The Diocese of Ziguinchor celebrated its first Jubilee of Consecrated Persons. For three days, the Diocese of Ziguinchor served as the gathering point for the Apostolic Nuncio, pastors from churches across Senegal's dioceses, and religious men and women for intense moments of communion and fraternity with other religious communities and lay faithful.

During these 72 hours, meetings focused on social cohesion left a lasting impression.

During the final celebration presided over by Bishop Jean-Baptiste Valter Manga, the Bishop of the Diocese of Ziguinchor highlighted the historical and spiritual importance of the southern capital in Casamance, focusing on its role as a center of initiation rites, then of French colonial power, and finally as a Catholic missionary center.

The house of the Sisters of the 5th of Mary was an important place for these rites, said the pastor of the church in Ziguinchor, explaining that the Governance, former palace of the French chief commander at this strategic location, put an end to these rites.

The French chose Ziguinchor, despite its marshy location and poor suitability for habitation, as a place for meeting and pilgrimage, Bishop Manga learned.

Comparing this jubilee of consecrated persons in the land of Casamance, particularly in Ziguinchor, as a kind of pilgrimage for the consolidation of peace and social cohesion, Bishop Manga spoke at length about the meaning of pilgrimage.

The pastor of the church in Ziguinchor defined pilgrimage as a journey by the believer (pilgrim) to a place of devotion. This place is considered sacred and is believed to offer direct communication with a deity.

This communication may be due to a relic, a legend, an account of an apparition, miracles, a spring or a tree, explained the bishop.

Bishop Manga presents this pilgrimage to Ziguinchor as an enriching experience. He highlights the "ritual magic" of pilgrimages, where the pilgrims as a whole become an object of interest, revealing what the rite accomplishes, often in subtle ways.

Bishop Jean-Baptiste Valter Manga praised the active participation of Muslims in these discussions. He considered this participation of the Muslim community a gift from the Holy Spirit. According to him, it reflects Pope Francis's emphasis on interreligious dialogue.

A look back at this homily by Bishop Jean Baptiste Valter Manga, Bishop of Ziguinchor.

Video from the RFZ channel, Religion, Faith in Ziguinchor