated by the Gospel.
Mali has a population of about 10 to 12 million, of whom 3 percent are Catholic. There are about 100 local priests, some missionary priests, such as the Missionaries of Africa (White Fathers), and orders of women religious.
“There are catechists and as everywhere in Africa, they too are extremely important,” the bishop told Fides while in Rome for the ad limina visit.
“In this context the Church wishes to be leaven which makes the dough rise, and light to illuminate civil society and institutions, and all men and women of goodwill. The Catholic community is structured like a Church-family where people know each other and help one another to live the Gospel.