Month: December 2014 Page 2 of 5

Dear Friends from Zambia

It is high time for me to send you some news. First and foremost I had the joy to share a meal with Fr. Christopher Chileshe, here in Brussel. We had a very long time to share about the news from Zambia and from Brussel. Here we do have many Africans. But most of them are from Congo. Once after a mass, I had the joy to hear someone telling me: “My wife is from Zambia!” But they were tourists from London. Just too bad for me.

You may have heard that last year in November, I moved from the AMANI Center to our community of ARCRE, a community trying to follow up all what is happening between the Western World and Muslim World; and at the same time, we do work for a better relation between Christians and Muslims, in short a better and deeper “Vivre Ensemble”. So we are running a Web Site to the name of ARCRE where we publish all the documents and articles related to those topics. Please go and see it at least once in order to see what we are trying to do. On my part, I am more especially concerned with the presentation and review of books which could be interesting or which anyone can find for sale in any bookstore. It asks me a lot of readings and patience. We have to consult and read, at least just in order to know that this book or this article has very little value.

We do have a lot of contacts with various people working in the same line than ourselves. We participate in a variety of meeting, conferences and seminars. The weak point is our direct contacts with Muslims. On that point we still have a lot to do

We are supposed to go on like that up to 2016. After that, we shall probably have a new team, a younger team. Because I remain the youngest of the community and as you know I am 69 by now. Already, one of us, Father Eric Bladt, has left us because of health problem; and we remain only two by now: Fr. Agustin Arteche from Spain, formerly in Burkina and Sudan, and myself. So we are not the ideal community.

This year of 2014 will be remembered as the year during which I broke my wrist. On the day of Pentecost, running up in order to buy ice cream for my community, I did not see a small step on the pavement, fell on the ground and so it happened. Result: 5 weeks with plaster on the wrist followed by 30 session of health care by specialist. Now I am okay a part from feeling some time to time the peace of iron covering part of my wrist. Health problems are part of life. I am far away from Zambia but I realize that I am well cared for in that domain. Health wise I do feel more secure here in Europe than in Zambia and with the insurance, it is quite cheap.

I am still working on a part time basis in a local parish. It is demanding but very rewarding. We have a lot of Africans coming to this parish. Twice a week, I am receiving people for encounter or confession. And as our street is right in the middle of the Shopping Mall of Brussels, a lot of people are coming in. When Africans are knocking, I let them talk and narrate their trouble. When finally I ask them: “And your family, where do they come from?” and once I mention to them that I had been 35 years in Zambia, then you should see the big smile on their face: “Then you are going to understand!” are often enough their joyful answer.

Through internet, I am following all what is happening in Zambia. The Post has no more a Web site but the Times of Zambia still have. I know that you are preparing for the next election. It does not seem to be so easy. I keep Zambia in my prayers.

Dear All, I keep you in my prayers. Africa is still my baby although here in Brussels.

May God bless you all! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Here is a real Christmas song. Enjoy!

By Missionaries of Africa - Southern Africa Province (SAP)

On December 24, 2014

In Publications

Here is a lovely Christmas Song written by Don Murdock from Colborne, Ontario, a little community just down the road from Ottawa on the 401. It is not a Holiday song, it’s a CHRISTMAS song. This Ontario singer battles “political correctness” in his latest song. Kudos to him! Massage sent by Michel Meunier, M.Afr

Lets stop all the silly political correctness around Merry Christmas. This is a song that says it all. Merry Christmas to all! Don Murdock

Loyola Jesuit Secondary School, Kasungu, Malawi

By Missionaries of Africa - Southern Africa Province (SAP)

On December 23, 2014

In News

Many Christmas blessings of peace, joy, hope, all through 2015, for the good M.Afr people. Attached shows our progress and hopes in Kasungu – prayers please!

Peace of Christ. Fr. Peter Henriot

See previous report on SAP Blog: Loyola Jesuit Secondary School, Kasungu, Malawi

View of campus of Loyola Jesuit Secondary School, Kasungu Malawi. Photo taken from grounds of nearby St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 28^th October 2014

Children from nearby St. Joseph’s Primary School visit a finished classroom at Loyola Jesuit Secondary School to try out the new desks and chairs. You can tell by facial expressions their dreams that one day they might sit in this classroom as regular students!

Merry and Holy Christmas and Happy New Year, from Sylvain Yaméogo, Edouard Morisson and Edgar Pillet

By Missionaries of Africa - Southern Africa Province (SAP)

On December 23, 2014

In Publications

Chers amis, Juste pour vous souhaiter à tous une bonne fête de Noël et une heureuse année 2015. Dear friends, Just to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a very happy new year 2015. Sylvain Yaméogo, Missionnaire d’Afrique

To all the members of the SAP and especially the members of the Zambia Sector: I wish you all a Merry and Holy Christmas and Happy New Year. I have been happy to read the last Motomoto, especially to read what happens in Zambia and still happier to hear what concerns the diocese of Chipata. And I want to say thanks to Bernard Udelhoven and the Finger of Thomas for the seminar held in Lumimba Parish during the month of October (They must have sweated a lot!!!) Thanks also to the community of Kalongwezi: I can see that Jo, as a good fellow with good legs, is putting life and true joy in Navutika. I thank also the other members of Kalongwezi community for keeping on working in the Vinyard: Henk, Dave (my tween brother), Jean-Luc and others. I am happy to hear that a Preparatory Center is under construction near Chipata: sign of hope for the future.

As for me, poor exile in Paris, my heart is still in Zambia, as you can guess, though I try to put my heart in the little I do here.

When I pray the rosary, the last decade is always said in Tumbuka or in Nyanja for Zambia. And I am always delighted when I receive news from one or the other confrères still in Zambia.

Chiuta wamutuwiskeni mose…Mulungu akudalitseni inu nonse… God bless you all Edouard Morisson, M.Afr

MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY NEW YEAR

I hope these few words will find you in a good health. I am always very happy to be able to read the news from SAP and also some news from Zambia through few friends. That help me to keep in contact and help me also in my prayers.

Here in Paris, I means in rue Friant, where I am since almost three years now, I am fine following my heart operation even if there is a few problems, but we do with them and I thank the Lord for all.

Here at rue Friant we have a small Zambian community with our students: Stanislas and Jones and Edouard and myself. Most of our visitors are from West Africa, very few from East.

Even in retirement I am still busy as responsible of the reception at our house. We are three or four cooperating in this work every day from 7 o’clock in the mourning up to 21 hours in the evening and this asked coordination. I am also secretary of the meetings of this community. I have also some other activities as for example the mass in the home for elderly and sick people, or the mass for the surrounding people in our chapel.

Another activity is, every Sunday evening from 17.30 hours to 20.15 hours, we are a small group of about 10 volunteers distributing food to poor people and strangers. Last Sunday we had nearly 400 meals to be given, a very substantial meal. But this start to be difficult for me because it is too long standing serving those people.

My best greeting to all and once more Merry Christmas and Happy New Year and may my prayers be a blessing to you from our Lord.

Père Edgar Pillet, Missionnaire d’Afrique

Pope Francis listed 15 “ailments” of the Vatican Curia

By Missionaries of Africa - Southern Africa Province (SAP)

On December 23, 2014

In Publications

Dear Confreres,

In a few hours time, we shall be celebrating the feast of Christmas. I was wondering why this year I have taken till now without writing something special to you the confreres.

But now I realize that I can as well share or pass on the reflections of Pope Francis with the Roman Curia as they prepare for Christmas. Find in attachment the examination of conscience which Pope Francis used with the Roman Curia yesterday. It is a must read. I have sort of made a summary to make the reading easy for our own use and reflection.

I saw this last night and read up to ailment number two, only to find that it was speaking about me, on my desk around 22 hours! I am sure that many of us will begin by seeing our leaders out there, the Curia, the Generalate and the Provincialate; but looking closely, we soon realize that these 15 ailments are indeed about all of us as a Church.

As we move towards this Joyful day of His birth, let us simply acknowledge our brokenness. As in any ailment acceptance almost immediately brings about healing. Acceptance puts any ailment in place. We have seen how even the worst health condition such as cancer, AIDS, even Ebola can be contained once they are met with acceptance. So too with each of these ailments in our ways of living Church and Faith today.

I wish you all a Happy and Joyful Christmas!

Frateranlly yours,

Christopher Chileshe, M.Afr – Provincial SAP

VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Francis listed 15 “ailments” of the Vatican Curia during his annual Christmas greetings to the cardinals, bishops and priests who run the central administration of the 1.2-billion strong Catholic Church. Here’s the list.

1) Feeling immortal, immune or indispensable. “A Curia that doesn’t criticize itself, that doesn’t update itself, that doesn’t seek to improve itself is a sick body.”

2) Working too hard. “Rest for those who have done their work is necessary, good and should be taken seriously.”

3) Becoming spiritually and mentally hardened. “It’s dangerous to lose that human sensibility that lets you cry with those who are crying, and celebrate those who are joyful.”

4) Planning too much. “Preparing things well is necessary, but don’t fall into the temptation of trying to close or direct the freedom of the Holy Spirit, which is bigger and more generous than any human plan.”

5) Working without coordination, like an orchestra that produces noise. “When the foot tells the hand, ‘I don’t need you’ or the hand tells the head ‘I’m in charge.'”

6) Having ‘spiritual Alzheimer’s.’ “We see it in the people who have forgotten their encounter with the Lord … in those who depend completely on their here and now, on their passions, whims and manias, in those who build walls around themselves and become enslaved to the idols that they have built with their own hands.”

7) Being rivals or boastful. “When one’s appearance, the color of one’s vestments or honorific titles become the primary objective of life.”

8) Suffering from ‘existential schizophrenia.’ “It’s the sickness of those who live a double life, fruit of hypocrisy that is typical of mediocre and progressive spiritual emptiness that academic degrees cannot fill. It’s a sickness that often affects those who, abandoning pastoral service, limit themselves to bureaucratic work, losing contact with reality and concrete people.”

9) Committing the ‘terrorism of gossip.’ “It’s the sickness of cowardly people who, not having the courage to speak directly, talk behind people’s backs.”

10) Glorifying one’s bosses. “It’s the sickness of those who court their superiors, hoping for their benevolence. They are victims of careerism and opportunism, they honor people who aren’t God.”

11) Being indifferent to others. “When, out of jealousy or cunning, one finds joy in seeing another fall rather than helping him up and encouraging him.”

12) Having a ‘funereal face.’ “In reality, theatrical severity and sterile pessimism are often symptoms of fear and insecurity. The apostle must be polite, serene, enthusiastic and happy and transmit joy wherever he goes.”

13) Wanting more. “When the apostle tries to fill an existential emptiness in his heart by accumulating material goods, not because he needs them but because he’ll feel more secure.”

14) Forming ‘closed circles’ that seek to be stronger than the whole. “This sickness always starts with good intentions but as time goes by, it enslaves its members by becoming a cancer that threatens the harmony of the body and causes so much bad — scandals — especially to our younger brothers.”

15) Seeking worldly profit and showing off. “It’s the sickness of those who insatiably try to multiply their powers and to do so are capable of calumny, defamation and discrediting others, even in newspapers and magazines, naturally to show themselves as being more capable than others.”

Christmas Greetings 2014

By Missionaries of Africa - Southern Africa Province (SAP)

On December 23, 2014

In News

We are moving towards Christmas, the time we remember those who toiled for the faith we have received and those still toiling for the mission. Our fulfilment is in the trust we have in Jesus who is to come and stay in our heart and in his mission. Many of you have touched many people’s lives knowingly and unknowingly. You may have become another Jesus present to so many people. Therefore, though I may be busy with so many things, I have to spared this time to wish you Happy Christmas and thank each one of you for what you have being to others especially those you touched in the soil of Zambia. Continual praying for Zambia so that the will of God may be done dispute the witnessed court cases and hot debates. May Christ be born in the hearts of all politicians and all people of Zambia especially that they once more have a right to decide for their leader.

Happy Christmas and New Year, 2015. Your Folela through and through. Clenerius Mutale, M.Afr

It is true that we have celebrated Christmas for many years but maybe the incarnation has not yet taken place in us. When the Word becomes flesh and dwell in our hearts, He brings transformation in our lives so that we can look at others with the eyes of love, touch others with tender and compassion and embrace every person with true love. It is my prayer that this season of joy may be a period for you and me to be moulded in the image of Jesus Christ our Lord. I wish you a merry Christmas and prosperous New Year 2015.

Sylvester Chimenge (studying in Nairobi).

À tous je souhaite un joyeux Noël et une bonne et heureuse année. Happy Christmas and Best Wishes for the New Year. Je prie à vos intentions. God bless. Claude Galmiche M.Afr

December 2014 JCTR – BNB and Press Release – Zambia

By Missionaries of Africa - Southern Africa Province (SAP)

On December 23, 2014

In Publications

Press Release 11^thDecember 2014

Fuel Pump Price Reduction Insignificant Says the JCTR

The Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection has dismissed the recent fuel pump price reductions in the country as being insignificant and too marginal. Whereas the price of crude oil on the international market has dropped significantly around 27 Percent during the last half of the year on account of oversupply originating from international stock build-up from the steady increase in fuel self – sufficiency of the United States as the highest international consumer.

READ MORE ON THIS PDF FILE

Ongoing construction at the Preparatory Centre in Chipata, Zambia Updates December 2014

By Missionaries of Africa - Southern Africa Province (SAP)

On December 21, 2014

In News

Ongoing construction at the Preparatory Centre in Chipata, Zambia. Updates December 2014 in pictures.

Ongoing construction at the Preparatory Centre in Chipata, Zambia Updates November 2014

Oath and Diaconate in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, December 2014

By Missionaries of Africa - Southern Africa Province (SAP)

On December 19, 2014

In News

Great joy in Abidjan! On 12^th December, in the family of Lavigerie, were born eleven young confreres who pronounced their Oaths. Among them are two members of SAP: Humphrey Mukuka (Zambian) and Paul Kitha (Malawian). The oaths were received by the Vice-Provincial of PAO, Father Luc Kola. Family members and visitors were present at this event. The following day was another happy moment with their diaconate ordination given by Bishop Raymond Ahoua from the diocese of Grand Bassam of Ivory Coast.

The province of SAP was well represented. Father Alex Manda from Korhogo (Ivory Coast) was present during the pronouncement of the Oaths. Unfortunately, being the Parish Priest, he could not witness the diaconate ordination due to pastoral engagement. He encouraged the future deacons to put their trust in the Lord (Is 41, 13-20). From Aribinda (Burkina Faso), Father Joseph Makoka was also present. He celebrated the thanksgiving Mass in which he reminded the newly ordained deacons that we are not the light of the world but Jesus alone (Jn 1, 6-8). We are not announcing our personal messages but the Good News of Jesus.

This event could not pass “sans être arosé”. After the diaconate ordination, more than 400 people were invited at our home to share a meal. It was worth celebrating.

Let us continue to pray for our brothers Humphrey and Paul as they enter their full mission at the service for the African World.

Receive our cordial greetings. May God bless you all in your mission wherever you are. Our studies are going on well and we hope to move ahead with the help of the Holy Spirit. We commend ourselves to your prayers as we continue our vocational journey.

Students in Abidjan.

Death of Tony Cosmos Mokheseng, Justice and Peace activist and personal friend of Raymond McQuarrie, M.Afr

By Missionaries of Africa - Southern Africa Province (SAP)

On December 18, 2014

In News

From Raymond McQuarrie, M.Afr, Episcopal Vicar for Justice & Peace, Johannesburg, South Africa, 15^th December 2014.

We have truly lost a real Justice and Peace activist, and, for myself personally, trying to run the Department of J&P in the Archdiocese of Johannesburg, I am particularly sad and at a loss at Tony’s passing!! It is a real tragedy!

Our department is now down to only three staff – from five! And these simple few must see to the organising of the justice and peace ministries in the entire Archdiocese of Johannesburg! An immense and breathtaking task.

PREVIOUS LETTER OF RAYMOND SENT ON THE 9^TH DECEMBER 2014

My Dear Friends in Justice Peace,

It is with the deepest sadness that we share the news of the passing of our brother Tony Cosmos Mokheseng this weekend past. We had thought, and we had prayed, that Tony would win this battle with cancer, but this was not to be! I know too that many of you will have heard this news by now.

Over the past three months, not one day passed when Tony wasn’t with family, friends and colleagues from within the Archdiocese. On one occasion when I visited with J&P members from the department in Johannesburg, we were over 20 people all waiting for our turn to sit with Tony and talk, pray, and give our love, support and encouragement in his painful struggle. Tony would try to explain the painful procedures he was undergoing and enduring in an effort to eradicate this terrible affliction in his body. He had been diagnosed with lymphatic cancer, and was now basically resident in Baragwanath hospital in Soweto.

Our days were filled with WhatsApp messages flying backwards and forwards between Tony and all of us in the department. Even though ill and in hospital, Tony was always a part our team, and with us daily as we did our business, held meetings, consultations, workshops and planned our justice and peace activities for the years ahead. As we opened a workshop, Tony would inevitably send his encouraging WhatsApp message wishing us all the best and for a good meeting. There were days too when we would call him for some advice or direction in one matter or another – despite his suffering and struggle, he seemed to enjoy this interruption, and to know that he was still a valuable part of our justice and peace team. When Charmaine lost her grandfather some days ago, Tony, in his usual charm, was offering his words of comfort and encouragement.

When we visited him in Baragwanath hosptial, and as we chatted by his hospital bed, Tony’s spirit would rise then fall – he would be the one consoling us in our sadness to see our brother so ill, joking with us to pull ourselves together and not to worry so much. Then we would try to console him as his emotions got the better of him and his tears slowly welled in his eyes and his strength of spirit now waned! We prayed together – we prayed that God would guide the doctors and nurses caring for our brother. We prayed that God would comfort and console Tony and be his constant companion in this struggle. We prayed for his family and friends, and we prayed for ourselves too, trying to imagine things without our brother – God forbid!

Two days ago, the battle was finally over, and our brother’s struggle finally ended! We are all filled with disbelief and a deep sadness.

Yesterday, some of us from the Department of Justice & Peace went to Tony’s home in Naledi, Soweto. We met with some family members and some neighbours and parishioners who had also come to pay their respects. We prayed there, and chatted about Tony and the funny and charming things about him. Despite the deep sadness, we were also able to smile as we recalled Tony’s charm, his calm assuring way with people, and his passion for justice and peace. Tony’s family told us that his mother will arrive today from the Free State – we pray God gives her all the comforts and consolations she needs at this time, as she prepares to bury her dear son.

As we prepared with Tony the IEC trainings for the elections, sat with him in the Koinonia Centre in Johannesburg at our Chaplains and Coordinators workshops, listened to his inspiring talks for the Training of Trainers for our activists, and worked with him in our offices in the Chancery, we never once imagined or considered for a single moment that by Christmas he would be gone.

We have truly lost a real and passionate justice and peace activist. Our department, our Archdiocese and justice and peace in South Africa is wounded by the passing of our brother, and we are at a loss.

When we chatted with Tony’s parish priest, Fr. Bernard Sompane, SCJ, he reminded us that even though we are deeply saddened by this loss, we ought too to celebrate Tony’s life – his invaluable contribution, through his passionate dedication to Justice and Peace, to South African society and our Church. This is the memory and spirit of Tony I believe we ought to contemplate and sustain as we prepare to say a final goodbye to our brother. This is the spirit and celebration of Tony’s life that we also carry through into 2015 in the J&P ministries of our Archdiocese – that ‘can do’ spirit, and charm and dedication to transform our world into a just and peaceful society that Tony was so passionately and unquestionably committed to.

Comrade Tony, rest in peace. Lala ngoxolo Comrade, lala ngoxolo. Till we meet again!

The funeral service took place on Saturday 13^th December.