The mission in Sierra Leone continues to grow with the arrival of two new missionaries: Friar Jhyryx Gamulo and Friar Mc Airel Capinpin, both from the Philippines. Since this February, they have joined the evangelization, education and social development projects of the Order and ARCORES in this West African country, where Catholics are a minority facing multiple challenges.
Fr. Jhyryx Gamulo has been assigned to the Parish of San Pablo, in the municipality of Kamalo, in the north of the country, where he will accompany the community and give continuity to pastoral and social projects. For its part, Fr. Airel CapinpinJhyryx, will live an eight-month missionary experience in the Parish of Our Lady of Sierra Leone in Kamabai, 20 km from Fr. Jhyryx, where he will focus on pastoral and community life.
“Every smile tells a story of hope and dreams.”
Fr. Jhyryx shared that since arriving in Sierra Leone, he has found that “every smile tells a story of hope and dreams. “every smile tells a story of hope and dreams”. He added: “Join us in empowering the children of Sierra Leone for a better future. Together, we can make a difference.
The Augustinian Recollects have been leaving their mark in Sierra Leone for years. Although the mission was founded by the Province of St. Nicholas of Tolentine, since 1998 its administration has been entrusted to the Province of St. Ezekiel Moreno. Thanks to the collaboration between the two provinces, projects that have improved education, health and infrastructure in the country have been promoted.
“Continues to move forward and reaffirms its commitment to the most vulnerable.”
Sierra Leone is a Muslim-majority country, although inter-religious coexistence is harmonious. The Catholic community is small and dispersed, which means traveling long distances over difficult roads to reach the faithful. In addition, deep-rooted customs persist that pose a challenge to evangelization, such as polygamy, unequal treatment between men and women, genital mutilation and child marriage.
In order to respond to these realities, the Augustinian Recollects have launched projects such as the St. Paul’s Boarding School in Kamalo ARCORES’ educational program, the Sueño Solar project and many other training and community development initiatives.
As noted by Fr. Mc Airel, the mission of the Augustinian Recollects in Sierra Leone “continues to move forward and reaffirms its commitment to the most vulnerable by promoting education, solidarity and social change”.