Fr. Joeven Matugas, sx
Falaba is the name of a town situated in the upper and northern parts of Sierra Leone. Fabala belongs to the parish of Kabala and is one of the parishes farthest outstations. From Makeni, it takes two hours to drive to reach this place.
History tells us, that Falaba was the port of entry into inland Sierra Leone for Muslims coming from Mali after crossing through Guinea. Falaba is also the headquarters of the Sulima Chiefdom. This chiefdom is inhabited by the ethnic group called Yalunka. This place and its people have a rich history in Sierra Leone dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries.
The chiefdom is dominated by Muslims but in recent years, the Paramount Chief of the chiefdom, PC Bernard Manga Salifu Samura III, who by chance is a Catholic, tried his best to develop a Catholic Christian community in Falaba. With the help of the Fathers who were assigned to Kabala in the past number of years, the small Christian community of Falaba has been established. There are people albeit few who have wished to become Catholic and have been baptized.
The Christian journey in this community is not easy. The Christian community is small and many live far away from the parish. As yet, there is no church building. These Christians have encountered many unpleasant experiences from the local people and authorities but fortunately, they continue to conduct prayer services every Sunday and they also hold prayer meetings. The Fathers who were previously based in Kabala support the small Christian community in Falaba with occasional Sunday visits.
Unfortunately, the Paramount Chief Bernard passed away from this world last June 5, 2016 due to a certain illness. People were very sad and even shocked by his death. For the Catholic Mission his death was a big loss.
On July 15 2016, 40 days after his death the Catholic Mission through the Kabala Parish went to Falaba to pay tribute to him. The Mass was in celebration of his memory. The occasion was graced by his two sons and daughter who had come from London. There were many dignitaries lebration including the Council Chairman of the District with some of his councilors, the Mayor of Makeni, the Paramount Chiefs from the surrounding chiefdoms, representatives from the national government and some local tribal authorities.
The celebration of the Mass went well despite the heavy downpour of rain. After the Mass, the entire family and some visitors blessed the grave of the late Paramount Chief. The Catholic mission was responsible for making the grave and for the big cross together with a photo of the late chief.
Falaba is the name of a town situated in the upper and northern parts of Sierra Leone. Fabala belongs to the parish of Kabala and is one of the parishes farthest outstations. From Makeni, it takes two hours to drive to reach this place.
History tells us, that Falaba was the port of entry into inland Sierra Leone for Muslims coming from Mali after crossing through Guinea. Falaba is also the headquarters of the Sulima Chiefdom. This chiefdom is inhabited by the ethnic group called Yalunka. This place and its people have a rich history in Sierra Leone dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries.
The chiefdom is dominated by Muslims but in recent years, the Paramount Chief of the chiefdom, PC Bernard Manga Salifu Samura III, who by chance is a Catholic, tried his best to develop a Catholic Christian community in Falaba. With the help of the Fathers who were assigned to Kabala in the past number of years, the small Christian community of Falaba has been established. There are people albeit few who have wished to become Catholic and have been baptized.
The Christian journey in this community is not easy. The Christian community is small and many live far away from the parish. As yet, there is no church building. These Christians have encountered many unpleasant experiences from the local people and authorities but fortunately, they continue to conduct prayer services every Sunday and they also hold prayer meetings. The Fathers who were previously based in Kabala support the small Christian community in Falaba with occasional Sunday visits.
Unfortunately, the Paramount Chief Bernard passed away from this world last June 5, 2016 due to a certain illness. People were very sad and even shocked by his death. For the Catholic Mission his death was a big loss.
On July 15 2016, 40 days after his death the Catholic Mission through the Kabala Parish went to Falaba to pay tribute to him. The Mass was in celebration of his memory. The occasion was graced by his two sons and daughter who had come from London. There were many dignitaries lebration including the Council Chairman of the District with some of his councilors, the Mayor of Makeni, the Paramount Chiefs from the surrounding chiefdoms, representatives from the national government and some local tribal authorities.
The celebration of the Mass went well despite the heavy downpour of rain. After the Mass, the entire family and some visitors blessed the grave of the late Paramount Chief. The Catholic mission was responsible for making the grave and for the big cross together with a photo of the late chief.