Father Silvano Dal Dosso, a missionary from the Diocese of Verona, started his work from scratch in one of Mozambique's most rugged areas, amid breathtaking mountains and plateaus. After fifteen years in the north of the country, in the Diocese of Nacala, near the troubled province of Cabo Delgado, three years ago the bishop sent him to bring pastoral presence to Alta Zambesia, at an altitude of 1,300 meters, at the foot of Mount Namuli. This mountain, 2,419 meters high, is considered sacred by the two major ethnic groups, the Makua and the Lomué, who practice ancestor worship here.
The population in these areas is almost entirely Christian, unlike other regions of Mozambique where Muslims are the majority. The chapel that Father Silvano is building gathers 35 communities scattered across the mountains, in a vast territory with constant ups and downs. Roads are few and difficult; many communities can only be reached by motorcycle or on foot. Slowly, the church and its annexes are taking shape, but it takes time and physical effort.
An Unending Crisis: War, Hunger, and Climate Change
Mozambique is experiencing a deep and prolonged crisis, marked by armed conflicts, droughts, and floods. Father Silvano reports that the situation has become unsustainable for many families. The war in Cabo Delgado province, which began in 2017, has caused over a million internally displaced people. Many have found refuge in the mountainous areas where the missionary works, but resources are scarce. "People arrive with nothing, just the will to start over," says Father Silvano. "But the land is hard, the climate unpredictable: sometimes it rains too much, sometimes not for months. The harvest is lost, and then they suffer hunger."
Climate change is worsening an already precarious situation. Increasingly intense cyclones batter the coast, while the interior suffers from longer droughts. "Here people live on subsistence farming," explains the missionary. "If the harvest fails, there is no alternative. There are no reserves, no regular aid. It's a daily struggle for survival."
The Church's Response: Welcome and Hope
In this context, the local Church is trying to be a sign of hope. Father Silvano and his community welcome the displaced, offering food and spiritual support. "We can't solve all the problems, but we can be close, listen, pray together," he says. "Faith is what keeps these people going. Without it, many would have already lost hope."
The missionary also emphasizes the importance of collaboration with other churches and humanitarian organizations. "We are ecumenical: we work with Protestant brothers and sisters, with international organizations. What matters is helping, regardless of the flag."
The Challenge of Reconstruction: Building Community
Beyond the immediate emergency, there is the challenge of long-term reconstruction. Father Silvano is working to create infrastructure that can support the communities: a school, a health center, an orphanage. "It's not enough to give food," he states. "We need to provide tools for the future. Children must study, adults must learn new farming methods more resilient to climate."
The construction of the church is just the beginning. "The church is the heart of the community," he explains. "But around it, many other things grow: education, health, solidarity. It's slow work, but every small step is a victory."
A Message of Hope for All Christians
Father Silvano invites Christians around the world not to forget Mozambique. "Prayer is important, but so is concrete support. Even a small gesture can make a difference. These people need to know they are not alone."
The Bible reminds us that "where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them" (Matthew 18:20). And in these difficult times, God's presence is made visible in the dedication of those who, like Father Silvano, choose to share life with the most needy.
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