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La Radio Chrétienne Francophone R.C.F. Juin 2013

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On May 30, 2013

In News

RCF Bruxelles logoRencontrer l’Afrique  sous la direction du Père Jan Lenssen M.Afr en collaboration avec l’équipe du Centre Amani, Pastorale Africaine. Pour écouter RCF Bruxelles partout dans le monde, a l’heure même de l’émission:RCF Bruxelles www.rcfbruxelles.be. Vous pouvez réécouter les émissions de la semaine dernière en «podcast» sur le site de RCF:
http://www.rcfbruxelles.be/-Podcast-.html
Les prochaines Émissions : mois de Juin 2013
Horaire des émissions
Mercredi :  à 19h30 – Jeudi : à 4h30 et à 16h – Samedi: à 19h30 – Dimanche: à 17h
05.06.2013 – Mgr Banga, Évêque de Buta,
Vice-Président de la Conférence des Évêques de l’Église du Congo. L’Église catholique dans le cadre du Congo RDC.
12.06.2013 – Mama Virginie Kadima,
Supérieure Générale des sœurs de Saint Joseph, Auxiliaires de l’Église. Un appel vocationnel qui a dynamisé des générations de femmes dans l’Église du Congo: Les sœurs de St-Joseph, Auxiliaires de l’Église. L’histoire et l’actualité d’une Congrégation Religieuse Congolaise.
19.06.2013 – Reprise (Semaine 18-13)
Sœur Diane Nlenzo Marie Isabelle RDC. Éduquer la femme c’est une garantie durable pour la nation! L’éducation de la jeune fille en Afrique; œuvre de longue haleine mais de développement durable. Le récit de Martine jeune élève: rebelle ou bien héroïque?
26.06.2013 – Père Antoine Vital Mbadu Kwalu.
Les prêtres âges en Afrique : des anciens sages, investis de leur autorité à cause du service aux communautés chrétiennes, au repos. Au soin de la communauté locale ?

Encounter with elephants in Lumimba

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On May 28, 2013

In News, Zambia Sector

I wanted to go to Chipuka Gate, inside Luambe National Park, to check if the road was passable. Two students from Lumimba Day Secondary School were with me. I decided to reach the first bridge and check if the water had dried out. There were only a few rough places due to hippos and elephants.
Before reaching the first river bed, moving slowly, I was admiring some antelopes, beautiful birds and baboons while appreciating the beauty of God’s creation. We were moving closer to the Luangwa River and we could see some animals drinking and hippos making gymnastics in the waters. Suddenly, I heard the boys screaming. I looked on my left side and I saw a huge elephant charging towards the car. Then, I look on my right side and saw three elephants approaching very fast towards us. We were surrounded on both sides. Confused, I had to act quickly. I wanted to switch off the car engine. The boys told me immediately not to do so as the elephants were coming with sharp loud noise. When reaching my door side, the boys urged me to move. I immediately engaged the gear on a rough road full of potholes. I speeded up and managed to move 10km per hours. The elephants were relentless and approaching fearlessly. Providentially, they started slowing down. I was terribly scared. It was actually the first time since I came to Lumimba to encounter elephants at such a closer range. Luckily, the first elephant on the left side stopped chasing us and the others eventually stopped too. But still, I couldn’t drive very fast. I was just jumping up and down. I never looked behind or in the mirror.
elephantFew minutes later, we reached the bridge and found that the Ministry of Health have put logs nicely and cars were passing without problems. I remained scared, checking all sides of the road till Chipuka Gate. Surely my blood pressure and adrenaline might have gone high. Once more, my experience in Lumimba has been marked by an exciting experience! For sure, we must have come at a wrong time even though it was in the middle of the day. I can still see their huge ears and hear their terrific noise.
I am still under shock when writing my story. I am thankful to the students who saw the elephants in good time. This has been an exclusive experience and shall be archived in Lumimba Diary. Funny enough, I am looking forward going back to Chasera next week, using the same route. Wow! God save us!
United in the same mission, let us pray for each other.
Fr. Phelim Mutambekwa Malumo M.Afr

Ordination of Erus Kishor Tirkey in India on the 3rd May 2013

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On May 28, 2013

In News

Erus Kishor Tirkey 07Our confreres Didier Lemaire and Jean-Paul Cirhakarhula went to India with five Christians of Orange Farm in South Africa at the occasion of the ordination of Erus Kishor Tirkey in his home village, Kansabel, in the Diocese of Jashpur, in Chattisgarh State. Erus did his stage in Orange Farm.
They were received by our confreres in Bangalore and travelled 36 hours by train to reach Jashpur.
The celebrations were spread over several days. 2nd May: traditional hand over of their son to the Church by the family; 3rd May: ordination and festivity; 4th May: 1st Mass; 5th May: Sunday Mass at the Parish. Another son of the parish was ordained at the same time for the Jesuits.

Interview with David Brubaker

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On May 27, 2013

In Publications

David BrubakerPope Francis, in his Pentecost homily, invited us to be aware of transient structures which have lost their capacity for openness. He said: “Are we open to ‘God’s surprises’? Or are we closed and fearful before the newness of the Holy Spirit? Do we have the courage to strike out along the new paths which God’s newness sets before us, or do we resist, barricaded in transient structures which have lost their capacity for openness to what is new? We would do well to ask ourselves these questions.”
In this new interview David Brubaker shares with us his evolving thinking on the role of organizations in the ongoing quest for human freedom and dignity.
In today’s “information revolution” the volume of information entering and circulating within every healthy organization is indeed overwhelming. When we see information as “nourishment” we are much more likely to drink at its wells and also to share it freely than when we see it as a finite source of “power.” David concludes the interview inviting us to integrate love in our leadership. He says: “Those of us who are leaders, formal or informal, must also strive to be lovers.” READ MORE
 
David Brubaker 02

Mafrwestafrica – Lettre du 26 mai 2013

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On May 27, 2013

In News, Publications

Mafrwestafrica 02Cher SAP Blog
Aujourd’hui, les Missionnaires d’Afrique de l’Ouest vous proposent de visiter de nouvelles pages sur leur site www.mafrwestafrica.net :
– Dans la rubrique « Actualités » :
« Quelques flashes d’actualité », qui nous emmènent d’une part au Congo pour la session des jeunes confrères, et le serment et diaconat à Kinshasa, d’autre part à Abidjan pour la rencontre des familles de nos confrères. (lire la suite)
– Dans la rubrique « Justice et Paix» :
« Mieux vaut prévenir que guérir », le témoignage de notre confrère Andreas Göpfert qui consacre beaucoup de son temps à animer des sessions pour apprendre à éviter les conflits. (lire la suite)
– Dans la rubrique « Vu au sud, vu du sud » :
« Investir dans l’agriculture » : les réflexions de notre confrère Maurice Oudet suite à sa participation à un forum en France. (lire la suite)
– Dans la rubrique « Dialogue interreligieux » :
« Une Tunisienne et Vatican II », ou comment les contacts d’une musulmane avec un Missionnaire d’Afrique et les chrétiens de Sfax lui ont ouvert l’esprit et le cœur. (lire la suite)
– Dans la rubrique « Témoignages » :

« Les barbes chez les Pères Blancs », quelques réflexions et informations intéressantes et humoristiques données par le Père Frank Nolan, de Tanzanie, sur un sujet rarement abordé. (lire la suite) .

Communication from the Bishop’s Conference of Southern Africa regarding the highly controversial E-Tolling system

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On May 24, 2013

In News, South Africa Sector

Raymond McQuarrie 2Dear Friends,
Please see below the communication from the Bishop’s Conference of Southern Africa regarding the highly controversial E-Tolling system.
This coming Saturday (25th May 2013), Fr. Mike Deeb (SACBC J&P Coordinator) and myself have called a meeting of all J&P groups and interested people, at the Regina Mundi Catholic Church in Soweto, at 10:30am, to look at how we as a Church can deal with this issue, and plan our campaign.
The press release itself can be used in your communities, prayer groups and Justice and Peace groups as a discussion paper which we hope will encourage you to further action.
Please be informed on this issue and contact the SACBC J&P Department should you like to know more on the Catholic Bishop’s stance.  Lots of information can be found online too.
With every good wish and God bless.
Raymond A. McQuarrie, M.Afr.
Vicar for Justice & Peace
Archdiocese of Johannesburg
Gauteng, South Africa
Justice and Peace Press Release on E-tolling
SACBC Justice and Peace Statement on E-Tolling and Gov Accountability

An AA Dream

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On May 21, 2013

In News

Guido_Stuer1Coming closer to the end of his trip to Zambia, as a way to express his gratitude to everyone who welcomed him so nicely, Guido Stuer is offering this poem as a reminder that God loves us all.
I dreamed one night I passed away,
And left this world behind.
I started down that lonely trail
Some of my friends to find.
I came to a signpost on the trail
The directions it did tell:
KEEP RIGHT to go to HEAVEN,
TURN LEFT to go to HELL.
 
I hadn’t been too good on earth,
Just a hopeless boozing rake,
And knew there at the crossroads
The path I’d have to take.
So I started on that rocky path
That leads to Satan’s place;
And I shook within not knowing
Just what I’d have to face.
 
Old Satan met me at the gate,
“What is your name, my friends?”
I said, “I’m just old sober Sam
That’s come to a sad end”.
He glanced through some yellow files,
“You’re listed as an ALCOHOLIC,
We do not want you here.”
 
I said, “I’m looking for my friends,”
And a smile stole o’er his face.
“If your friends are alcoholics
They’re in the other place.”
So I went back the way I came
Till the crossroads I did see.
Then turned right to Heaven
As happy as could be.
 
St. Peter smiled and said: “come in,
For you I have a berth.
You are an alcoholic.
You’ve been through hell on earth.”
I saw al Dud and old Pat too.
Rill R. and a friend called Bell.
And brother I was tickled
‘Cause I thought they’d gone to hell.
 
So brothers all take warning,
Learn something from my trip.
You’re got a place in heaven
If you try hard not to slip.
If someone tempts you with a drink
When you’re not feeling well,
Tell him you’ve going to heaven
And he can go to hell!
 

Antislavery Workshop in Chipata

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On May 20, 2013

In Justice and Peace, News, Zambia Sector

Dave CullenBy Dave Cullen, M.Afr
The Association of Religious Men of Zambia (ARMZ) here in Chipata decided that on the occasion of a meeting of members to elect a new executive it would be fitting at the same time to hold a day’s workshop on ‘Slavery in our midst’. It was our way of linking up with the 125th anniversary of Cardinal Lavigerie’s tour of Europe to campaign for the end of slavery as also to commemorate the birth of Livingstone 200 years ago.
there were 12 members of ARMZ present at the workshop, 4 of them Missionaries of Africa. Others who accepted our invitation to attend were 2 representatives from five Sister’s Congregations, 2 Dutch volunteers very much concerned with helping prostitutes in Chipata plus representatives from the local clergy, Caritas and Radio Maria. There were four very good presentations, on prostitution, street kids, child labour in rural areas and exploitation of the vulnerable through cheap labour. After each presentation there was group sharing on just one question: what can we do to overcome these forms of slavery in our midst? Hopefully we will take up the challenges presented and work through such bodies as ZAS, Caritas, NGO’s as well as those groups and individuals who show particular concern in these areas, amongst them presenters of these problems to us who were clearly concerned and actively committed to find solutions.
We shall hold another meeting next year at which we shall ask: what did you actually do about those resolutions you took at last year’s workshop? Hopefully there will be some positive progress recorded. If there is we shall share the good news with you.

Burial of Steven Chowa, brother of our confrere Bernard

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On May 18, 2013

In News, Zambia Sector

Bernard Chowa 02Our confrere Bernard Chowa has returned to Tanzania today after a delay of one day due to the cancellation of his flight on Precision Air. The funeral of his brother Steven Chowa took place on Thursday the 9th May at The Good Shepherd Parish in Kabwata, Lusaka. Together with his wife, the decease is leaving behind four girls and one boy. Steven Chowa was a hardworking man entirely dedicated to his family. He is the one who took care of Bernard by allowing him to pursue his education and become a missionary priest. Bernard is very grateful to the Missionaries of Africa for the support he received from them.
Let us pray for his ministry in Tanzania and for the entire family still crying for the loss of such a committed man.
See also:

Death of the brother of Father Bernard Chowa, missionary in Tanzania

Words of thanks from Patrice R. Sawadogo following his surgery in India

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On May 17, 2013

In News

Dear confreres,
You might have heard that I was away to India for treatment. You surely have joined your prayers to those of my fellow confreres working here in Zambia, my community members, my parents, siblings and relatives as well as my friends, imploring the good Lord for a successful outcome of my worrisome knee surgery. I am very glad to write to you today to confirm that God has granted your prayers: the surgery went smooth and was successful. I am grateful to God and to you all for seeing me through this ordeal.
I sustained a complete anterior ligament rupture sometime in August, in Kasanka, while playing football with the youth of our Parish. For this kind of injury, the sole solution is to undergo surgery to reconstruct the torn ligament. But this kind of surgery is not yet available in Zambia. Owing to this fact I was then sent to India, amidst various possibilities for treatment.
Great fear and profound sadness overwhelmed me when I got the visa to India and it became certain for me that I will have to venture into this unknown Asian continent.  Great sense of fear crept into my heart when I thought of the many and frequent natural calamities, the political and religious upheavals, the various sorts of hardships that occur in that part of the world. My fear grew even higher when I was told that in India I will face loneliness if I am not rejected, that nobody will even want to shake hands with me. Indeed I experienced great fear and I was deeply saddened to go to India but in the end fear didn’t overcome me.
Patrice R. Sawadogo in India 00I eventually started off for Bengaluru in India on the 5th April where I reached safe and sound on the 6th. I was right away astounded by the extreme and never ever seen huge amount of people in Bangalore. Besides, the traffic comprising of cars, huge amount of motorbikes, three wheel cars for public transport, buses and trucks appeared to me very chaotic, highly risky and dangerous. At the very beginning I would always experience headaches and dizziness whenever we go on the road. Thanks to God and to the good community driver and the confreres, no accident, no harm whatsoever occurred.
I was greeted with a warm welcome in our missionary formation house. Students and confreres proved me right from the beginning till the end of my stay that I was their brother. They showed concern for what I was going through. They were very compassionate and supported me in a particular way that I can never forget. All, most particularly students, were eager to know something about Africa, about Zambia, about our apostolate.
Our neighbors as well were very good to me. Upon arrival in the community, the following day, while walking along our wall, there came an Indian couple with their grown up kids and they started a conversation with me visibly happy and amazed to see an African in the surroundings. I was flabbergasted when they themselves asked to shake hands with me. In the same way, our neighboring community of religious sisters was very much welcoming to me as they often paid me visit. I had the opportunity to visit the African community of students. I said mass for them in French as they usually have mass on every first Sunday of the month with Fr. Sabu. The students are mainly from Ivory Coast, Cameroun, Togo, Ghana, and Senegal. I felt very much at home in India following the good welcome and upon realization that there are many Africans in India. My initial fear disappeared. I was then ready to go to the hospital to start the treatment for which I was in India.
Patrice R. Sawadogo in India 01The hospital staff members, doctors, nurses and workers showed to me great respect, openness and kindness. My knee surgeon would explain everything to me before the surgery: what went wrong in the knee and the way he was going to perform the operation, the various steps I would pass through after surgery to reach complete healing. He asked for few lab tests and was able to discover that my kidney’s function is not as high as it should be for a young man of my age. He straightaway called for the nephrologists who came within minutes. They gave the green light for the surgery when they realized that the low function of the kidney was due to painkillers I have been taking in Africa. They were certain that this would not hinder the surgery process but I would need to treat it as soon as possible lest it worsened. The nephrologists’ observation was right. The surgery was a success and two days later I was discharged. I went back home where the physiotherapy doctor daily attended to me. I was able to walk upright, though limping, after two weeks of physiotherapy. I dropped my walkers and went back to the nephrologists to deal with my kidney malfunction. He was very welcoming and nice. He again explained what might have slowed down the performance of my kidney and the kind of treatment he is going to give me. He gave me nephrocaps. I was to take one tablet daily with a lot of water for one week to cleanse the kidney and then go for lab tests. I was very delighted to hear him say: “Only God knows everything and can do everything. I am not God but I am pretty sure this only tablet will be enough to solve your problem.” One week later I brought to him the results of the lab tests. They were perfect. I didn’t need any treatment except to continue drinking a lot of water and avoid pain killer tablets. Meanwhile my knee had steadily improved. The pain had gone down and I was able to bend it up to 90 percent. That is when the two doctors gave me the green light to go back to Zambia. Which I did without delay lest I start worshiping the “holy cows”! I was back to Lusaka on the 10th of May.
Patrice R. Sawadogo in India 02bI would like to express my profound gratitude to God and to you all for the success of my treatment. Sincere gratitude to the confreres who made it possible for me to go to India for treatment and to all who stood by my side day and night (even spending nights with me at the hospital) in Bangalore. My gratitude goes as well towards the confreres and all who shoulder the burden of driving me to the hospital daily for the physiotherapy sessions.
I found treatment in India very excellent and at very low price (even cheaper than treatment here in Africa). No wonder a lot of people from all over the world do travel there for treatment. At Narayana Hospital in Bangalore, I met patients from the Middle East, Algeria, Nigeria, Congo, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Kenya and so on. To me, India is an alternative possibility where confreres could be sent for treatment, if feasible and necessary. Our community, the Formation House, is at more or less five minutes drives to the above mentioned hospital. There would only be a need to think about appointing a confrere to care for the patients as I saw it to be a highly demanding task.
Patrice R. Sawadogo, M.Afr.

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