ZAMBIA: ‘It is the duty of every Christian to heed the call of Proclaiming the Gospel,’ - Bishop Mulenga

February 19, 2016, 4:52 am

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The Zambia Episcopal Conference (ZEC) Director for Pastoral Rt Rev Clement Mulenga has asked Christians to respond to Christ’s call of Proclaiming the Gospel to everyone including the excluded living in the peripherals.

He spoke this in his homily during the opening of the council of the Laity in Eastern Africa (COLEA) conference being held in Lusaka at St. Mathias Mulumba parish from 16^th to 20^th February, 2016.

“At baptism everyone is called to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ even to the excluded and lepers. Those that are pushed, the tax collectors of today. It is our duty to rehabilitate them” Bishop Mulenga said.

Bishop Mulenga further said that People should not trade violence in homes and communities. “Discuss everything from the bottom of your hearts. Make sure that whatever you have that is going to help our region comes out so that wherever we go, it will be easy for us to implement the resolutions we are going to come up with during our deliberations. The Lord is always there to guide us, so let us invite the Holy Spirit to be with us so that in our deliberations, everything goes accordingly,” Bishop Mulenga urged the conference participants.

He said, “We are here not just for the sake of personal growth but for the growth of the entire region and God has blessed us immensely in many ways.”

Speaking on the same, ZEC Secretary General Rev. Fr. Cleophas Lungu expressed his delight that Zambia was playing such a role of hosting a meeting of such nature.

The council of the Laity in Eastern Africa conference has attracted more than 30 delegates from Malawi, Kenya, Sudan, Tanzania, Eritrea, Zambia, Uganda, Djibouti and Ethiopia.

By Mwenya Mkuka, Communications Officer ZEC

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UGANDA: UEC mourns Rt Rev Kakubi, Bishop Emeritus of Mbarara

February 19, 2016, 5:10 am

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Bishop John Baptist Kakubi,

Uganda Episcopal Conference is mourning the death of Rt. Rev. John Baptist Kakubi, the Bishop Emeritus of Mbarara Archdiocese who died on February 11, 2016 at Kampala International Hospital in Kampala after a long battle with hypertension and diabetes.

Bishop Kakubi (86) was the third ordinary and first indigenous African Bishop of Mbarara to take over from Bishop Jean Marie Ogez, who succeeded Bishop Lacoursiere F.X.  Bishop Kakubi led Mbarara from 1969 to 1991.

Born on September 23, 1929 in Mbarara District, he attended Primary School from 1939 to 1943 and joined St. Francis Xavier Kitabi Minor Seminary in 1944 to 1950.

According to his Memoir ‘A Day to Remember’ a total of 24 students joined the Seminary but, only four students, him inclusive, completed the seven year journey. “I had made a resolution in my preparatory at Kitabi that even if all my 23 classmates leave, I shall become a priest.” Bishop Kakubi narrates in his memoir.

He then joined Katigondo Major Seminary in 1951 to 1956. In 1958 Bishop Ogez sent him to England to continue with his studies at Allen Hall St. Edmund’s College, Ware Hertfordhire. He was ordained a priest on June 11, 1960 at Westminster Cathedral in London by William Cardinal Godfrey of Westminster Archdiocese. He had his first Mass at St. Patrick London University Church in Soho Square.

After his ordination, he remained in London and attended a course in Catholic Social Studies at St. Peter Clever Institute from 1960 to 1961. He was a teacher at Katigondo Major Seminary from 1963 to 1964 after which he worked as Diocesan Secretary for Education for Mbarara and Kabale from 1964 to 1966.

On July 5, 1969 he was appointed Bishop of Mbarara and consecrated on August 1, 1969 by Pope Paul VI at Kololo Airstrip together with other four Bishops. His motto was “Lord you are my shield” Psalm 3:3.

From March 1992 to the time of his death, Bishop Kakubi lived in Ibanda Priest’s House (house for priest’ and those that are retired and sick) which he renovated and expanded.

On many occasions, Bishop Kakubi was invited to give spiritual talks and retreats to priests and religious both in the diocese of Mbarara and other dioceses.

A requiem Mass was held for him on Friday 12 at Lubaga Cathedral in Kampala. He was later laid to rest on Saturday February 13 at St. Joseph’s Vocational School chapel, as per his wish, in Mbarara Archdiocese. He has lived and served as a priest for 56 years and as a Bishop for 46 years. May his soul rest in eternal peace.

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

ZAMBIA: ‘Few Men participate in Church Movements and Associations in the AMECEA Region’ - Report

February 19, 2016, 5:36 am

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COLEA participants in session

The participation of men in major Church movements and associations including Small Christian Communities is still minimal in many countries within the AMECEA Region. The revelation emerged during the deliberations on various reports at the Council for Laity in Eastern Africa (COLEA) conference held in Lusaka Zambia from 16^th -20^thMarch 2016.

Participants from various countries expressed the challenge of lack of commitments from men when it comes to associations and joining prayer groups or movements. From Kenya, the national chairman of Catholic Men Association said that because of the minimal participation and involvement of men in forums such as the Small Christian Communities, the impact of their activities as Catholic Men Association is very minimal. The same sentiments were shared from counterpart from Zambia who said that while the National Council for Catholic Women in Zambia (NCCW) and the National Council for Catholic Youth in Zambia are well established with huge impact across the country, men are not yet well established.

It also emerged that some dioceses have well established Catholic men associations and other movements for men and their participation in the Small Christian Communities is fairly well, however, the majorities of the dioceses do not have well established Catholic Men associations and movements while still acknowledging that their participations in the Small Christian communities is relatively low.

Fr. Febian Mulenga Pikiti, Coordinator of AMECEA Pastoral Department explained that the Church needs to find ways and means of integrating men and women in the parish life and the ecclesiastical structure so that they remain bonded to Christ the true vine.

He observed that among the Lay movements and associations, the Catholic Women is the most successful in almost all the AMECEA Countries.

By Pamela Adinda, AMECEA Online News

ZAMBIA: ZEC hosts a Conference for the Council of Laity in Eastern Africa

February 19, 2016, 5:49 am

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Zambia Episcopal Conference (ZEC) has hosted a conference for the Council of Laity in Eastern Africa (COLEA). The conference is an initiative of AMECEA Pastoral Department in collaboration with National Pastoral Coordinators towards reviving COLEA as forum where the laity are able to interact, give witness to their faith, exchange knowledge, and enrich one another through sharing of experiences and creating a sense of belonging in the Region to the one family of God, the Church.

The three-day conference which was held in Lusaka Zambia started on Tuesday 16^th-February under the theme: “The Vocation of the Laity in the Life of the Church and Society Today.”

  

“The Conference for the Reviving of COLEA is meant to enhance collaboration with the activities that promote Lay Apostolate through Conferences organized by the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) and the Pontifical Commission for the Laity,” said Fr. Febian Pikiti, the AMECEA Pastoral coordinator.

Among the many expectations expressed by the participants at the beginning of the conference included desire for networking, sharing of experiences and learning from one another. The participants also expressed their joy that the conference is coming at an opportune time when unity in the church is very important and solidarity is paramount.

Fr. Pikiti said that from experience at all the AMECEA Plenary Assemblies, it is evident that the success of hosting them depends on the enormous contribution of the laity, participation at liturgy, provision of services and financial contributions from the Parishes. “It is, therefore, important that the revival of the Council of the laity in Eastern Africa (COLEA) be done in order to promote structures of collaboration of the laity with the Bishops in the AMECEA region so as to enhance their participation in the mission of the Church.”

Addressing the conference participants, The Secretary General of the ZEC Rev. Fr. Cleophas Lungu challenged them to exercise their mandate by being true backbone of the Church.

Fr. Lungu referred to the three documents of the Church; the Post Synodal Exhortation Africae Munus, Apostolic Exhortation on new Evangelization Evangelii Gaudium and the Apostolic Letter Misericordiae Vultus.

He asked the participants to be agents of mercy especially as they continue with the journey during this Jubilee Year of Mercy.

The conference was officially opened by Rt. Rev. Clement Mulenga, ZEC Chairman for Pastoral and Bishop of Kabwe Diocese. In attendance included ZEC Secretary General Rev. Fr. Cleophas Lungu, National Secretaries for Pastoral Departments, and delegates comprising of heads of various lay catholic Associations and movements.

By Pamela Adinda, AMECEA Online News

UGANDA: The Country goes into Polls; Vote Count has started

February 19, 2016, 6:05 am

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The country went into polls on Thursday 18^thFebruary 2016 to elect the President, Parliament seats and local government seats for the next five years.

According to some reports, the Electoral Commission of Uganda (ECU) has started the counting of votes, an exercise expected to last for about 48 hours.

Some media reported that balloting was delayed at some polling stations in the capital, Kampala, because election materials arrived late.

Earlier on before the voting started there were some reports that the country’s communications regulator shut down some social media to stop further campaigning.

 

President Museveni, 71, is seeking another term in a race widely seen as the tightest in Ugandan's history. The country went into polls on Thursday 18^th February to elect a president who will lead the country for the next five years.

Eight Presidential candidates are gunning for presidency including one female. Incumbent Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, leader of the ruling party National Resistance Movement (NRM), is contesting his fifth term in office. There are no term limits on Presidential candidates in Uganda. The President’s most prominent opposition is Kizza Besigye, a retired colonel, is running for the fourth time on the ticket of the largest opposition party, the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC).

Museveni is also facing his long-time advisor Amama Mbabazi, a former Prime Minister and former NRM Secretary General between 2010 and 2014. Other contesters include Abed Bwanika (People’s Development Party), Benon Biraaro (Uganda Farmers Party), Venansius Baryamureeba, Joseph Mabirizi and Maureen Kyalya each running as an independent candidate.

ECU report stated that the number of registered voters for this general election is 15,294,070.  This is the 3^rd multi-party election since the introduction of multi-party political system in the country in the year 2005.

Before the polling date, the country held its Second Televised Presidential Debate on Saturday February 13, 2016 at Serena Hotel in Kampala on which President Museveni also participated. The focus of the second debate was topics on foreign policy, economy and national security.

The first televised Presidential debate in the Ugandan history was held on Friday January 15, 2016 bringing on board all Presidential candidates except President Museveni. Topics such as Uganda’s growing national debt, corruption, education and job creation were at the center of all candidates’ manifestos.

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

KENYA: ‘Missionaries are called to be attentive and sensitive to the needs of the people,’ - Apostolic Nuncio

February 19, 2016, 6:11 am

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His Excellency Charles Daniel Balvo

The Apostolic Nuncio to Kenya and South Sudan His Excellency Charles Daniel Balvo said that Missionaries are called to be attentive and sensitive to the needs of the people they serve particularly the poorest groups.

Addressing Diocesan Pontifical Mission Society (PMS) Directors and Holy Childhood Coordinators during the Annual General Meeting (AGM) at Little Daughters of St. Joseph in Nairobi, the Apostolic Nuncio has called the missionaries to be leaders of renewed evangelization, directed to all especially the poor and marginalized in this year of mercy.

“You, therefore, are instruments of communion among the local Churches, fostering and realizing the sharing of human and economic resources,” the Apostolic Nuncio said.

Most Rev. Balvo added that the proclamation of the Gospel is primary and a perpetual concern of the Church hence the need for the missionaries to develop a credible and effective approach to evangelization.  “It is absolutely essential for the Church and for the credibility of her message that she herself live and testify to mercy. Her language and her gestures must transmit mercy, so as to touch the hearts of all people and inspire them once more to find the road that leads to the Father.”

The Apostolic Nuncio whose speech was inspired by Pope Francis messages said that, in mercy, one finds proof of how God loves his people. “In this Holy Year, we look forward to the experience of opening our hearts to those living on the outermost fringes that have been created by the modern society, uncertain and painful situations. There are so many wounds borne by the flesh of those who have no voice because their cry is muffled and drowned out by indifference of the wealthy.”

He added that, the Lent Season during this Jubilee Year of Mercy, should be lived more intensely as a privileged moment to celebrate and experience God’s mercy.

The PMS AGM, held from 15th-20th February, 2016 that brought together more than twenty Directors and Coordinators from different Dioceses and the National Office was also attended by the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB)- Chairman for the Commission for Missions and the Bishop of Marsabit Rt. Rev. Peter Kihara.

By Rose Achiego, Waumini Communications, KCCB

AMECEA: CUEA Signs MoU with KIMC for Kiswahili Degree studies

February 19, 2016, 6:16 am

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The Catholic University of Eastern Africa has signed an agreement with the Kenya Institute of Mass Communication (KIMC) which will see diploma graduates from KIMC complete a degree in Kiswahili and Communication at CUEA.

The extra qualification in the Kiswahili language will help the students who mostly work as journalists to easily get jobs. According to Prof. Clara Momanyi, the HoD Kiswahili at CUEA, the Kiswahili language has gone beyond the borders of East Africa. At the MoU signing, she said that Kiswahili is being taught in Germany, Japan and some states in USA.

Prof. Clara Momanyi, the initiator of the partnership stated,” Kiswahili ni lugha ya kimataifa, sio lugha ya kuwaendea watu chini tena; hivi sasa ina soko kubwa sana” meaning (Kiswahili is now an international language, not for reaching only the lowly and now has a vast market).

The department of Kiswahili (under Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences) developed a Bachelor of Arts in Kiswahili and Communication, in recognition of the need for good knowledge of the Kiswahili language for purposes of communication in various sectors. The Commission for University Education (CUE) approved the programme.

This degree, the first of its kind in our university education system, seeks to develop communication experts in Kiswahili, which is Kenya’s first official language as documented in Article 7 of Kenya’s Constitution (2010). It is envisioned that the graduates from this programme will not only be equipped in Kiswahili studies but will also be well versed in the technical aspects of language in relation to communication.

To realise this, CUEA has partnered with Kenya Institute of Mass Communication (KIMC) to offer the programme. KIMC is equipped with modern facilities for training in the fields of electronic and telecommunication engineering, film production, radio and television production, print and broadcast journalism, electronic and studio technology. It will offer the resources for the practical aspects of the course while CUEA will offer skills in communicative competence and theory.

During the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony at KIMC, the heads of both institutions echoed their commitment to work together to contribute to the quality of higher education in the region.

The Director of Academic Linkages, Rev. Prof. Peter I. Gichure pointed out that the partnership, between a government and public institution was a confirmation that institutions can work together. He expressed hope to have many other working ventures with KIMC. The chair of the KIMC alumni, Mr. Muitiriri (a radio presenter at Radio Maisha) referred to the partnership as a new beginning especially for KIMC alumni, who now have an opportunity to advance their education to a Bachelor’s level upon completion of their Diploma studies at KIMC.

Mr. Hiram Mucheke, the KIMC Director said that the two institutions have the potential to work together and other ways of collaboration would be pursued in due course.

Prof. Chacha Nyaigoti Chacha, the Chairman of the KIMC Council emphasised that “kutumia Kiswahili nikuajibika … lugha ya Kiswahili ni lugha rasmi na pia ya taifa”(speaking in Kiswahili is doing the right thing, Kiswahili is an official and national Language). CUEA’s Vice Chancellor, Msgr. Dr. Pius Rutechura, assured KIMC of its commitment to offer the best in meeting objectives of the partnership.

The Memorandum of Understanding will allow KIMC and CUEA to, among other aspects: jointly train students who will graduate as professionals in the area of Kiswahili and Communication, use their resources (both human and material) in training students and thus offer them the best of what each institution has and conduct joint research for purposes of improving delivery of the programme.

The agreement was signed by the VC Msgr. Dr Pius Rutechura together with the Director KIMC, Mr. Hiram Mucheke and witnessed by Rev. Prof. Peter Gichure, Director Academic Linkages CUEA, and Prof Chacha Nyaigoti Chacha, the Chairman, KIMC Council.

Meanwhile,46 beneficiaries of the St. Elizabeth scholarship program were on 9th February 2016 taken through an orientation of the university.

The 46 were selected by a team of St. Elizabeth lecturers and officials in collaboration with a team of members of staff from the Registrar’s Office in CUEA. The orientation took place at the Jubilee Auditorium. The new students began their classes on 10th February 2016.

Speaking during the orientation, the DVC Admin and Finance Prof. Pius Male encouraged the new students to remain focused, read and abide by the school’s regulations and utilize the available resources in the university especially the library.

The scholarship program has been in Kenya for 14 years and has admitted 190 students in the country. It targets bright children from poor families who cannot afford to pay their school fees and aims to eradicate the poverty levels, ignorance and crime among young people.

A formal partnership between The St. Elizabeth University of Health Sciences and Social Work and CUEA was signed in 2012. The students are offered a full tuition support by the Slovak Government through the Slovakia Embassy in Kenya which is channeled through St. Elizabeth University. CUEA provides the basic learning infrastructure facilities like the lecture rooms, library services, computer labs, sports facilities and students’ welfare activities.

SOURCE: CUEA Press

ZAMBIA: Christian Churches recommend the strengthening of Voter Education

February 19, 2016, 6:17 am

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The Christian Churches Monitoring Group (CCMG)) has recommended that voter education be intensified in all the civic centers in the districts in order to make people understand the requirements as voters.

Presenting a Long Term Observation (LTO)) report on the electoral landscape on Zambia on Thursday 18th February, 2016, CCMG spokesperson Fr. Cleophas Lungu said that voter education is a priority given that the period for registration has been reduced by a month.

Fr Lungu urged political parties to take the opportunity to encourage the public to come out in big numbers and register as voters. 

Fr. Lungu further recommended that voter education should start right away for that there are new issues in the electoral process due to the amendment of the constitution which people need to know them before the exercise. 

CCMG has pleaded to the ECZ to safeguard the electoral equipment/kits which in the past have been reported stolen from the registration centres. CCMG stated that in order to avoid speculations and malpractices in the electoral process, the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) should issue a statement to update the public about the equipment/kits that were stolen during the mobile voter registration.

Fr. Lungu said that having witnessed violence in the period under review, CCMG is appealing to all political parties to refrain from acts of violence including hate speech, physical violence and harassment and declaring “no go zone areas” for some parties during campaigns; instead CCMG wants all political parties to observe and abide with the rule of law.

On another hand CCMG also recommends to the Zambian Police Service to be professional in the execution of their duties and to the media houses CCMG wants them to report issues credibly and accurately; without fear or favour. “Media houses should be objectively to avoid partisanship and bias in their news coverage,” he said.

The Christian Churches Monitoring Group (CCMG) was launched on 28th November 2014 to monitor the 20th January 2015 presidential election. It is made up of four Faith-Based organizations. These are Council of Churches in Zambia (CCZ), Evangelical Fellowship of Zambia (EFZ), Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflections (JCTR), and Zambia Episcopal Conference (ZEC) through Caritas Zambia.

By Mwenya Mukuka, Communications officer, ZEC 

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AMECEA: CUEA, TSC to Hold Walk on Alcohol and Drug Abuse

February 19, 2016, 6:18 am

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In an endeavour to sensitize on the effects of Alcohol and Drug Abuse, the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) in collaboration with Teachers Service Commission (TSC) will hold a walk on Saturday, 20th February 2016 as from 8.30 am at the Upper Hill School Grounds.

The Alcohol and Drug Abuse (ADA) walk is aimed at sensitizing the public on the effects of alcohol and drug abuse, minimizing the use of drugs and help eradicate the practice from institutions and work places.

The walk will cover 5 kilometers and it targets 3,000 participants including TSC and CUEA staff, students, teachers, professional associations and unions from Nairobi, Kiambu, Machakos, Muran’ga and Kajiado counties. Every participant is expected to contribute 500 KSH; this will guarantee a t-shirt and a certificate of participation.

Participants are expected to walk through town and back to Upperhill.

SOURCE: CUEA Press

ZAMBIA: ZEC Celebrating 125 years of Faith during the Year of Mercy

February 26, 2016, 6:50 am

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The Catholic Church in Zambia will be clocking 125 years in a year-long celebration that is set to commence in August 2016 and will continue till August 2017.

According to Rev. Fr. Justine Matepa, the Pastoral Coordinator of Zambia Episcopal Conference (ZEC), these celebrations will go hand in hand with the Jubilee year of Mercy.

“Zambia this year will be celebrating 125 years since the coming of the first missionaries who brought the catholic faith in the country. The conference has therefore tried to blend the two occasions, the celebration of 125 of catholic faith in the country and the Jubilee Year of Mercy,” Fr. Matepa explained adding that the theme of the celebrations will be 125 years of God’s Love and Mercy.

“The theme was chosen in such a way that we don’t lose out on either of the significant celebration that is equally important to us as a country,” he said.

The launch of the Jubilee Year of Mercy at Zambia Episcopal Conference was done at the individual Dioceses. However, the conference held a big preparatory meeting for all the dioceses. Usually the conference holds an Annual National Pastoral meeting, an annual event where all the diocesan pastoral coordinators and secretaries, the catechetical and biblical coordinators are invited to participate.

So in April 2015, the conference held a three-days meeting where it dedicated one full day to the preparations of the proceedings and how to embrace the year of mercy.

So we had a joint preparatory meeting for deliberations on our immediate actions plus our future endeavors which were approved by the Bishop upon presentation. Prominently was the suggestion to launch the Jubilee Year of Faith beginning at Diocesan level, going down to the deaneries and eventually to the parish levels; this according to Fr. Matepa has already happened.

Through the office of the Pontifical Mission Society, there is a wrapper (Chitenge) a cotton fabric with the logoThe Year of Mercy and an image of Pope Francis printed, which is being sold and so far is doing quite well. Fr. Matepa explained that it is a symbolic representation of what is going on in terms of visibility around the country and within the church for the Jubilee Year of Mercy.

“We also realized that we needed to do something for the children and for the youth in order to include them in the celebrations of the Jubilee Year of Mercyand so we have come up with catechetical retreat material as a national office on recommendation of the same committee and that material will now be will be circulated by the third week of Lent to all Dioceses,” he said. Additionally the material has already been tested on a group of youth animators for the Archdiocese of Lusaka who received the material for the children and the Holy Childhood animators.

By AMECEA Online News Reporter

ETHIOPIA: Meki Vicariate Celebrates the Feast of Our Lady of Perpetual Help

February 26, 2016, 6:54 am

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Apostolic Vicariate of Meki celebrated the Feast of Our Lady of Perpetual Help (according to the Ethiopian Liturgical Calendar) while also thanking her for keeping them under her protection as the vicariate is recovering from the looting incident of the Vicariate’s property in Gighessa town.

H.E. Bishop Abraham Desta, Bishop of the Apostolic Vicariate of Meki, while presiding over the Holy Mass on the occasion said “even though the Vicariate lost properties worth millions of birr, (Ethiopian Currency) in the looting, the clergy, religious men and women were not harmed. Our Lady of Perpetual help kept them under her protection and as always, we are grateful for her protection.”

The Bishop of the Apostolic Vicariate of Meki also took the occasion to thank the Ethiopian

Audience

Catholic Bishops’ Conference, the Ethiopian Catholic Secretariat and all Catholic institutions in Ethiopia as well as partners for standing by the Vicariate in solidarity at its time of distress.

He also blessed the young Ajitu Yadoto, a 20-year-old Catholic, who, along with her sister rescued the Blessed Sacrament from the looters at the Parish of Our Lady of Consolation in Gighessa town. The young siblings hired a bajaj (a 3 wheeled scooter) to take the Blessed Sacrament to the Parish in the next town.

In the end the Bishop said “such an incident may slow us down but it cannot stop the Church’s evangelizing mission; we will recover from this challenge and continue our journey forward.”

By Johannes Makeda, the Social Communications and Public Relation Officer

KENYA: ‘Reflect more on the Pope’s Messages to deepen your understanding,’- Says Bishop Kihara

February 26, 2016, 6:57 am

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Bishop Peter Kihara

Kenyans have been called upon to consistently refer to Pope Francis messages that he gave during his visit in November last year for a deeper understanding and to put his words of wisdom into practice for the benefit of the Country.

He said this during the Thanks Giving Mass in honor of Pope’s visit and in appreciation of all who contributed to the successful events, at the Daughters of St Pauls’ Chapel in Nairobi, on 19th, February, 2016. The Marsabit Bishop Peter Kihara announced that the Pope’s messages that gave hope and uplifted many Kenyans are now available in booklets and Digital Video Discs (DVD), encouraging the people to access them.

Expressing gratitude to the Holy Father on behalf of the entire Country, Bishop Kihara said the Pope’s Visit in November blessed Christians and none Christians alike. “I have heard it from the Muslim brothers in Marsabit who are the majority that, they were blessed and inspired by the messages of the Pontiff during his visit to Kenya. All felt encouraged and uplifted by his reflections and simplicity of his style and life,” he said.

Bishop Kihara who was amazed at how the Holy Father in his age diligently followed his tight schedule, prayed to God to bless the Vicar of Christ for his generosity and acceptance to visit Kenya and for the sacrifice that he made during his visit.

The Thanks Giving Mass was celebrated by His Eminence John Cardinal Njue, and concelebrated

by KCCB Chairman Rt. Rev Philip Anyolo and the Vice Chairman Rt Rev. John Oballa Owaaa and other Priests. In attendance were Sisters, members of the Pope’s Visit Steering Committee, KCCB employees, Government officials and Development Partners.

Earlier in December, Pope Francis wrote to the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) chairman Rt. Rev Philip Anyolo:

 “At the conclusion of my Pastoral Visit to Kenya, I wish to express my appreciation to you, your brother Bishops and all who worked with the Conference of Catholic Bishops for the fraternal welcome you gave me. I pray that our time together may deepen the bonds of communion we share and bring forth abundant fruit for the life of the Church in Kenya. Commending you to the intercession of our Lady, Mother of Africa, I cordially import to you. Your brother Bishops and all entrusted to your pastoral care, my Apostolic Blessing as a pledge of joy and peace in the Lord,” the letter read.

By Rose Achiego, Waumini Communications- KCCB

MALAWI: ECM Republishes the USCCB Question and Answer Bible

February 26, 2016, 7:05 am

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The Pastoral Department of the Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM) has reprinted the New Catholic Answer Bible,initially published by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).

According to ECM Pastoral Coordinator Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Chimombo, the Revised Edition has been authorized for production in print through the agreement by and between the USCCB and ECM and was printed and bound by Korean Bible Society (South Korea).

“There has always been a need for something that Catholics, especially young people, who needed an answer question reference material for which they refer to, once they are challenged

by members of other religions on all aspects of the Catholic faith.” Fr Chimombo said adding that “I discovered the Question and Answer Bible, when I visited the US two years ago, and my immediate thought was on how I could buy as many copies as I could to bring it home. The cost of buying and shipment proved a challenge but this did not deter my determination. I soon realized that we could explore other options and that was when the idea of a reprint came to my mind.”

Fr Chimombo said that on his return to his country, he presented his discovery to the Bishops who fully supported him, and consultations were made after which they signed a five years contract with USCCB who authorized them to reprint as many copies as they wanted.

“When we got the authorization, we wanted to print the Bible home in Malawi at the Montfort Printing Press; unfortunately, they did not have the right material, that is the special paper for printing. That’s why we went to Korea and luckily we managed the cost,” he said.

ECM has a five-year contract with USCCB and during the period they can produce as many copies as they want and according to Fr. Chimombo, this depends on how the faithful will respond to it, something which can make the agreement period extended.

He said that so far the conference has produced 10,000 copies which is in accordance with their budget. “We do hope that we can print some more copies,” he said adding “We want each and every Catholic in Malawi to have a copy and so we want to produce as many copies as we can before the end of our contract.”

The new bible has been authorized by the Bishops and that the Pastoral Department plans to run a special advert to popularize it for people to buy.

By Pamela Adinda, AMECEA Online News

ZAMBIA: Catholic Media Service is preparing to launch National Catholic TV

February 26, 2016, 7:06 am

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The Catholic Media Service (CMS) of the Zambian Episcopal Conference (ZEC) is edging closer towards the realization of a long term dream to open a National Catholic TV Station. Although the conference received a permit from the Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) of Zambia in October 2013, preparations are still underway to have the station ready for launching before end of the year.

Catholic Media Service director, Fr. Winfield Kunda said that they have been carrying out productions of programs which are aired on other TV channels but soon the National TV Station will be launched.

“We recently received some equipment from SIGNIS Rome, which included two video cameras and a video mixer commonly referred to as a sender, a computer and a DVD player. The idea is

that when one person is out in the field with one camera, he can coordinate with the other person in the studio to relay recordings,” he explained.

Fr. Kunda said that they are planning to revamp the old studio by adding some more equipment and furnishing it well before they launch broadcasting.

“The existing studio which was being used by Yatsani Productions is what we intend to use for the time being. However, a lot of preparations are yet to be done before we can commence broadcasting,” he said.

By Pamela Adinda, AMECEA Online News

SOUTH SUDAN: Hundreds receive Apostolic Nuncio in Torit

February 26, 2016, 7:08 am

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Most Rev Charles Daniel Balvo

Hundreds of Laity, Priests, Religious, Government officials among them Imotong state governor received the Apostolic Nuncio to South Sudan Most Rev Charles Daniel Balvo on February 25 in Torit.

The Apostolic Nuncio is in the country for his first pastoral visit to the Catholic Diocese of Torit, Radio Emmanuel reports.

Archbishop Balvo said his visit aimed at interacting with Priests, Religious and Faithful of the Catholic Diocese of Torit.

Speaking during the welcoming ceremony, Imotong State Governor, Nartisio Loluke Manir pledged to implement peace in the state as he recalled that Torit was the town that started the liberation struggle for the independence of South Sudan.

Many Christians were anxious with the Apostolic Nuncio’s visit as they knew that he came with peace and reconciliation message to the people of South Sudan.

The Apostolic Nuncio was expected on to visit the diocesan facilities and later pay pay courtesy call to the Governor.

Source: CRN

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KENYA: CUEA in 5KM walk to Campaign against Alcohol and Drug Abuse

February 26, 2016, 7:15 am

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The Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) on Saturday 20^thparticipated in a 5 km walk that aimed at sensitizing people on the effects of Alcohol and Drug Abuse (ADA).

Other institutions and organizations that participated in the walk include Teachers Service Commission (TSC) and the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA).

Over 1200 people took part in the walk, drawn from CUEA were staff members and students, while from TSC included Staff, Teachers and School pupils and Students.

The CUEA VC Msgr. Pius Rutechura flagged off the walk at 8.30 am at the Upper Hill School

Grounds in Nairobi.

According to CUEA VC, the Walk also aimed at raising funds to equip the existing rehabilitation centres with beds; establish rehabilitation units in Level 5 hospitals in the targeted counties, conduct ADA training programs in the workplace, train addiction Counsellors for the workplaces, generate ADA related Information, Education, Communication materials and carry out sensitization campaigns to award outstanding ADA champions.

In his speech the Msgr. Rutechura said that Alcohol and Drug Abuse (ADA) is an issue that is causing concerns to the parents, learning institutions, NGOs and leaders of all walks of life in the Kenyan society. “This practice has immensely contributed to indiscipline among learners, teachers and staff in our educational institutions. The cost and consequences of alcoholism and drug dependence place an enormous burden on the Kenyan society. Alcohol and Drug Abuse strains the economy, health care and criminal justice system. It also threatens job security, public safety, marital and family life,” he said.

He said that the findings from a National Survey on Alcohol and Drug Abuse conducted by

NACADA in 2012 shows that 13.3% of Kenyans are currently using alcohol, 9.1% tobacco, 1.0% bhang and 0.1% heroin. Further, the study revealed that drugs and substance abuse is a major social problem in Kenya with a complex cause and effect relationship. Cigarettes and bhang were identified as easily available cheap drugs while cocaine and heroin were identified as costly available drugs and a major direct cause of drug and substance abuse in Kenya. Further, the study established that young adults have the highest drug and substance abuse prevalence and that 50% of deaths from accidents, homicides and suicides involve alcohol or drug abuse. The study also showed that drugs and alcohol contribute to physical and sexual aggression such as assault or rape.

According to him, from the studies it is clear that alcohol and drug abuse affects the quality of life, productivity and learning. This justifies the partnership between Teachers Service Commission (TSC) and The Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) to sensitize stakeholders in education and the general public on alcohol and drug abuse.

Source: CUEA Press

MALAWI: ECM sets a Month of September every to be dedicated for the Promotion of Bible Apostolate

March 4, 2016, 7:24 am

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Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Chimombo

Since the year 2011, the Catholic Church in Malawi has been marking the month of September of every year to be specifically for the promotion of Biblical Apostolate. Through the Bishops’ Conference, the tradition has been that the Bishops are requested to inaugurate the Bible Month on the first Sunday of September at their Cathedral, with a bible procession and Bible enthronement.

Usually every year has a theme to guide Christians in their Bible Reflections throughout the year. The theme for this year is “God rich in Mercy” which is in conformity with the Jubilee Year of Mercy.

“We are encouraging people to be inspired by the Word of God. We believe that the Word of God is the Light and the source of everything we do. Therefore, inspired by the Apostolic Exhortation Verbum Domini of the Holy Father Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, with reference to article 17, which says that …If we want to carry out our work effectively we must be inspired by the Holy Gospel… we took it as the Episcopal Conference to say that every work we do must be inspired by the Gospel,” explained Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Chimombo, National Pastoral Coordinator for Episcopal Conference of Malawi ECM.

“Several activities are encouraged during this period, among them, Christians are encouraged to give gifts of a Bible to one another. Apart from that, we have a team that usually works on a document, which comes out as a booklet, translated in three major languages in the Country namely English, Chichewa and Tumbuka. The booklet usually comes out in September and is used by the different apostolate groups throughout the whole Month of September,” he said.

The Episcopal Conference has created a work planon monthly basis based on the theme of the year. This work plan is meant to help the faithful read the Bible throughout the year up to the month of August before another booklet comes out in September with a different theme.

“During the Bible Month we also do programs on the radio stations to encourage more people to participate while at the same time explaining what the Bible month is all about,” Fr. Chimombo explained.

He said that to crown this year’s Bible Apostolate, the Episcopal Conference has released the Question and Answer Bible in order to enhance catechesis and faith formation for Christians. “The questions that trouble our faithful especially the youth are asked and responded to. In addition, there are Biblical verses under every question where one can find reference for every question asked as well as references from the Catechism of the Catholic Church,” Fr. Chimombo explained adding that these references support the answers and help people understand better.

The Question and Answer Bible was published by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) who gave ECM permission to reproduce the New Edition.

By Pamela Adinda, AMECEA Online News

CUEA: Students Organization resolves to use Online Voting for their 2016/2017 Elections

March 4, 2016, 8:04 am

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In what can be termed as the progress of ICT knowledge at the University, the Catholic University of Eastern Africa Students Organization (CUEASO), Lang’ata Campus, in their General Assembly on February 24, 2016 adopted an electronic voting system for their oncoming election to be held on 9th March 2016.

The system was designed and developed by a group of students in the department of Computer Science in the Faculty of Science. The system allows the students to vote conveniently from any location securely. All you need is an internet connection!

The important features include: Security on which your personal data is sent and stored encrypted for extra security and privacy and Flexibility on which one can vote from any device – Smartphone, Laptop, or Desktop.

The system is said to be user friendly. All that is needed is to connect to the website www.cueamac.com to verify his or her details. If any problem arises the voter is asked to visit the confirmation desk which will be located at the Main campus ground or in Upper campus (Kozloweicki Hall).

According to the message posted on CUEA website, on the voting day the Jubilee Computer Lab and Tzadua computer Labs are said that will be open to all students to vote. However, voting can be done from your personal devices i.e., Laptop, mobile phones (Smart phones) and Desktop computer at your convenience place.

Commenting on the initiative of the students, the ICT Coordinator of AMECEA secretariat said it worth judging that our society is moving forward on ICT issues. Instead of the University spending some money to hire IT experts for this exercise students themselves have found that they can offer their contribution to the society by making a credible and transparent election through their ICT knowledge they studied at the university.

The Social Communication Coordinator at AMECEA secretariat Rev Fr Chrisantus Ndaga said that in the ICT knowledge what is needed is the innovations. These students have demonstrated one sector on which ICT can be expedient. “I wish that the grow up with the same spirit for greater benefit of the society,” he said adding that “Let us wait to find out how successful the project is, before we give our commendation.”

By CUEA Press and AMECEA Online News 

ZAMBIA: PMS Directors asked to inform and educate the faithful about the needs of the universal Church

March 4, 2016, 8:13 am

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Zambia’s Pontifical Mission Society (PMS) National Director Fr. Edwin Mulandu has asked all PMS Directors in the country to abide with their responsibility of informing and educating the faithful about the needs of the universal mission of the Church.

Speaking when he opened the Pontifical Mission Society (PMS) National Council meeting in Lusaka’s Kasisi Retreat Center this week, Fr. Mulandu said that the task of all PMS Directors in the country is to cultivate a missionary conscience of God’s people in all the dioceses.

Fr. Mulandu who further noted article 55 of the PMS statutes, explained that the meeting was being conducted to promote close collaboration of the missionary work throughout the dioceses in Zambia, to determine the topic and strategize for the annual missionary campaign and program for the activities of the societies, which include both animation and fundraising.

He also said that the meeting focused on the animation and administration of the National and Diocesan PMS offices. PMS National Council meeting brought delegates from 10 dioceses and lasted for two days; that is from 1st to 2nd March, 2016.

Pontifical Mission Society (PMS) National Council is an annual meeting which brings together all Diocesan Directors of the Pontifical Mission Society (PMS) to strategize and plan for the year.

By Mwenya Mukuka, ZEC Communications Officer

SUDAN: Journalists on hunger strike after an indefinite suspension of Newspaper

March 4, 2016, 8:15 am

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Thirty Sudanese journalists on Tuesday started indefinite hunger strike to pressurize the government after the suspension of the El Tayar, which is the daily afternoon newspaper, from publication.

Information received from Sudan and reported by CRN stated that the journalists could not eat anything but only drank water during the strike in the office, he added.  “We will not lift our strike until the newspaper returns to the press and until all forms of censorship on newspapers stop”, Khaled Fathi, Editor-In-Chief, told Radio Dabanga on Monday.

According to Fathi, they will tie their hands with chains as a symbolic expression of the restrictions on the freedom of expression in Sudan. Doctors, in support of the protest, will conduct medical check-ups among the strikers.

No reasons were given for the indefinite suspension of El Tayar since December 15.

Another Editor, Osman Mirghani pointed out that the suspension could have been sparked by his editorials which was sharply criticizing the Finance Minister’s proposal to lift subsidies on wheat, flour, fuel and electricity in the year 2016. As a result, Sudanese throughout the country are now facing high food prices, shortages of flour, and difficulties to obtain cooking gas because of the lifted subsidies.

Meanwhile, a senior United Nations Official has disclosed that at least fifty thousand people were killed and 2.2 million people became refugees since the conflict erupted in South Sudan two year ago.

However, some people see a little prospect of the implementation of the peace deal signed in August 2015.

Last week, US Secretary of State, John Kerry said President Salva Kiir and Dr Riek Machar would face individual sanctions if they did not deliver on the peace deal.

Source: CRN