The Superior General, Brother Bro. Jesús Etayo, with Brothers Pascal Ahodegnon and Moisés Martin, has just been to Sierra Leone to visit, accompany and thank the Hospitaller Family of our Care Centres (Lunsar and Lunghi) following the emergency and the crisis through which they endured such suffering because of Ebola, and to celebrate the 50^th anniversary of the Saint John of God Hospital at Mabesseneh.

These celebrations were also attended by a large group of professionals and volunteers from the Sanct Joan de Déu Hospital at Espluges (Barcelona), Juan Ciudad 0ONGD, the Director of Communications of the French Province, Brothers from other Communities of the African Province, and Brothers Fernando Aguilo and Gregorio Martin who had spene part of their Religious Life working in this Hospital, as well as Brother Jesùs Goñi who was a member of its first Community.

On the eve of Saint John of God’s Day, thirty-seven students solemnly graduated from the Hospital’s Nursing School.

During their stay in Sierra Leone they also had the opportunity to visit the Holy Spirit Hospital and, in Makemi, to greet the Bishop, the Apostolic Administrator, Mgr Natale Paganelli who, jointly with the Archbishop of Freetown and the Superior General presided at the Solemn Mass on the Feast of Saint John of God, and the anniversary commemorations.

The Superior General and the Brothers accompanying him also wished to visit the Hospital Director, the Provincial and Juan Ciudad ONGD, the representatives of the St John of God Nursing School and Hospital, and the NGO, Africa Viva, to thank them and share everything that was being done at the Hospital and its mission, and plan further opportunities for coordination.

Before leaving for Liberia they were able to set new cooperation objectives for the future of the Saint John of God Hospitaller mission in Sierra Leone, when they were received and welcomed by the First Lady, followed by a meeting with the President of the Republic and two ministers of his Government team.