Democratic Republic of the Congo
Interview by Destin Byandike, correspondent for spazio + spadoni in the DRC, with Giacomo and Marguerite, two Italian volunteers who chose to get married in Bukavu.
1. Can you briefly introduce yourselves? Your background, your work?
We are two Italians originally from Genoa, in northern Italy. I work in social communication and Marguerite works for Caritas Genoa and in the field of psychology. Since 2018, we have returned to the Congo every year, particularly to Bukavu and Goma. We collaborate with the Franciscan Sisters of Our Lady of the Mount to develop several schools. We organize a summer camp in the port of Bukavu with our Italian friends. We also share some projects with Caritas Développement Bukavu. We visit the Xaverian Fathers and other communities to better understand the situation of the people of Kivu.
2. Why did you choose to celebrate your wedding in Panzi, Bukavu, and not in Italy?
To share this moment of joy right where our journey as a couple grew, year after year. To encourage our Congolese friends in this time of suffering. To confirm our choice: that these people, these communities, are our family for life.
3. What motivated you to make this choice despite the context of insecurity?
We trust our sister friends and our Caritas colleagues. Each time, they help us assess the risks and conditions for undertaking the journey. But we also believe that security increases when we do not give in to fear. Being present and following the situation in person can encourage leaders to act more responsibly.
4. What are your impressions of the parish community’s mobilization that enlivened this celebration?
It was very moving for us to see the celebration and the feast brought to life by so many groups and communities we have known over the years. We love the popular dimension of Panzi and the vitality of the parish: the young missionaries, the choir, the Fathers, but also the Briquette du Kivu team, the artisan women of Bagira, the Caritas group, the children of Keredi, the students of Camp Jules Moke, the staff of Ekabana… and so many others. Everyone accompanied us with incredible energy.
5. What message would you like to address to the world regarding the people of Bukavu you are getting to know right now?
We echo some words from the introduction we read at the beginning of the wedding:
«It is you who have always welcomed us for who we are. It is you who have given us joy, courage, and hope, despite everything. It is you who have taught us so much about life and death. It is you who helped us understand, little by little, the history, culture, sufferings, and desires of this people. It is you who allowed us to understand the injustices of the system in which we were born and raised. You propose meaningful ideas and projects for the uplifting of the poorest and for social justice. You make us feel at home, like family».
You are strong, resilient, and creative, despite everything. Thank you for teaching us all this.
Photo by Giacomo D’Alessandro and Margherita Goretti
