AMECEA: Chairman, Secretariat Staff, National Communications Coordinators pay tribute to Fr. Ndaga’s contribution while at AMECEA

August 3, 2018, 9:34 am

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By Pamela Adinda, AMECEA Online News

Rev. Fr. Chrisantus Ndaga

As Fr Chrisantus Ndaga leaves AMECEA for his home diocese of Mahenge, Tanzania, having served the AMECEA Social Communications Department for ten years, his colleagues and collaborators describe him as selfless, dedicated, good collaborator and a motivator who is open and supportive to all, flexible and accommodative to both clergy and lay people he worked with.

New AMECEA Chairman Rt. Rev. Charles Kasonde who is the Bishop of Solwezi, Zambia, worked in close collaboration with Fr. Ndaga for the last seven years when he served as Bishop Chairman of AMECEA Social Communications Department.  He said that Fr. Ndaga worked so generously with zeal, commitment and ingenuity, a person who did not only source for resources but also accounted for it.

Rt. Rev Charles Kasonde, Chairman AMECEA

“My work as the immediate past Chairman for the department was made lighter due to his focus and planning, and I thank him for that,” Bishop Kasonde said adding, “Since the vineyard of the Lord is vast and we can’t stop saying yes to the will of God, we respond favourably to go wherever our mother Church sends us. We say farewell to you and wish you many blessings in your new apostolate back your diocese.”

Some Staff members of AMECEA Secretariat as well as some National Communications Coordinators had a chance to share a thought on their working relationship with Fr. Ndaga. Following are their sentiments.

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Chimombo, Coordinator, AMECEA Pastoral Department

As a fellow Priest I would say that he is a great collaborator, open, cheerful, a hard worker and a friend. He was among the first people I quickly connected with when I arrived at AMECEA secretariat. Through him I learnt a lot and being a member who had stayed here for many years, I depended on him for directions on how to conduct myself in this country because among the employees of AMECEA Secretariat we were the only expatriates.

Fr. Emmanuel Chimombo

He is a hard worker, creative especially in his work at the communications department. I was impressed by his passion to raise the standard of communications. That inspired me in Pastoral Department to do the same, and not just be contented with the status quo but to make a difference by opening new avenues.

He was always ready to work for long hours with dedication for the department and even for matters that concern the entire AMECEA Secretariat. He was ready to forgo his own joys and ensure that things were moving on the right track. Among them were proposals and reports that we needed for various things including the just concluded AMECEA 19^th Plenary Assembly. He really worked hard to ensure that things were on track. He was very flexible,  ready to accommodate other people's ideas even on crucial matters. He was such an open person whom you would approach at any time with an idea and never gets disappointed. Furthermore, he was always ready to support other departments technically for the good of AMECEA.

Furthermore, he also brought life and joy at the secretariat whenever things got a little heavy. He has a sense of humour and would crack jokes when people were at their low moods. His absence from the secretariat will be felt by all. We are going to miss him.

Christine Mbugi, Coordinator AMECEA Capacity Building Project

Ms. Christine Mbugi

I enjoyed working with Fr. Ndaga in the Capacity building programs and other AMECEA Secretariat activities. He was the pilot who helped us fly through project writing and reporting as well as ensuring that AMECEA Secretariat staff welfare matters were taken care of. I appreciate his directness and dedication to the AMECEA Secretariat staff to convey his position on issues brought before him.

Fr. Ndaga, you will be greatly missed for your words of wisdom, encouragement, your humour and making us feel easy even when work pressured and deadlines had to be met. You are leaving AMECEA but your legacy will remain forever across the region. I wish you the very best in your new appointment.

Mr. Bernard Mberere

Bernard Mberere, AMECEA ICT Officer

Fr. Ndaga has been instrumental in guiding and ensuring that the use of new media and technology is embraced in the region. He has seen the Establishment of AMECEA ICT Coordination Office following the AMECEA 18^th Plenary Assembly Resolutions. As he leaves the department to go and serve in his Diocese of Mahenge, he leaves behind a rich legacy that we are challenged to work hard and maintain. I wish him well in his new mission.  

Rev. Fr. Paul Mung’athia Igweta, Coordinator AMECEA Justice Peace and Caritas Department

Rev. Fr. Paul  Mung'athia Igweta

I have known him for a short time but I discovered that he gives himself selflessly to the service of the Church and the people of God. He is generous with himself, always ready to help others whenever he is called upon. He has  been very pro-AMECEA and anytime that he is called upon even by the bishops who are visiting, he has always been available. It is unfortunate that he is leaving while I am just coming in, but I am sure we would have had a wonderful working relation. We shall miss the wealth of his knowledge about the Secretariat and his services both to the Secretariat and to us all who work here as a family. I am sure that the people he is going to serve will harvest the richness of his collaborative and supportive nature. We wish him well in his next appointment, may God Bless you, Fr. Ndaga.

Rev. Fr. Winfield Kunda, Communications Director, Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB)

Rev. Fr. Winfield Kunda

We in Zambia will remember Fr Ndaga’s service at AMECEA, especially his zeal and initiatives to ensure that we communicators become a family in the entire Eastern Africa in sharing whatever was happening in our respective Episcopal Conferences.

I remember vividly at the time I joined the Conference, how he initiated me into attending Communication’s meeting at least once every year in different Conferences. This has helped us Communicators in the region to know each other and cement the spirit of information sharing for the growth of communication work in our various Conferences.

On behalf of ZCCB and the Catholic communicators in Zambia, particularly from all our Catholic radio stations, and the ZCCB Communications Officer, Mr Mwenya Mukuka, I want to extend a word of gratitude to you Fr. Ndaga for the services you have rendered to the AMECEA Region in the area of communications. We shall cherish your contribution to the growth of the AMECEA Communications family and be assured of our prayers as we I pray that God continues blessing you in your new apostolate.

Ms. Makeda Yohannes

Makeda Yohannes, Communications Coordinator, Ethiopian Catholic Secretariat (ECS)

I have learnt a lot from Fr. Ndaga. His passion and dedication for work is very inspiring. Moreover, his utmost desire and efforts to create a close link among the communications offices of all the AMECEA member countries has made become one family, working together for a common cause. We shall miss working with him but I believe that the close link that he has established between us in the AMECEA Communications family will continue through the AMECEA online which he started and developed.

Rev. Fr. Godino Phokoso, National Communications Coordinator, Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM)

Rev. Fr. Godino Phokoso

On behalf of my colleagues here in Malawi I would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Mzee, Rev. Fr. Christianus Ndaga for his contributions at AMECEA Secretariat’s Social Communications Department and in the region. You have done a lot to put our department on the map internationally through the AMECEA Online News. This is the case because AMECEA Social Communication Department played a greater role in publicity. The Social Communications of the Episcopal Conference of Malawi will cherish all these achievements. You were an inspiration to us all.

We wish Fr. Ndaga God’s Blessings, guidance and success in his next assignment in the Lord’s Vineyard

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UGANDA: Bishop appeals to prelates in Africa to promote Church’s self-reliance

August 3, 2018, 9:41 am

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Rt. Rev. Sithembele Sipuka, 2nd Vice President of SECAM

By Jacinta W. Odongo, Media Officer, Uganda Episcopal Conference

Rt. Rev. Sithembele Sipuka, Bishop of Mthatha Diocese in South Africa and 2^ndvice president of SECAM, has appealed to African Catholic Bishops to put their efforts and resources together to develop the Church in the African continent.

While delivering his homily during the official launch of the year-long Golden Jubilee celebrations of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) on 29^th July, 2018, at Rubaga Cathedral in Kampala, Bishop Sipuka urged his fellow bishops and faithful to stop lamenting about poverty in Africa, but cooperate and work together to develop the Church.

“In relation to us the bishops of SECAM, today’s Gospel is teaching us that while we are not able to do everything we want to do due to lack of funds, if we put together the little monies we have, we can do wonders. If each bishop can make his contribution of five barley loaves every year in the form of five hundred dollars, we would enable SECAM to do a lot more than it has been able to do in the past fifty years,” said Bishop Sipuka.

H.E. Berhaneyesus Cardinal Souraphiel, immediate former Chairman  of AMECEA with Most Rev. Cyprian Kizito Lwanga  of Kampala Archdiocese at the launch of  year-long Jubilee  celebrations of SECAM

He also cautioned the prelates against continued donor dependency syndrome, saying that this limits them to run only the donor funded programmes.

“As you know, because we do not all contribute our five barley loaves, we tend to run programmes that the donors want and not those that we ourselves want to run,” he said.

“This is not to say that we will not need the assistance of our donor partners anymore, but what I mean is that when we too bring our barley loaves together, the word ‘partner’ will begin to have its true meaning. Now it is said out of courtesy to avoid offence, but in truth we are not partners, we are beggars,” the prelate added.

Reflecting on Pope Francis’s encyclical ‘The Joy of the Gospel’, where the Holy Father expresses sorrow about many pastoral workers, including Consecrated men and women who are concerned more about their personal freedom, Bishop Sipuka cautioned Pastoral workers against the temptation of materialism that leads into corruption tendencies, individualism, self-seeking, love of money and, power and comfort.

He said that materialistic tendencies have made many pastoral agents to see their work as a mere appendage to their life and relaxation than about evangelisation.

“Some Pastoral workers fall into a lifestyle which leads to attachment to financial security or to desire for power or human glory at all cost, rather than giving their lives to others in mission,” Bishop Sipuka quoted Pope Francis’s Encyclical, urging his fellow bishops to carefully select and form the next generation of pastoral agents at the dawn of the 50 years of the existence of SECAM.

SECAM's Golden Jubilee Theme: Church-Family of God in Africa, Celebrate your Jubilee, Proclaim Jesus Christ your Saviour

The prelate also appealed to the bishops to use their influence to engage with governments at national, regional and continental level on broad issues of human rights and environment in order to fight against poverty, diseases, social injustices, war and corruption.

He emphasized the importance of urging the faithful to work hard in order to fight poverty and to grow food crops for consumption in their homesteads in order to increase food security.

Earlier during Holy Mass, Most Rev. Cyprian Kizito Lwanga, the Archbishop of Kampala Archdiocese welcomed the visiting Bishops from SECAM’s eight regional conferences to Rubaga Cathedral where he briefed them about the history of the Cathedral, which he said hosted Blessed Pope Paul VI in 1969 when he inaugurated SECAM.

SECAM was born out of the will of African bishops during the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965) because the bishops wanted to establish a forum in which they could speak with one voice on matters pertaining to the Church in Africa. The establishment of SECAM is, therefore, a result of the bishops’ resolution to build a continental structure in order to bring forth the African vision to the whole Church. His Holiness Pope Paul VI presided over SECAM’s inauguration in July, 1969 in Kampala during his first visit to Africa.

Meanwhile, SECAM President, Most Rev. Gabriel Mbilingi, also the Archbishop of Lubango Archdiocese in Angola, unveiled the SECAM’s Golden Jubilee logo, theme and prayer at the end of the Eucharistic celebration. He said that monthly thematic celebrations will be held in all Catholic Church Dioceses across Africa until July 2019, under the theme: “Church-Family of God in Africa, Celebrate your Jubilee! Proclaim Jesus Christ your Saviour.” The jubilee celebrations will be held on 28th June, 2019.

SECAM comprises of eight Regions of Catholic Episcopal Conferences in Africa and Madagascar, including the AMECEA.

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AMECEA: Diocese of Tombura-Yambio gives Blessed Bakanja AMECEA College a new Rector

August 3, 2018, 9:45 am

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Rev. Fr. Peter Moudie, New Rector of Blessed  Bakanja AMECEA College

By Pamela Adinda, AMECEA Online News

Rev. Fr. Peter Moudie from the Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambia, South Sudan, is the new Rector for Blessed Bakanja AMECEA College, a Regional Theological Seminary and House of Formation for seminarians drawn from the nine AMECEA Countries. 

Fr. Moudie who was appointed during the just concluded 19^thAMECEA Plenary Assembly held in Addis Ababa Ethiopia is taking over from Rev. Fr. Patrick Nyongesa of Kakamega Diocese, Kenya.

Fr. Moudie who is already in the country to take up his new position as Rector of Blessed Bakanja AMECEA College was born in December 1965 in Ezo South Sudan. He was ordained a priest of Tombura-Yambio Diocese on 16^th May 1993 and holds PhD and Masters in Canon Law from the University or Urbaniana Rome.

Until his appointment he was the Vice Chancellor of Mikese University College, which is a private learning institution based in Yambio, South Sudan, a position he held from 2012. Previously he worked as a Rector of St. Joseph Minor Seminary of Yambio Diocese between 1993 and 1996 when the institution was operating from Uganda.

In an interview with AMECEA Online News, Fr. Moudie said he is looking forward to working in collaboration with all AMECEA Conferences as they work towards building the Kingdom of God among His people in the AMECEA Region.

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AMECEA: New Coordinator for AMECEA Social Communications Department takes office

August 3, 2018, 9:49 am

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Rev. Fr. Andrew Kaufa

By Pamela Adinda, AMECEA Online News

Rev. Fr. Andrew Kaufa, a Montfort Missionary from Malawi is the new coordinator for AMECEA Social Communications Department. He is taking over from Rev. Fr. Chrisantus Ndaga of Mahenge Diocese, Tanzania, who has served the department in the same capacity for the last ten years.

Born in 1969, Fr. Kaufa, SMM who comes from Dedza Diocese in Malawi was ordained a priest in July, 2000. He holds PhD in Business Management and Masters in Media Studies from Daystar University, Kenya.

He is the former Director of Luntha TV, a National Catholic TV Station run by Montfort Missionaries in Malawi. Fr. Kaufa also worked as a national Communications Coordinator for Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM) between 2013 and 2016 where he was instrumental in communications during the preparations as well as the activities of the AMECEA 18^th Plenary Assembly, which was held in Malawi in 2014.

Speaking to AMECEA Online News, Fr. Kaufa said that he is looking forward to collaborating with the National Communications Coordinators from all AMECEA Countries in implementing the resolutions of the just concluded 19^thAMECEA Plenary Assembly in Addis Ababa Ethiopia as well as achieving the greater mission of AMECEA Bishops.

“In working together, we will identify the needs in the communications apostolate and see how to address them, guided by the strategic direction of AMECEA. The just concluded AMECEA 19^th Plenary Assembly in Addis Ababa Ethiopia emphasized on the importance of digital communication technology for pastoral work, it is therefore upon us to come together and see how we can work towards achieving this,’ Fr. Kaufa explained.

Rt. Rev. Charles Kasonde, the new chairman of AMECEA has extended warm welcome to Fr. Kaufa as he begins his tenure at AMECEA Secretariat in Nairobi telling him that he (Fr. Kaufa) is not a stranger to the environment and the Secretariat.

“We say ‘Karibu sana’ and we wish you success in your work as the new Coordinator for Social Communication Department. May your cooperation with all your brothers and sisters that you will find at the Secretariat help you to settle and succeed in doing the work of Christ with zeal and vitality,” Bishop Kasonde who is the local Ordinary of the Diocese of Solwezi Zambia, said in a message that he shared with the AMECEA Online News.

The outgoing coordinator of AMECEA Social Communications Department Rev. Fr. Chrisantus Ndaga is positive that Fr. Kaufa will be able to steer the department to greater heights.

“The new coordinator is already here and the handing over process is currently underway. I request that you accord him the kind of cooperation and support you accorded me as the head of the department,” Fr. Ndaga told staff members the Social Communications Department during their meeting with them and the new Coordinator.

He further said that change is good and when a new person comes in, there are always prospects of new initiatives and new development. He wished Fr. Kaufa well in his new responsibility.

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MALAWI: ECM urges the Youth to live by Faith

August 10, 2018, 5:40 am

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By Sidonia Dzikolidaya

The Episcopal Conference of Malawi in collaboration with the National Catholic Youth Council of Malawi on Saturday, 4 August 2018, celebrated the National Catholic Youth Day at Don Bosco Youth Centre in the Archdiocese of Lilongwe under the theme “Youth, Faith and Vocational Discernment.”

This theme is in reference to the World Youth Day, which gathers the youth from different countries across the globe.   

Speaking during the celebrations that gathered the Catholic Youths in Malawi for the first time, the Bishop Chairman for Pastoral Commission who is also the ordinary for the Diocese of Chikwawa, Rt. Rev. Peter Musikuwa encouraged the Youth to live their faith and refrain from violence that often emerges due during election period in Malawi due to partisan politics.  

“As we are approach the Tripartite elections in May next year, we urge the youth in Malawi to make an effort and live their faith because this will help them to avoid violence.”

Bishop Peter Musikuwa added that the Youth should concentrate on issues that will develop the country rather than violence. “It is only through prayer and meditation that we can understand the purpose of God. Therefore, we urge the youth to work hard in school and choose the right vocation for a better future,” he said. 

Bishop Musikuwa also informed the youth that the Catholic Church in Malawi is implementing different projects for their empowerment, self-reliance as well as their spiritual and moral growth. He cited the Catholic schools and technical colleges as some of the initiatives aimed at empowering the youth to become good citizens of the country.

“We understand that the parents have a role to play by living a good example to their children, but we also ask them to release the youth during these gatherings, which will help the church to fulfil its mission. 

He also urged the youth to dedicate themselves to a life of prayer and meditation, which is crucial for discernment of God’s calling to Priesthood, Religious Life and Marriage.

The ECM National Youth Chaplain, Father Valeriano Mtseka explained that the celebration also aimed at appreciating what the Catholic Youths in Malawi go through.

“We know that the youth in the country encounter different challenges,” he said as he registered a concern that in Malawi the youth comprise the majority in society and that Youth Day was one of the efforts that the Catholic Church has organized to respond to the cry of the youths who that they are usually left behind.  

One of the youth representatives from Archdiocese of Lilong

we; Alinafe Chiotcha described the celebration as a way forward by the Episcopal Conference of Malawi to addressing issues of development to the youth.

SOUTH SUDAN: War Contagious With Negative Impact on Society, Says Bishop Hiiboro

August 10, 2018, 5:44 am

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Source CRN

War is contagious and has negative impact in the society and the country, says Catholic Bishop of Tombura-Yambio.

Bishop Barani Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala says the conflict in Western Equatoria have greatly affected children specially those whose parents were in armed oppositions controlled areas, Anisa Radio reports.

He was addressing hundreds of people attending the release of former child soldiers at Asanza in Yambio County, Gbudue State.

When war broke out in Juba in 2013, people in Yambio were unaware that it would reach them, but out of a sudden just overnight people came to realize that young people have taken up arms and went to the bush to fight the government, the Bishop reminds the people.

An anonymous 15-year old girl explains that she was on her way home from school when the former South Sudan National Liberation Army abducted her and many other friends and took them to the bush. She reveals that in the bush they were washing clothes, cooking food and fetching water to the armed men daily while boys were engaged in looting people’ s property.

President Kiir grants amnesty to Dr Machar and all armed oppositions

The President of the Republic granted amnesty to leader Dr Riek Machar and all armed opposition groups. South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation on Wednesday read the amnesty order Salva Kiir Mayardit issued three days after signing a ceasefire and power-sharing agreement in Khartoum, Sudan.

Those who "waged war against the government" were granted general amnesty, Kiir stated late Wednesday. He also call on his forces to observe a ceasefire agreed in June by both the government and Machar's fprce.

As part of the power-sharing deal, Machar will return to the country as the first vice president, with four other deputies. There will be 35 ministers and 550 parliamentarians.Armed opposition troops are expected to go to cantonment sites for training to be unified with the government army.

Human Rights Watch calls for release of South Sudan peace activist

Human Rights Watch calls on National Security Service to immediately and unconditionally release Peter Biar Ajak.The Body says the National Security Service should take the activist to court and charge him with a recognizable crime.

Human Rights Watch urges authorities to also end the arbitrary detention of many others held by the security service, in violation of their rights. Associate AfricaDirector Jehanne Henry says “South Sudan’s security agents have long harassed and arbitrarily detained people, apparently to silence independent voices”.

The director says “South Sudan desperately needs public dialogue and greater respect for human rights, not more repression and violations”.“South Sudanese authorities should release everyone being held arbitrarily and change the way the national security agency operates,” Henry adds. “National Security officials should be subject to the same oversight as all security forces and held accountable for their abuses”, the official notes.

  

Civil society and donor evaluate community safety in Torit

Members of Civil Society Network in Eastern Equatoria and a donor from Oxfam met to discuss and verify impact of the work of organizations in addressing security, safety and fragility.

Charles Okullu, Network chairperson, says the aim of the meeting is develop theory of change and capacity building mechanism in security reforms, Radio Emmanuel reports. He urges members of civil society network to share out their experiences in working in the field of security and safety.

Okullu cites cases of child abduction, early and forced marriages as major security threats in Torit and Kapoeta States.He appreciates South Sudan Law Society for conducting awareness trainings to civil society organizations on how to address threats in the state.

The chairperson explains that the evaluation is to give true picture to the donor to see whether civil society organizations are moving on the right track or need adjustment. The chairperson was talking to Radio Emmanuel in Torit on Wednesday.

 

Minister encourages people to hope on Khartoum peace agreement

Tonj State of Information Minister expresses hope on the peace signed in Khartoum, Sudan to be lasting to end the suffering of the people of South Sudan.

According to Don Bosco Radio, James Ayiek Bath on behalf of the state government conveys congratulatory message of Governor Anthony Bol Madut to citizens on the peace the warring parties signed last Sunday.

He appreciates President Salva Kiir Mayardit for accepting Dr Riak Machar Teny to work with him once again for the sake of the people.

Ayiek calls on the other political parties to dialogue for lasting peace and development of the country. He urges all armed opposition groups to put down their guns and support the peace deal. The minister was speaking to Don Bosco Radio on Wednesday in Tonj.

UGANDA: The 2nd IYCS Pan African Chaplains and Animators Meeting kicks-off in Uganda

August 10, 2018, 5:46 am

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By Jacinta W. Odongo,

In an effort to empower Chaplains and Animators from various National Movements in Africa to take action towards promoting effective youth apostolate, the 2nd International Young Catholic Students (IYCS) Pan African Meeting has kicked-off in Uganda.

The Meeting, which is underway in Kisubi, began on 7^th August, 2018, and will continue until 13^th August, 2018. The theme guiding the Meeting is: “A call to be a prophet in the Students’ Milieu: Students education for good governance and democratic citizenship, for Sustainable Development in Africa”.

The IYCS Pan African Regional Coordinator, Innocent Odongo said the theme was drawn from the 2nd IYCS International Chaplains and Animators Formation and Exchange (I-CAFÉ) that was held in March 2018 in Bangkok, Thailand, as it emphases on the mission of accompanying students to play their part in the evangelization of the student environment.

“The purpose of this meeting, therefore, is to help them distinguish what are hungers and thirsts of the world of youth and students in particular, and to answer their questioning. Facing the complexity and the evolution of these questions, chaplains and animators need to be trained to the realities of the youth and adequately assume the functions of the mission given to them,” he said.

He emphasized that Chaplains and Animators whose mission is to help young people have a role in the evangelization for the growth of the Church, and are a vital part of the movement and efficiently contribute to the construction of YCS, and its actual involvement in the life of society for a more just and peaceful world. 

“The presence of adults is necessary to help young people to grow up in a holistic way because young people need the presence of an adult to be able to blossom. Therefore, leaders should not only guide them but also go along with young people, sharing with them the richness of their experience. In that way, the youth can also help them achieve their dreams by preparing them to be men and women in dignity and sense of responsibilities for tomorrow,”.

The seven-day meeting will include panel sessions and discussions with experts from across Africa, experience sharing among participants from different African countries, networking opportunities and site visits to exciting places in Kampala city working closely with young people. A number of methods ranging from visual presentations, lectures, small group activities, role plays, small studies, media reporting, and homework exercises, project planning sessions, work and creative approaches as well global education (non-formal education) will also be applied.

Focus areas of the Meeting include providing chaplains and animators a better understanding of the movement and its ambitions for youth/students pastoral, and the deepening and broadening of their understanding and practice of the YCS Review of the Life methodology See-Judge-Act and the reality of IYCS movement today. They will also seek ways to provide the youth with platforms to develop the necessary skills for their role of accompaniment and guidance, and to develop strategies to better approach the new and emerging issues in students and youth milieu among other topics.

The event has attracted over 50 participants including YCS chaplains, Youth Chaplain, YCS animators, sub regional coordinators, national coordinators and national YCS leaders committed to serve the movement for the two next years from all across the 34 IYCS Member Countries in Africa. It has been organized by IYCS) Africa in collaboration with the Uganda YCS Movement.

The IYCS is a faith-based youth apostolate movement committed to the principles and values of Evangelization, Formation, Social Justice and Advocacy in its Education and Policy-oriented work. The history of YCS movement in Africa can be traced back to 1937 in Madagascar and has spread to 34 other countries with a membership of over 3.2 million students in secondary schools and tertiary institutions. Its Regional Secretariat is established in Nairobi, Kenya.

ETHIOPIA: Ethiopian Catholics Visit Germany for World Mission Sunday 2018

August 10, 2018, 5:51 am

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By Mission Aachen ;

Missio-Team is Team Ethiopia awaiting

A delegation from the Catholic Church of Ethiopia will be visiting Germany in September and October. The International Catholic Mission Society in Germany, Missio, has invited the delegation as part of the World Mission Sunday 2018 campaign, which opens on September 16 in Erfurt and ends on the actual World Mission Sunday, October 28. Cardinal Berhaneyesus, CM Metropolitan Archbishop of Addis Ababa, President of CBCE will lead the Ethiopian delegation at the opening ceremony in Erfurt. 

The Pontifical Mission Societies organizes World Mission Sunday in over 100 countries and the Church collection of this day is sent for assistance to 1,000 poorest dioceses around the world. Before the World Mission Sunday campaign gets under way, Missio in Germany invites a local Church from a different country to show people in Germany how Catholics in Africa, Asia and Oceania live as Christians and what they can learn from one another and for this year it is Ethiopia's Church to share her story. 

The Ethiopian delegation is made up of about a dozen bishops, priests, religious and lay people. After they have attended the opening ceremony of the campaign as a group in Erfurt on September 16, the delegation members will go different ways. Together with Missio staff members, they will individually visit one or two of about 25 dioceses in Germany at different times where they will meet Christians and interested people from Germany and discuss issues of instance to parishes, schools, Catholic refugee centres, social and youth facilities. 

According to a plan that Missio has shared, there shall be other events to foster an exchange of cultures. In recent months, Missiohas developed extensive information for people in Germany, campaign material, posters or films themed on Ethiopia, which are now distributed in the German Catholic Church. One important subject is coffee-growing in Ethiopia. The "Coffee to Stay" campaign enables people in Germany to learn why sharing a coffee session is so significant for the community in Ethiopia, a lesson they can take with them.

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TANZANIA: TEC Bishops, Christian Community Leaders meet President Magufuli

August 10, 2018, 5:58 am

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By Sarah Pelaji

On August 7 2018, Tanzania Episcopal Conference (TEC) and the Tanzanian Christian Community (TCC) leaders met with President of Tanzania His Excellency John Pombe Magufuli at State House in Dar es Salaam upon their request to discuss with the Head of State issues of national interest. Among the leaders was the Chairman of TCC Archbishop Anikilisa Cheyo, and Chairman of TEC Bishop Bishop Gervas Nyaisonga and co-president of TEC Bishop Flavian Kassala.

Speaking on behalf of the Christian leaders and TEC, the co-president of TEC Bishop Flavian Kassala, said that it was an opportunity for the Christian leaders to introduce themselves to President Magufuli and to thank him for his commitment to develop Tanzania, but also to demonstrate their commitment to continue building on the good relations between government and the Church.

At the meeting, Bishop Kassala congratulated the President for his patriotism and strong desire to bring sustainable development to Tanzanians, in a very special way reflected on Government projects such as road construction, road transport and service buildings.  “We congratulate the President for promoting and maintaining discipline in public service; the fight against corruption and theft of public property. As you know, President Magufuli has been in the forefront of fighting for proper management of national resources for the common good and for the benefit of all Tanzanians,” explained Bishop Kassala.

The Christian leaders appreciate the Government for providing free education to primary and secondary schools, which provides opportunities for many children to gain education, ready to deal with the situation and their environment.

They congratulate the Government for major improvements in health care and social welfare, saying that President Magufuli’s Government has continued to stand firm in resolving land disputes, which was a major national disaster. “It should be noted that the land is the capital of the poor, which can help many Tanzanians to have the security of their lives, investing in agriculture and housing.

However, Archbishop Kassala said that TEC has presented to Government a suggestion to create a platform for dialogue and transparency in terms of education, health and social welfare, which in fact have been the mainstream of the Church. “Before Government has made any decisions that may have a bearing on the social services that the Church provides, it is important to have a platform for discussion and a culture of debate, so as to assess the challenges and success of some policies and strategies,” he said

He argued that the goal is to enable the Church to provide the best care and attention to God's family in Tanzania. Where there is an agreement on all sides involved, its implementation will certainly be very effective.“Good relationship between the Government and the Church is necessary in social services, particularly health, education and social welfare. Today the Church celebrates the 150th anniversary of the formal

SOUTH SUDAN: Pastoral Coordinator calls on Christians to Endure life Difficulties

August 17, 2018, 8:03 am

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The Pastoral Coordinator of the Catholic Diocese of Torit in South Sudan, Father Kamilo Afore has urged the faithful to overcome the challenges of hatred, conflicts and division as people of faith and followers of Christ. Fr Afore said this during his homily at Our Lady of Holy Rosary Church in Torit on Sunday, which was aired on Radio Emmanuel.

While acknowledging that South Sudan is truly faced with numerous challenges, he has made this appeal to the congregation, urging Christians to surrender their grievances to God so as to pave way for the community to live a sustainable peace.

“Brothers and sisters in the Lord, we are all aware of the challenges that we are meeting in life ranging from broken families, broken relationship, quarrels, misunderstanding and conflict, hatred and war, but also hunger and diseases. To overcome all these, it  requires to strive for a life characterized by love and solidarity with one another, standing in support of each other as children of one family of God”, he elaborates.

The pastoral coordinator calls on Christians to have hope, put their trust in God and accept Jesus as the bread of life.

“We ought to be hopeful and to trust in God who sustains our lives and wants us to live a kind of life that offers us to in his son Jesus Christ.  The Word of God invites us to focus more on Jesus Christ the Living Bread come down from heaven. For us respond to this invitation we must ask ourselves, ‘Who is Jesus for me?’ Let us not take it for granted that we know Jesus”, he said.

Father Afore further advised Christians to understand the what the Eucharist is for them and to accept Jesus Christ as Son of God.

“In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God, the Word was God and the Word became flesh,” Afore concluded.

~END~

ZAMBIA: Secure Church Data and Update Diocesan Data Management Systems, Says Bishop Hamungole

August 17, 2018, 8:09 am

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Rt. Rev. Moses Hamungole

Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishop (ZCCB) Director for Communication, Rt. Rev. Moses Hamungole, has called upon Diocesan Communication Secretaries and Bishops’ Administrative Secretaries to secure diocesan data and to and update them, using modern technologies 

“We are now living in an age where you can collect your data, process it and keep it on the internet or the cloud as they are calling it.  And this information can be accessed from anywhere in the world,” said Bishop Hamungole, at Kasisi Retreat Center, Lusaka, when he officially opened a workshop on ‘Drafting National Catholic Directory’.

He added that the development has become the safest way of keeping data, but he  was also quick to note that the data kept there must be accurate otherwise any incorrect data kept  in the cloud remain incorrect.

“Data must be up to date and complete.  Sending data to a parish priest on a wrong address would be of no use because he would simply not get it. Therefore, precision is important for data to be useful. Also, it is no good having incorrect data, otherwise we shall give to the world incorrect information about ourselves,” he said.

Rt. Rev. Hamungole who is also Bishop of Monze Diocese, advised participants that parish records for Marriages, Baptism, Confirmation and others must be centrally kept at Diocesan offices for easy access by pastoral workers and people that come to do research.

He has further said that as Information and Communication Technology (ICT) revolves, the Church’s data management need to improve. 

 “In this modern era, data is important for making cardinal decisions.  However, we can make right decisions quickly if the way of keeping the data management is also up to date. We cannot make good decisions and serve the people of God well based on incorrect data, or if we continue to use outdated means of keeping Church data. I strongly urge you to keep church data update frequently,” he said. 

The Catholic Media Services, CMS, conducted a National Catholic Directory drafting workshop at Kasisi Retreat Center from the 12 to 15 August 2018, in preparation for publishing a new National Catholic Directory in Zambia.

~End~

KENYA: Ensure Parental Empowerment And Holistic Education Of School Children - Bishops Call Upon Government

August 17, 2018, 8:13 am

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By Amecea Communications

President Uhuru Kenyatta during the opening of the Catholic Schools Principals Conference being held at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa in Nairobi. PHOTO/PSCU

The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishop, KCCB has called upon Kenya Government, school principals and parents to work hand in hand with the Church in providing quality of education to children, at the opening of the Catholic Schools Principals Conference held at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa, CUEA, on 14 August 2018 and which the Head of State, His Excellency President Uhuru Kenyatta officially opened.

Rt. Rev. Philip Anyolo, chairman of the KCCB said that the theme of the Conference, ‘Parental Empowerment for Holistic Education’appropriately responds to the new curriculum in Kenya, which happens to be central in regard to parental responsibility in the education children.

However, Bishop Anyolo, noted that many schools in the country have also witnessed challenges such as violence, sexual immorality, indiscipline, disrespect of authority and students’ laxity in commitment to scholarly work.  

Ï earnestly appeal to you who are here, that for the 3 days that you are here, you explore various strategies for building bridges amongst parents and guardians, schools and the Church, in order to salvage the future of our young people,” said Bishop Anyolo.

Chairman of the Commission for Education and Religious Education for the Kenya Episcopal Conference Rt. Rev. Paul Kariuki reiterated the Church’s commitment to education of children for their holistic human development. However, he too raised concern regarding some disruptive issues that are negatively affecting the school systems and the youth, which include lack of measures to inculcate discipline and unguided freedom in the schools; the problem of drug abuse; and lack of faith and moral formation.

“We cannot afford to bring up a youth that is faith free, value-free, discipline free, authority free and respect free,” he said.

“In the same way that you have resolved to fight corruption, we appeal to you, to deal with persons who target children for drugs and alcohol abuse. This is the only way to secure our children’s and our country’s future,” Bishop Kariuki urged President Kenyatta.

President Kenyatta assured the Bishops and all participants at the Conference that his Administration has committed itself to ensuring that every Kenyan child received high quality and holistic education. He took opportunity to announce that he has issued a directive for issuance of title deeds to all education institutions that are built and managed by faith based organizations including the Catholic church.

I am happy to report that my Administration, with the support of Kenyans and institutions such as the Church, has made remarkable strides on all four strides,” he said, alluding to the Government’s commitment to creating conducive learning environment for students and teachers.

Kenya Government has prioritized four key areas of interventions in the education system, namely, the upgrading of learning institutions, the construction and renovation of buildings, the connection of schools to electricity supply and the provision of appropriate school supplies.

Speaking at the event, Education CS Amina Mohamed also acknowledged that the Catholic Church continues to play a big role in Kenya’s education sector, and assured the country that the Government will continue stepping up measures to improve the integrity of national examinations by among other measures, enhancing surveillance and supervision.

~End~

MALAWI: ECM Trains 22 Communications Correspondents in Chikwawa Diocese

August 17, 2018, 8:23 am

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By Esther Nyanja-correspondent
 

Fr Godino Phokoso Communications Co-Ordinator

The Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM) Communications Department has embarked on a project of training correspondents as one way of beefing up the National office with Church news from dioceses. Fr Godino Phokoso said this during the closing ceremony of a 3-day communication workshop for correspondents of the diocese of Chikwawa at the Bangula pastrol centre in Nsanje district.

He said the National Communications office was facing challenges to get news from the Diocese of Chikwawa as well as other the dioceses in the country.

“We observed that Chikwawa Diocese was among the dioceses that lacked correspondents, hence this training which has been possible with funding from Propaganda Fide through SIGNIS. From now we anticipate that the trained correspondents will be able to feed us with news from their diocese, and that the national communication office will send it to various platforms both local and international outlets,” said Fr Phokoso.

He also said that dioceses have many untold stories ranging from bishop’s activities to those of the Pastoral and Social Development Commissions but publicity was lacking due to the absence of a network of correspondents.

‘We have commissions such as Health, Communication, Pastoral, doing a lot of good work in the Lower Shire, but as National Communications office, we were not getting any news from the diocese,” he said, adding that  this training will help to bridge the communication gap  that existed between the Diocese and the National Communications office.

Fr Phokoso assured participants that the National office is intending to reach out to almost all the dioceses in the country with the training of correspondents who will hand in hand with the National office.

‘We are also seeking funds from well-wishers to procure equipment for correspondents, as this is one of the major challenges the team is currently facing to discharge their duties effectively, added Fr Phokoso.

He also said ECM would like to have an ICT centre in the diocese of Chikwawa as one of the projects for the communications commission of the diocese.

‘This place will be very useful especially to the young people in the diocese, as they will be able to use it in sending their stories as well as learning new technological issues to match with the modern world. Added Fr Phokoso.

Speaking on behalf of the Diocese, the Diocesan Communications Secretary,  Father John Lockie appreciated the training, saying that  it will help Chikwawa to fulfill its’ mission in as far as communication is concerned.

Fr Lockie also said the training was part of youth empowerment and an opening for some people who would want to pursue their career in journalism. 

“We targeted young people who have completed their secondary level, as well as those that are active in their respective parishes,” he said.

However, he admits that lack of equipment will be a major challenge among the participants that have undergone the training.

 ‘Nevertheless, we are sure that with the presence of trained corresponds in the diocese, the communications office will be having more stories to send to the National Communications office,’ said Fr Lockie.

~End~

SOUTH SUDAN: Over 40 Catechists to be Trained in Homiletics and Catechesis

August 17, 2018, 8:27 am

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Over 40 Catechists will from 21 August 2018, receive a ten day training at Our Lady of Fatima Maridi Parish, in the Eastern Denary of the Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio

Fr. Joseph Migido, who is Parish priest of Our Lady of Fatima, says that the training shall provide great opportunity for Catechists in the Denary to acquire new skills on how to preach the Gospel in a modernized way to make children understand the Catechism.

The Diocesan Pastoral office has organized this training, and it shall bring together all the Catechists, new and old, from the Eastern Denary.

~End~

KENYA: Press Statement by Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB).

August 17, 2018, 8:30 am

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KENYA CONFERENCE OF CATHOLIC BISHOPS

                                                                     KENYA CATHOLIC SECRETARIAT

                                                                               Waumini House, Westlands

P.o. Box 13475 - 00800, Nairobi

                                                                          Tel: +254 020 4443133/4/5, / 4443906,4443917

                                                                          Fax: +254 020 4442910,4441758

                                                                          Email: kccb@catholicchurch.or.ke/

                                                                                    secgeneral@catholicchurch.or.ke 

                                                                          Website: www.kccb.or.ke

 Our Ref:                                                                                                

Your Ref:

"Strive for peace with everyone...."Hebrew 12:14

We, the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops, meeting at Clergy

House in Ruaraka during our Extraordinary Meeting thank Kenyans for their prayers and all kinds of support they have offered to us and other institutions to ensure the post 2017 election tensions experienced earlier this year are now considerably de-escalated. We note with gratitude the way Kenyans who, before the 9 ^th March handshake, were up against each other but now engage in conversations and daily business with ease.

INTRODUCTION

We, the Catholic Bishops, during our Extraordinary Plenary at the Clergy House of the Archdiocese of Nairobi, having taken stock of the current situation in the Country hereby address ourselves to all Kenyans, men and women of good will and all those who care for the welfare of this beloved Country.

1. ENCOURAGING SIGNS IN THE WAR AGAINST

CORRUPTION

We note with appreciation the resolve by our President Uhuru Kenyatta and other government organs charged with good governance and protection of the resources of our Country to seriously go after all those who are involved in corrupt deals. The ongoing effort to rid this country of corruption is commendable. We encourage the President and all these agencies involved in the war against corruption not to relent in their effort to eradicate corruption once and for all in Kenya. This should be done in a strategic and organized manner so as to address systemic corruption. We ought to fight it at all levels from the ordinary mwananchi, the security agents and to the highest levels of leadership. They should never give in to any attempt to weaken their resolve. They should not spare those found to be engaged in the vice; beginning from those in top position to the lowest in all sectors of the Kenyan society.

We recall that Pope Francis in his last visit to Kenya spoke very strongly against corruption. He urged us to root out this vice and he reminded us of the disastrous effects it has on a nation and her people.

2. WE MUST WIN THE WAR

We urge the Department of Public Prosecution to widen the net and bring to book all those proven to have stolen and embezzle public funds. The Police on their part should not give in to those who want to thwart justice. We especially challenge them and other security agents to be the first to commit themselves to the rule of law. Those in power should let the law enforcers and the Judiciary do their part for it is only when we respect the rule of law that justice will prevail in our land. We cannot go back on the gains made in this fight against corruption. We cannot afford to lose the war on corruption.

3. WORRYING TREND

It goes without saying that all the arms of the government should fully commit themselves to the fight against corruption. We are concerned that members of Parliament, who are the legislators, easily allow themselves to be compromised in their role of passing bills. We specifically refer to the allegation that they have been bribed so as to kill the report on the sugar scandal.

Only the truth can save our country. Kenyans would like to know the truth regarding this scandal for the lives of millions of Kenyans are at stake. It is a grave matter, if the very people elected to represent the people of Kenya and protect their interest, are corrupt and are open to bribery. Then for sure, for their own personal gains, they have sold the rights of the Kenyans who elected them. We demand a thorough investigation into this bribery claims. Those found to have accepted the bribe ought to resign and be prosecuted.

4. CULTURE OF NEPOTISM

Another vice that is rearing its ugly head in this Country is nepotism. Nepotism undermines the principle of common good and the equal opportunities that all Kenyans should be enjoying. This is clearly seen when leaders and those in power appoint their own relatives, wives, sons and daughters to position of leadership and reserve job opportunities for their own. The ordinary Kenyan who has no "tall" relative is denied the opportunity to positions and jobs that are open to all deserving citizens of this country in accordance with merit. This practice of nepotism is taking root in our country. It is wrong and we condemn it with the strongest terms.

We need a radical change in the way jobs are distributed in this country. It is now a practice that bribery is expected if one is to get a job, especially in the public sector. Job recruitment has to be done in an open and transparent manner that offers job opportunities to all. It is only when we adhere to those basic principles that are value based will we overcome such tendencies in our Country. We have to seek and practice those values that promote the common good and the well-being of all Kenyans; values such as truth, equity, integrity, hard work, loyalty, honesty, sincerity, etc.

5. VICTIMS OF IMPUNITY

While we appreciate the need to protect our environment and riparian land next to rivers, we have to ensure that those being evicted and those whose buildings are being demolished are not victims of corrupt individuals who acquired land illegally and sold the same land to unsuspecting victims. The whole saga we are witnessing of people being evicted from Mau Forest has to be looked into to ensure that they are not victims of impunity by government officials and promises made by politicians soliciting for votes. These Kenyans who acquired land in Mau Forest need to be listened to and handled in a humane way such that their dignity is not trampled upon. Those who are found to be landless should be offered settlement elsewhere.

6. TEACHERS' STRIKE

There have been calls for teachers to down their tools come September 2018. While we appreciate the teachers' concerns, we should not, for whatever reasons interrupt learning in schools, especially the writing of the National examinations. The interest of children is paramount and should not be jeopardized.

We also note the resurge of burning of school dormitories and general indiscipline by the students. This is a symptom of an educational system that is defective. This calls for reforms in Education sector.

We call for a serious and real involvement of all stake holders in matters education. Without mutual consultation by the Ministry of Education, the implementation of education policies will be skewed. Similarly some urgent concerns will be overlooked as it has happened with the so-called de-localization of teachers. We appreciate the President's directive that the "the implementation of the delocalization program to be reviewed to ensure that families of teachers do not suffer undue disruptions."

The involvement of the Catholic Church in education has been firm and constant throughout the history of our Country and it is only right that we should be seen as partners by the Ministry of Education. We therefore have the right to be consulted when it comes to matters affecting us.

7. THREAT FROM TERRORISM

The frequent terrorists- attacks in some parts of the northern part of our Country and threats they pose even in some of our missions is very worrymg. We call for concerted effort by all to combat terrorism. It is also important that any information regarding terrorism should be shared with all concerned in order to enhance vigilance.

          8. A CALL TO ACTIVE PARTICIPATION IN SHAPING THE      REBIRTH OF NEW KENYA

We recognize the Building Bridges Initiatives (BBI) by President Uhuru Kenyatta and Rt. Hon Raila Odinga. We therefore call upon all Kenyans of all walks of life, to take in interest and demand that the process be all inclusive and participatory.

We take this opportunity to invite all Kenyans to take part in the planned National Dialogue Conference organized by Religious leaders, scheduled to take place on 1 I ^th to 13th September 2018, at the Bomas of Kenya. This forum, is resolved to ensure the redress of past and recurring issues especially around elections.

CONCLUSION

We, as your shepherds, have always cared for the welfare of this country and have cherished a Country where we all are looking for the common good. Similarly, we pray for a Country where the right and the dignity of every Kenyan is respected. Let us all challenge each other to offer the best of what this country needs: good leadership, good governance, respect for law and more than anything else a room for God so that our land will be blessed and protected by the Almighty. We must protect our Country from anything that threatens the prosperity and wellbeing of all Kenyans.

       Rt. Rev. PHILIP ANYALO

CHAIRMAN 
 KENYA CONFERENCE OF CATHOLIC BISHOPS

17^th August 2018

                        PRESENT

BISHOP	DIOCESE
Rt. Rev. John Oballa Owaa	Vice Chairman (KCCB)/Ngong
His Eminence John Cardinal Njue	Nairobi
Most Rev. Zacchaeus Okoth	Kisumu
Most Rev. Martin Kivuva Musonde	Mombasa
Most Rev. Anthony Muheria	Nyeri

Apostolic Administrator, Kitui

Apostolic Administrator, Machakos

Rt. Rev. Joseph Mairura Okemwa		Kisii
Rt. Rev. Alfred Rotich		KCCB
Rt. Rev. Maurice Crowley		Kitale
Rt. Rev. Norman Wambua King'oo		Bungoma
Rt. Rev. Peter Kihara, IMC		Marsabit
Rt. Rev. David Kamau Ng'ang'a		Aux. Bishop Nairobi
Rt. Rev. Anthony Ireri Mukobo, IMC		Isiolo Vicariate
Rt. Rev. Virgilio Pante		Maralal
Rt. Rev. Salesius Mugambi		Meru
Rt. Rev. Emmanuel Okombo		Kericho
Rt. Rev. James Maria Wainaina		Murang'a
Rt. Rev. Paul Kariuki Njiru		Embu
	Rt. Rev. Maurice Muhatia Makumba		N akuru
	Rt. Rev. Dominic Kimengich		Lodwar
	Rt. Rev. Joseph Mbatia		Nyahururu
	Rt. Rev. Joseph Obanyi Sagwe		Kakamega
	Rt. Rev. Joseph Alessandro		Garissa
	Very Rev. Fr. Benjamin K. Maswili		Apostolic Administrator

Military Ordinariate

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UGANDA: South Sudanese Refugees in Northern Uganda Receive Full Training on Small Christian Communities

August 17, 2018, 8:33 am

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Group photo of all the participants together with the facilitators

The sound of guns, the trauma of witnessing the deaths of people known to him and the fear that his life and that of his young family was in danger made Ben Ojuk flee from his home in Torit, South Sudan to Northern Uganda where he found refuge in Lamwo District at Palabek Refugees Settlement Camp which is in the Archdiocese of Gulu. Ojuk is among the 38 participants of AMECEA Small Christian Community (SCC) Training of Trainers workshop.

The 38 participants were drawn from four settlements namely Adjumani (Adjumani District), Bidibidi (Yumbe District), Palorinya (Moyo District) and Palabek (Lamwo District). Apart from Palabek Settlement which is in Gulu Archdiocese, Adjumani, Bidibidi and Palorinya Settlements are all in Arua Diocese.

According to Rev. Fr. Joseph Healey, a Maryknoll Missionary who led the team of facilitators, this was the first time AMECEA SCC training team conducted a full training whereby the trainees received both facilitation and leadership skills.

Demonstrating the seven steps of LUMKO Method of conducting Small Christian Community Meeting

Previously the trainings focused on Small Christian Community facilitations skills using the methodology that is provided in the AMECEA Small Christian Community Training Handbook for facilitators, published in May 2017. The trainees are usually taken through the seven steps of the LUMKO Method of facilitating SCC Meetings. Those trained are therefore required to train others in their parishes thereby promoting SCCs as a model of evangelization at the grassroots level.

“This particular training is unique because of the venue, which is the refugee’s settlements, and also the fact that we are offering the full training, not just what is based on the handbook manual,” Fr. Healey said.

The workshop, which was previously set to take place in the Archdiocese of Gulu, was however conducted at Lodonga Spiritual Center in Arua Diocese because the majority of refugee settlement camps are in Arua, including Bidibidi settlement, which is home to approximately 270,000 refugees from South Sudan. Bidibidi Refugees settlement is one of the largest in the world.

The training officially began on 9^thAugust by Eucharistic celebration, which was led by Most Rev. John Baptist Odama, Archbishop of Gulu and Chairman of Uganda Episcopal Conference, and ended on August 16 with issuing of certificates to the participants. Facilitation of the training was coordinated by the AMECEA Small Christian Communities Training Team and the theme for the training was Yes Peace is Possible.

“We create the path by walking,” Fr. Healey told the participants, and based on that assertion, each evening the groups had opportunity to conduct the SCC meetings among themselves using the Seven Steps of LUMKO Method of conducting SCC meeting.

Fr. Healey explained that so far, five Bishop’s Conferences that wanted a national workshop have benefited from the training. These include Kenya, Malawi, Zambia, Ethiopia and South Sudan. Tanzanian Bishops Conference wanted a metropolitan workshop, which is based on ecclesiastical provinces, owing to the vast nature of the conference. Mwanza Ecclesiastical Province, which is the lake zone comprising of eight dioceses around Lake Victoria, has already received the training.

Participants from Adjumani Settlement with facilitators

“The Priest who was in charge of Tanzania Episcopal Conference Pastoral Department and who was organizing the grounds for workshop in Dodoma died and the plan was put on hold. Now, if the new pastoral coordinator in Dar-es-Salaam says come back to Tanzania, we are ready to do so on request,” Fr. Healey explained.

Uganda also wanted a metropolitan workshop, and so, Tororo Ecclesiastical Province, which comprise of Archdiocese of Tororo and Dioceses of Jinja, Moroto, Kotido and Soroti was the first to receive the training. Gulu is the second Ecclesiastical Province to receive the training; however following consultation with Archbishop Odama, the training is being conducted to the refugees.

Participants from Palabek Settlement camp with facilitators

“The proposal from Archbishop Odama was to have one for the Gulu Metropolitan, but not the normal workshop in the parishes but one in the refugees’ camp. So, this is a brand-new idea. We are creating a path by walking and the whole idea is to follow the local contact, and priorities at the local level,” Fr. Healey offered.

So far, five national and two metropolitan workshops have been conducted. Two of the AMECEA Countries (Eritrea and Sudan North) where workshops could not be organized owing to the critical situations there have however benefited by having key representatives given scholarship to attend the LUMKO Course in Kenya. This means that all the nine AMECEA Countries have been covered. The unfinished metropolitans of Tanzania and Uganda will be covered on request from the conferences.

End

SUDAN: El Obied Catholic Diocese trains women on Child protection

August 24, 2018, 10:17 am

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Source: CRN

Women Centre of Saints Peter and Paul Parish in El Obied Catholic Diocese, in partnership with Nuba Child Right Organization, is training women in Kumbur Payam of Nuba Mountains sexual and reproductive health and protection of children’s rights.

Director of the organization, Kuku Albino, says women need to know how to protect themselves from several challenges and how to protect the rights of their children in the society, Voice of Peace Radio reports.

The organization is ready to empower organized female groups in Nuba communities, he pledges.

A participant, Amira Ali, says women are now aware of bad cultural practices and many other things that females in Nuba Mountains earlier did not know.

She appeals that the workshop should involve men so that they work together for total change.

Amira calls for more days for such a workshop as many couples are having too many children without knowing how to protect them.

The workshop attracted 90 women in Kumbur Payam.

∽End∽

MALAWI: Blantyre Catholic Women to Take Child Abuse Head-on

August 24, 2018, 10:20 am

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Participants of Catholic Women Organization Meeting in Blantyre

By Luke Bisani

Catholic Women Organization (CWO) in the Archdiocese of Blantyre has committed itself to curbing child abuse in Malawi, arguing that the women themselves have an important role to end child abuse in Malawi.

Lucy Vokhiwa, CWO Chairlady for the Archdiocese of Blantyre, said this while addressing the women who gathered for their 2018 Annual Conference at Nantipwiri Pastoral Centre from 15th to 19th August in the Archdiocese of Blantyre.

“We have high cases of abuse in the country. Sometimes it happens that women know about these abuse but they choose to remain quiet. In our families it happens that a man is sleeping with his own daughter, and the woman knows about but she chooses to be on the side of the man,” said Vokhiwa.

According to Vokhiwa, the CWO in the Archdiocese of Blantyre will soon embark on a project that will ensure that child abuse in the country has been.

She applauded the Women Conference saying that they had “wonderful” sessions that aimed at helping them to take a leading role in the Church.

“We are privileged to have been drilled on a number of issues and on the teaching of the Church, through Pope Francis’ letter, ‘Call to Holiness,’ she said.

Vokhiwa also disclosed that through the Conference presentations women have now understood their role in the May 2019 Presidential, Parliamentary and Councillors General Elections as they now understand are aware of their Constitutional rights.”

Besides compiling reports from all the deaneries where these participants are coming from,

The Conference took the women through season for “mind-set” change in the modern World.

The Pastoral Secretary for Blantyre Archdiocese, Father Alfred Chaima, praised the CWO Executive for organizing the Conference, saying the indaba had set a new pace for the women to help in the growth of Catholic Church.

“When we are organizing such conferences we make sure that we are imparting new knowledge so that by the end of the Conference you the participants have the capacity to bring change in our Church and society”, said Chaima.

Over sixty women from deaneries of Blantyre Archdiocese have attended the conference that is end on Sunday.

Fr Chaima further assured of continued spiritual support to the women through Parish Priests from all the deaneries in the Archdiocese of Blantyre.

Blantyre Archdiocese has 8 deaneries and 41 Parishes with vibrant CWO at every Parish.

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TANZANIA: New Bishop for Mbulu Diocese installed

August 24, 2018, 10:30 am

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H.E. Polycarp Cardinal Pengo & Most Rev. Jude Thadaeus Ruwa'ichi   both of  Dar-es-Salaam and Archbishop Isaac Amani Massawe of  Arusha Blesses Bishop Lagwen during his installation

Pascal Mwanache, TEC

Thousands of Catholic faithful gathered as Rt. Rev. Antony Lagwen was on 12th August 2018 consecrated bishop of Mbulu Diocese Tanzania.

The President of Tanzania Episcopal Conference (TEC), who is also the Bishop of Mpanda, Rt. Rev. Gervas Nyaisonga, stated that for 150 years the church has become alive as a tool for redemption for the people in self-reliance.

“The Church's dream of promoting education demands support. We must support the ongoing movement of educating this nation, since education is a legitimacy heritage for future generations. Among the obvious strategies we have laid down for the better future of this nation is to invest in education, to fight for education which is redemption for all without exception,”he explained.

Bishop Nyaisonga further stated that the Church has to concentrate on organizing people by focusing on various groups and specifically seeking and implementing strategies to rescue young people in the country.

While handing over to the newly consecrated bishop, Archbishop Isaac Amani who was also the apostolic administrator of the same Diocese said that the faithful of Mbulu have to support their bishop, love him as they work together for the growth of the Church in Mbulu and Tanzania.

Archbishop Amani also asked the faithful to welcome the new bishop and let him guide them in their spiritual need and the development of the diocese.

“The existence of faith depends greatly on your presence. Keep up with the mission of evangelization tirelessly. The cooperation between clergymen, religious men and women as well as the lay men and women is the power of the church. The service of love and unity is the richness of the church also. Pay attention to the difference of every tribe and use it as the existing gifts,” Archbishop Amani who is the local ordinary for Arusha noted.

Speaking on behalf of the President of United Republic of Tanzania Dr. John Magufuli at the same function, the Minister of Law and Constitution Professor Palamagamba Kabudi said that the Catholic Church has become a tower in building up ethical society especially in this era whereby moral decay prevails in many societies.

“The Catholic church in the country has its hand in almost every sector by providing social services, particularly health, education and water projects. These services are cantered on rural areas and areas of low levels where the government does not provide the services, he explained.

His Eminence Polycarp Cardinal Pengo, Archbishop of Dar es salaam was the principal Consecrator during the colorful ceremony which was attended by hundreds of faithful from across the diocese and beyond.

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UGANDA: South Sudanese Refugees at Northern Uganda Settlements in dire need of Pastoral Care

August 24, 2018, 10:49 am

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Don Bosco Chapel in Bidibidi Zone I

By Pamela Adinda, AMECEA Online News

As our car approached Don Bosco Chapel in Zone one of Bidibidi Refugee Settlement, there was a feeling of excitement among Christian who have been waiting for the two priests to celebrate Mass with them at the chapel. They had a prior communication about the priests coming and therefore this indeed was a special occasion because hardly do the refugees get to celebrate Mass because due to lack of priests. On Sundays, the refugees usually make do with a prayer service led by a catechist who is also a refugee among them at the settlements.

As the car comes to a halt, our team comprising of two priests, one religious sister and three lay people is welcomed by a group of enthusiast congregants. Surprisingly, teenage girls form the majority of the congregation and one would easily mistake the service as a celebration meant for the youth. The chapel usually holds two services, the first one which begins at 8.00 o’clock is in English and Arabic while the second which usually begins at 10.00 o’clock is held in Bare language which is spoken by the majority of refugees at Bidibidi Zone I settlement.

22 year-old Margaret Atem albeit shy approached me wearing a broad smile on her face an

Fr. Arasu blessing the son of Margaret Atem at Bidibidi camp

d asked if I could tell the priest to bless her three-year old son. She has just attended the prayer service and therefore only needs the blessings from the priest upon her son.

Inside the chapel, long tree trunks form the pews; the left front row is reserved for the choir while the right front row is lined with UNHCR mats for the children. Within no time, the chapel is full to capacity and the joy among the congregants is palpable.

“When you go back, please remember that there is another community here in Bidibidi who are also in need of your services,” the catechist appealed to the priests at the end of Eucharistic Celebrations emphasising their need.

“In a month we may get to celebrate Mass only once, sometimes it can take two or three month before a priest comes. We are now used to attending services led by the catechists, this is part of our lives,” Rosemary Kute, a member of Don Bosco Chapel said.

The largest of the settlements hosting refugees from South Sudan is Bidibidi in Yumbe District, which according to UNHCR statistics is roughly 230 square kilometres (88.8 sq. miles) and houses at least 272,000 refugees, making it the largest settlement of its kind in the world. It is divided into five zones and each zone. Zone I for instance has 14 blocks of which each block has between 900-1000 families.

According to Bosco John Jurus, a 24-year-old resident of Bidibidi Zone II, the settlement has 29 chapels, and up until two weeks ago, there was only one priest from the Society of Divine Word (SVD) congregation and a group of four nuns from the congregation of Missionary Sisters of the Holy Spirit (SSPS) serving the whole settlement. Because of the vastness of the camp coupled with bad road, the priest could only visit one chapel on a Sunday. During special occasions, such as baptism, two chapels would come together to celebrate. The nuns each have special programs for the refugees and they visit the camp every day, though overwhelmed they are unrelenting.

A section of the congregation at Don Bosco Chapel in Bidibidi Zone I

Palorinya Settlement in Moyo district has three zones and 12 chapels. These are served by two diocesan priests, two Comboni Missionary priests, two Comboni Missionary Brothers and two Comboni Missionary Sisters. The four priests attend to two chapels each on Sundays while the rest of the chapels are attended to by catechists.

Palabek Settlement in Lamwo District has eight zones and 10 chapels. According to Rev. Fr. Lazar Arasu, SDB who is a parish Priest at Palabek, the settlement has about 42,000 refugees settled in the eight zones. Zones are further divided into Blocks and Each block may have over 100 households. Each household has five to seven persons, not necessarily belong to a family. The ten chapels are served by four priests from Don Bosco Missionaries (Salesians) and they usually manage to rotate and attend to all the chapels on any given Sunday.

Adjumani Settlement in Adjumani district has three zones and 24 chapels. According to Rev. Fr. Taban James Clement from the Diocese of Torit who is also a refugee at the settlement, Adjumani, has a population of 224,090 Refugees. The 24 chapels are served by four local diocesan priests from Zaipi Parish who serves only four chapels each Sunday.

“Apart from Adjumani, Bidibidi, Palabek and Palorinya Settlements, there are many other settlements in both Gulu and Arua dioceses that lack priests and therefore hardly have Eucharistic celebrations,” explained Fr. Arasu mentioning Imvepi and Rhino Camp I and II.

According to Rev. Fr. John Baptist Kaganda, Coordinator of Pastoral Department at the Uganda Episcopal Conference, the Bishop of Arua Rt. Rev. Sabino Odoki has made an appeal to his brother bishops, however the Bishops are still grappling with the issues of how to maintain those whom they might send to serve at the camps.

In the meantime, the likes of Rosemary Kute, Bosco Jurus, and Margaret Atem who are living in the settlements will continue making do with the prayer services led by the catechists on Sundays as they wait for the Lord to send more workers to His vineyard.

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