AMECEA NEWS

Bishop elect
Rev John Alphonsus Ryan

The Holy Father Pope Francis has appointed Reverend Father John Alphonsus Ryan of the Missionary Society of St. Patrick as Bishop of Mzuzu replacing the late Bishop Joseph Mukasa Zuza who died early last year (15^th January 2015) in a road accident.

Announcing the appointment, His Excellency Archbishop Julio Murat, Apostolic Nuncio to Malawi and Zambia said that the news of the appointment was published in the Vatican on Tuesday April 26^that Noon time in the Vatican City.

"The Reverend Mons. Michael A. Mughogho, Diocesan Administrator of Mzuzu, remains in charge of the Diocese until the new Bishop will take possession of the Episcopal See of Mzuzu,” reads part of the statement which was locally released by the Secretary General of the Episcopal Conference of Malawi, Rev. Fr. Henry Saindi.

The Bishop - Elect John Alphonsus Ryan was born on 27 February, 1952 in Tipperary (Archdiocese of Cashel and Emily - Ireland). After his secondary school studies; he entered Saint Patrick's Society for the Foreign Missions which was based in Co Wicklow.

He studied Philosophy and Theology in Ireland and was ordained Priest on 18 June, 1978. Later on, he was sent to Malawi as a missionary and served in several parishes in the Diocese of Mzuzu including St Paul in Mzimba, St Stephan in Kaporo and St Mathias in Misuku.

The Bishop elect had taught in the Saint Patrick's Minor Seminary in Rumphi as well as in the Secondary Community Day School in Misuku. In 2003, he went back to Ireland to conclude his doctorate in Mathematics on the Coding Theory.

Until his appointment, he was the Chaplain of the University of Mzuzu where he teaches Maths and he is a member of the College of Consultors of the Diocese of Mzuzu.

By Prince Henderson-ECM Communications Officer

Rev. Flavian Kassala - Bishop elect

The Holy Father Pope Francis, on 28 April 2016 appointed Rev. Flavian Kassala, lecturer at the Stella Maris (SAUT)Mtwara College as Bishop of the Diocese of Geita.

The Bishop elect Kasala is taking over from Bishop Damian Dallu who was promoted to Archbishop and transferred to Songea Archdiocese in March 2014.

Speaking of his appointment the Bishop –elect thanked the faithful of Geita Diocese for their prayers and asked to journey with him again with prayers as he takes his new pastoral ministry as a Bishop.

The new Bishop of Geita was born on December 4, 1967 in Sumve, in the Archdiocese of Mwanza. He attended the St. Pius X Minor Seminary in Makoko, in the Diocese of Musoma, for his primary and secondary education.

From 1988 to 1990 he was a student at the Minor Seminary of Sanu, in the Diocese of Mbulu, and from 1991 to 1992 at the Preparatory Seminary of Kome, in the Diocese of Geita. He completed his formation for priesthood with studies in philosophy at the St. Anthony of Padua Major Seminary in Ntungamo, in Bukoba, and studied theology at the St. Paul Seminary in Kipalapala, in Tabora. He was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Geita on 11 July 1999.

Since his ordination, he has served the following academic and pastoral roles: 1999-2002: Assistant priest in Sengerema, Diocese of Geita; 2002-2004: Formator and Spiritual Director of the Mary Queen of Apostles Minor Seminary in Sengerema and Diocesan Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies; 2004-2012: Student in Rome at the Pontifical Salesian University, where he obtained a Doctorate in Theology with specialization in Youth Ministry and Catechesis, residing in Nepomuceno College; 2013: Coordinator of the Episcopal Projects Office of the Diocese of Geita; 2013-2015: Professor and Director of St. Augustine University of Tanzania (SAUT) in Arusha; since 2015: Director of the Stella Maris Mtwara College, affiliated to St. Augustine Catholic University.

The Diocese of Geita, erected in 1984, is a suffragan of Mwanza. It has an area of 10,697 square kilometers and a population of 943,698 inhabitants, of whom 553,160 are Catholics. There are 15 parishes, 36 priests (33 diocesan and 3 religious), 30 religious women.

By Sarah Pelaji, Kiongozi Newspaper TEC and VIS

South Sudan’s Transitional Government of National Unityhas been declared after the swearing-in of the opposition leader, Riek Machar, as the First Vice-President shortly after his arrival in the country’s national capital, Juba, on Tuesday, 26 April,2016.

Machar’s plane touched down in Juba at about 3:45pm. The top opposition leader who chairs the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM-IO) was received by several of his senior officials and a number of government ministers.

Machar, from the airport drove straight to the Presidential Palace (J1) where President Salva Kiir, his main rival, but peace partner, was waiting for him. He immediately took oath of office as first vice president of the world’s youngest nation before President Kiir.

The Transitional Government of National Unity formed retains most old faces from previous cabinets.

SOURCE: CRN

Rt. Rev. Edwardo Hiiboro,
Bishop of Tambura-Yambia

Tombura-Yambio Catholic Bishop Rt Rev Eduardo Hiiboro has asked the people of South Sudan to continue praying for peace and unity in this period of the Transitional Government of National Unity.

In the conference of Chiefs in Kuroon Peace Village in Torit that aimed at discussing ways of uniting all chiefs to participate in the implementation of the peace agreement, Bishop Hiiboro described it as a success. "People in Kuroon Peace Village are peaceful and united, despite challenges they face," he said.

Kuron is a Peace village in Eastern Equatoria State that was established Bishop Pardie Taban, as an exemplary model of a peace village for South Sudan where people from different communities live in harmony as one family.

Reverend Modi Angelo Basia from Gbudue State expressed her concern about the people of Kuroon village who lack basic necessities.

She appreciated Bishop Paride Taban for choosing to live with the people of Kuroon and welcoming visitors to the area.

The conference in Kuroon Peace Village of Torit drew all traditional chiefs from all over South Sudan last Sunday.

Source: CRN

Group photo of Some of Radio Maria Staff and Volunteers

Radio Maria Malawi has not only contributed to the evangelization mission in the country but has always offered opportunity for young people to build their career in radio broadcasting.

In an interview with AMECEA Online News, Rev. Fr. Charles Kaponya, the Deputy Director of Radio Maria said that in a year, they often take in ten to fifteen volunteers whom they train for six months on various fields in radio production. Unfortunately, at the end of the training, only four or five often remain to serve at the station.

“Radio Maria is like a stepping stone to other media houses who often come to poach those whom we have polished in the field of radio. This is because many young people often approach the station as volunteers but after getting the training and acquiring necessary skills, they just leave,” Fr. Kaponya explained.

However, the Deputy Director says that although it is a big challenge to the station, whose resources are very limited, they view it as the station’s contribution to the development of youth in the country.

“It is expensive to train the volunteers every now and then, but we cannot just give up because we still need them. With very limited resources, we still have to continue taking in volunteers and training them because their contributions to the station is very vital. We view the challenge as a positive contribution to the growth and development of young people in Malawi. When we meet young people who have passed through Radio Maria and are doing well in field of communications, it is a clear indication that Radio Maria’s contribution did not go to waste and that is part of holistic evangelization,” Fr. Kaponya explained.

Among those who Radio Maria has mentored is the current Communications Officer for the Episcopal Conference of Malawi, (ECM) Mr. Prince Henderson, who said, “I started my career here as a volunteer and thanks to radio Maria, my career in communications has continued to rise.” Mr. Henderson expressed gratitude to the family of Radio Maria in Malawi saying, “I will forever be grateful for the foundation I got from here.”

Established in August 1999, Radio Maria, does not run any commercials for sustainability. “People love for Radio Maria is purely for evangelization and it is through the love of the listeners that we get our support though much more is still needed,” said Fr. Kaponya.

Radio Maria’s broadcasting outreach throughout the country is 70% and currently a 24-hour broadcast. It has both employed staff and the volunteers of which currently are the majority. The station has managed to put up ten transmitters that enables its broadcasting outreach in all the eight Catholic Dioceses in the country

In a recent survey conducted by the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) Radio Maria scooped position four out of over 68 radio stations in the country. This proved that Radio Maria is among the top most listened to Radio Stations in the Country.

By Pamela Adinda, AMECEA Online News.

With less than a month to the 2016 Uganda Martyrs Day Shrine celebration at Namugongo, the theme for this year’s event has been released.

The theme, which has been extracted from the Book of John 8:32, is ‘The Truth Will Make You Free.’ The June 3 celebrations will be animated by the Diocese of Kiyinda Mityana on behalf of Kampala Ecclesiastical Province. The theme was unveiled on April 21, 2016 by the Rt. Rev. Joseph Antony Zziwa, Bishop of Kiyinda Mityana Diocese and Vice Chairman of the Uganda Episcopal Conference (UEC) at a press conference that was held at the Uganda Catholic Secretariat (UCS) premises.

“The Diocese of Kiyinda Mityana last presided over the Martyrs Day celebrations in 1994 that was shortly after the visit of Pope John Paul II to Uganda 1993,” Bishop Zziwa said. “The same Diocese is privileged this year to take the celebrations to a higher level following the successful visit of Pope Francis to Uganda last year, and the improvement of Namugongo Shrine and grounds.”

The annual celebration commemorates the heroic faith of the 45 Martyrs, both Catholic and Protestant, who were burnt to death on the orders of Kabaka Mwanga II, the then king of Buganda between 1885 and 1887. Twenty two Catholic Martyrs were beatified on June 6, 1920, by Pope Benedict XV, and on October 18 1964, Pope Paul VI canonized them as Saints.

Of the twenty two Martyrs who were canonized, four of them including St. Noa Mawaggali, St. Matthias Mulumba, St. Luke Baanabakintu and St. Ambrose Kibuuka came from Kiyinda Mityana.

Meanwhile, Kiyinda Mityana Diocese and the UCS, which is the central organizing committee, are working hand in hand to make the required preparations. So far, 11 committees have been formed comprising of members from Kiyinda Mityana, members from the UCS and government representatives.

The committees include Pastoral and Liturgy, Transport and Protocol, Publicity and Communication, Catering and Welfare, Construction and Decoration, Finance, Security, Pilgrims, Medical, Sanitation and Ushering.

The preparations and the actual celebrations has been estimated to costs at least UShs 450m ($134,933).

“We are calling upon Christians, God loving and people of good will to contribute generously towards this grand and special event in the life of the Church, which also invigorates the faith,” Bishop Zziwa explained.

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

Rev. Fr. Henry Saindi, ECM Sec. General
Presents a cheque to Ms. Yvone Sundu,
Chairperson MISA Malawi at
ECM Secretariat in Lilongwe

The Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM) through its Social Development Directorate presented a cheque worthy K570, 000 (US$ 950) to MISA Malawi towards the World Press Freedom Day commemorations scheduled for Saturday in Mangochi.

Presenting the cheque at Catholic Secretariat in Lilongwe, on 4th May, 2016, the Secretary General for the Episcopal Conference of Malawi, Rev. Dr. Henry Saindi said as a Church Institution, they thought of making the donation as a way of appreciating the role the media and individual journalists in Malawi play.

He said the Church through various Commissions is championing a lot of projects which require the presence of the media hence the donation will go a long way in enhancing the relationship between the Church and the media.

“For instance; CADECOM is implementing various projects in line with water and sanitation, agriculture and disaster risk management, just like CCJP is working towards advocacy and promotion of human rights and as such the media cannot be left out if we are to realize positive results of these interventions,” said Fr. Saindi who is a trained communicator himself.

He said the donation is also aimed at motivating individual journalists who have tirelessly worked towards promoting all the thematic areas that ECM champions through its various Commissions.

For her part, MISA Malawi Vice Chairperson, Yvonne Sundu, commended ECM for the timely donation saying it will come a long way in realizing successful World Press Freedom Day commemorations in Mangochi.

“We are very thankful to ECM for the timely donation and this will contribute towards activities lined up for the world press freedom day celebrations in Mangochi. The money will help us among others in transporting journalists from various regions of the country to Mangochi,” she said.

According to Sundu, this is a sign of a symbiotic relationship between MISA Malawi and ECM as both institutions benefit from one another.

World Press Freedom Day falls on 3rd May every year and the theme for this year’s commemorations is “Fostering Freedom of Expression”.

The Social Development Directorate is comprised of the Catholic Development Commission in Malawi (CADECOM), Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace (CCJP), Catholic Health Commission (CHC), Catholic Education Commission (CEC) and the Catholic Social Communications and Research Commission

By Prince Henderson-ECM Communications Officer

Msgr. Dr. Pius Rutechura, Outgoing VC CUEA

Rev. Dr. Pius Rutechura, the outgoing Vice Chancellor of the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) has urged his successor Prof. Justus Mbae to safeguard the institutional identity and reputation of the university in order to promote the vision of the founding Fathers and maintain the AMECEA spirit of CUEA.

“Promote our identity; overcome ethnic and other divisive tendencies and destructive politicking,” Msgr. Rutechura urged.

He further said that the University needs turn around strategies in order to stay afloat and excel.

“It is openness and focusing on addressing root causes rather than throwing blames on others that will help CUEA to move forward,” he said adding that it is crucial to mobilize all stakeholders to urgently mobilize resource available. “It is crucial to reduce stress and neutralize apathy and anxieties so as to strengthen the base of moving forward with hope,” he said.

At the same time he urged Prof. Mbae to leverage ICT for Academic and Operational Systems of the University. “Accuracy of data which is an important tool in planning and development, highly depends on having a reliable integrated system. I salute the new zeal and innovative steps that the new DVCs are bringing in to address this issue,” he said adding that CUEA needs positive enhancement of embracing the ICT Culture across board.

“I salute and encourage the DVC Academic Affairs and Research in forming the CUEA ICT Solutions Consortium which brings on board both staff and students. This is the way to go; this is the path for the future,” he said.

He also urged Prof. Mbae to enhance corporate leadership and responsibility through operating on basis of policies and procedures. “Prevailing situations in CUEA demand nurturing across board leadership that operates on basis of policies and procedures that are set by Council and other regulatory bodies within Catholic Education Tradition,” he said.

Rev. Dr. Rutechura who has been given another assignment by his Bishop of the Diocese of Bukoba in Tanzania, said, "He looks back with gratitude and forward with hope having served AMECEA Institutions for 11 years, six of which as the Secretary General of AMECEA and five as Vice Chancellor of CUEA."

“I firmly believe that tough battles that are bravely fought for the sake of the Kingdom, will always lead to bearing good fruits for the growth of God’s Kingdom. CUEA has a long history, CUEA has a future,” he said.

He thanked AMECEA Executive Board and the University Council for arriving at the important decision of appointing a new Vice Chancellor with a view of ensuring that there is no vacuum in leadership of the University.

“I congratulate the incoming leader, Prof. Mbae for accepting to shoulder this responsibility. This appointment is not a privilege as many might perceive; it is a call to duty whereby you will have to go an extra mile in providing leadership for this august institution,” he said adding that "During his tenure as the Vice Chancellor, CUEA has witnessed a number of achievements including a vibrant chaplaincy which has boosted the Catholic identity within campus ministry as evidenced in lively spiritual movements, liturgical activities, and celebration of sacraments, recollections, retreats and pilgrimages."

He further said that CUEA has also succeeded in intensifying and upgrading its quality of networking as evidenced in MOUs that have been signed and subsequent joint ventures in terms of research, academic programs, exchange of staff and students.

By Pamela Adinda, AMECEA Online News

Prof. Justus Gitari Mbae, Acting/New VC-CUEA

The (Acting/New) Vice Chancellor of the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) Prof. Justus Gitari Mbae has said that growing the population of CUEA students is one of the top most agenda of his leadership at the institution.

Prof. Mbae was addressing University Senate Members, Deputy Vice Chancellors, Principles of Constituent colleges of CUEA, Deans and Directors, Heads of Departments, Lecturers, and CUEA Staff in his acceptance speech at the University’s main campus in Langata Nairobi.

“One immediate change that must happen is with respect to the right place of the students in this institution. We must all work even harder to grow our student numbers. CUEA is well capable of accommodating double the number of students we currently have,” he said.

In an event that was attended by the Chairman of the CUEA University Council, Rt. Rev. Maurice Muhatia, Bishop of Nakuru Diocese in Kenya, as well as AMECEA Secretary General Rev. Fr. Ferdinand Lugonzo, Prof. Mbae said that there is no need to get more students if the University cannot even satisfy the few that they have.

“In the coming days we shall concentrate among other things on placing the CUEA students at the center of all our operations. After all that is why we are here. And this we will do not only in our thought and in our words but also in action,” he said. He further added that the University must not only provide quality service but also provide an environment of care that enables every one of CUEA students live and cherish the CUEA experience.

While acknowledging the fact that the University is currently experiencing a number of challenges, he encouraged staff members not to give up hope, but see the challenges as great opportunities to do better. “Someone said that for every challenge there is an opportunity, if that is true and I think it is, then we are then lucky we have many challenges and so we also have many opportunities. Let us focus on those opportunities and make a mark as we continue building on the foundation that others have already put in place before us,” he said.

Prof. Mbae is optimistic that the University will overcome the challenges it is currently facing because it is a strong and resilient institution with a clear vision, mission, sense of identity, direction and purpose. “Our task and responsibility in whatever capacity we serve this institution is to help the University achieve its mission which is to become a world class university,” he said.

He encouraged the entire University community to works together in order to achieve its goal and finding lasting solutions to the problems they are currently facing. “I don’t want to make promises even before I take office, however, some things are very clear in my mind. Ours is a University which cannot afford to remain alone in our ivory tower,” he said.

He said that the University must not only produce papers, degrees and certificates, but must also work towards national, regional and international visibility and recognition. It must also have a voice that must occasionally be heard. The University must be fully engaged with the outside world. “It is only when a university is relevant and connected to society that its value is seen and appreciated.”

Prof. Mbae also appreciated the work that was done by his predecessor Msgr. Dr. Pius Rutechura under whose directions he worked for four of his six years at CUEA in the office of DVC Academic. “I am privileged to be taking over from someone whom I consider to be not only a colleague but also a friend and a mentor,” he said.

Among the successes at the University he attributed to Msgr. Rutechura include the completed magnificent Learning Resource Center (LRC) Complex, a Campus in Eldoret, the Nairobi City Campus, two key institutes namely the Canon Law and Institute for Regional Integration and Development (IRID) and a vibrant chaplaincy.

By Pamela Adinda, AMECEA Online News

Rt. Rev. Maurice Muhatia, Chairman
CUEA Council and Bishop of Nakuru

The AMECEA Executive Board in collaboration with the University Council has appointed Prof. Justus Gitari Mbae, as an Acting Vice-Chancellor (VC) for the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA). The announcement was made on Thursday 6^th at the University’s main campus in Langata Nairobi by the chairman of the University council Rt. Rev. Maurice Muhatia, Bishop of Nakuru Kenya.

Prof. Justus Mbae who takes over the responsibility with immediate effect was the Deputy Vice-Chancellor-(DVC) for Academics Affairs at the University between 2010 and 2015. His immediate former position he held was the Director, Institute for Regional Integration and Development (IRID).

He is an Associate Professor of education and has a doctorate in Philosophy. He also has a Master’s in Philosophy and a BA in Education. Before joining CUEA in 2010, he was the Educational and Cultural Affairs Specialist, Public Affairs Section, Embassy of the United States, Nairobi, a position he held from 1993 to 2010.

Prof. Justus Mbae,
Acting/New VC- CUEA

Prof. Mbae who is the Seventh VC of CUEA also worked at Kenyatta University, first as lecturer and later as senior lecturer and chairman at the department of educational foundations from 1981 to 1990 and from 1990 to 1993 respectively.

While making the announcement Bishop Muhatia said that there has been a restructuring of the University going on for various reasons and the council had to replace the position of the Vice Chancellor of the University held by Msgr. Pius Rutechura who has been recalled back to his diocese Bukoba, Tanzania by his local Ordinary.

He said that the appointment of the Acting Vice Chancellor was necessary so that the restructuring of the University would not be hindered by the vacancy in the seat as Msgr. Rutechura leaves for the Diocese.

“I would like to thank Msgr. Rutechura very much for the work he has done in the University ever since he was appointed as Vice Chancellor until the time he was recalled by his Bishop. I pray that God may bless you in all the other appointments and services which the Bishop is going to give you in the future,” said Bishop Muhatia.

Present at the same occasion was AMECEA Secretary General Rev. Fr. Ferdinand Lugonzo who said that the process of getting a new Vice Chancellor began a few months ago when they received the letter from the local ordinary of Msgr. Rutechura, Rt. Rev. Desiderius Rwoma recalling him back to the diocese for other assignments.

“As we started the process of looking for his replacement, we thought within the statutes of the University and also reflected on the statutes of AMECEA. We are grateful that the council honored those statutory requirements and as council we did our work through the search team and we are happy that the people who are considered for the rigorous exercise of the selection for the replacement of Msgr. Rutechura were actually from within the University-CUEA,” said Fr Lugonzo.

Fr Lugonzo further explained that the search team proposed three names to the AMECEA Executive Board, which were subjected to voting by the AMECEA members of the Executive Board in the spirit of the statutes of AMECEA and Prof. Mbae came out the best in the opinion of the Bishops for the recommendations of the search team.

He promised AMECEA secretariat's support to CUEA as well as appealing to the university fraternity to pull all their resources in terms of ideas and dedication in order to see that CUEA achieve its mission.

By Pamela Adinda, AMECEA Online News

Rt. Rev. Justin Mulenga,
Bishop of Catholic
Diocese of Mpika, Zambia

In response to the recently reported acts of violence perpetrated by the youth in Zambia, Rt. Rev. Justin Mulenga, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Mpika, Zambia, has called on the youth to be merciful for sustainable peace and unity in the country.

Bishop Mulenga said that mercy is love that seeks to forgive, console, assist and care for others, particularly the poor and aged in society.

“Mercy is an act of love done without one expecting anything in return,” he said this in his homily during the Diocesan Youth Day celebrations at St. Monica Parish, Mpika on Saturday May 7 2016.

The Diocesan Youth Day, which was celebrated under the theme “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy” (Matthew 5:7), attracted over 600 youths from all Parishes in the Diocese.

He further said that youth as the light and salt of the earth, are expected to treat others with respect and dignity regardless of their status in society. At the same time he cautioned them to refrain from drug and alcohol abuse as well as other vices that might ruin their future.

Meanwhile,during the World Communications Day celebrations in Lusaka on Sunday May 8, 2016, the Director of Catholic Media Services Rev. Fr. Winfield Kunda called upon citizens to embrace each other regardless of political affiliation ahead of the country’s general elections in August this year.

Fr. Kunda emphasized the importance of love for each other irrespective of their political differences. “Reconcile with people you have differed with in any way in this Jubilee Year of Mercy. God Himself communicated through Christ when He sent him to die for us,” he said.

The World Communication Day was celebrated under the theme; “Communication and Mercy: a fruitful encounter.”

By Mwenya Mukuka, ZEC Communications Officer

At least 22 youth from the Catholic Dioceses of South Sudan and Sudan are expected to travel to Poland in July this year to participate in the World Youth Day.

Fr. James William Silgat, Deputy Secretary-General of Sudan Catholic Bishops’ Conference, asked each diocese to send two representatives.

Fr. William explained that the World Youth Day helps the young people to learn how to pray, meditate, share the Word of God and an opportunity of encounter of young people from all over the world with the Pope. He advised all the Catholic Dioceses to assist the youth with some pocket money.

Meanwhile more than 20,000 internally displaced persons have moved out of the protection of civilian sites in the past months, said South Sudan UN Mission official Sam Muhumure.

The UNMISS Relief, Reintegration and Protection Coordinator said that the IDPs left the camps voluntarily after improvement of security in some parts of the country, Radio Bakhita reported.

He calls on South Sudanese to encourage IDPs to willingly return home to enable them take part in rebuilding their communities.

The Coordinator urged government and development partners to provide more basic services in community affected by the conflict to help in the resettlement of displaced persons.

Source: CRN

Group Photo of the Workshop Participants
Consisting of Journalists from Ten African Countries

Ms. Melanie Lidman, a Middle East and Africa correspondent for Global Sisters Report (GSR) based in Israel has said that it is time for African Journalists, who are Catholics, to actively tell the Story of the Catholic Church in Africa.

“The Church is growing in Africa and there is a great need to get people from Africa telling the Catholic story from their own perspective and background,” she said via Skype Video conference from Israel while addressing participants of Catholic News Agency for Africa (CANAA) workshop on Online Reporting.

Melanie Lidman, Middle East and
Africa Correspondent for
Global Sister Report

The workshop, which was attended by Catholic Journalists from ten African countries, which included participants from five AMECEA Countries namely Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Malawi and Zambia, was held under the theme: “Telling Africa’s Story on the Web. ”The participants comprised of Catholic Journalists working in Catholic Media institution as well as communications students from Tangaza College, a constituent college of the Catholic University of Eastern Africa.

Lidman explained that for a long time, people telling the Catholic story have been from the North, that is Europe and North America. However, with the changing trend of the Church population in the south, there is need for stories to come from the south.

“Ordinary things that happen locally in the dioceses do have global impact and needs to be shared globally. For instance challenges of humanity and how to cope with them are issues that are replicated in many places and when the information is shared, it becomes a source of a much needed solution elsewhere,” Lidman explained adding that Journalists who are Catholics understands the Church hierarchy and functions therefore able to report better.

Meanwhile,the editor of English version of Pambazuka News, which is an online Pan African news services said that it is a sad fact that to date some of the stories about the Catholic Church in Africa are lifted from Europe- or America-based news services.

Mr. Henry Makori, who was one of the facilitators at the same workshop, said that whereas Bishops Conferences and Catholic Religious Congregations have invested in print media and radio, it is not clear why there is reluctance to fully embrace online media. He, however, noted that there are very few up to date websites managed by Church institutions although some of them are well updated.

Henry Makori,
Editor Pambazuka
News English
Version

Makori challenged the Journalists to play a watchdog role to the people by having the value of courage, which enables them to seek and stand for the truth all the time. “Question and correct false narratives about Africa by agitating for people’s rights,” he said adding that it is important to always provide the context by giving a clear picture of the actual situation of the African people because nothing happens in isolation.

He advised the journalists to tell untold stories because in most cases, the Catholic content tends to be very predictable, in most cases focusing on the Church hierarchy while living out vital voices on the ground. Finally he encouraged the participants to avoid lazy journalism whereby they only rely on pastoral letters from the Bishops and other Church authorities.

“The Catholic Church is very rich in content; it is up to you as Catholic journalists to bring that content to the people. Do investigative in-depth reports on cross cutting issues. Do journalism for activism, crusading and championing just courses. Change attitudes and demand accountability from opinion leaders,” he advised.

By Pamela Adinda, AMECEA Online News

Rt. Rev. Martin Mtumbuka,
Bishop of Catholic Diocese of
Karonga, Malawi

Rt. Rev. Martin Mtumbuka Bishop for the Catholic Diocese of Karonga wants Malawi economists to renounce text-book economics and develop a brand of practical economics that can take Malawi out of impoverished state.

Bishop Mtumbuka who is the newly appointed board chairperson of the think tank Malawi Economic Justice Network (MEJN), said that reducing inequality and poverty, and promoting equity, are important macro-economic objectives.

He noted that the widening income gap between the rich and poor has highlighted the need to understand the causes of relative inequality and poverty, and to construct suitable policies to reduce poverty and narrow the income gap.

“The country’s economists including MEJN should work towards eradicating poverty in the country by ensuring that government economic policies are inclusive and that are indeed reducing economic hardships of Malawians particularly the marginalized,” said Bishop Mtumbuka.

He called for “equal opportunities” for all Malawians and not for the “selected few.” He noted that many Malawians still live in dire poverty.

Bishop Mtumbuka said reducing inequality will boost the impact of economic growth on the reduction of poverty.

Source: Prince Henderson, ECM Communications Officer

The Late Rt. Rev. Yohannes Migliorati,
Apostolic Vicar of Hawassa, Ethiopia

The Catholic Church in Ethiopia is mourning the passing away of the Apostolic Vicar of Hawassa Rt. Rev. Yohannes Migliorati, MCCJ who passed away on Thursday this week (May 12, 2016) in Italy where he was receiving medical care.

Bishop Migliorati has died at the age of 74 years old. His funeral will take place in Brecia, Italy on Sunday May 15, 2016. A prayer program will be organized in his Apostolic Vicariate on May 17, 2016 at 10:00 A.M. local time.

The Late Bishop Migliorati, MCCJ was born on August 24, 1942 in Italy and was ordained a priest on April 12, 1969. He was appointed Apostolic Vicar of Hawassa on March 21, 2009 while at the same time appointed Titular Bishop of Ambia. He was ordained Bishop on May 31 2009.

He served the Apostolic Vicariate of Hawassa and the Catholic Church in Ethiopia as a whole with dedication and great success in the Pastoral and Social sectors.

By Makeda Yohannes, CBCE Communications and Public Relation Office, Ethiopia

AMECEA Secretariat joins the Catholic Church in Ethiopia and specifically the Clergy, Religious and Faithful of the Apostolic Vicariate of Hawassa in prayers as they are mourning for their Shepherd. May God rest his soul in peace. AMEN!

Group Photo of AMECEA Online News Correspondents
who participated in the Online News training organized by
Catholic News Agency for Africa (CANAA)

AMECEA Online News Correspondents were among the participants of the training on Online Journalism which was organized by Catholic News Agency for Africa (CANAA) and held at Don Bosco Centre, Nairobi –Kenya from 10th -13th May, 2016.

Among the beneficiaries of the training and the conferences they represented included Pamela Adinda (AMECEA), Fr. Godino Phokoso and Prince Anderson (Episcopal Conference of Malawi), Paschal Mwananche (Tanzania Episcopal Conference), Jacinta Odongo (Uganda Episcopal Conference), Rose Achiego (Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops); Mwenya Mukuka (Zambia Episcopal Conference) and Bertina Kanaka from the Archdiocese of Mombasa, Kenya.

In a statement read by AMECEA Communications Coordinator Very Rev. Fr. Chrisantus Ndaga during the opening of the training on behalf of the chairman of Catholic News Agency for Africa (CANAA) Board Chairman, Most Rev. Charles Palmer-Buckle Archbishop of Accra, Ghana, on 10th, May, 2016 stated that Africa is often times portrayed as a continent of gloom and doom and societal failures of ethnocentrisms, violent conflicts, corruption, epidemics like HIV/AIDs and Ebola.

He said that there is a lot of good and positive initiatives by the Church and other religious institutions which go unreported. “There are many interventions and positive activities of the Church in Africa that go unreported. Over the years, there has been the desire to share news and other information among the local Churches of Africa. There has also been a longing to have the voice of Africa’s Church heard within and beyond its borders,” read the statement.

Fr. Ndaga expressed hope that African Catholic Journalists should take this as challenge and thus takes up an active role in engaging themselves to boldly speak about them.

Speaking at the same time, CANAA Director Fr. Don Bosco Onyalla echoed the Bishop’s sentiments saying that Africa does not enjoy a positive narrative globally. He said that the agency exists to enhance a realistic image and appreciation of the church in Africa by engaging Africans in telling their stories.

The four-day training also had participants from Nigeria, Ghana, South Sudan, Zimbabwe, and Seychelles. Among the topics covered during the training included News formats and building the story, Content production foe web-based media, web-based news management, Telling the African story on the Web, addressing an international Audience, Interviewing skills, Use of video/audio, Writing leads, quotations and transitions, feature writing, Freelancing, Pitching among others.

During the workshop the participants were challenged to be more aggressive and at the fore-front in telling African stories.

By AMECEA Online Reporters, Nairobi -Kenya

(Center) Rt. Rev. Philip Anyolo, chairman of KCCB and Bishop Homabay
Diocese and Rt. Rev. Virgilio Pante, Bishop of Maralal and
chairman of KCCB Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Seafarers

The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) has appealed to the government of Kenya to reconsider its decision to close the major refugee camps in the country. In a statement that was issued at a press conference in Nairobi on May 18, the Bishops said that closing the Dadaab Refugee Camp will without any doubt have far reaching implications not only for hundreds of thousands of refugees but to the region at large.

“Guided by the principles of Catholic social teachings on migrants, we emphasize that Kenya's regulation of borders and control of immigration, particularly forced migration, must be governed by concern for all people, mercy, and justice,” the statement said.

the Government of Kenya through the Ministry of Internal Security & Interior Coordination issued directive on the proposed closure of refugee camps in Kenya in two statements separately issued on Friday May 6 and Wednesday May 11.

The Bishops however acknowledged concerns for national security, which was cited by the government as the main reason behind the decision to close the camps. However, they said that the determination to reinforce safety must be done out of care and protection for all those within Kenya’s borders.

“Individuals seeking asylum in Kenya have a right to be protected and enjoy basic services until lasting solutions are found in their home countries, or within the country of asylum as well through third country resettlement. We reiterate that any form of involuntary repatriation may expose the returnees to dangers of persecution. We are deeply concerned that forcible return of hundreds of thousands of refugees will cause catastrophic humanitarian consequences,” the statement said.

The Bishops reassured the government of their commitment to collaborate in order to search for long-term and sustainable solutions for refugees. They urged the Government to reconsider this decision and pursue opportunities for dialogue and work with relevant actors to ensure the smooth and voluntary repatriation of refugees as well as prioritization of a long-term dignified refugee response.

AMECEA Online News Correspondent

Group Photo Participants of the meeting for the
Association of Catholic Family Movement with
Rt. Rev. Peter Musikuwa Bishop of Chikwawa
and Chairman of ECM Pastoral Directorate

The Bishop Chairman of Pastoral Directorate at the Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM), Rt. Rev. Peter Musikuwa Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Chikwawa has said that the Catholic Family Movements are crucial in advancing apostolate both in the Church and in the world and therefore collaborative efforts in promoting the association should be emphasized.

In a bid to intensify the mission of the Movements in Malawi and to enhance one voice, ECM under its Pastoral Directorate has formed the Association for Catholic Family Movements as one of the lay apostolate.

Speaking during the meeting of leaders of the movement, which was held at Catholic Secretariat in Lilongwe, Bishop Musikuwa said that the origin of the Catholic Movements could be traced back to the sacraments of baptism and confirmation that Christians receive.

“Lay apostolate is a Christian vocation. As a matter of fact, the Church can never be without the lay apostolate; it is something that derives from the layman’s very calling as a Christian,” the Bishop said adding that although Catholic Family Movements are called by different names by various groups, the objectives are the same and among them of which is supposed to be support for each other to Christianize family life and create communities conducive to Christian family life.

Bishop Musikuwa further said that Catholic Family Movements should strive to promote the human and Christian virtues of the family so that it may become a force that forms people, transmit the faith and contributes to the total development of the community.

“Safeguard the dignity and rights of the family, making sure that these rights of the family are respected and kept perfectly safe when the laws of the country are being made,” he said.

Meanwhile the Acting National Pastoral Director at ECM, Fr. Vincent Mwakhwawa, explained that an association helps tackle issues concerning Catholic families successfully and confidently with common approach and present them to the government and the Bishops in a credible manner as one group and not segments of groups.

“An association of Catholic Family Movements will help the Bishops in their dealings with issues concerning Catholic families in Malawi. And it will also help to link together Catholic family movements in Malawi and assist Catholic families accordingly,” Fr. Mwakhwawa said adding that one of the tasks for the Association is to organize family conferences at different levels ranging from National, Diocesan, Deanery, Parish, Outstations and Small Christian Communities.

“For instance, next year there will be a national conference aimed at preparing for the World Meeting of Families in Dublin-Ireland in 2018. So this is an Association that can make proper arrangements and prepare well for this crucial meeting.”

Newly elected couple to chair the association said that one of their major role as an association of Catholic Family Movements will be to encourage young couples to join family movements right from the day they register for their marriages.

“Most young couples are faced with numerous challenges due to lack of guidance and counseling but with family movements association; they will be able to tap knowledge from some of us who have stayed longer in the marriage,” said the Couple Chair Family.

The association will also be there to speak against family related misconceptions which are not in line with the teaching of the Catholic Church like the issue of same sex-marriages, abortion and the use of contraceptives.

Among the participants present included members of Worldwide Marriage Encounter, Christian Family Movement, Focolare Movement, Team of Our Lady and Couple for Christ in Malawi.

By Prince Henderson, ECM Communications Officer

The Zambia Episcopal Conference (ZEC) Secretary General Rev. Father Cleophas Lungu has said that the Catholic Bishops of Zambia are disappointed with politicians who have continued to perpetuate political clashes despite committing themselves to end political violence at the meeting that was called for by the Church leaders.

“The Church is taken aback that politicians have continued to break rules of engagements set by themselves to end violence in the country. We are disappointed and surprised that these political parties raised a number of solutions to issues on how to reduce tension, hate speech and committed themselves yet they continue to perpetuate the same” Fr. Lungu noted.

Speaking when he featured on the Catholic run radio Yatsani in Lusaka Friday, May 20, Fr. Lungu said that Catholic Bishops are also disappointed by some Christians who abandon their catholic faith and Christians values when they go into politics and become violent.

ZEC has however assured the country that the church will make sure that it helps in having a free, fair and transparent election as Zambia heads towards general elections on August 11^th, 2016. Fr. Lungu has since announced that the church has planned for another political meeting with presidential candidates to discuss political violence in the country.

Recently the three church bodies, the Zambia Episcopal Conference (ZEC), Council of Churches in Zambia (CCZ) and the Evangelical Fellowship of Zambia convened an inter party caucus at the Holy Cross Cathedral in Lusaka to discuss ways to end the political violence that had caused shivers among citizens as the country builds up for the August 11, 2016 elections.

By Mwenya Mukuka, ZEC Communications Officer

As part of the spiritual preparation for the 2016 Uganda Martyrs Day Celebration due June 3, the Diocese of Kiyinda-Mityana alongside Uganda Episcopal Conference and Uganda Tourism Board, have organized a first ever symbolic pilgrimage known as “The Walk of Faith”.

The symbolic pilgrimage, which will take place on Sunday May 22, will kick-off at exactly 8.00 am from Munyonyo Martyrs Shrine with a word of prayer and end at St. Matia Mulumba Parish in Old Kampala. The Diocese of Kiyinda- Mityana was chosen to lead and animate this year’s celebration.

“This spiritual journey has been organized to enable our Christians today to experience the Martyrs’ pain and their last moments on earth in a commemorative walk,” said Rev. Fr. Lazarus Kiggundu, the Chairperson of the Organizing Committee for Uganda Martyrs Celebration 2016 in Kiyinda Mityana, on behalf of the Bishop of Kiyinda Mityana, Rt. Rev Joseph Antony Zziwa, at a Press conference that was held on Thursday May 19 in Kampala.

He added, “This year’s walk will be the first ever such official event to be included on the Uganda Martyrs day celebration calendar intended to promote Uganda Martyrs trail further. The symbolic event is part of the grand plan for the Church to organize such a pilgrimage every year to Namugongo by people from all over the world.”

The walk will begin from Munyonyo since it is the place where King Mwanga II made the decision to begin killing Christians for their faith in Jesus Christ. It was also at Munyonyo where the first three Christians, namely, St. Denis Ssebuggwawo, St. Andrew Kaggwa and St. Pontiano Ngondwe were killed on May 26, 1886. Munyonyo is also the place where the majority of the Martyrs started their two-day, painful but inspiring journey to Namugongo to face their death. However, some were killed along the way, while the others were burned alive in Namugongo on June 3.

The ‘walk of faith’ will be flagged off at Munyonyo Martyrs shrine by Bishop Zziwa and Dr. Maria Mutagamba, the Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities in Uganda, who will also be the chief pilgrim. The pilgrims will make two stopovers at strategic places for a moment of prayer, before proceeding to their final destination at St. Matia Mulumba Parish where they will have a 30 minute health break to freshen up. Afterward, they will have a celebration of Holy Mass at 3.00pm at the same venue, presided over by Bishop Zziwa, to conclude the walk.

The venue of the Mass is where one of the Martyrs, St. Matia Mulumba was executed. He was one of the four Martyrs from Singo County which is part of the Diocese of Kiyinda-Mityana. The other three are, St. Noa Mawaggali, St. Luke Baanabakintu and St. Ambrose Kibuuka.

Meanwhile, there will be a novena to the Uganda Martyrs commencing on May 25, 2016 and concluding on June 2, 2016. All the Catholic faithful in Uganda have been called upon to observe this novena in honour to the Martyrs.

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

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