Missionaries of Africa – Southern Africa Province (SAP) – Page 35

In collaboration with St. Dominic Major Seminary, FENZA organised a conference on Ecumenism on Saturday the 5^th December 2015. Above 20 participants of various Catholic parishes of Lusaka together with few Seminarians listened to the presentation made by Robert Lavertu, M.Afr, on Church history using a chart which he published recently. Father Charles Mwila also made a presentation by focusing on the theological, spiritual and pastoral aspects of Ecumenism.

Group discussion helped the participants to express their views on ecumenical issues looking into initiatives already taking place in various parishes such as Palm Sunday prayer and regular meetings with various Christian denominations concentrating on common ground.

Another speaker, Father Searson, presented his work at the Apostolate of Prayer focusing on the preparation of the yearly Octave of Prayer for Unity, which will take place as usual this coming year 2016 between the 18^th and the 25^th January. The participants were encouraged to get involved in this week of prayer.

It is the wish of the participants to renew this workshop with more people. Romaric Bationo, M.Afr, Director of FENZA, thanked the participants and emphasised that Ecumenism is part of FENZA’s vocation. An activity such as this one must continue and enjoy the participation of greater numbers of Catholics. Patrick Mumbi, M.Afr, concluded the day with a prayer.

Mafrwestafrica – Lettre du 13 décembre 2015

By Missionaries of Africa - Southern Africa Province (SAP)

On December 14, 2015

In Publications

Aujourd’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 » :

« Textes du Pape, voyage en Afrique » toute une série de textes en français prononcés par le pape à l’occasion de son périple africain. (lire la suite)

« Confrères décédés en 2015 » au jour de publication de cette lettre, ils sont 14 confrères ayant servi dans la PAO et à nous avoir quittés en 2015 (lire la suite)

« Lettre de Laghouat Ghardaia, décembre 2015 » texte envoyé par Mgr Claude Rault, Missionnaire d’Afrique. (lire la suite)

« 50 ans d’existence pour Tema Bokin » : cette paroisse vient d’engager son année jubilaire. Elle a été fondée en 1966 (lire la suite)

Dans la rubrique « Témoignages »:

« Le Pape François en Ouganda » quelques photos prises par notre supérieur général à l’occasion de la visite du Pape dans ce pays. (lire la suite)

« 2015-2016 à Kasama ». comment les étudiants qui vivent l’Année spirituelle ont commencé cette expérience fondamentale. (lire la suite)

« Récollection pour l’Avent », un texte du Père Herman Bastijns, Missionnaire d’Afrique belge, pour se préparer à Noël. (lire la suite)

Dans la rubrique « Dialogue interreligieux » :

« Espoirs de dialogue » : quelques témoignages qui nous sortent du pessimiste et de la terreur qui ont gagné beaucoup de terrain un peu partout dans le monde (lire la suite)
« Pourquoi devenir terroriste ? » quelques réflexions à ce propos qui donnent un éclairage intéressant. (lire la suite)

Dans la rubrique « Justice et Paix » :

Où en est le Burkina Faso ? » suite aux élections présidentielles et législatives, un bref rappel de l’histoire de ce pays et l’état actuel de la situation (lire la suite)

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

« Koudougou, rebelle ou belle ?» un article du Père Maurice Oudet, qui introduit au nouveau site qui vient d’être créé. (lire la suite)

« La COP 21 vue du Burkina » : deux articles parus sur le site du SEDELAN à ce propos (lire la suite)

End of construction of Chipata Pre-First Phase

By Missionaries of Africa - Southern Africa Province (SAP)

On December 13, 2015

In News

The Pre-First Phase Centre in Chipata is already operational since the 19^th November 2015 when five candidates came from Mozambique to perfect their English while waiting for the official opening of the Centre on January the 15^th with the coming of more candidates from Malawi and Zambia. This first year program will end in June 2016 when the candidates will be going to Balaka for their philosophy. The formators are Timothée Bationo, René Garand and Camille Konkobo who has just arrived from his home leave in Burkina Faso.

The Mozambican candidates are Texeira Manuel, Messias Carlos, Manuel Pedro, Hilario Junior and Bernardo Ana. We wish them all good luck in their studies.

Below some recent pictures of the Centre.

: Road leading to the Centre

: Candidates’ quarters

: Candidates’ quarters

: Candidates’ quarters

: The Chapel

: Inside the Chapel

: Class room

: Father’s house

: Inside the house

: Anthony Baaladong, René Garand and John Itaru

Links:

Ground work at the Preparatory Centre in Chipata, Zambia

Ongoing construction at the Preparatory Centre in Chipata, Zambia

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

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

Updates in pictures of the Preparatory Centre in Chipata, Zambia – April 2015

2016 MIMSAF Calendar – December 2015

By Missionaries of Africa - Southern Africa Province (SAP)

On December 13, 2015

In Publications

Updates on Jean Pierre Le Scour – Johannesburg

By Missionaries of Africa - Southern Africa Province (SAP)

On December 10, 2015

In News

Yesterday morning (December 10) Jean Pierre underwent a huge cardiac operation in the Olivedale hospital in Johannesburg. Although the operation was a success, he is now very critical and is under constant observation.
It seems that the damage around his heart was much more severe than expected. This damage, his diabetes and other factors means it will be a struggle for him in his recovery.
Yesterday evening Michel Meunier visited him and administered the Sacrament of the Sick. This morning Christophe Boyer also visited and was able to communicate with him.
Although more stable than yesterday, he is in a critical condition.
We pray for his healing and wellbeing.
God bless.
Raymond McQuarry, M.Afr, Delegate Superior in South Africa

(December 15, 2015) Greetings from Johannesburg.

I write with good news about our Confrere Fr. Jean Pierre Le Scour. He is now out of ICU and resting in the normal ward. He is now able to sit up by his bed and responds well to the physiotherapist and other medical staff. He eats well and is chatting normally with visitors.

All his vital signs are now stable and doctors are happy with his progress and recovery. Thank you for your continued support and prayers.

With every good wish and God bless.

Fraternally, Raymond McQuarrie, M.Afr.

Sudden passing of our little sister Memory Mwamba

By Missionaries of Africa - Southern Africa Province (SAP)

On December 6, 2015

In News

Its is with sadness that I announce to you the sudden passing on yesterday of our little sister Memory Mwamba. She was the immediate young sister of our stagaire Lefterius Mwamba in Burkina. Its so sad because shortly before I left Zambia last year the immediate young sister to Memory and the last born Claire died in my arms too. Its is very heavy for the family and Lefterius as well. May we keep the family in prayers. The funeral is in Serenje. May the soul of Memory rest in eternal peace.
Francis Kangwa M.Afr

Friday, 11^th December 2015

“I am deeply touched by the spiritual and moral support that I have received from all of you at the occasion of the death of my beloved sister and friend Memory who was put to rest on. This moment just like the recent ones has been particularly tough for me and for our family. I would love to whole-heartedly convey a word of recognition to my home province “SAP” and to you for this gesture which has given me Hope. On behalf of our family and on my own behalf I say THANK YOU, NATASHA MUKWAI. May Our Faithful Lord Jesus bless us all.”

I received calls, emails and text messages, not forgetting WhatsApp Messages, I was reconverted in a way. Followed the informative post on the SAP blog with the touching comments.

Fraternally, Lefterius Kalonga Mwamba

Christmas. Jesus is our gift!

By Missionaries of Africa - Southern Africa Province (SAP)

On December 5, 2015

In News, Publications

The greatest gift of God to us is Jesus Christ himself—the Emmanuel—God with us. The celebration of Christmas is all about God’s love and mercy towards us as human beings. Jesus came to show us the merciful and loving face of the Father, in order that we might come to understand our dignity as sons and daughters and so recognize in each person—our brother or sister.

More than two-thousand years after the coming of our Saviour, it is plain to see from the violence, war, hate, corruption and exploitation present in our society, that we didn’t get the message that we failed to understand the Kingdom of God and its benefits for all humanity. Christmas is about celebrating our new life in Christ—it is really not about expensive gifts, scrumptious feasts and wild parties—it is all about understanding our own dignity and that of others and so begin living in an attitude of mutual respect. To live the golden rule “do unto others as you would have them do unto you” (Lk 6:31). We need to see the world through the merciful eyes of Jesus and like Him, be people who go about doing good, bringing hope, peace, joy and life to all who we meet on our earthly pilgrimage.

Pontifical Mission Societies SA-04-2015 02 Jesus still offers himself as a constant and eternal gift of mercy, healing, hope and new-life for all of us that open our hearts and minds to Him.

He desires that we have the fullness and abundance of life (Jn 10:10) and offers Himself as the Way, Truth and Life (Jn 14:6) to all who seek Him with sincerity and humility. Once we accept to follow Him and become missionary disciples, then automatically we are called and sent to be “other Christs” (anointed) people who are the gift of Christ to all whom we meet.

Our mission on this earth is to be the hands, feet, mouth, mind and heart of Jesus so as to bring about transformation and the coming of the Kingdom in our society.

We are in this Jubilee Year of Mercy

Let us open ourselves and invite others to this life changing experience! A very blessed Christmas and a New Year filled with the joy of being missionaries of God’s mercy!

Fr. Gordon Rees mccj. National PMS Director – SA, Botswana & Swaziland

Pontifical Mission Societies SA-04-2015

Meeting of the Treasurers of the Society in Zambia

By Missionaries of Africa - Southern Africa Province (SAP)

On December 2, 2015

In Missionaries of Africa, News

The Treasurers of the Society are meeting this week in FENZA, Lusaka, Zambia. They are going through heavy work since Monday hoping to end up in time on Friday for the final barbecue. We wish them a fruitful meeting and plenty of good ideas for the financial health of our Society.

Present: Jim Green, Jean-Guy Labrecque, Claude Venne, Diarmuid Sheehan, John Abobo, Jérôme Kodjo, Antony Baaladong, Denis Laflamme, Edmond Banda, José-Manuel Gordejuela, Didier Lemaine and Fons Vanden Boer.

: Anthony Baaladong

Oath and Diaconate in South Africa, November 27, 2015

By Missionaries of Africa - Southern Africa Province (SAP)

On December 2, 2015

In Diaconate, Missionaries of Africa, News

neral Oath Diaconate SA Nov 2015 01 By Amorain Wayikpo and Jean-Paul Basikaba, Media Committee, Merrivale.

Some of the young men in the Formation House in Merrivale, South Africa, professed their final Oath on the 27^th November 2015. They are six: Albert Kondemodre (Burkinabe); Alphonse-Marie Byishimo (Rwandese); Damian Ahimbisibwe (Ugandan); Douglas Ogato Momanyi (Kenyan); Konrad Simon Millanzi (Tanzanian) and Robbin Simbeye (Zambian). Rev. Father Jozef Van Boxel, 1^st Assistant of the General Council presided over the Eucharistic celebration and received the missionary Oath of these young confreres who have become full members of the Society of the M.Afr. After the community Morning Prayer, as it is required in view of a diaconate ordination, the candidates confessed their faith and belief in the Roman Catholic Church. They all signed the declaration of faith as their resolute will of serving and leading the people of God according to the official teaching of the Church.

In his homily, Father Jozef Van Boxel mentioned some similarities between the Prophet Samuel’s call (Sam 3:1-10) and the missionary call. This call to serve God comes from God. It is something very personal and intimate between God and those who are called. It includes listening, discerning and answering. The preacher pointed out some basis of the missionary call found in the Gospel (Matthew 11:25-30): the importance of a disciple to have a childlike trust and confidence in God that involves obedience to God and our Superiors in carrying out God’s mission and not our own; living apostolic charity in our mission and remaining celibate for the sake of God’s kingdom.

Fr. Jozef invited the new confreres to a very deep, close and personal relationship with God through a prayerful life which is a best means of fulfilling peacefully and joyfully God’s call.

The next day, on the 28^th November 2015, the six new M. Afr, joined by three other candidates namely one Dominican, Clement Mweni (Zambian) and two Sacred Heart of Jesus, Blaise Bonkondi Biane (Congolese) and Ushinde Kambale Sahani (Congolese), were ordained deacons at St. Raphael’s Parish – Kwamzimba by Most Rev. Bishop Barry Wood, Assistant Bishop of the Archdiocese of Durban.