News – Page 7 – Missionaries of Africa – Southern Africa Province (SAP)

Aujourd’hui, les Missionnaires d’Afrique de l’Ouest vous proposent de visiter de nouvelles pages sur leur site http://www.mafrwestafrica.net.

Actualités

« Intentions générales et missionnaires 2017 » telles que confiées à tous les croyants pour l’année nouvelle (lire la suite).

« Statistiques Missionnaires d’Afrique au 1^er janvier 2017 » le nombre de nos communautés, des missionnaires, les nationalités, et autres chiffres intéressants (lire la suite).

« Niger, Burkina, Mali contre le terrorisme » une rencontre des responsables de ces trois pas pour contrer la violence (lire la suite).

Témoignages

« Otages d’Arlit et assassinat de 2 français ? » y a-t-il un lien entre ces deux réalités ? Un article à ce propos (lire la suite).

« Au revoir inquiet de la présidente de l’Union Africaine » Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma. Mentionnant violences extrémistes de toute sorte, les actes de terrorisme, le crime international, les mouvements des populations à travers le monde (lire la suite).

« Que le NEPAD élargisse ses compétences », ce qu’en pense Ibrahim Assane Mayaki, qui en est responsable depuis 2009 (lire la suite).

Dialogue interreligieux

« Quel dialogue réellement ? » Caritas Europe mentionne l’islam à deux reprises dans son rapport, et le fait que le dialogue n’est pas suffisamment pris en compte (lire la suite).

« Les religions dans les medias en Algérie » L’Autorité de régulation de l’audiovisuel (ARAV) en Algérie a lancé un rappel des règles de traitement du fait religieux (lire la suite).

« Deux états : Palestine et Israël », telle est l’orientation souhaitée par les évêques d’Europe, dans leur rencontre du 14 au 19 janvier 2017 (lire la suite).

Justice et Paix

« Côte d’Ivoire : les évêques expriment leur inquiétude » au sujet de la situation politique actuelle dans leur pays (lire la suite).

« Le festival d’Angoulème dénonce l’injustice en Afrique » tout particulièrement par un auteur malgache et un autre congolais (lire la suite).

« Procès en Côte d’Ivoire » c’est seulement six ans après les faits que s’ouvre le procès des disparus du Novotel d’Abidjan (lire la suite).

« Gambie : Ousman Sonko sera-t-il poursuivi pour crimes contre l’humanité ? » une procédure dont Trial International serait à l’origine (lire la suite).

Vu au Sud – Vu du Sud

« Côte d’Ivoire, sortie de crise ? » c’est la question qui se pose même si une évolution positive semble prendre place dans ce pays (lire la suite).

« Gambie, retour de Adama Barrow » Le chef de l’état est enfin rentré au pays après de nombreuses questions se posant au sujet de son retour, et l’exil de son prédécesseur (lire la suite).

« Manger « Burkinabè » ! » le gouvernement burkinabè ordonne aux services publics de prioriser les produits alimentaires locaux (lire la suite).

« Le Maroc de retour à l’UA » discours historique du Roi du Maroc suite à l’acceptation de l’adhésion de son pays au sein de l’UA après une longue absence (lire la suite).

« Qui succédera à Alassane Ouattara en 2020 ? » une question qui n’est pas évidente, mais il semble que l’actuel président est plutôt favorable à Amadou Gon Coulibaly et Daniel Kablan Duncan (lire la suite).

Vigil of Prayer: International Day of Prayer and Awareness against Human Trafficking, February 8, 2017

By Missionaries of Africa - Southern Africa Province (SAP)

On February 2, 2017

In News

How can we ignore this severe warning when we see the exploitation carried out by unscrupulous people? Such exploitation harms young girls and boys who are led into prostitution or into the mire of pornography; who are enslaved as child labourers or soldiers; who are caught up in drug trafficking and other forms of criminality; who are forced to flee from conflict and persecution, risking isolation and abandonment.

Moreover, the dividing line between migration and trafficking can at times be very subtle. There are many factors which contribute to making migrants vulnerable, especially if they are children: poverty and the lack of means to survive – to which are added unrealistic expectations generated by the media; the low level of literacy; ignorance of the law, of the culture and frequently of the language of host countries. All of this renders children physically and psychologically dependent. But the most powerful force driving the exploitation and abuse of children is demand. If more rigorous and effective action is not taken against those who profit from such abuse, we will not be able to stop the multiple forms of slavery where children are the victims.

Facts:

Worldwide there are 168 million children in child labour. More than half of them, 85 million, are in hazardous work. (ILO)
20 million child workers are employed in factories that make garments, carpets, toys, matches and hand-rolled cigarettes. Agriculture remains by far the most important sector where child labourers’ can be found (98 million, or 59%), but the problems are not negligible in services (54 million) and industry (12 million) – mostly in the informal economy. Most children work in farms that produce consumer products such as cocoa, coffee, cotton, rubber and other crops. (ILO)
Asia and the Pacific still have the largest numbers (almost 78 million or 9.3% of child population), but Sub-Saharan Africa continues to be the region with the highest incidence of child labour (59 million, over 21% of child population). (ILO)
There are 13 million children in child labour in Latin America and the Caribbean. In the Middle East and North Africa there are 9.2 million. (ILO)
Every year, 22,000 children die in work-related accidents. 9% are in industry, including mining and quarrying, manufacturing and construction. (ILO)
The number of children involved in armed conflicts has increased to about 300,000 over the past decade. 14 is the average age of a child soldier. 40 % of child soldiers are girls. (ILO)
2 million children are subjected to prostitution in the global commercial sex trade (UNICEF)
Millions more children are likely exploited in prostitution or pornography each year around the world, most of the time lured or forced into these situations through false promises and limited knowledge about the risks.(UNICEF)
About 1 in 10 girls under the age of 20 have been subjected to forced sexual intercourse or other forced sexual acts at some point of their lives. (UNICEF)

Message from Pope Francis:

“Dear brothers and sisters, today, 8 February, the liturgical memorial of St. Josephine Bakhita, a Sudanese Sister, who as a child had the traumatic experience of being a victim of trafficking, the International Union of Superiors General of Religious Institutes have promoted the Day of Prayer and Reflection against trafficking in persons. I encourage all those who are committed to helping men, women and children enslaved, exploited, abused as tools of pleasure and often tortured and mutilated. I hope that those who have responsibilities in government will seriously strive to eliminate the causes of this shameful scourge, a scourge unworthy of a civilized society. Let each of us be committed to being a voice for our brothers and sisters, humiliated and deprived of their dignity. Let us all pray together.

Prayer:

O God, when we hear of children and adults being deceived and taken to unknown places for purposes of sexual exploitation, forced labour, and organ ‘harvesting’, our hearts are saddened and our spirits angry that their dignity and rights are ignored through threats, lies, and force. We cry out against the evil practice of this modern slavery, and pray with St. Bakhita for it to end. Give us wisdom and courage to reach out and stand with those whose bodies, hearts and spirits have been so wounded, so that together we may make real your promises to fill these sisters and brothers with a love that is tender and good. Send the exploiters away empty-handed to be converted from this wickedness, and help us all to claim the freedom that is your gift to your children. Amen

February 8, 2017 – Liturgical Memory of St. Bakhita: http://preghieracontrotratta.org/

Life of Josephine Bakhita: See PDF file HERE.

Statistics Sources:

http://www.theworldcounts.com/stories/Child-Labor-Facts-and-Statistics

Marking progress against child labour – Global estimates and trends 2000-2012 (ILO-IPEC, 2013).

http://www.humanrights.gov/the-facts-on-child-soldiers-and-the-cspa.html ( USA)

http://borgenproject.org/10-child-labor-facts/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Child_labour

http://www.answers.com/Q/What_are_facts_about_child_labor#slide=1

Source: National Crime Agency (2014) UK

Present Magazine, December 2016 – A Newsletter for the Candidates and Students of the Missionaries of Africa, Zambia.

By Missionaries of Africa - Southern Africa Province (SAP)

On February 2, 2017

In News, Vocation animation

Greetings from Kolibo and may the Lord be with you always! Merry Christmas and a happy New Year 2017!

Christmas is a time for us Catholics to rejuvenate and gain more strength to follow Christ the Saviour and the Redeemer of the world. Jesus, the Son of God, has come to free the world from its bondage of sin and corruption. The Light has come into our darkened and broken heart. May this Light shine evermore in us throughout 2017!

2016 has been a very busy in the Office of vocation promotion in Zambia coinciding with the 125 anniversary of the Catholic Faith in Zambia under the theme: “Planted in our families!” It began with the coming of the Missionaries of Africa in Mambwe-Mwela in July 1891 currently situated in the Archdiocese of Kasama. The official opening of the 125 years commemoration took place on the 6^th August on the very same spot when the first Missionaries planted their tents.

This year has been a blessing for our Sector of Zambia with the perpetual Oath and Ordinations of Brother Sense Moses Simukonde and Brother Elvis Ngandwe respectively on April 30 in Nairobi, Kenya, and July 2 in Chingola, Zambia. From St Paul Nchelenge parish, Mansa diocese, Fredrick Mulenga together with Martin Kasongo from St Stephen parish Chingola, Ndola diocese were ordained Deacons on 10^th December 2016 in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.

PRIESTLY ORDINATIONS:

On the 06^th August in the Cathedral of Ndola, Fr. Sylvester Chimenge was ordained Priest. He celebrated his thanksgiving mass on the 07^th August in Chibuluma Parish. The parish priest and his council made it a joyful lively celebration. A good number of Missionaries of Africa and a White Sister were present to grace the event. Fr. Chimenge is now in Tanzania for his missionary ministry.

On the 19^th November at St Monica in Kabwe, Fr. Robbin Simbeye was ordained Priest. The Bishop had combined the closing of the Jubilee Year of Mercy and the ordination. Many people came to attend the celebration. The following day, in the same parish, He celebrated his thanksgiving mass full of joy and jubilation. Fr. Robbin is going to Tunisia (North Africa), for his missionary work.

ON APOSTOLIC TRAINING (Pastoral): We have 4 zambian students who are on pastoral; Rodgers Mwansa (from Mazabuka) in Tanzania; Biness Chungu (from Chingola) in Niger; Emmanuel Banda (from Katete) in Niger and Grant Chansa (from Luanshya) in Mali.

SPIRITUAL YEAR (Noviciate): In July 2016, we escorted Leonard Katulushi from Sacred Heart parish, Kabwe to Bobo-Dioulasso in Burkina Faso. He has received the habit on the 22 October 2016. Blessed spiritual journey!

OUR STUDENTS IN PHILOSOPHY: They are 10 who are studying philosophy in Balaka (Malawi). They are happy and are progressing well in their studies. 3^rd Years: Evans Mwila (Ndola), Horris Banda (Katete), Ivor Mutamba (Lusaka). 2^nd Years: Darious Mwape (Mansa), Kelvin Mutalala (Chingola), Louis Kangwa (Kasama), Sandram Mwanza (Mukushi), Vincent Mutale (Chongwe). 1^st Years: Enest Katema (Mansa), Peter Nkhoma (Chipata).

KOLIBO VOCATION CENTRE

The vocation and missionary animation is a busy office where correspondance with aspirants all over Zambia is done from. The address is still the same over 26 years now. We thank God for his grace of vocation in Zambia

THIS YEAR WE HAD 3 PROGRAMS OF COME AND SEE.

The group of April (1^st to 13^th) in Serenje, I was helped by Fr. Frederic, parish priest of St Lawrence (Lusaka): Embarking for a pic-nic, last day before the departure. They are from Lusaka, Mongu, Kasama, Kapiri-Mposhi, Chingola, Kitwe, Mpika. Extreme left, Fr Frederic, and Extreme right Fr Camillo.

The group of August (15^th to 27^th) in Lavigerie formation centre Chipata: From Kitwe, Chingola, Lusaka, Serenje, Kasama, Nchelenje; With Frs Jean Luc Gouiller and Henk van Kessel.

The group of December (16^th to 22^nd) in Serenje was a program for those who have completed Grade 11 and are now going to Grade 12. This is to encourage and journey with our
aspirants for a good period of time as they discern their vocation. I was helped by Innocent Majune Stagiaire in Serenje.

CHIPATA PRE-FIRST PHASE IS KNOWN AS LAVIGERIE FORMATION HOUSE CHIPATA don’t miss it when passing along the Chipata Malawi border, 6,5 Km from town. We have 07 students from Zambia.

Wishing you God’s blessing!

OPEN HERE THE PDF FILE OF THIS NESWLETTER

Message of the Bishop Director to all the Consecrated 2nd February 2017 – World Day of Prayer for the Consecrated

By Missionaries of Africa - Southern Africa Province (SAP)

On February 1, 2017

In News

Through you, let the light of the nations, Jesus Christ, shine to all the peoples

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Consecrated Life, May the Lord give you Peace.

In 1997, Pope St. John Paul II instituted a day of prayer for men and women in consecrated life. This World Day for Consecrated Life, whose annual celebration is attached to the February 2 Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, has accorded the whole Church and all peoples an opportunity to contemplate, with greater appreciation, the gift of the Religious Vocation and its contribution to the holiness of the Church, its mission of evangelization and the general advancement of human society.

On this special occasion of celebrating the 20^th Anniversary of the World Day for Consecrated Life, I, on behalf of the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB), wish to congratulate all members of the various Institutes of Consecrated Life who are witnessing and ministering here in Zambia. It is an undeniable fact that the history of the Catholic Church in our country is intimately linked to the missionary endeavours of the men and women from various Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life.

125 years ago, the first Catholic missionaries, the White Fathers, set foot into the northern region of our land and began the systematic proclamation of the Gospel. The decades that followed were characterized by such a prolific wave of missionary endeavours that by the mid of the twentieth century, the Catholic Church was practically established in all regions of the country. We pay resounding tribute to these gallant missionaries from various Institutes – the Jesuits, the Franciscan Conventuals and Capuchins, the Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Africa, the Little Servants of Mary Immaculate, the Franciscan Missionaries of Assisi, the Dominicans, the Holy Cross, to mention but a few.

The Spirit of the risen Lord has at all times provided to the Church in Zambia Institutes of Consecrated Life with a wide diversity of charisms through which the spiritual richness of the Catholic Church is manifested. This feast day of the Consecrated during this Jubilee Year of the Catholic Faith in Zambia presents itself as another fitting occasion to reiterate our profound gratitude to the manifold expressions of Consecrated Life in our country today. Thank you for your relentless commitment to the mission of announcing the Good News and the concomitant social ministries through which you give hope and restore the dignity of God’s people, especially those in the far-flung and often forgotten parts of our country. We embrace you as a Divine gift to the local Church and a guarantee of its holiness.

It is our hope that your life in community, inspired by the evangelical counsels of chastity, poverty and obedience that you profess, will continue to be a prophetic sign to our society as it grapples with the present day challenges of secularism, individualism, corruption, and mediocrity. Do not allow the great spiritual wealth of your consecration and respective charisms to degenerate into obsolesce and irrelevancy through unnecessary compromises and shift from things that really matter – prayer, charity, life, commitment. We guarantee to support you so that you may always remain faithful to the inspiration of your respective founders while at the same time being open to an ever more fruitful spiritual and pastoral cooperation with us in line with the needs of respective dioceses where you are established.

May the celebration of your feast day be an occasion of renewal and recommitment. Through you let the light of the nations, Jesus Christ, shine forth to all the peoples.

Happy Feast day. + Patrick Chisanga, OFM Conv (Bishop of Mansa Diocese and Director of the Consecrated)

Father Raphael Gasimba, M.Afr, new Parish Priest for Dombe, Mozambique.

By Missionaries of Africa - Southern Africa Province (SAP)

On January 31, 2017

In News

By Dimitri Yampa, stagiaire.

The Provincial of SAP, Felix Phiri, and our Provincial Delegate, Boris Yabré, were in Dombe on the 22^nd January 2017, to witness the appointment of Raphael Gasimba as Parish Priest in replacement of Jean de Dieu Bukuru who has been appointed as Treasurer Delegate in Beira. Bishop Francis Don Silota of Chimoio presided the Eucharistic celebration and Boris Yabré read the letter of appointment in front of the parishioners. Symbolically, Jean de Dieu handed over his charges as Parish Priest to Raphael by removing his chasuble with the help of the Provincial. Then, they dressed up together Raphael who took over the liturgy. The Missionaries of Africa asked Our Lady of Africa to intercede for him and to protect him during his ministry by singing the “Sancta Maria”. The Provincial encouraged him in his new charge and congratulated both confreres for their service and their dedication to the mission in Dombe. “May the Good Shepherd help you and guide you in this mission,” he concluded.

Mafrwestafrica lettre du 19 janvier 2017

By Missionaries of Africa - Southern Africa Province (SAP)

On January 20, 2017

In News, Publications

Aujourd’hui, les Missionnaires d’Afrique de l’Ouest vous proposent de visiter de nouvelles pages sur leur site http://www.mafrwestafrica.net.

Tout d’abord, une information intéressante : au 7 Janvier 2017 : Nous étions 1222 Missionnaires d’Afrique Moyenne d’âge 68 ans

Actualités

« Sommet Afrique-France au Mali » deux parties dans cet article, l’annonce du sommet le 11 janvier, son évaluation le 15 janvier

« Burkina Faso, diverses actualités » : remaniement politique en vue, la venue proche du FESPACO, et des craintes de terrorisme (lire la suite)

« Soutien au président du Niger » allusion à la manifestation du 21 décembre, et à celle prévue pour le 13 janvier (lire la suite)

« Accord en Côte d’Ivoire » entre les mutins et le gouvernement : discussions plus complexes que prévues mais fructueuses (lire la suite)

Témoignages

« L’islam des tribus » un livre de Jacqueline Chabbi, des pages assez denses mais abordables pour tout lecteur intéressé par l’Islam et l’interreligieux (lire la suite)

« Le Père Chabanon écrit de l’Ouganda » notre confrère nous en envoie régulièrement et nous lui en sommes reconnaissants (lire la suite)

« Opérateurs pastoraux tués en 2016 » un texte pris sur le site de l’agence Fides du Vatican : 28 personnes tuées (lire la suite)

Dialogue interreligieux

« Prière pour l’unité des chrétiens du 18 au 25 janvier » comme chaque année, avec le texte du pape à ce propos (lire la suite)

« Valorisation de la raison » sur le site de “Saphir News” (texte du 26 décembre 2016) – (lire la suite)
« Eduquer à la modération en religion » un article de Bénédicte Lutaud paru dans le Monde des religions du 22 décembre 2016 (lire la suite)

Justice et Paix

« Politique africaine de Barack Obama » les africains reprochent à Obama de ne s’être pas assez impliqué envers l’Afrique, mais les choses ne sont pas si simples qu’elles peuvent paraître (lire la suite)

« Qu’est-ce que le e-CFA ? » Le Sénégal sera le premier pays en Afrique de l’ouest à expérimenter le e-CFA. Servant ainsi de point zéro, si l’expérience est concluante, la monnaie sera étendue dans toute l’Afrique de l’ouest. (lire la suite)

« Journée mondiale des migrants et réfugiés (Pape François) » ce texte du pape insiste fortement sur les migrants mineurs (lire la suite)

Vu au Sud – Vu du Sud

« Nouveau gouvernement en Côte d’Ivoire » réélection de Guillaume Soro, avec quelques changement malgré tout (lire la suite)

« La situation au Congo (RDC) » nous consacrons pour une fois une page à ce pays d’Afrique Centrale où la situation est loin d’être simple (lire la suite)

« Yacouba Izaac Zida rayé des forces armées du Burkina » suite à sa fuite au Canada et à son refus de rejoindre son pays (lire la suite)

Death of Father Maurits de Weerdt’s, M.Afr, in Belgium.

By Missionaries of Africa - Southern Africa Province (SAP)

On January 17, 2017

In News

Father Luc Putzeys, Provincial Delegate of the sector of Belgium, informs you of the return to the Lord of Father Maurits De Weerdt on Wednesday the 11^th of January 2017 at Antwerpen (Belgium) at the age of 81, of which 55 years of missionary life in Zambia and in Belgium. Let us pray for him and for his loved ones.

Belge, Father De Weerdt’s comes from Antwerpen. Born on the 9^th April 1935, he made his Oath in Totteridge, Englain, on the 11^th July 1961 and was ordained priest in Heverlee on the 29^th June 1962.

Many thanks to Piet van Heijst who informed the Office of the SAP Provincial Secretary about the death of Father De Weerdt’s. The funerals is taking place today.

Milestones of Father Maurits De Weerdt’s life.

Learning Chibemba in Ilondola (1962). Assistant Parish Priest in Chibote (1963). Assistant Parish Priest in Kasaba, Mansa (1965). Superior in Kasaba (1966). Superior in Chibote (1968). Regional Councillor (1969). Assistant Parish Priest in Kawambwa (1969). Superior in Kashikishi (1970). Regional Councillor (1972). Superior in Kawambwa (1973). Delegate at the Chapter (1974). Regional, Kasama (1975). Director at the Catholic Training Centre in Lubwe (1984). Session-Retreat in Jerusalem (1984). Catholic Training Centre in Lubwe in Mansa (1986). In Belgium (1989). Parish Priest in Kitwe, Mansa (1992). In Belgium (1995). Bangalore in India (2003). In Antwerpen, Belgium (2006). Ministry in Ndola (2008). In Belgium (2009). Ministry in Ndola (2010). Residence in Antwerpen, Belgium (2013).

Mafrwestafrica lettre du 2 janvier 2017

By Missionaries of Africa - Southern Africa Province (SAP)

On January 4, 2017

In News

Aujourd’hui, les Missionnaires d’Afrique de l’Ouest vous proposent de visiter de nouvelles pages sur leur site http://www.mafrwestafrica.net.

Mais tout d’abord, meilleurs vœux pour l’année 2017 à toutes et à tous !

Actualités

« Urbi et Orbi du pape François pour Noël 2016 » la présentation et l’accès au texte du pape à cette occasion. Un appel à la paix à méditer (lire la suite)

« Accueil des migrants à Fribourg » Meilleurs voeux de Fribourg, Africanum, avec quelques photos de la fête de Noël des Migrants organisée par le POINT D’ANCRAGE. (lire la suite)

« Nouvelle année selon le pape François » en abandonnant la logique des exceptions et des exclusions (lire la suite)

« Les vœux des présidents africains » un texte pris sur le site de R.F.I. et qui décrit la situation de quelques-uns des pays africains en question (lire la suite)

Témoignages

« La religion de l’amour » un texte d’un ami d’un des correspondants de notre site, particulièrement préoccupé par la paix des chrétiens en minorité dans le monde (lire la suite)

« L’Anniversaire » un conte qui pourrait dater de Noël de l’an 33 et qui met en scène les 4 évangélistes (lire la suite)

Dialogue interreligieux

« Daesh souhaite la victoire du populisme en Europe » : un retour à l’islam des origines entraînerait le renversement des dirigeants politiques et religieux du monde musulman avant de s’en prendre aux non musulmans (lire la suite)

« Initiative musulmane pour Noël » en Angleterre l’occasion de la fête de Noël, la mosquée de Londres-Est et le centre musulman ont pris l’initiative de récolté des dons alimentaires et ont aidé les sans-abri (lire la suite)

« Un ou deux états au Proche Orient ? » est-il possible d’imaginer qu’il y ait bien un état palestinien et un état israélien ? Cela ne semble guère possible (lire la suite)

Justice et Paix

« Algérie, terrorisme et santé » deux articles sur « Jeune Afrique » à propos de la lutte antiterroriste et de questions au sujet d’un complément alimentaire (lire la suite)

« La française enlevée à Gao » le jour de Noël : encore aucune nouvelle, ni aucune revendication au sujet de l’enlèvement de cette travailleuse humanitaire (lire la suite)

« Daech sacrifie des enfants » comme cela a été le cas avec une fillette à Damas, utilisée pour attaquer un poste de police (lire la suite)

« Message du pape pour la 50ème journée mondiale de la paix » le texte date du 8 décembre mais a été communiqué le 1er janvier 2017 (lire la suite)

Vu au Sud – Vu du Sud

« Le Burkina après l’attaque de Nassoumbou » dans la province de Soum, région du Sahel : renforcement des mesures de sécurité dans la capitale (lire la suite)

« Côte d’Ivoire / Guinée » entre ces deux pays, un ancien litige frontalier ressurgit à Kpéaba et crée des tensions entre les deux pays (lire la suite)

« Sécurisation frontière Burkina – Togo » des responsables des deux pays se sont rencontrés pour sécuriser les personnes et les biens au niveau des frontières (lire la suite)

Monastery of Our Lady Queen and Gate of Heaven, Chipata, Zambia.

By Missionaries of Africa - Southern Africa Province (SAP)

On January 1, 2017

In News

monastery-in-chipata-08 Surrounded by hills and valleys, the monastery offers a beautiful natural environment elevating the souls by its beauty. Started in 2009, the construction of the facilities took five years to be completed. Auxiliary Bishop Benjamin Phiri, still Parish Priest at that time, trained the first three Sisters namely Srs. Benedicta Chanda from Lusaka, Mary Lourdes Mukosa from Kitwe and Stefania Banda from Lusaka. In 2003, they went to the island of Ste Lucia in the Caribbean’s (Central America) to the Mother House Monastery as postulants. Today, they are back to Zambia enjoying their ministry together with Sister Giovanna Mabunda from Livingstone and Sister Emmanuela Nadin from Martinique. Four more Sisters are in their formation years. The first profession of the first three Sisters took place at the Cathedral of the Child Jesus in Lusaka in 2006 when the decision to build a monastery in Zambia was taken by the Abbess Marianna Pinto.

The primary vocation of the monastery is prayer, four times a day, and hospitality under the motto ORA ET LABORA (prayer & work). Everyone is welcomed to visit the monastery, lay or religious. Accommodation is offered for 200 kwacha per night, including meals. A conference hall with internet connection is available for groups and liturgical vestments are on sale from the Good Shepherd Sisters of Minga.

PDF FILE, historical background: monastic-foundation-in-zambia

Contact: P.O. Box 510481, Msupadzi, Chipata, Zambia. Phone: (260) 96-554-6265. WhatsApp: 096-463-1284. E-mail: benedictinenuns@hotmail.com

Links:

Newsletter South Africa No 70 – 28th December 2016

By Missionaries of Africa - Southern Africa Province (SAP)

On December 30, 2016

In News, Publications

Greetings! We are still in the Christmas Season and, hopefully, in the Christmas spirit! But this Newsletter will be short because, as you read in my special message “A FREAK ACCIDENT”, I am now reduced to the use of only one hand; it is an awkward way of typing!

One good positive point, following that unfortunate accident, is that I have a very good “private driver and helper”. Indeed, Justin Ramde, a Burkinabe, going into his third year of theology in Cedara and living at our House of Formation in Merrivale, has been here since last Friday. He takes some weeks from his holiday to come here to help me. He has been very good, not only driving me safely here and there for different pastoral commitments, but also helping me during Mass (like holding the ciborium so I may distribute Holy Communion with my healthy hand), and showing himself very much of service for doing various things requiring both hands!

He was very happy to take part in the Christmas Eve Mass at Mother Teresa’s Home; the small chapel was packed with surely more than 100 poor and sick residents, adults and children, together with the Sisters. They sang wholeheartedly for the birth of Jesus and everybody was in a festive mood. After Mass, each one received a present from the Sisters. On Christmas day, we were at City Deep for the francophone community. The church was full and the choir was really good.

After Mass, four doctors from the congregation gave me a free medical consultation! They told me that the healing seems to be taking its course well. Thank you also for all your prayers!

I want to wish you all a very good Christmas Season and a Happy New Year!

Fr. Michel, M.Afr. Vocation Director.