News from Sectors and Rome
We have little information so far about the death of the brother of our confrere Bernard Chowa except that the burial is proposed for tomorrow the 7th May in Zingalume, west of Lusaka, depending of Bernard’s travel.
Let us pray for the decease, for our confrere and his entire family.
Serge Boroto Ziharirwa, Congolese, Douglas Ogato Moumanyi, Kenyan, and Tomasz Podrazik, Polish, received the ministry of acolyte on Saturday the 4th May in our formation house in Merrivale. The Emeritus Bishop of Bethlehem Diocese, Hubert Bucher, officiated the liturgical celebration which was followed by a small but joyful feast.
Lisa shares with us her wisdom on the peacebuilding field. She experiences it as an art. On this regard she develops three key concepts: design, improvisation and healing. She talks about the challenge of working as a peacebuilder within the US Military. She is witnessing the inner enslavement of many soldiers, she says: “I think the recent news that more US soldiers died from suicide than in battle in the last year is evidence that there is a lot of internal wrestling going on with people in the military. And they have been asked to do things that go against the human nature and what people are taught; and when you are asked to do something that goes against your human nature it is very hard to live with yourself.”
Anselm lived from 1033 to 1109. Having decided to enter a monastery, he was attracted to Bec in Normandy by the reputation of the great teacher, Lanfranc. Anselm became a monk at 27. A student and close friend of Lanfranc, he eventually succeeded him as prior and abbot of Bec, and became a still more famous teacher.
After the Norman Conquest of England in 1066, William I replaced the English hierarchy with Normans, and Lanfranc was sent as Archbishop of Canterbury. Three years after Lanfranc’s death, Anselm was in England (1093) and was forcibly made archbishop. He was not be nature either an administrator or a politician, but persevered in difficult times and, through his encouragement of English devotions, helped heal the wounds of the Conquest on the English.
Anselm’s fame lies in his role as theologian and philosopher; his argument for the existence of God still holds strong appeal for many. His spirituality greatly influenced the Church and in his concern for the oppressed, he was one of the first opponents of the slave trade. Never formally canonized, he was made a Doctor of the Church in 1720.
From: Living with Christ, April 2013, pages 171-172
Other reference: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anselm_of_Canterbury
What would be your last word at the end of the interview?
Once reconciled with oneself, everything else seems possible. It is like putting the Gospel into practice; loving your neighbour as yourself. In this regard, with his simplicity, our new Pope Francis is inspiring me greatly.
The Missionary Oath of Bonaventure Bwanakweli, Emmanuel Mubanga Chisanga, Fredrick Limo Ng’etich and Vincent Kyererezi will take place in Jerusalem on Tuesday the 30th April 2013 at 17:00 hours in Saint Anne’s Basilica.
We as the SAP are proud of all of you.
May the good Lord bless this day always and make it a memorable day for your missionary journeys.
United in prayer.
Christopher Chileshe, SAP Provincial
Our confrere , who was part of the Lua-Luo noviciate in Kasama last year, has been diagnosed with cancer of the bones. He is undergoing radiation treatment in Nairobi which will last till the 10th May. After it, according to the results of another medical test, he will continue with chemotherapy. Even though Clement is a strong man, as we know him, this treatment is heavy on him. Let us unite our prayer for him that he may find health and strength once more.
Monika Grzelak came to Zambia on the 9th March after six months working as a volunteer in Kenya. Let us discover her journey of life.
What is your background?
I am a 25 year old Polish woman. I got my diploma in Social Studies at the University of Nicolas Copernicus in Toruń. I also got a Master degree in Education in Warsaw. My parents are still at home with my younger brother. I quit my job last year and left everything behind to fulfil my dream to come to Africa. I have no fear. My basic trust brings me the necessary freedom I need to be where I am today. I love it.
How did you made your way up to Zambia?
After half a year in Kenya, I wanted to know more about Africa. This continent has always fascinating me. So, I went to Dar es Salaam and bought a ticket just two hours before the departure of the train. Forty-eight hours later, I stopped at Kapiri Mposhi where I met a Polish Sister from the Congregation of the Holy Family. Two days later, I took a bus to Lusaka without knowing anyone. I didn’t have any idea what to expect. Simply, I was hoping to find a place where I could do some voluntary work. I was directed to Good Shepherd Parish at Kabwata and met Father Vitalis Dero. He phoned to Jacek Rakowski who came within fifteen minutes. I was so enthusiastic about his description of Home of Hope that my decision to become a volunteer was taken on the spot.
Is it not surprising for a young woman like you to travel alone in various African countries as you did? Do you really need to travel so far to do voluntary work?
As a matter of fact, I have always been a volunteer, even in Poland. It is part of my life. I like to discover new places, new cultures and new people. What really matter for me, besides helping people, is simply to be with them. My few weeks at Home of Hope have been great. My only regret is my lack of knowledge of the Chi Nyanja language. Time was too short.
Have you shared your experience with other people?
Yes indeed! Just few days ago, I met a Zambian woman working in town. She found it bizarre that a stranger like me came from so far to do voluntary work in Zambia. I felt that she might become herself a volunteer soon.
You will be leaving Zambia in a week from now. Which prospects do you have once back to Poland?
I will be going back to Dar es Salaam by train. Then, I go back to Kenya once more to work for two weeks in a small home for disable boys. Finally, I should be back to my country by the end of June. Once there, I will look around to find a job. I will add my experience in Africa on my C.V. adding that it has been the best time of my life, so far. I am pretty sure to come back again. I feel as if I could go anywhere.
What is your most important discovery in Africa?
You know! The mentality of the Polish people is not always easy to understand. They have the tendency of complaining about anything, even when things go well. Very often, my friends feel worry about me when I am telling them that everything is fine. Life in Africa is by far harder than in Europe but people are smiling. There is a taste of joy here which attracts me.
For more information about Monika, see her webpage on http://www.spelniaczemarzen.pl/
Together with the whole Church we warmly welcome the new Bishop of Rome, Pope Francis. Since the day of his election, he has repeatedly asked his audiences to pray for him. Let us also in our daily prayers commend him to God to bless him in his new challenging ministry. … Continue reading
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