Karol Darmoros, Tiziana Campisi
“The atmosphere here is full of joy, enthusiasm, and great expectations,” reports Fr. Fred Wekesa, rector of St. Augustine’s Basilica, to Vatican media.
The visit has generated immense excitement since the election of Leo XIV, who introduced himself as “a son of St. Augustine.” Father Fred Wekesa, rector of the basilica in Annaba, emphasizes: “On social media, thousands of comments invited the Pope to visit Algeria.” For the residents, this is a nationwide event, extending beyond religious boundaries.
In the Footsteps of the Doctor of the Church
The visit plan includes the ruins of ancient Hippo, the home of the Little Sisters of the Poor, and a meeting with the Augustinian brothers. As Fr. Wekesa explains, this is following in the footsteps of St. Augustine. The Pope will visit, among other places, the “St. Monica Space,” where one can explore 93 treatises, about 500 sermons, and over 200 letters by the Bishop of Hippo in various languages: Latin, Italian, Spanish, French, English, and Arabic. The entire collection available here numbers over 2,000 volumes. It is worth adding that the Augustinians have gathered a much larger collection in Annaba – a total of about 9,000 books covering theology, philosophy, history of religion, and other fields.
Dialogue Across Divisions
The Augustinian community in Annaba has been building bridges between cultures for years. Their work is not only liturgy but also daily cooperation with Muslims. An example is the home for the elderly, run by the Little Sisters of the Poor, where most of the 40 residents are Muslims. Father Wekesa, quoting an African proverb, emphasizes the importance of this cooperation. “One hand cannot clap,” he says. He adds that the Augustinian presence in this place is to promote interreligious dialogue and to spread the life and teachings of St. Augustine.
Peace as a Foundation
In a world torn by conflicts, the figure of the Bishop of Hippo remains extremely relevant. As Father Fred notes: “Augustine suggests dialogue to us” as the best way to solve problems. The Augustinian from Annaba also points out that Leo XIV comes to promote peace, reconciliation, and respect “with the same voice” as his spiritual father.
Community and Forgiveness
The central point of the Pope’s visit to Annaba will be the afternoon Mass in the basilica, where the relics of the saint’s arm rest. For the local religious, this is an impulse for further work: “The Pope’s visit strengthens us, inviting us to continue the dialogue for peace, to live as brothers, side by side.” As the hosts of the place remind us, there is no perfect community without forgiveness, and this visit is a living testimony to unity, to “forgive each other and – as the Bishop of Hippo urged – live in unity,” in accordance with the saint’s teaching.
