by Alexis Kalambry, Mali, February 1998
THEME = CHURCH
The people of Mali, most of them Muslims,
say farewell to a man of God belonging to another faith
Archbishop Luc Sangaré's funeral took place on 16 February 1998, in the presence of the President of Mali, Alpha Oumar Konaré. In his oration, the President said that he all his fellow-citizens bore witness to the Archbishop's life and achievements.
Towards 11 A.M. on Wednesday 11 February, the news went around - Archbishop Luc Sangaré was dead. This was a bitter blow for the Catholic Church in Mali; indeed, a bitter blow for all the people of Mali. The Archbishop had left for Abidjan (Côte d'Ivoire) to take part in the permanent committee meeting of the Regional Bishops' Conference of West Africa (CERAO), scheduled for 2-8 February 1998. It was there that the Archbishop died.
With his slender, almost fragile physique, Archbishop Sangaré was a familiar figure throughout Mali. Everyone wanted to know what he had to say, when, in the name of the Catholic Church, he presented the traditional New Year's greeting to the President of the Republic. In fact, everyone felt they knew him.
Luc Sangaré was born on 20 June 1925 at Ségou. He was ordained to the priesthood on 12 September 1954, being one of the first Malians to become a priest. After ordination, he was appointed to Ouelessebougou (60 km south of Bamako). His next appointment was as curate in Bamako Cathedral parish.
In 1959, Luc Sangaré was sent to Rome for further theological studies. On 4 April 1962, he was appointed Archbishop of Bamako, the first Malian to occupy that position. His Episcopal ordination took place on 26 May 1998, the main celebrant being the Apostolic Delegate, Archbishop Jean-Mary Maury. Archbishop Sangaré was enthroned in his cathedral the following day. Because of his position and personality, he very quickly became president of Mali's Bishops' Conference. As bishop, his constant care was for his Church - a Church in dialogue with other Religions and, indeed, with the world at large.
As Archbishop of Bamako, he presented the traditional New Year's greetings from the Church, to the President of the Republic. (These have now been published by the Jamana Press, entitled: "New Years' Messages"). It's through these discourses that everyone felt they knew the Archbishop. He was first and foremost a patriot who loved his country. This is clearly underlined in the preface he wrote for his book. "I wish to assure all Malians that we are determined to be one with them, to share their joys and sorrows, on a daily basis and in a positive and constructive way. Your problems are our problems. Together, we work for the betterment of our country, at the same time not forgetting our special vocation".
Archbishop Sangaré was especially known as a "mediator" and a "facilitator". He was a member of the Religious Leaders' Committee which played an important role in alleviating the various crises to have shaken our country in recent times. He is mourned by all Malians because he was someone who encouraged a spirit of tolerance and dialogue.
His funeral service was a mixture of Catholic Liturgy, traditional customs and administrative protocol. More than 100 priests were present, together with more than ten bishops from many West African countries - Togo, Guinea, Mauritania, Côte d'Ivoire (which sent a large delegation because it was there the Archbishop died). Côte d'Ivoire's Minister of Religious Affairs, Léon Konan Koffi, spoke of his country's great grief. The Vatican was represented by the Apostolic Nuncio.
In the presence of a large crowd and to the sound of traditional flutes and hunting-rifle shots, the Archbishop's coffin arrived at the Omnisports Stadium in Bamako. President Konaré then placed on the coffin, the insignia of Mali's highest honour, Commander of the National Order of Mali, with which the Archbishop had been posthumously decorated.
Bishop Mory Parie Sidibé of Ségou was the main celebrant. In his panegyric, he said: "For 36 years our Archbishop was among us - like a tree he spread his shade over us, and we were able to shelter in his shade. Now the tree is no more".
Throughout the ceremony, Catholics, Protestants, Muslims and close colleagues paid tribute to the Archbishop's life and work. Each one spoke of the privilege they had in being so close to him. "God gave him the gift and the courage, to speak the truth with love", said Pastor Kassoum Keita, from the Protestant Church. "Today is a day for prayer", said President Konaré. "The Archbishop knew how to rally the sympathy of those who belonged to other religions". Mali has a population of 10 million. Only 1% are Christians. The President recalled the Archbishop's presence among us, and went on to say: "but now we are left orphans". Then, addressing himself to the deceased, the President added: "Now you have completed your work. For fifty years, you worked to save our country from all kinds of uncertainties." (A reference to the Archbishop's fifty years' service as a priest). He concluded: "You are someone who makes us proud to belong to the family of mankind".
In death, Archbishop Sangaré succeeded in getting all Mali's politicians together, united as one in their grief. Yes, they were all there, the ruling party and the Opposition.
END
PeaceLink 1998 - Reproduction authorised, with usual acknowledgement