SECAM TRIBUTE TO RICHARD CARDINAL BAAWOBR

The Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) and the entire Church, Family of God in Africa and its Islands are mourning the loss that this death has brought.

Yes, the Church in Africa has lost a good and faithful pastor. When we recall that Cardinal Richard was created Cardinal and elected the President of SECAM just few months ago, his departure fills us with deep sorrow. But as Christians, we know that the late Cardinal was only moved from here to a higher place.

In fact, he deserves such a higher place; for Cardinal Richard was a man of God, with respect for every person who came his way and showing no discrimination to anyone who came into contact with him. He was not happy seeing people suffer either emotionally, mentally or physically and he did everything within his means to make them feel comfortable.

Cardinal Richard was a true religious with wide missionary and administrative experience, especially, as Superior General of the Missionaries of Africa. A humble servant of God, who even, with his permanent smile, caught people to God. In fact, as St. Teresa of Calcutta said: “evangelization begins with a smile”. Cardinal Richard’s smile not only made him very approachable, welcoming and consoling, but also attracted a good number of people to God. His commitment and dedication, expressed without reserve, are a testimony to his total self-giving, which has inspired many to the priesthood and religious life.

During the short time of his Presidency and in his many Church involvements, we experienced his fraternal and friendship style of living and working. His Eminence was truly a broadminded pastor, a person with great empathy, and above all, a man of God.

In this time of grief for such a great loss, we are consoled by the words of the book of Wisdom which assure us that Cardinal Richard « became perfect in short time, and reached the fullness of a long career because his soul was precious to the Lord; he was quickly removed from wickedness around him” (Wis 4;13-14). “For, those who trust in God will understand the truth and those who are faithful will abide with his chosen ones and his protection is with his holy ones” (Wis 3, 9).

We promise to eternalize the Cardinal’s dreams and plan for the growth of the Catholic Church in Africa and its Islands. We will follow your dedication and example so that SECAM can become a useful instrument for the coordinated work of evangelization so that Africa and the Islands may know Christ and have a true life in His Name.

Dear Cardinal Richard may the God of mercies grant you a well-deserved rest in His kingdom of peace and joy.

Fridolin Cardinal AMBONGO

First Vice-President ofSECAM