The Comboni Missionaries have been present in Chad for nearly 47 years and are located in almost every diocese. Enrico Gonzales, an Italian Comboni Missionary Brother, tells us about their commitment to serving local communities and the challenges they face.
In northern Chad, we are situated in Abéché, which is part of an Apostolic Vicariate. This area is a hub for our cultural and pastoral activities and is strategically important due to its proximity to various communities.
The cultural centre I run in Abéché provides a space for young people to engage in cultural and educational activities and promotes interfaith dialogue, which is essential in a predominantly Muslim region. Interreligious dialogue is a key part of our mission.
Moving south, we have a significant presence in the Diocese of Pala, where we run a parish and are involved in healthcare through a local hospital. This dual focus addresses both the spiritual needs of the community and essential health services.
In the Diocese of Doba, we manage a large parish involved in various human development projects, including infrastructure improvement, agricultural support and education. The parish acts as a focal point for community involvement, reflecting our commitment to addressing the holistic needs of the population. In the southern town of Sar, we run formation houses for novices and postulants. This region is more developed, with a stronger Catholic presence, and the houses of formation play a vital role in preparing new missionaries to carry on our work.
Our pastoral activities include parish ministry, catechism, youth work and wider human development efforts. Each community has unique needs, which we address through tailor-made programmes.
Chad faces significant economic challenges that affect our mission. High inflation and shortages of basic goods, exacerbated by regional conflicts, have put pressure on local communities. Despite its oil resources, wealth is concentrated among the elite, with little investment in social services. Many people work hard but struggle with the high cost of living, leading to widespread hardship.
In response, the Comboni Missionaries are developing self-sustaining agricultural projects outside of N’Djamena to support our mission and relieve local communities. These efforts are aimed at addressing economic challenges and improving food security.
The Tent of Abraham in N’Djamena promotes understanding between Christians and Muslims, building bridges and fostering peaceful coexistence. This initiative is particularly important given the complex religious landscape in Chad.
The systemic inequality in Chad is deeply rooted and is perpetuated by economic and political systems that favour the elite. Previous attempts at advocacy, such as that of Bishop Rousseau of Doba, faced significant obstacles, leading to repression and his eventual departure. Our commitment to making a difference continues through the Justice and Peace Commission, which addresses conflicts between farming and pastoral communities. While this work promotes local peace, it does not directly address broader systemic issues.
The Catholic Church in Chad is cautious about political advocacy because of the potential for manipulation and repression. Past experience, such as the national dialogue prior to the recent elections, showed that the Church’s participation could be exploited, leading to its withdrawal from the process.
Pastoral ministry in Chad faces several challenges. Limited participation in sacraments and religious activities, especially in the north, is a concern, as is the lack of educational resources and trained catechists. Cultural differences and the predominance of Islam complicate the life of the Church in these regions.
Another challenge is posed by the different approaches to evangelisation in the north and south of Chad. The south offers a more supportive environment for religious activities, while the north presents a more complex landscape. The departure of the Jesuits from the north has left a gap that we are working to fill.
To meet these challenges, we implement localised approaches to pastoral care and education, using local languages and cultural practices to make our programmes relevant and accessible. A particular focus is on youth engagement, fostering a new generation of Catholics who can contribute to the growth of the Church.
While the challenges we face are significant, our commitment to serving local communities and meeting their needs remains unwavering. The economic situation requires constant adaptation and resilience. Through self-sustaining projects, advocacy and local pastoral care, we strive to make a positive impact on the lives of those we serve.