Month: May 2013 Page 2 of 3

Address of Pope Francis to Ambassadors on the world of finance and economics – 16th May 2013

ADDRESS OF POPE FRANCISQuotations from the address:
… Consequently the financial crisis which we are experiencing makes us forget that its ultimate origin is to be found in a profound human crisis. In the denial of the primacy of human beings! We have created new idols. The worship of the golden calf of old (cf. Ex 32:15-34) has found a new and heartless image in the cult of money and the dictatorship of an economy which is faceless and lacking any truly humane goal.
The worldwide financial and economic crisis seems to highlight their distortions and above all the gravely deficient human perspective, which reduces man to one of his needs alone, namely, consumption. Worse yet, human beings themselves are nowadays considered as consumer goods which can be used and thrown away. We have started a throw-away culture. This tendency is seen on the level of individuals and whole societies; and it is being promoted! In circumstances like these, solidarity, which is the treasure of the poor, is often considered counterproductive, opposed to the logic of finance and the economy. While the income of a minority is increasing exponentially, that of the majority is crumbling. This imbalance results from ideologies which uphold the absolute autonomy of markets and financial speculation, and thus deny the right of control to States, which are themselves charged with providing for the common good. A new, invisible and at times virtual, tyranny is established, one which unilaterally and irremediably imposes its own laws and rules. Moreover, indebtedness and credit distance countries from their real economy and citizens from their real buying power. Added to this, as if it were needed, is widespread corruption and selfish fiscal evasion which have taken on worldwide dimensions. The will to power and of possession has become limitless…
there is a need for financial reform along ethical lines that would produce in its turn an economic reform to benefit everyone. This would nevertheless require a courageous change of attitude on the part of political leaders. I urge them to face this challenge with determination and farsightedness, taking account, naturally, of their particular situations. Money has to serve, not to rule! The Pope loves everyone, rich and poor alike, but the Pope has the duty, in Christ’s name, to remind the rich to help the poor, to respect them, to promote them. The Pope appeals for disinterested solidarity and for a return to person-centred ethics in the world of finance and economics…
FULL ADDRESS
ALSO
Pope Francis Shakes up the Ambassadors Meeting and Addresses Economic Issues
Discours du Pape François au sujet de la dictature de l’économie

Readings for Religious Education Teachers

“Here is a selection of useful quotations about various aspects of Religious Education, both for those studying for a certificate, diploma or degree and for those already in the classroom. This is not a course, but a handful of hints.
This book is a timely addition to the Religious Education materials available in Zambia. It allows us to draw on the wisdom of others.”
Contents: spirituality, religion (including African Traditional Religion, inculturation – contextualisation, pluralism), education (including commitment and faith) religious education (including maturity and concepts), attitudes and skills of students, special skills (including critical thinking, symbolism and Ecumenical empathy), teaching strategies ( including attitude for creativity and motivation), morality (including teacher’s role), assessment (including knowledge as understanding), cross fertilization (history, geography, science, literature, sport and arts).
RE_0001“The essence of African morality is that it is more societary than spiritual; it is a morality of conduct rather than a morality of being. It defines what a person does rather than what he is. Kindness is not a virtue unless someone is kind; murder is not evil until someone kills another person in his community. Man is not by nature either good or evil except in terms of what he does or does not do. (J.S. Mbiti in “African Religions & Philosophy” Heinemann 1969:213)
Readings for Religious Education Teachers
Compiled by J. Henze, Published by the Copperbelt Religious Education Development Unit, Mission Press, Ndola, Zambia, 2000, 106 pages.
This book in on sales at Woodlands, Lusaka.

Some insights about the Republic of Mozambique

Map of MozambiqueLetter sent by Maurice Odhiambo, second year stagiaire in Dombe.
Part of Southern Africa, Mozambique is bordering the Indian Ocean and is located south of Tanzania while surrounding the southern part of Malawi and contiguous to Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Africa and Swaziland. A population of over twenty million inhabitants share 800km² of land. Most people are of Bantu origin with a significant presence of Asians and Europeans. Having been a Portuguese colony, the official language is Portuguese which is widely spoken in towns whereas in villages the natives speak their local language.
Mozambique is composed of ten provinces. Each one has its capital referred to as “centre of administration”. With about two million residents, the heart of the economic activities is concentrated in the capital Maputo situated in the very southern part of the Republic far away from the rest of the country. Other main cities are Beira, Nampula, Nacala and Quelimane.
Around 70% of Mozambicans are peasants who cultivate maize, rice, beans and cassava. They also do fishing and handicraft.
Samora Moises Machel 02Mozambique attained independence on 25th June of 1975. The first president was Samora Moises Machel who perished in a plane crash. He was then succeeded by Joaquim Chissano. The actual president is Armando Guebuza. Mozambique is still in the process of development both politically and economically. It had faced many challenges since independence including fifteen years of civil war between Frelimo and Renamo. Heavy floods, famine and earthquakes brought also lots of destruction. These factors explain the level of poverty prevailing up to now even though the country is experiencing strong economic growth.
A peace accord was finally signed in Rome in 1992 through the mediation of the Catholic Church. It is really sad that the full content of these agreements have not yet been fully implemented. The government has been reluctant which is resulting in tension in the country. After 21 years since the peace accord, the government is still dialoguing with the opposition on how fully implement these agreements.
The Church in Mozambique is both old and young. As a matter of fact, the Church has just celebrated 500 years of existence. On the other hand, many setbacks affected the life of the Church before and after independence; accusation of collaboration with the colonizers, departure of many missionaries, local priests having to ask permission from the government four days in advance in order to celebrate Mass on Sundays. As a result, primary evangelization remains the main trend of the pastoral life of the Church whereby church attendance in some places is minimal.
Flag of MozambiqueI can say that I benefit a lot to know more about the historical background of Mozambique. Little by little I am gathering more information for my enrichment and pastoral experience.
By Maurice Odhiambo
READ MORE ABOUT MOZAMBIQUE
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SAP new appointments

Dear Confreres,
Greetings
Be informed that the Superior General has made the following appointments in the SAP.
Francis_Bomansaan_02Francis Bomasaan will be the Superior at Lua-Luo from September 2013. Paul Johnston is going to join the formation team in the Philippines.
Patrick Bataille will move to Bobo-Dioulasso SFC from the next intake.
Leonard Hategekimana and Justin Sebakunzi have been appointed to the Lua-Luo SFC.
Further, the Superior General has appointed Deogratius Ngowi to Merrivale as from February 2014 as formator and bursar.
We welcome them to the province and wish the others a good exit. To all we wish them a good ministry.
God bless.
Christopher Chileshe, SAP Provincial

Mafrwestafrica – Lettre du 11 mai 2013

Aujourd’hui, les Missionnaires d’Afrique de l’Ouest vous proposent de visiter de nouvelles pages sur leur site www.mafrwestafrica.net :
les Missionnaires d’Afrique de l’OuestDans la rubrique « Actualités » :
« Une médaille pour les M.Afr.», la reconnaissance de l’Eglise Burkinabè lors d’une célébration à Koupèla, à l’occasion du 112ème anniversaire de la création de la première école. (lire la suite)
« Ressourcement pour la mission », une brève description de la première session donnée par le Père Bernard Ugeux pour 19 missionnaires de la Province d’Afrique de l’Ouest. (lire la suite)
Dans la rubrique « Justice et Paix» :
« Tensions et menaces à Gao au Nord-Mali », le témoignage de notre confrère Jean Jacques Mukanga, à partir de son expérience dans cette région de notre Province. (lire la suite)
Dans la rubrique « Vu au sud, vu du sud » :
« Un savon contre le paludisme » : comment deux étudiants, un Burkinabè et un Burundais, ont « inventé » un savon qui repousse les moustiques. (lire la suite)
Dans la rubrique « Dialogue interreligieux » :

« Jésus, l’homme de la rencontre », la présentation du livre de Mgr Claude Rault, évêque de Ghardaia, qui relie l’évangile de Jean dans cette perspective de dialogue. (lire la suite)

Updates from Mozambique

Let us break the chains 01Planning the Antislavery Campaign in Mozambique
All the confreres working in Mozambique met in Nazaré (Beira) on March 18-25th to take stock of the situation and plan for the future, including what to do concerning the Antislavery Campaign in our Sector.
Claudio Zuccala was with us as part of his one-month-long visit to Mozambique and he was chosen as the moderator. He shared with us ideas, suggestions, material and some of the initiatives taken in the SAP, whereupon the Sector proceeded to sketch out its own plan.  
Among various events which were suggested, we plan events in the different parishes where we work (Sussundenga, Dombe, possibly the future Parish in Tete and the Centre of Nazaré) and a Social Week in Nazaré with conferences, debates a photographic exhibition. Dates were put forward (September) and tasks were allotted.
Social Week
The archdiocesan Centre on the outskirts of Beira was also the venue for a conference organized by the Mozambican Conference of Religious Men and Women (CIRM-CONFEREMO).  
Fifty three people took part, representing 40 Institutes. Four of us were also present: Hugh Seenan, Timothée Bationo, Richard Ujwigowa and Florent Sawadogo.
It started on April 23rd and the main topics were: The Land issue (the question of ownership and the impact of mega-projects which cause, among others, land grabbing and summary evictions), Human Trafficking and Violence against girls.
It is worth mentioning that though the Government of Mozambique does not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking, all the same it is making significant efforts to do so. Mozambique demonstrated an increased commitment to combating trafficking in 2008, particularly through the enactment of comprehensive anti-trafficking legislation, the creation of an anti-trafficking police unit, and the conviction and sentencing of two child traffickers.
The Archbishop of Beira, Mgr. Claudio Dalla Zuanna (Italian, 54, of the Priests of the Sacred Heart of Jesus) opened the Social Week explaining the role of the Centre and the necessity of holding meetings of this kind. He made it clear that Religious Men and Women in Mozambique should be the critical conscience of the local Church and of society at large.
Seven different speakers helped the participants to obtain a clearer vision and a deeper knowledge of the issues at stake and the conference ended on April 25th with a solemn declaration of commitment and engagement by CIRM-CONFEREMO in the three areas and the adoption of a plan of action for the future.
By Florent Sawadogo (translation and adaptation by Claudio Zuccala)

If interested in getting all the documentation available (in Portuguese) concerning the Social Week, please contact Claudio Zuccala through this blog or directly at c_zuccala@hotmail.com

Radio Tigabane: pastoral and social programmes for northern Malawi

Moved by the Love of Christ – serving the suffering Christ
Aid to the Church in Need is an international charity of and for the Catholic Church. We give a voice and render relief to Catholics persecuted and oppressed for their Faith. We firmly believe the world needs a living Faith in God. Through our work we nurture a family of benefactors and project partners united in prayer and solidarity.
Robert Lalonde, Head of information, Aid to the Church in Need
MALAWI 1
Radio Tigabane: pastoral and social programmes for northern MalawiACN 2
by Reinhard Backes, Aid to the Church in Need (CAN) International / Amanda Bridget Griffin, Canada
Malawi is one of the world’s poorest countries. On the United Nations Development Programme’s 2011 human development index, this south-east African state ranks 171 out of 187. In addition Malawi is one of Africa’s most densely populated countries. More than 80 per cent of Malawians are Christians, including about one quarter Catholics. According to statistics the proportion of Muslims is 13 per cent.
The diocese of Mzuzu in northern Malawi is the fastest growing Catholic diocese in the country, according to its own figures. A letter from the diocese to the international Catholic pastoral charity “Aid to the Church in Need” states: “Every year more than 6,000 adults are taken into the Catholic Church. Most are converts from other Christian denominations.” To reach as many of the faithful as possible, the diocese maintains its own broadcasting station, “Radio Tigabane”. The name comes from the local Tumbuka language and means “share”.
The programmes on “Radio Tigabane” are, according to the director, Father Eugene W. Ngoma, geared to the needs of the population in this rural area: “Alongside the weekly religious programmes – broadcast of the Sunday mass, prayers and the rosary – we offer programmes on health, education, justice and peace as well as on socio-economic development. In doing this we are adhering to an ecumenical principle because our listeners include not only Catholics, but also Christians of other denominations and Muslims.”
And according to Father Ngoma other beneficiaries are the Diocesan Commissions for Education, Development, Health, Justice and Peace as well as Pastoral Work, who address primarily socially disadvantaged groups through a wide range of initiatives.

Father Bwalya for President?

Frank BwalyaOutspoken Catholic Priest Fr. Frank Bwalya who has been recently urged to stop criticizing the PF government in the media, has announced this morning that he’s serious about funding a new political party with him as its President. The name of the party should be revealed in the next few days. READ MORE
Stamattina mentre ascoltavo una trasmissione su una delle stazioni locali, Radio Phoenix, ho sentito padre Frank Bwalya annunciare pubblicamente che, oltre alla sua campagna di “cartellini gialli” al presente governo per misfatti di vario tipo, intende fondare un nuovo partito politico di cui sarà il presidente.
Frank Bwalya, il cui status clericale non è molto chiaro al sottoscritto,  è senz’altro un personaggio carismatico e controverso. Dopo aver appoggiato apertamente il governo in carica contro quello uscente di Rupiah Banda, accusato di ogni forma di corruzione sotto il cielo, da qualche tempo critica apertamente alcune decisioni dell’esecutivo e ne castiga alcune derive. 
Una storia da seguire con interesse e attenzione.
READ ALSO:
The Sata we supported died long time ago, but Kambwili says Fr. Bwalya is getting mad
Fr Bwalya, Kambwili in bitter exchange
Bwalya no longer priest – Fr Mpasa

EUR-ECHO – Easter 2013

Eur-Echo Easter 2013Dear confreres,

 One thing that the new Pope feels he is called upon to do as Bishop of Rome is to bring hope to the world.  “Let the star of hope shine out”, he says.  We all need hope, and we should all bring hope.  Speaking at his inaugural Mass on the 19th of March, Pope Francis explains how this can be done: by becoming guardians of Creation and by seeing every man and every woman with an eye of goodness and tenderness.  Yes, he says, with tenderness and we ought not to be afraid of tenderness.  Far from being an attitude of weakness, tenderness denotes strength of soul and the capacity for attention, compassion, and a true openness to one another.  READ MORE

Caritas Zambia Press Statement on MPs Resignations

Dear all,
Kindly receive a timely Press Statement issued by Caritas Zambia on the continued, wasteful and unwarranted by-elections being caused by MPs who are behaving like political prostitutes.
Fraternally Yours in Christ,
Fr. Cleophas

Caritas Zambia… As we have already done on many occasions, we appeal to government to stop encouraging MP resignations through promises of jobs and other privileges. Where is the lean government the people of Zambia were promised if ministerial jobs are open for purchasing political patronage? It is shameful to see very high ranking government officials dancing and jubilating at MP resignation forums with full knowledge of the harm by-elections are causing on the weakest of our society. This is immoral and an act of inconsistency for a government that has proclaimed an option for the poor as a cornerstone of its governance values. The Zambian society must treat this behaviour with scorn and strong condemnation. READ MORE

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