Missionaries of Africa – Southern Africa Province (SAP) – Page 16

By Robert Tebri, Rector.

A new library has been built in Balaka Formation Centre to cater for an annual average of 35 candidates. The former library became too small after receiving the entire philosophy section of the then Arusha First Phase Centre in Tanzania which has been transformed into a spiritual year.

The project took a bit more than eight months to be completed. Both staff and candidates are expressing their gratitude for the beautiful house of knowledge that will serve for many generations to come.

The people of Kapalamula and Kanyama villages that welcomed the Missionaries of Africa Formation House of philosophy have been experiencing water problems for some time now. A couple of years ago, the problem was so acute that the formation house started sharing their water with them. But this was not going to continue forever with the risk of running out of water for the house. Through the confreres in Canada, some funds were found to make two boreholes for the two villages of about 50 families.

By Kelvin Mutalala, student.

The 12^th November, 2016, was the blessing and official opening of the new library at Lechaptois Formation House. The day was coloured by a joyful celebration from the people of Kapalamula Village who got two boreholes. Furthermore, it was the birthday of Father Sylvain Yameogo.

The entire ceremony was spearheaded by Father Kamanga, Bishop Secretary of Mangochi Diocese. He blessed the boreholes and handed them over to the Kapalamula community. In their prayers, the people thanked the Lord for the gift of water and also prayed for those who are still in dying need of clean and safe water. Chief Kapalamula gave a vote of thanks to the Missionaries of Africa for helping them.

Everyone proceeded to Lechaptois Formation House for the blessing of the new library. After few songs and the opening prayer, Father Robert Tebri thanked the Lord for such a beautiful building. He welcomed all the priests, different Religious Congregations and all other guests. Among them were Father Felix Phiri, Provincial, Father Michel Sanou, renewed Provincial Delegate of Malawi, Father John Itaru, Provincial Treasurer and Father Paul Namono, Delegate Treasurer for Malawi. Then, Father Kamanga cut the ribbon, opened the door, entered into the library and blessed the books and the rooms.

A Thanksgiving Mass ended the day which saw the Kapalamula community acquiring two boreholes, the students having a new library and Father Sylvain Yameogo celebrating his birthday. In his homily, Father Kamanga stressed on the importance of perseverance and sacrifice for the fulfilment of the common good. Finally, Father Piet van Hulten closed this memorable day with a word of thanks.

Cross-cultural course experience in Tamale, Nyankpala, Ghana.

By Missionaries of Africa - Southern Africa Province (SAP)

On November 27, 2016

In News

By Patrick Kalonji Kadima (M.Afr, Stagiaire)

I spent one month, from September 4 till 30, at the Tamale Institute of Cross Cultural Studies (TICCS) for a cultural introduction course which was based on introducing its participants to the diversity of ethnic groups and languages in Ghana. It included the “do’s and don’ts”, Chiefs and politics, ethno-linguistic groups, cross-cultural spirituality and cross-cultural differences, conflict resolution and Islam in Ghana today. Adding to it were: dynamics of African Traditional Religion (ATR), kinship systems and gender roles and social change in Ghana, Christianity in Northern Ghana, as well as witchcraft mentality, friendship, cross-cultural communication and language learning.

The above mentioned topics aimed at providing the basic capacity and understanding to the participants for ministering or do pastoral work in various cultures in Ghana. This one-month course was not only pleasant and attractive but also it uplifting my awareness, activated my presence and full participation when I was feed more and more on the dynamic aspect of cross-cultural values.

Moreover, through one’s presence in such an adventure, one benefits already. All these topics are interrelated in such a way that they become instruments or tools to develop our various goals in our future mission in view of facilitating our relationship with the local people and enhance their lives.

Through the lenses of cross-culture, one observes that there is an enrichment relationship. This is to say, even the one ministering or doing pastoral work finds and discovers that he or she is improving her or his own life, hence he or she finds fulfilment.

The course at TICCS also provided us with the skills, drills and techniques to learn a new language. As one of my fellow compatriots, Benezet Bujo once said; “Language is one of the capital elements that cannot be neglected.” Consequently, I will not neglect learning Dagbani without which my pastoral experience will be limited. I am open and ready to experiment a vision of life which is different from my own culture.

In few days to come, I will be going for my language course in one of the villages. As I am preparing myself and feel equipped enough with my experience at TICCS, Dagbani will be my first African language that I will sit down and concentrate on learning. I wish to speak it like a native speaker. I know that it is not a Bantu language, but I am willing to put much effort into it. May the almighty God, who blew on the Apostles the Holy Spirit to speak in various languages, blow in me as He did with them.

I thank God for all the wonders He keeps on performing in my life. Countless thanks to the Province of Ghana-Nigeria and to the Sector of Ghana for making it possible that I undergo such a course. Many thanks are due to Fr. Clement, the stagiaires’ Coordinator. I cannot forget the Director of TICCS, Fr. Joshua SVD, the staff members of TICCs, and my course mates. Lastly, my thanks would be incomplete if I fail to thank the members of my community at St Monica Parish. Yes, we can!!!

Lavigerie’s Day in Mozambique

By Missionaries of Africa - Southern Africa Province (SAP)

On November 27, 2016

In News

The Sector of Mozambique decided to celebrate the Lavigerie’s Day on the 25^th November 2016 even though the yearly commemoration is on the 26^th. We all met, confreres and stagiaires, at the Sector House in Beira.

We had a talk about the Post-Capitular Acts in the morning. It was an interesting sharing about our vision as a Society for the coming years. In the afternoon, Padre Hugh Seenan gave a short history of our presence in Mozambique from May 1946 up to now, meaning 70 years this year. Pierre Lukusa presided Mass for the Cardinal in the evening. We were joined by two SVDs, one of whom, Fr Philly, was celebrating his birthday, and two FMMs.

The day finished with a lovely meal organised by Bosco Nigibira. It was a perfect finish to a lovely day.

Missionary Oath and Ordination of Michael Mpindo, Peter Nyirenda, Fredrick Mulenga Chungu and Martin Kasongo in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.

By Missionaries of Africa - Southern Africa Province (SAP)

On November 27, 2016

In Diaconate, News

By Mpindo Michael, M.Afr

On behalf of all the SAP students, with praise and gratitude to Almighty God, I am writing cordially to thank you all for your generous support and would like to inform you that the fraternity Lavigérie of Abidjan invites you on Saturday December 10 to the Missionary Oath and Ordination of the following SAP students:

Michael Mpindo (Brother) Peter Nyirenda (Deacon)

Fredrick Mulenga Chungu (Deacon) Martin Kasongo (Deacon)

We are happy and consoled by the fact the Lord knows how to work and how to act even with insufficient tools and by his grace and especially through your prayers. In the joy of the resurrected Lord, trustful of his permanent help, we go ahead, sure that God will help and Mary his most beloved mother stands on our side (Pope Benedict XVI).

Link::

The beginning of the academic year 2014-2015 at Fraternité Lavigerie of Abidjan

Mafrwestafrica lettre du 22 novembre 2016

By Missionaries of Africa - Southern Africa Province (SAP)

On November 22, 2016

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.

Actualités

« Statistiques de l’Église 2016 » des chiffres pris sur le site du Vatican (lire la suite)

« Visite de Francis Barnes à Bobo-Dioulasso » au sujet de cette visite du premier assistant général, un texte et des photos envoyés par Manolo Gallego (lire la suite)

« Trump et l’immigration » des informations prises sur le site de Radio France Internationale (lire la suite)

« Ordination Albert Kondemodre à Kaya » notre jeune confrère qui a terminé ses études en Afrique du Sud sera ordonné prêtre le 17 décembre (lire la suite)

Témoignages

« Récollection pour l’Avent 2016 » une proposition faite par le père Herman Bastijns (lire la suite)
« Les membres du Conseil Général » une brève présentation de chacun des cinq membres du conseil élu lors du dernier chapitre (lire la suite)

Dialogue interreligieux

« Rencontre interreligieuse à Paris » entre juifs, chrétiens, musulmans et bouddhistes (lire la suite)
« Un même Dieu, oui mais… » sur le site de l’ARCRE, un article reçu (lire la suite)

« Marie dans la Coran » : accès à un article de Aicha Landhiri du Groupe de recherche islamo-chrétienne (lire la suite)

Justice et Paix

« Festival ciné droit libre » à Ouagadougou, du 10 au 17 décembre 2016. Ce sera la douzième édition de cet événement. (lire la suite)

« Le pape s’adresse aux responsables de Caritas » à sa manière, c’est à dire très librement, mais la retransmission de son discours a été brutalement coupée (lire la suite)

Vu au Sud – Vu du Sud

« Résultats du referendum en Côte d’Ivoire ». Le vote avait lieu le 30 octobre, les résultats ont été connus le 4 novembre (lire la suite)

« Elections municipales au Mali » certains bureaux de vote n’ont pas pu ouvrir, article pris sur le site de RFI. (lire la suite)

Official Opening of the Formation House 18th November 2016

By Missionaries of Africa - Southern Africa Province (SAP)

On November 5, 2016

In Missionaries of Africa, Vocation animation

The official opening of our Pre-First Phase Provincial formation Centre of the Missionaries of Africa, called Lavigerie Formation Centre, will take place on November 18.

Under the jurisdiction of the Southern Africa Province (SAP), namely Zambia, South Africa, Mozambique and Malawi, the Centre welcomes young aspirants from those countries for their first experience in an international setup in view of sending them to Balaka, Malawi, for their studies in Philosophy. The formation Centre has a capacity of welcoming twenty aspirants.

The guest of honor, Lord Bishop George Lungu of Chipata, will preside over Mass.

Timetable of the day: 10:00 Mass – 13:00 Snacks and refreshments – 15:00 Entertainment

Venue: Lavigerie formation Centre, Malawi road, after Luthembwe Bridge, Chipata, Zambia.

Death of Father Antoon Coninx and Father Arthur Bosmans in Belgium.

By Missionaries of Africa - Southern Africa Province (SAP)

On November 3, 2016

In News

Father Luc Putzeys, Provincial Delegate of the sector of Belgium, informs you of the return to the Lord of Father ANTOON CONINX on Tuesday the 11^th October 2016 in Achel (Belgium) at the age of 81, of which 57 years of missionary life in Zambia, in the United States and in Belgium.

Father ANTOON CONINX is from Belgium, Hasselt Diocese. He was born in Achel on 25/06/1935. He made his spiritual year in Varsenare on the 08/09/1955 and his Oath in Eastview, Canada, on the 20/06/1959. He was ordained priest in Eastview on the 30/01/1960.

Also Father ARTHUR BOSMANS on Sunday the 16^th October 2016 in Varsenare (Belgium) at the age of 89, of which 64 years of missionary life in Mozambique, Malawi, Zambia and in Belgium.

Father ARTHUR BOSMANS is from Belgium, Hasselt Diocese. He was born in Beringen on 11/03/1927. He made his spiritual year in Varsenare on the 22/09/1947 and his Oath in Heverlee on the 21/07/1951. He was ordained priest in Heverlee on the 12/04/1952.

Sharing in the Joy of Children.

By Missionaries of Africa - Southern Africa Province (SAP)

On November 3, 2016

In News

“…. let the little children come to me….,” Jesus said.

By Sister Vickness Nangogo Muleya (MSOLA).

It is now coming to the end of the year. So many things have been and have come to pass. It was a busy year with so many deadlines to meet. It was always rush hours, everybody was busy to meet their own demands and requests. However, this did not leave the children out them too inclusive.

It is in this view that I wish to share with you a bit about what I am involved in at the Parish where I am working. Since I arrived, I have been involved in many different programmes and activities such as Caritas, Pastoral and Education activities. It is from the later that I want to share with you this particular aspect of the Kindergarten.

On each particular day, I could see the little ones at our Kindergarten in the grounds of the Parish coming very early in the morning to school being brought by their parents and guardians and going back home late in the afternoon. Imagine how busy their childhood is? They have not much time left for themselves because upon reaching home they are bathed, fed and it is time for home work! So this is the children’s daily routine for those in kindergartens.

Nonetheless, on the 13^th of October, I was lucky to be among those who accompanied the children for “a day out to children’s play pack”. This was to facilitate at least a day out for the children after so much hard work by them! After so many exams and tests, they needed to relax, to play and be away from everything for a day!

I was so happy to be among the children, so joyous and glorious, full of laughter and innocence they were! We started our trip around 9 in the morning and by 10:30 we were at the place but before that the children were led into prayer to entrust our day into the Lord. On the way the children sang and made all kinds of joyful noise, they were very excited and looking forward. This was amazing. Before I could realise it, I was also jumping and singing with them and doing all kinds of crazy things children do, you can imagine!

So whilst there we ensured that our children had a special mark to be identified with because there were many other children from other kindergartens around the city of Dar-es- Salaam. We gathered them under a big tree and arranged ourselves in readiness to start the relaxing, playing, etc. The team ensured that all the children participated in all the activities. Oh what a wonder to see all the children enjoying themselves! Some were afraid with certain activities at the beginning but when they got used to the mood of the day they did not want to stop. The most of all was when we went into the pools. Practically, the pools were especially well prepared for children, the very small kids just went under heavy showers which eventually made a very low pool down. My goodness come and see the little ones diving and jumping up and down under these showers and in this little pool! I told myself maybe that is why Jesus said, “if you want to enter the Kingdom of God you have to become like little children!”

It is very easy to make a child content and happy with very little things! After the swimming, we had our lunch and after we gathered our children and headed home, this time there was not much excitement and noise because now they were tired and content. Therefore, upon entering and sitting in the bus the kids were all sleeping! When we reached the Parish we found their parents waiting for them. After ensuring that all were safe in the hands of their parents we all dispersed to our respective homes tired but happy!

Chakwela makumbi rainmaking ceremony of the Soli: A faith event.

By Missionaries of Africa - Southern Africa Province (SAP)

On October 31, 2016

In Publications

By Patrick Mumbi, M.Afr (FENZA)

The literal translation of chakwela makumbi is ‘pulling down the clouds’. At this time of the year in Zambia, the earth is dry parched, people are thirsty and therefore hankering for rain. In some places, animals have begun to die. It is why Chieftainess Nkomeshya Mukamambo II, through the ancestors, intercedes to God for a good rainfall. The seeds of sorghum, maize and other ones are brought to her. While at prayer, she shells maize, pumpkin seeds and squeezes sorghum into the gourd and mixes them. She raises eyes to heaven and cries to God.

I heard her prayer; “God of my ancestors, of heaven and earth, open your heavens and pour down rain to us. To whom can we go except to you our Father? I am your creature and you created me and you can take my life if you want.” After a lengthy prayer and while kneeling, she begins to sob and threw herself prostrate to the ground. This is a reminiscence of the psalmist distress; “I cry aloud, I cry aloud to God that he may hear me,” Psalm77, 142.

Women worshippers began to wipe away her tears. This was a moving prayer and I felt tears in my eyes too. I then saw some dark clouds forming in the sky. I could not help but think that God has definitely listened to such powerful prayers. I sensed a deep concentration on the side of the people as they implored God. I also could not help but notice the humility of people as they clapped their hands to God.

Also, prominent among the people, were a group of women worshippers, whom some people may call babinde, dressed in black symbolising the dark rain clouds. I was told that, in former times, the people chosen to go and pray were erecting some shelters in the forest. These were special people like diviner rain makers or cousin clan members (abena mfula na bena bowa). While they were in the forest, they would pray for rain and it would immediately pour down. During yesterday’s prayers, I saw some herbs and a black chicken placed on a black cloth within the same area of prayer. In the background, there was a chanting invocation song; “Twakabomba kuli mwami, mukamambo, katiye tulumbe,” meaning “we are saying thank you to the Chieftainess Mukamambo II. Let us go and say thank you.”

A woman worshipper dressed in black came and snatched away the black chicken, swung it and threw it at the other women seated nearby. This act was a symbolic gesture showing that our ancestor did not go empty-handed when approaching God. They would offer sacrifices to God in their supplication.

As Clifford Geertz said, the power of symbols lies in the ability to transform experiences by constructing a sacred reality upon which everyday events of life are grounded. Symbolic gestures reflect unconscious wishes, longing desires and even desperation. When people communicate through their ancestors with symbols, their prayers are addressed to God. They are speaking to God and not to a mountain, a big tree or the waterfalls. These are just spiritual symbols to solicit God’s power and benevolence.

The second part of chakwela makumbi ceremony was the planting of seeds by the Chieftainess. At this time, she lights the fire within the cleared bush and burns a heap of stalks of maize. She then plants sorghum, maize, pumpkin seeds, etc. while people were again imploring God in a solemn song; “ilaloko, ilaloko kuli babinde, twebene mandondo, twebene imfula ilaloko ilaloko katuna tubyala. The language of this song is quite ancient. But the literal translation could mean; “it has rained, the raindrops are there, the rainmakers are praying the owners before the planting season.” This song implies that it would even rain at time before the planting season. But it could also mean that before the chief plants crops no one is supposed to do it.

Kings, Chiefs and Chieftainesses possess sacred powers over the land and there are the ones to sanction the planting season. This also corresponds to the sanctioning of gathering caterpillars among the Bemba people of Northern Province. Before the Paramount chief of the Bemba offers sacrifice to God, no one is allowed to gather caterpillars or else something worse will befall him or her. If this order is ignored, these are times when we hear that someone has been swallowed up by a python.

Chieftainess Nkomeshya Mukamambo II herself is a Catholic Christian. For that reason, the ceremony begins with a solemn inculturated Mass. People know that she goes to sweep and clean the premises around the church. According to them, this should not what a Chieftainess should do. When people try to stop her sweeping and taking away weeds around the church, she answers them saying; “in heaven, there are no Kings or Chiefs. We are all the same!”

Venue of the event: Chongwe

Newsletter South Africa No 68 – 27th October 2016

By Missionaries of Africa - Southern Africa Province (SAP)

On October 28, 2016

In Publications, Vocation animation

Greetings! Surely, a very important event which took place on 1^st October is the ordination to the diaconate of 6 of our students in Merrivale. Being at the end of their third year of theology in Cedara, they were ordained deacons. They are Alfred and Daniel (both Rwandese), Amorain (Togolese), Anthony (Ghanaian), Eric, (Mexican) and Theophile (Burkinabe). On the same day, eleven candidates of second year received the order of acolyte, their first step toward priesthood. They are Philippe (Malian), Christopher (Zambian), Martin, Robert and Victor (all Burkinabe), Éric and Pierre (both Congolese), Ryan (Filipino), Silas (Burundian), Dominic (Indian), and Francis (Nigerian).

Our deacons ordained last year – now in their fourth and last year of theology – will, in the coming weeks, go to their respective home-countries to be ordained priests and take a well-deserved holiday with their families. After two or three months’ rest, they will go to the missions where they have been appointed. They are Robin (Zambian, appointed to Tunisia), Damian (Ugandan, appointed to DR Congo), Alphonse (Rwandese, appointed to Burkina Faso), Albert (Burkinabe, appointed to Tunisia) and Konrad (Tanzanian, appointed to South Africa). CONGRATULATIONS to all! We place you all in our prayers that you may be good and faithful missionaries. These are really good news to celebrate Mission Month!

As we prepare to celebrate the 150^th anniversary of our foundation (1868-2018), we rejoice in having so many young Africans joining our ranks! At present there are 492 students in our formation programme (all in different African countries); 90% of them come from within Africa. During the first hundred years of our existence, our candidates came from Europe and North America. In Africa, our priority was to promote the diocesan clergy, and not our own missionary Society; we wanted first to establish a strong local Church. Only in the last 30 to 40 years have we started to recruit in Africa for our own. At present, 284 of our members are African. Our new Superior General and 2 of his 4 assistants are from Africa. Thus, we are starting to fulfil the wish of our founder: the initial work of evangelisation would be done by European and North American M.Afr., but it would be continued by the Africans themselves! Yet, we are still waiting and hoping for some South Africans to join us!

This month, Patrick, our only candidate, wrote from Ghana. Here is a short excerpt from his email (in the box to the right). As you can see, we put a lot of emphasis on the learning of the local language, so we may be closer to the heart of the people we work with. Also, I had a chance to visit Pascal (see last month’s Newsletter) on 13^th October in Assisi; he is really working hard on learning Zulu! Keep it up, Pascal! In Henley, they are waiting for you!