Month: May 2015 Page 2 of 3

Mafrwestafrica – Lettre du 16 mai 2015

cropped-mafrwestafrica-02.jpgAujourd’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 » :

« Baobab Echos n° 22 », la dernière publication du bulletin de la Province de l’Afrique de l’Ouest, de mai 2015, qui donne de nombreuses nouvelles. (lire la suite) 

« Lettre de Laghouat Ghardaia mai 2015» la dernière édition de la lettre de ce diocèse d’Algérie dont l’évêque est Mgr Claude Rault, Missionnaire d’Afrique. (lire la suite) 

« Réunion des recteurs de maisons de formation», laquelle réunion s’est terminée à Rome il y a un mois. (lire la suite)

Dans la rubrique « Témoignages » :

« Soeurs Burkinabè en Algérie » : la congrégation des Soeurs de Notre Dame du Lac, fondée par le Père Alain Gayet en 1967, est en mission en Algérie. (lire la suite) 

« Publications intéressantes », – Trois livres parus récemment sont brièvement décrits dans l’article qui suit. (lire la suite) 

« Acolytat à Merrivale » le groupe de communication de cette maison de formation qui se trouve en Afrique du Sud témoigne de cet engagement vécu particulièrement par six des étudiants. (lire la suite)

Dans la rubrique « Dialogue interreligieux » :

« Une vie de rencontre, un témoignage de foi » où le Père Hannon partage son vécu dans le domaine du dialogue avec l’islam. (lire la suite)

Dans la rubrique « Justice et Paix » :

« Comment réagir aux migrations ? » cette question est posée présentement à tous les pays d’Europe, et une solution commune est pour l’instant loin d’être trouvée. (lire la suite) 

« De quelle laïcité parlons-nous ? » quelques articles proposés sur ce thème qui est d’une grande actualité, que ce soit dans nos pays d’Europe ou ailleurs. (lire la suite)

Dans la rubrique « Vu au sud, vu du sud » :

« Les convictions d’un évêque africain », un texte paru dans le dernier numéro de Voix d’Afrique du mois de mars 2015. (lire la suite)

Installation to the ministry of Acolyte, Merrivale, South Africa

Ministry of Acolyte SA May 2015 10By Robbin Simbeye

Six students in their second year of theology became Acolytes on the 2nd May 2015. Fr. Réal Doucet, the Rector, welcomed Bishop Bucher, Emeritus of Bethlehem Diocese, and the assembly. Fr. Doucet acknowledged the simplicity and availability of Bishop Bucher.

At the beginning of Mass, Robbin Simbeye and Douglas Ogato described briefly the missionary experience of each candidate. Then, Fr. Quinbert Kinunda presented the six candidates to the Bishop.

In his homily, Bishop Baucher urged the assembly and each new acolyte to be open to innovative challenges such as starting new areas of mission in Asia. Listening to the beautiful melodies sang by the students, he praised the internationality and cultural diversity of the Missionaries of Africa.

Before the final blessing, Daniel Iraguha gave a brief speech on behalf of the newly Acolytes. He gave a vote of thanks to the main celebrant quoting him saying that the Missionaries of Africa are radical when it comes to follow Christ.

The Holy Mass ended with the ‘Sancta Maria’ hymn followed with a joyful gathering in the dining room.

Homage to the Sisters, Brothers and Priests of the Missionaries of Africa

logo_chevaliersThe Columbus Knights of Quebec, Canada, join Pope Francis to acknowledge your engagement in the Church and the world in this year dedicated to consecrated life.

We pray that your witness will continue to bring the light and the joy of the Gospel.

Mgr. Noël Simard and Richard Desrochers

Hommage-aux-Missionnaires-d          Lettre-au-Père-Gilles-Barre

Death of Father Antonio José Molina Molina in Murcia, Spain – May 11, 2015

antonio_molina_molina copieFew appointments at the beginning of his missionary life in Mozambique between 1955 and 1971:

03/10/1955: Learn Portuguese in Lisbon Portugal.
01/08/1956: Curate. He studied Chisena in Murraça, Mozambique.
14/03/1958: Teacher at the Seminary in Zobue.
18/09/1958: Vocation animation in Madrid, España.
01/09/1962: Back to Mozambique.
08/07/1963: Teacher and Bursar at the Seminary in Zobue. 
25/09/1969: Teacher and Bursar at Nazaré, Beira, Mozambique.
25/05/1971: Expulsed from Mozambique.

Father Antonio died at the age of 83 years old. He was also in Brazil, Bukina Faso and Belgium before retiring in Spain. May he rest in peace!

To the bishops of Mozambique: always live among the faithful

Episcopal Conference of Mozambique at the VaticanVatican City, 9 May 2015 (VIS) – The bishops of the Episcopal Conference of Mozambique were received this morning by the Pope at the end of their “ad Limina” visit. In the written discourse that he handed to them during the audience, he first recalls Jesus’ question to the apostle Peter: “Do you love me?”, and before the latter’s affirmative response He asked him to be the shepherd to His flock. Christ, Who made Himself poor for us, requires of the bishops the same love for their own flock, along with their full availability and complete commitment. He calls them to set aside false presumptions in order to “wash the feet of those the Lord has entrusted to us”.

Francis goes on to emphasise that in the pastoral ministry of the bishops, priests occupy a very special role as “if God sends us to love our neighbour, the closest neighbours of a bishop are the priests, indispensable collaborators”, for whom they must always keep their “heart, hand and door” open. “Time spent with them is never wasted”, he remarks. The Pope also comments that the fruitfulness of the episcopal and priestly mission cannot be measured by the number of collaborators, the prestige of the institution, or the quantity of resources available. Instead, what counts is “being pervaded with Christ’s love, allowing oneself to be led by the Holy Spirit, and grafting one’s own existence onto the tree of life, which is the Cross of the Lord”. From St. Paul, “insuperable model of the Christian missionary, we know that this means trying to conform to Jesus in His death to participate in His resurrection”. In his ministry the apostle “experienced suffering, weakness and defeat, but also joy and consolation”. “Jesus’ paschal ministry is the heart of the mission of the Church”, affirms Francis. “If you abide in this mystery, you will be protected both from a worldly and triumphalist vision of the mission, and the disappointment that may arise when faced with trials and failures”.

“However, will there continue to be missionaries like Paul, men and women holding on to Christ’s cross, denuded of everything so as to be able to embrace the Whole?”, asks the Pope. “We must rejoice for these men and women totally consecrated to Christ”. He highlights that the witness of men and women religious in Mozambique, who devote themselves to assisting the poor, to the education of abandoned children, and helping those experiencing all kinds of hardship. He also praises the “heroic dedication” of many doctors and nurses, priests and nuns, who work in clinics and hospitals, and he invites the bishops to thank them, underlining the importance of the inclusion of religious communities in diocesan life. “They are not merely reserve material for the diocese, but rather, charisms that enrich”, he stressed.

Episcopal Conference of Mozambique in MOZThe Pope exhorts the prelates to live among their faithful, also in the peripheries of their dioceses and in particular in the “existential peripheries”, where there is suffering, loneliness and human degradation, as “a bishop who lives among his faithful keeps his ears open to listen to what the Spirit says to the Churches and to the voice of his sheep”. He also notes the importance of the diocesan bodies which have the task of advising the bishops and assisting them “through the promotion of loyal and constructive dialogue: presbyteral council, pastoral council, council of economic affairs. It is unthinkable for a bishop not to count on these diocesan bodies. This also means being with the people. I also think at this point of your duty to reside in the diocese: listen to what your people want, what they want to see in their bishop, walk with them, stay close to them. You need this presence to live and, in a certain sense, to breathe”.

“The pastors and the faithful of Mozambique need to further develop a culture of encounter”, the Pope observes. “Jesus asks only one thing: that you go out in search of the neediest”. Among these, he mentions the victims of the natural disasters that recently sowed destruction, suffering and death throughout the country, thus increasing the number of displaced persons and refugees. “These people need us to share in their suffering, their worries, their problems. They need us to look upon them with love and you must reach out to them, like Jesus”.

Finally, the Pope offers an overview of all Mozambique, where the tensions and conflicts of recent years have undermined the social fabric, destroyed families and jeopardised the future of thousands of young people. “The most effective way of opposing the mentality of arrogance and inequality, as well as social divisions, it to invest in the field of education, which teaches the young to think critically, and offers a path towards maturity in values. In this sense, it is appropriate to raise awareness among leaders in society and to revive pastoral ministry in universities and schools, combining the task of education with the proclamation of the Gospel. The needs are so great that they cannot be satisfied simply through individual initiatives or by a union of individuals educated in individualism. Community networks are needed to respond to social problems. There is a need for a union of forces and unity of direction: in this, the Episcopal Conference may help as it has among its functions the unitary dialogue with the political authority for the whole territory. In this respect, I encourage a decisive implementation of good relations with the government, not of dependency, but rather of solid collaboration”.

“Dear bishops”, he concludes, “spare no efforts in supporting the family and in the defence of life from conception to natural death. In this sense, remember the options appropriate to one of Christ’s disciples and the beauty of being a mother, accompanied by the support of the family and the local community. The family must always be defended as the main source of fraternity, respect for others and the primary path of peace”.

Fazenda Da Esperança (Farm of Hope), Philippines

fazenda-esperancaBy Fr Phelim Malumo M.Afr, (12/05/2015)

A few people, including our students in formation and confreres, having been asking me what Fazenda da Esperança mean, its purpose and Mission: in other words; its programs and spirituality.

Thus I have decided in this article to give you briefly what Fazenda is, its Charism and Mission. I shall later, write a bit more in details about what it does concretely.

  1. Fazenda spirituality and mission. “You must be ambassadors of hope”, Pope Benedict XIV during his visit to Brazil, Fazenda, 12th May, 2007. Fazenda Charism and Spirituality is based on the inspirations of St Francis and Chiara. Thus Franciscan Spirituality of Prayer, Work and Community Living and Chiara’s Spirituality of Unity and Mutual Love (Christian).
  2. Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Center (for boys and girls). Fazenda Da Esperança is a Drug and Rehabilitation Center (Farm), based on 3 main principles: Spirituality, Community Life and Work.
  3. Conditions and requirements. Personal and free decision from the client. Admittance and acceptance that one has a problem and needs help. Family and Community support. Since it does not depend so much on professionals, the Centre can’t help in cases of serious mental or psychological problems.
  4. Duration of the programme. It takes one full year, with the presentation of a certificate of having followed successfully completed the Rehabilitation program under Fazenda. From there, they become connected to Fazenda, Group of Living Hope (GLH). GLH meetings of Exs are once a week, and with their families monthly. This helps them in case of temptations, relapse or need to share and encourage one another. All are encouraged to attend GLH meetings, even those who did not complete the program but stopped along the way. They are also encouraged to participate and attend Mariapolis (Focolare) and living the Word of life on daily basis. In case they relapse, they are always welcome again in the farm for refresher sessions of one month or more. In fact the farm is always open to welcome Exs members whenever they would like to visit the farm or have experienced relapse repeatedly and need help.
  5. Who manages the farm. The Farm is ran by members of the Family of Hope consisting of lay people, married, religious priests and sisters, single people and missionary volunteers.
  6. Who are admitted into the farm and the scope of Fazenda Mission. The center admit youths, adults and even older people, boys and girls, lay people, religious, priest or nuns, non-Christians, people of other faith and works of life. It is open to all. But due to its spirituality, most of those coming or admitted are Catholics or Christians. The Farm receives people who have issues different kinds of addictions and related issues such as: Drug addicts and those in networks with drug Lords, involved in serious crimes, Alcohol dependents or abusers, abandoned teenagers, victims of human trafficking, those with some behavioral problem in society, victims of prostitution, homeless youth, school dropouts, Internet and pornography addicts, Gamblers, sexually abused youth, pregnant teenagers without support of families, prisoners, those reflecting on Vocation, Priests and religious with problems in Ministry etc. In other places, Fazenda runs schools; they help the sick e.g. AIDS patients and orphans, awareness of human rights, helping the poor, assisting victims of human and natural calamities and catastrophes like typhoons, flooding, earthquakes, and helping Small Christian Communities in the local Church they find themselves. They also collaborate with other groups and religious congregations in mission e.g. Missionaries of Africa (White Fathers) in Dombe mission, Mozambique, Southern Africa.

Many groups visit the Farm for retreats, recollections, camping, meetings, Mariapolis, weddings, tourism, for purchasing and buying Fazenda Products; others come and learn new skills such in farming, milk processing etc. It is a well-known place and famous for daily products, especially fresh vegetables, milk, rice and Cattle rearing. Our place is about 260 Hectares of Land, used for farming, grazing, irrigation, accommodation, ponds, gardening, piggery, Orchards etc. It is a quiet place where immediately you arrive near the Farm you experience quietness, fresh breeze from the sea, beautiful mountains, free of pollution and ideal place for silence, peace, prayer and discernment. We are far from the pollution and noise of the city, about 30km from Masbate City.

  1. Conclusion. Fazenda da Esperanca believes in Gods Providence. They are somewhat flexible, adapting, trusting and hopeful instruments of God’s love. Indeed living in a Farm of Hope requires openness, patience, greater and sacrificial love, non-judgmental spirit and trust in Hope and to be a personal with a deeper relationship with Jesus. A person who gets his energy from prayer and Word of Life-daily Gospel reflection. This is what I am growing into day by day. You have to be definitely compassionate and forgiving. You have to show the boys and girls that God still loves them; that they are still beloved children of God (especial in Confession), and that God is waiting for each and every one of them to come back home (Prodigal Son experience) so that they may experience life, and life in its fullness and abundance (Jn 10.10). They need to experience joy and happiness and change of life. Also we have to be the link with their families so that eventually they reunite with them and start again, with HOPE. “Fazenda…where Hope and Life begins Anew…” Bishop Joel Baylon, Diocese of Legazpi, the Philippines (Chairman of the CBCP Commission on Youth)
  2. Website: http://www.fazenda-ph.org/

Links:

Celebration of the 8th December 2014 in Dombe, Mozambique

It is a great abundance from God to have a Priest in the Farm of Hope.

Searching for the identity of the Missionaries of Africa in Dombe

Death of the elderly sister of Sylvester Chimenge

Sylvester-Chimenge-2015Dear Confreres and Friends,

I regret to inform you that Sylvester Chimenge lost his elder sister Mary Chansa Chanda in Kitwe (Zambia) today. This comes at a difficult time as Sylvester prepares for his oath and diaconate this coming weekend in Nairobi.

May the soul of Mary rest in perfect peace.

Christopher Chileshe, M.Afr, SAP Provincial

2015 Celebration of Oath and Diaconate – Jubilee and Renewal of Oath, Nairobi, Kenya

Extracts of Fr. Philippe Docq’s homily at the end of the Sector Meeting of South Africa, on 6th May 2015 in Coolock House, South Africa

If the Church is to present its message in a way that is meaningful today, it must also be ready to make the necessary adjustments in areas which, though they may have had a long tradition, like circumcision for the Jews, are not central to the proclamation and may perhaps have outlived their meaningfulness. The first Missionaries have had their own struggles in trying to avoid forcing their own cultures into the people they are evangelising. (…) In our own Society, the situation is constantly evolving, changing, calling for adjustments. The situation of the “Bush Missionaries” of 50 years ago is not the same, of course, as the Township Mission of today, for example. That is why we need a Chapter every 6 years, which is why we need dialogue and fraternal communication among ourselves in sector meetings and community meetings. In the first reading, there were very serious differences between the conservatives and the progressists, but an open, frank, sincere dialogue took place between them and allowed the Church to grow out of her narrow Jewish background. Today I pray for our Sector. There are also serious differences among us. I pray for honest dialogue and for compassion… 

Docq-SA-2015

Sent by Raymond A. McQuarrie, M.Afr.

KUNGONI, the Home of Malawi Culture in pictures

Chitenje-Kungoni-01-JPG

2015 Celebration of Oath and Diaconate – Jubilee and Renewal of Oath, Nairobi, Kenya

Sylvester-Chimenge-2015This celebration will take place on the 16th May 2015 at Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish, South B, Nairobi, Kenya at 9:30. Mass will be presided by Rt. Rev. Emanuel Barbara, O.F. M. Cap.

Oath: Brothers Clayb Caputolan (Filipino) and Venancio Echeverria (Spanish).

Oath and Diaconate: Bertin Bouda (Burkinabe), Sylvester Chimenge (Zambian), Maralf Jimenez (Mexican), Daniel Kabuya (Congolese DR), Toby Ndiukwu (Nigerian), Thomas Pouya (Burkinabe) and Valery Sindayigaya (Burundian).

Jubilee and Renewal: Fr. E. José Gordejuela (Spanish), Fr. Willy Schoofs (Belgium), Fr. Roger Tessier (Canadian) and Fr. Marinus Van Broekhoven (Duch).

Note: Clayb Caputolan made his stage in Malawi, Maralf Jimenez did it in Zambia and Thomas Pouya did it in South Africa. From SAP: Sylvester Chimenge from Zambia.

Oath Diaconate Nairobi 2015

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