The Founders

Our commitment arises from our Christian faith, that is, from the experience that in Jesus Christ we find the fulfillment of our life.

This was the feeling that pushed Don Vittorio Pastori and Msgr. Enrico Manfredini to begin the work that today we call ''Africa Mission-Cooperation and Development''. The meeting between the two took place for the first time in Varese in 1966 where Msgr. Enrico Manfredini, entrusts the role of Administrator of the Basilica, of the diocesan printing press and of the parish works to Don Vittorio Pastori. From that moment they will work alongside each other for almost twenty years, even when Manfredini will be appointed Bishop of Piacenza. His Excellency invites Don Vittorio to follow him: the restaurateur accepts with enthusiasm, leaving his entrepreneurial activity to carry out the role of Administrative Secretary of the bishop's canteen, Bursar of the Seminary and Director of a retreat house. 

It will be precisely in that moment that our Movement takes shape! In those years we moved from the organization of missionary trips and container shipments with aid for local communities, to the first real international cooperation projects with the drilling of wells. The need to combat the emergency arose, it was time to contribute to the development of the population. Don Vittoria encounters the poverty of Uganda and especially of Karamoja. He reports everything to his partner Enrico, stating that here one cannot remain indifferent and convinces him that it is necessary to stay and work in those areas. It will become the fulcrum of the Movement's works.

This strong collaboration unfortunately ceased when Manfredini died suddenly in 1983, just shortly after his appointment as pastoral care of the Archdiocese of Bologna.

However, Don Vittorio continues his mission, which will even lead him to consolidate the Movement by opening branches in Uganda, building dispensaries and schools and starting various projects.

 

After his death in 1994, AMCD will overcome this hard blow thanks to the work of collaborators, volunteers and friends. The legacy of the two founders has been welcomed by collaborators, friends and volunteers. We will find the strength to continue the dream of Don Vittorio and Mon. Manfredini, who will lead the organization to achieve great goals and to still play a fundamental role in the growth of Karamoja and Uganda.