THE  ST. FRANCIS CARACCIOLO MISSION

The St. Francis Caracciolo Mission was established by the Adorno Fathers on February 26, 1984 in Nyamilima, North Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo, Africa for the love of the poorest in Africa.  The Mission exists through divine providence and the generosity of people.

THE GIUSEPPE DIURNI PASTORAL CENTER

With a mission area of 2400 square kilometers and a population of 80,000, Nyamilima needs a central location where lay people can be trained to minister to the villagers.  This training takes place at the Giuseppe Diurnal Pastoral Center.  Once trained, these lay people provide spiritual, civil, social, and health-related assistance.  They teach the faith, help with liturgy, provide advice on laws and rights, and serve as peacekeepers.

CHURCH—A SIGN OF UNITY AND FAITH

The St. Francis Caracciolo Mission has 15 small associated parishes.  While eight of these parishes have permanent brick and stone buildings, the others still use structures of sticks and mud.

SCHOOLS

In 1985 construction began on the elementary schools of Nyamilima.  At that time 400 students attended the schools.  Today 14,000 students on the elementary and secondary level are served by the schools.  360 teachers are employed.

ST. JOHN’S HOSPITAL OF NYAMILIMA

The need for medical services in the mission area is very great.  Currently there is one 80-bed hospital, St. John’s Hospital, serving the people of the area.  The hospital has one doctor on staff who is occasionally assisted by visiting doctors.  Approximately 15 nurses staff the hospital.  In addition to the hospital, there are four dispensaries which provide first aid, maternity care, and refer patients to the hospital when necessary.  There is also a malnutrition center. 

ST. JOSEPH SEMINARY

St. Joseph Seminary, formerly located in the city of Goma, is now rebuilt and housed outside the city near the lake.  On January 17, 2003 it had been devastated by a volcanic eruption.  St. Joseph Seminary continues to educate young Catholic men from the region to be the priests and brothers of tomorrow.  After five years of training at St. Joseph’s, the seminarians continue their studies at international universities of theology, including their newly opened House of Formation for theology students in Nairobi, Kenya

Fr. Thomas Barbona attends to the children of the
African Mission. Photo courtesy of Adorno Fathers.