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KENYA: The family institution is under threat, says leaders

May 20, 2016, 9:48 am
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Poor leadership, corruption, social media, internet and high standards of living have been sighted as major threats to both the traditional and Christian family principles. 

Speaking during the National Family Conference to commemorate The United Nations International day of the family at Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) in Nairobi on 16th, May, 2016, Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) – Commission for Pastoral and Lay Apostolate National Executive Secretary Rev. Dr. Charles Odira said lack of values in the families and poor leadership have immensely contributed to radicalization, drug abuses, cultism, HIV and AIDS, unemployment, abuse of children and peer pressure among the youth.

Fr. Odira called on the leaders to fulfil the promises that they make to the youth. He challenged parents to take up their responsibilities of bringing up the children by instilling good values in them and being good role models.

He said that the primary role of the church is to safeguard the family as the basic cell of the society where the youth can in turn feel protected by creating a favorable environment where every young person finds a home and growth.

Fr. Odira emphasized that the Church cannot take up the role of the family but it can only capacity build them to take up their role. “If ensuring healthy family is the objective of Church then the youth who happen to learn more through practical instances and role models, the church needs to create a role model out of the existing families to be more attractive.” He said

Speaking during the opening of conference, the Cabinet Secretary for East African Affairs, Commerce and Tourism, Phyllis Kandie said the family is the fundamental unit of the society. “If we get it right at the family level, then we are assured of a stable well-structured society.” She affirmed.

Kandie revealed that the Government of Kenya is focusing on the youth empowerment and involvement in all development processes of the country by developing specific programs targeting the youth to mitigate challenges facing the youth today.

The theme of this year’s National Family Conference was Nurturing and Strengthening the Youth as Crucial Members of the Family. The conference brought together about 300 delegates from the Government of Kenya, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO’s), World Youth Alliance, KCCB and Kenya Christian Professional Forum (KCPF).

 The United Nations International day of the family was set aside 20 years ago by United Nations General Assembly to celebrate the family institution and create awareness on the need to promote strong family ties in the society.

By Rose Achiego, Waumini Communications, KCCB
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MALAWI: Albino killings on the rise in Malawi, Justice and Peace Commission speaks out

May 20, 2016, 9:49 am
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The Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace (CCJP) of the Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM) has expressed concern over the rise in number of killings and abductions of people with albinism for alleged ritual purposes.

Acting National Coordinator for CCJP, Martin Chiphwanya in his statement said the development is uncalled for and not humane and must stop immediately and that people with Albinism should be treated with dignity.

“Albinos are being abducted and killed for ritual purposes. Graves have been exhumed and some people have been caught by the police with bones and other albino body parts. We as a Justice and Peace arm of the Catholic Church are not happy with the development,” said Chiphwanya.

He said CCJP believes this can only stop if a multi-faceted approach is adopted.

He emphasized that all stakeholders have to collaborate in efforts to end this problem once and for all. Police prosecutors and investigators have to be properly trained so that they conduct thorough investigations and prosecute caseswith utmost thoroughness. There is also need to conduct thorough research to fully understand the menace, with a view of creating sensitization to communities so as to treat albinos with the dignity they deserve.
According to Chiphwanya, there is also need to collaborate with neighboring countries that have had similar experiences so that they share on how they managed to successfully root out the problem of albino killings. Tanzania has managed  to deal with the albino problem..

He said Political leaders, Faith leaders, Traditional leaders and Civil Society have to use various fora to denounce the evil act and possibly conduct civic education to enlighten people on the dangers of practicing outdated rituals that threaten the sanctity of life.

The Malawi Police has recently along with their counterparts in Mozambique arrested two herbalists in connection with the death of a Dedza based albino boy who was abducted and killed for his bones.

The two men and the herbalists are also expected to answer murder charges in the High Court of Malawi.

Meanwhile, Father George Kaliati of St. Pius of the Catholic Parish in the Archdiocese of Blantyre recently in his homily condemned the abductions and killings of the persons with albinism describing it as a symbol of moral decay and lack of love for one another.

President Peter Mutharika has since ordered the security agents to be vigilant and arrest all those involved in the vice and bring them to book.

He said his government would send a delegation to Tanzania to learn how the country managed to deal with the problem.

By Prince Henderson, ECM Communications Officer
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SOUTH SUDAN: Religious Sister shot in South Sudan has died

May 20, 2016, 9:59 am
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Rev. Sr. Veronica Rackova, a member of the Missionary Sisters of the Holy Spirit (SSPS), who was shot and seriously wounded in South Sudan, has died. Sr. Veronica was allegedly shot bySudan People Liberation Army (SPLA) soldiers on Monday May 16 at 1.00 am East African time while on her way back to the convent after taking an expectant lady to another health center to deliver.

She died on Friday May 20 at the Nairobi Hospital in Kenya, where she had been flown on Monday morning for specialized treatment following the shooting incident.

According to Sr. Nancy a member of her congregation who accompanied her to Nairobi, Sr. Veronica had suffered serious injuries on her hip bone as well as numerous perforations on her intestines and other internal organs.

At around midnight on Monday, Sr. Veronica received an emergency call from a woman who had complications giving birth, which could not be dealt with at the health center the that the sisters run. Sheused St Bakhita’s ambulance to drive the woman to Harvester’s Health Center, a more specialized facility for women and children. "The facility is more or less 10 kilometers from our place. She was midway on her way back when the incident occurred,” Sr. Nancy explained.

At the time of the incident, Sr. Veronica who was 58 years old was alone in the ambulance because the driver had gone home. “The incident happened near a factory and luckily she was able to scream and attracted the attention of factory workers who came and took her to the same Harvester’s hospital where she was coming from.”

She suffered two cardiac arrests and was in a coma for four days. Sr. Veronica who is a native of Slovakia has been working in South Sudan for the last six years. She is among the pioneer members of the congregation in Sudan where currently they were only six members from  Argentina,  Philippines,  Papua New Guinea,  Indonesia and the late Sr. Veronica was from Slovakia.

The Late Sr. Veronica previously worked in Ghana, before coming to South Sudan. According to Sr. Maria Jerly, SSPS, the Regional Superior for South Sudan and Ethiopia whom the incident found in Nairobi, the congregation is shocked. Arrangements are now underway for her burial in Kenya, in collaboration with the Society of Divine Word (SVD), a Congregation founded by the same founder as SSPS. Burial is expected to be held on Thursday May 26.

Meanwhile Yei Catholic Diocese Secretary General Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Sebit has said that the shooting of Sr. Veronica was a very isolated case. “Yei is quite peaceful as opposed to other parts of South Sudan where the conflict has been going on,” Speaking to AMECEA Online News on phone from Sudan Fr. Sebit said the unfortunate incident happened on the eve of anniversary celebrations to mark 30 years of the formation of Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM).

“Because of the celebrations, the army had been deployed in major towns for security reasons and they were mounting road blocks on major high ways; otherwise Yei is quite peaceful hence the shooting of Sr. Veronica has shocked to the whole nation,” Fr. Sebit explained.

So far three suspected SPLA Soldiers have been arrested and are being held by the police as investigations continue.

May the Soul of Sr. Veronica Rest in Eternal Peace

By Pamela Adinda, AMECEA Online News
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AMECEA: Cardinal Berhaneyesus calls upon Church leadership in the Region to be Instruments of Social Justice

May 20, 2016, 10:01 am
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H.E. Berhaneyesus Cardinal Souraphiel,
 Chairman of AMECEA and Metropolitan
 Archbishop of Addis Ababa Ethiopia
H.E. Berhaneyesus Cardinal Souraphiel, chairman of AMECEA and metropolitan Archbishop of Addis Ababa Ethiopia has called upon the Catholic Church leadership in the Region to embrace simplicity as they exercise their various responsibilities in the region.

In His homily at the AMECEA Secretariat in Nairobi where he lead the Eucharistic celebrations on the first day of AMECEA Executive Board meeting, Cardinal Berhaneyesus said “It is a big responsibility entrusted to us to lead others. Leadership bears fruits when it is humble, simple and only when you do what has been asked of you by God.” 

He challenged his fellow Bishops by reminding them that in their Pastoral Ministry, what they do is not their work, but God's work. "We need to remain united in order to enter God’s Kingdom,” he said adding that all the challenges facing the region are a great responsibility entrusted to them by God and that they should do it with love.The cardinal further challenged them  to embrace justice because it is the fruit of faith, hope and love in their leadership roles.

“Lead others, show them God’s way. Let us be the real salt in the region through our services. We must be signs of God’s kingdom and instruments of social Justice. We have come with faith and trust so that everything we do in the region is done with hope."

AMECEA Executive Board members have been meeting in Nairobi for their ordinary meeting which is usually held twice in a year, May and October.

By Pamela Adinda, AMECEA Online News
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SOUTH SUDAN: South Sudan Council of Churches to host prayers with Kiir, Machar, Igga

May 20, 2016, 11:15 am
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South Sudan's Council of Churches is planning to convene prayers on Saturday  to be attended by President Salva Kiir, First Vice President Riek Machar, Vice President James Wani Igga and members of cabinet.



The Secretary General of the council James Oyet said in a letter that the prayer is aimed at blessing, encouraging and supporting the country's leadership.



“We pray for rulers and for all who have authority. Pray for those leaders so that we can live quiet and peaceful lives full of devotion to God and respect to him,” says the letter.



Oyet said church leaders who will attend the prayers include Catholic Archbishop Paulino Lokudu Loro, and Episcopal Archbishop Daniel Deng Bul.



The first vice president and the president are expected to speak during the prayers.



By John Ashworth, JUBA
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KENYA: Non-Communicable diseases, a concern for the Church

May 27, 2016, 7:41 am
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Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) – Commission for Health is committed to provision of affordable health care to the less fortunate in the society especially those diagnosed with non-communicable diseases.

In an interview with Waumini News Today, the Commission for Health National Executive Secretary Jacinta Mutegi, said access to healthcare for hypertension and diabetic patients has been a challenge due to high cost of medication, lack of equipped facilities and healthcare workers at the grass root levels, a situation that has since improved with the Commission’s intervention.

 “In 2011, insulin used to cost as much as kshs 1,800 for a monthly dose but with partnerships, clients receiving services in faith based facilities can access the same at less than ksh 500.” She confirmed

Mutegi said that, many health facilities despite having structural capacity were not serving diabetes patients and would always refer them to bigger facilities for management adding that, with capacity building of healthcare workers, this is now happening to lower level facilities including dispensaries and health centres. “Numbers have increased from no patients to hundreds of regular clients.” She said

She acknowledged that through partnership with Health Heart Africa (HHA) a programme that seeks to address the burden of non-communicable diseases in Africa and particularly hypertension that has become the leading cause of mortality, early diagnosis of these diseases have been recorded due to enhanced awareness creation on the need to take up check-ups on blood pressure.

Mutegi expressed gratitude to KCCB- Commission for Health partners being AstraZeneca, ministry of health, County governments and MEDS as she looks forward for continued mutual collaboration in scaling up the same to other regions and to all the health facilities in the Catholic Church network.

KCCB is implementing the pilot programme in 32 health facilities in nine Dioceses.

By Rose Achiego, Waumini Communications-KCCB
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UGANDA: Catholic Faithful begin novena to the Uganda Martyrs ahead of the June 3 celebration

May 27, 2016, 7:43 am
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Archbishop Lwanga (right), Bishop Zziwa (center) 
and Hon. Mutagamba (left) flag-off the pilgrims 
for the Walk of Faith

Nine days to go to the 2016 Uganda Martyrs day celebration at Namugongo Catholic Shrine, Catholic faithful across the country began a special novena to the Martyrs.

The novena, which commenced on May 25, 2016, will conclude on June 2, just a day before the actual celebration slated for June 3 to commemorate the heroic faith of the 42 Martyrs, both Catholic and Anglican, who were killed on the orders of Kabaka Mwanga II, the then King of Buganda between 1885 to 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. In addition to the Catholic Martyrs, there are two catechists from Paimol: Blessed Daudi Okello and Gildo Irwa who were killed in 1918. The two catechists were beatified by John Paul II on October 20, 2002.

According to Rev. Fr. Lazarus Kiggundu, the Chairperson of the Organizing Committee for the 2016 Martyrs Day celebration in Kiyinda Mityana, the host of this year’s commemoration, May 25 is a very special day because the Martyrdom of the Martyrs was decided on this date.

“The decision of the King to kill the Martyrs initiated on this date thus we chose to begin this novena on this day,” Fr. Lazarus said. “A novena is a public or a private prayer recited for nine consecutive days made in preparation of feast or for special graces. One can choose to recite it publically gathered together as a community and family or privately as an individual,” he added.

Catholic faithful are encouraged to observe this novena by reciting Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be to the Father prayers and invoke the Uganda Martyrs. However, faithful can also use the special prayer cards that were released by the Diocese of Kiyinda Mityana.

“I therefore call upon all the faithful to recite this novena to receive the blessings of the Uganda Martyrs,” he said.

The 2016 Uganda Martyrs day celebration will be celebrated under the theme, “The Truth Will Make You Free” (John 8:32).

Meanwhile, over 200 pilgrims from across the country including the Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Dr. Maria Mutagamba and the State Minister for Ethics and Integrity, Simon Lokodo on Sunday May 22, 2016 joined Rt. Rev Joseph Antony Zziwa, the Bishop of Kiyinda Mityana Diocese in the inaugural symbolic pilgrimage known as the “Walk of Faith”.

The Spiritual Walk, which was organized by Kiyinda Mityana Diocese alongside Uganda Episcopal Conference and Uganda Tourism Board, started from Munyonyo Martyrs Shrine to St. Matia Mulumba Parish in Old Kampala. It kicked-off at 8.00am with opening remarks about the aim of the walk from Fr. Lazarus and Rev. Fr. Joseph Mukasa Muwonge, in charge of the Martyrs devotion in Uganda, also gave a brief history about the Martyrs.

The symbolic pilgrimage was flagged off shortly after a word of prayer at exactly 8.50 by Most. Rev Cyprian Kizito Lwanga, the Archbishop of Kampala, Bishop Zziwa, Hon. Mutagamba and Hon. Lokodo.

During the walk, the enthusiastic pilgrims made three stopovers for a moment of prayers at the places of martyrdom of St. Denis Ssebuggwawo, St. Ponsiano Ngondwe and St. Joseph Mukasa Balikuddembe as well as St. Athanasius Bazzeketa.

The spiritual journey concluded with the celebration of Holy Mass at St. Matia Mulumba Parish, presided over by Bishop Zziwa. The venue of the Mass is a place where St. Matia Mulumba who was also a Martyr, was executed from.

In his preaching, Bishop Zziwa urged the faithful to embrace this year’s Martyrs day celebration theme “The Truth Will Make You Free,” to fight social evils like corruption and giving out bribes.

The walk will be an annual event to officially launch the pilgrimage to Namugongo Catholic Shrine by Christians from all over the World.


By Jacinta W. Odongo, Media Officer, Uganda Episcopal Conference
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TANZANIA: Archdiocese of Mwanza to host National Eucharistic Conference

May 27, 2016, 7:48 am
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Most Rev. Jude Thaddaeus Ruwa’ichi,
 Archbishop of Mwanza, Tanzania
The Catholic Archdiocese of Mwanza is set to host the National Eucharistic Conference, an even which is scheduled from 8 -11 June in Mwanza.

According to the Archbishop of Mwanza, Most Rev Thadeus Ruwaichi, the Mwanza Eucharistic Conference is the continuation of the International Eucharistic Congress held in Philippines in January this year, but this one is put in the local context.

The Conference will be attended by all Catholic Bishops, Priests, religious and lay representatives from each of the 34 dioceses. 

In a special manner, this year’s Eucharistic Conference will also bring Children of the Holy Childhood Association.

According to Archbishop Ruwaichi it is vital for children to participate in the Eucharistic Conference because it is their fundamental right. “Children need to be involved and given them an opportunity to grow in Faith, Morally and Psychologically as Children of God. 

The Archbishop also said that the Conference gives them a chance to cultivate their adoration attitude; worship the Jesus of the Eucharist, while they are still young.

This is the third national Eucharistic conference held in the country. The first was in 2000 in Dodoma which was hand in hand with climax of the Great Jubilee; the second took place in Iringa in 2012.

By Pascal Mwanache, Kiongozi, TEC
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AMECEA: Over 900 students graduate at CUEA

May 27, 2016, 7:59 am
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A total of 923 students were awarded Diplomas and Degrees at the 33rd graduation ceremony of the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) in an event on May 27, 2016 at the University's Lang'ata Campus in Nairobi Kenya.

This is the third time CUEA is holding graduation in May after the introduction of tri-semester system of academic. The graduation ceremony was held under the theme: “Holistic Education for Sustainable Transformation of Africa” and the Chief Guest was Dr. Fred Matiang'i the Kenyan Cabinet Secretary, in the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology.

Dr. Fred Matiang'i Kenyan
 Cabinet Secretary, 
Ministry of Education, 
Science and Technology
In his speech, Dr. Matiang’i congratulated the Catholic Church for investing in the Education system. He said that the Kenyan government was willing to partner and work closely with Private institutions especially those offering education.

Matiang’i also said that in an effort to promote high education, the Kenyan government recently reduced the money paid by the private universities for quality assurance from an annual payment to a one-off payment.

Matiang’i challenged the universities to support the government in the eradication of corruption and negative ethnicity in the country. He congratulated CUEA for already doing this through introduction of relevant programs such as regional integration and Justice and Peace. He however challenged private universities to take up more science based programs.

By AMECEA Online News Correspondent
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KENYA: KCCB Bishops engage Caritas Member Organizations in Discussion of Pertinent issues of the Country

May 27, 2016, 8:13 am
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Group Photo of  Caritas Internationalis Member Organizations (CIMOs)
 with Kenyan Bishops During a joint Meeting in Nairobi

On 24thMay 2016, the Catholic Bishops in Kenya held a half-day session with the Caritas Internationalis Member Organizations (CIMOs) who are stationed in Nairobi to discuss pertinent issues related to Management Standards, Sustainable Development Goals and Kenyan Elections. 

The meeting, which has been dubbed as very timely and important, was spearheaded by Ms. Catherine Ogollah (Catholic Agency for Overseas Development – CAFOD, Regional Representative) took months to plan and rightfully took place just before the beginning of the Bishops’ retreat.

The sessions that were moderated by AMECEA Justice Peace and Caritas Coordinator, Antony Mbandi began with the very important topic of the work of Caritas in the country which was presented by Paul Healey (Trocaire Kenya Country Representative).  From the discussions, the Bishops appreciated the work of the agencies and also asked for increased synergy building towards improvement of livelihoods in the country. 

Participants of  Caritas Internationalis Member Organizations (CIMOs) 
meeting with Kenyan Bishops during the sessions
The second session was the presentation of the Caritas Internationalis Management Standards (CIMS) which was done by Margaret Mwaniki from Caritas Africa and Lane Bunkers from Catholic Relief Services.  The standards, which were endorsed by Pope Francis in 2015, are meant to support the Bishops mainly in the Caritas work to improve operations while creating a level of standardization across the different dioceses and conferences.  While recognizing the strides made in developing the standards, His Holiness had the following to say:-

, “As I said in the last General Assembly, I thank the Lord for Caritas and its valuable service in the world. I also congratulate the Governance bodies and the General Secretariat of Caritas Internationalis for developing and approving the Management Standards and Code of Conduct for the member organizations.

These instruments must now be applied to strengthen the transparency and credibility of Caritas.  Let us remember that we are accountable to God, to the Church, to the donors and in particular, to the poor with whom the Lord identifies Himself.  By serving them with humility, dedication, self-denial and professionalism, we promote the Church’s mission of forming one human family, caring for creation”.

This message from the Holy Father resonated with the Bishops as they felt that the standards would greatly improve the work of Caritas across the region.  They however felt there was a great need to continuously build capacity for the agents of the church especially on the Catholic Social Teachings so as not to lose the “face” of Christ in our social engagements.  They also requested that a mechanism be put in place to walk with the dioceses through capacity building in the CIMS and other capacities.

Group Photo of Caritas Internationalis Member 
Organizations (CIMOs)  in Kenya during their 
meeting with Kenyan Bishops in Nairobi
The third session was on Sustainable Development Goals in which the Church has been very much involved in the development. After the discussions the Bishops concluded that there is need to walk with the national governments to ensure that the SDGs are implemented to the letter, spirit and understanding of the gospel.

The fourth and final session was on Kenyan elections where the Bishops were presented with options for engagement across the country and also the volatility that is being experience across the nation.  From the engagement, the Bishops agreed that there is need to continue engaging in dialogue with both the government and the opposition leaders with an intention of ensuring that tensions are reduced and that confidence is built towards the election process.

While making his concluding remarks, Most Rev. Martin Kivuva, Archbishop of Mombasa and President of Caritas Kenya, thanked the Caritas fraternity for their support and hoped that this was just the beginning of many more sessions and engagement between the conference and the CIMOs.

The Chairman of the Kenyan Conference of Catholic Bishops, Rt. Rev. Phillip Anyollo asked that the CIMOs avail all the presentations to the Bishops and thanked the CIMOs for a well-timed engagement with the Bishops.

By AMECEA Online News Correspondent, Nairobi
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KENYA: Fr. Joseph Healey, the Founder of AMECEA Social Communications Department clocks 50 years of Pastoral services as a Priest

May 27, 2016, 8:45 am
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Rev. Fr. Joseph Healey, MM, 
Founder of AMECEA Social 
Communications Department

Rev. Fr. Joseph Healey, founder of AMECEA Social Communications Department will be commemorating his 50th Anniversary as a Maryknoll Missionary Priest, an event which he plans to celebrate in his native country US in June 2016.

Fr. Healey or Mwana Jumuia (Member of Small Christian Community) as he calls himself is very proud of AMECEA Social Communications Department, which he pioneered in the early days of his priesthood.

He narrates the story of 50 years of pastoral service and communications during an interview with AMECEA Online News

In 1968, AMECEA became the first Regional Conference in Africa to establish Social Communications Department and I am very proud to be part of that establishment. Again in 2016, AMECEA Social Communications Department became the first Regional Social Communications Department to establish an ICT office in the whole of the continent of Africa, an achievement that is worth applauding.

I was ordained on June 11, 1966 and immediately proceeded to study journalism and international communications for two years. I proceeded to East Africa in 1968 where providentially I was appointed by the regional Bishops conference to pioneer the establishment of the department. When the Bishops during the AMECEA Plenary of 1967 said we want to start an office for social communications connected to the general secretariat of AMECEA in Nairobi, they said the best journalism schools in the world are in the US, so let’s ask an American Missionary Society to provide a person. That is how I got involved.

The whole plan was that I would come here, found the AMECEA Social Communication Office; get the office off the ground and then turn it over to the local Church. And that is what I did, 68 to 74, I was in the office for six years. And then after five years in 1973, we said let us look for counterpart training programs so Fr. Joseph Mukwaya from Uganda (who later became a Bishop) who worked at the catholic secretariat of Uganda came in the year 1973 as a counterpart working together, then he took over in 74.

When I established the office I was asked by the Bishops to do a survey in all the five of the AMECEA Countries which included, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Malawi and Zambia in order to assess the need of the local Church and everyone said they needed trainings.

Rev. Fr. Joseph Healey (Green Shirt) in a group photo 
with Participants of AMECEA workshop on
 ICT held recently in Nairobi
We came up with the conclusion that we have to train at least three individuals in order to get one. This is because you train people for instance the religious sisters in journalism and then their congregations make them a mother general or they are appointed for other duties by their congregations.

We carried a three-Week workshop in all the five countries whereby week one was for Print Journalism, week two for Broadcasting- journalism and week three for audio-visual.

Apart from training, coordination was another major activity carried out by the department. If I was to name one thing that is very successful to AMECEA Social Communications Department since then, is the annual meetings of the National Communications Coordinators from AMECEA member countries that have been going on for 45 years is one of them. It is extraordinary that this has continued till today. The idea of coordination between the AMECEA Countries is very important. Coordination means that the conferences work together to share resources and to exchange ideas.

In my second year at AMECEA that is in 1969 I went to Uganda for six months for the Pope’s visit and we got that scholarship of Blessed Pope Paul VI Communications Scholarship and we have had that for 47 years and it rotates among the AMECEA Countries and institutions.

Challenges at AMECEA
The big challenge we got was that the people trained did not stay in the communications field. Both the Clergy and the religious sisters trained left communications; you had to train three to get one.

In the present scenario, the Church still trains professionals not only in communications but in various fields; however, the trained personnel never get to stay due to a number of reasons among them getting better greener pastures either with the government or NGOs, resulting to a high turnover of staff. However, that is okay because we are providing staff to institutions in the AMECEA countries and hopefully they are taking with them their Catholic Values. We need quality people in the media. We used to give scholarship to local citizens, and we said let us put them under contract after their training to work for the Catholic Church for three years, but some of those bonds were broken and that was very disappointing. But, I think that to get good Catholics in secular media is also important. So I would like to see many Catholics in secular institutions, even though it means that we have to train many more.

Another major challenge that we faced at the time and which I think is a challenge to date is the network of diocesan communicators. We had planned from the beginning that each of the national office would be connected to AMECEA, and in each national office there is a connection with the dioceses. However, the network is not working, communications are quite limited because the responsibilities are often given to priests who have many other responsibilities. The networking with and among the dioceses is still a very big problem which needs to be addressed.

Fear
I am a little nervous when I see public relations taking over what you consider proper communications. In the really sense Public relation is not communications. If AMECEA Social Communications Department changes to Public Relations Office then I would be totally disappointed because the media aspect of it gets lost and we are just trying to sell AMECEA as a product globally. I realize that public relations is important but we have to get the media people in the Catholic Church right because they need to understand the content better.

Recommendation
Fully embrace the digital strategy.  Don’t see the dioceses doing well in the digital strategy. We need to go digital, The Church needs to embraces digital technology in its apostolate.

By AMECEA Online News Correspondent, Nairobi
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KENYA: Apostolic Nuncio mourns the Slovakian Nun Killed in South Sudan

May 27, 2016, 8:52 am
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Most Rev. Charles Daniel Balvo during the
requiem Mass
Most Rev. Charles Daniel Balvo, the Apostolic Nuncio to Kenya and South Sudan, has grieved Sister Veronica Rackova, a Slovakian Nun of the congregation of Sisters Servants of the Holy Spirit who was shot in South Sudan and died of her wounds in Nairobi, Kenya.

Addressing journalists at Divine Word Parish in Nairobi Kenya on Wednesday 25 May after he led the Requiem Mass for the Late Sister Veronica Archbishop Balvo said that he was hoping that she would recover from her wound but unfortunately she succumbed.

He said that it was unfortunate that Sr. Veronica who had done so much to the local people of South Sudan had to meet her death in such a sad way.

“I did not know her personally neither have I been to the Diocese of Yei. I have been to Torit, Malakal, and Rumbek; In fact, the Bishop of Yei had invited me to go there in November last year but because of the Pope’s visit to Kenya that had to be cancelled. Sometimes later I will go,” he said adding that “It is very unfortunate that the soldiers who shot at her did not know what they were doing. I was hoping that she would recover but I guess it was too much for her.”

The  Late Sr. Veronica attending to her patients in 
Yei South Sudan
Sister Veronica who was the Director of St. Bakhita Health Center was shot on her hip by SPLA night patrol in Yei Municipality at around 1:00 AM on Monday 16 May. Her body has been flown from Nairobi back to Yei on Friday 27 May where she will be buried.

Meanwhile, the Apostolic Nuncio has urged the South Sudanese leaders to put into practice everything that they promised the citizens in order to end the human suffering that has been caused by the political conflicts in the country.

“The leaders have now come together and promised to work for peace; we hope that all important words they have spoken, now will be put into action,” the Nuncio said.


By AMECEA Online News Correspondent

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AMECEA: Need for Proper Coordination at AMECEA Conferences to Ensure Better Considerations for Grants

May 27, 2016, 8:55 am
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A delegate from the Office of National Collection at the United States Catholic Bishops Conference (USCCB), Mr. Fritz Zuger, has advised AMECEA Conferences to strive to always have proper coordination at the conference level when applying for USCCB grants.

He explained the USCCB approach to pastoral grants in Africa. “The USCCB pastoral grant program, the Solidarity Fund for the Church in Africa, only works with episcopal conferences and regional associations of episcopal conferences. As we all know a Bishops’ conference has a secretary general and different departments. We usually work only with the secretary general or whomever he delegates to that responsibility according to the structures of the conference. That person should be the one coordinating everything about grants and keeping in touch with us,” Fritz who is currently visiting East African Conferences said in an interview AMECEA Online News at AMECEA Secretariat in Nairobi, Kenya.

He said that there have been situations when they receive similar grant applications from different heads of departments who are from the same conference due to lack of proper coordination. “The different heads of departments often do their own preparations and independently approach us; this means that we are working with different people from the same place at the same time,” he said.

Fritz explained that in these situations, better coordination would allow all questions discussed and solved among the departments before the requests are sent to USCCB. Then it would only be necessary to work with one principal person. This would make it easier for all involved, he said.

Meanwhile, he explained that the US Bishops Conference is sustained through the contributions of the dioceses, depending on their ability to give. He suggested that this could be a scenario that AMECEA Conferences could adopt for future sustainability. “The conference is financed by the 194 dioceses and eparchies in the United States. Every year they draw a budget of what it will cost to run the conference and the bishops approve it in their plenary meeting.” Fritz explained adding that the total cost is then divided by the dioceses and eparchies based on a particular key that is made up of a number of elements for instance the population of a diocese, the location of the diocese, the economy of the area covered by particular diocese etc.

Based on these factors the diocese is then charged with the mandate to pay an annual amount, which varies from time to time depending on other factors that might arise. He said that the bishops’ conference in the United States does not normally look for external grants because the dioceses are covering everything.

He further explained that there are about 80 dioceses in the United States that are mission dioceses that are not able to support themselves because they are poor. The conference has also established a national collection, the Catholic Home Missions Appeal, from all the dioceses in order to help those dioceses in need.

“We are collecting about $10 million dollars per year from parishioners in all the dioceses to support the needy dioceses,” he said. Those dioceses can then make grant requests to help ensure their sustainability.

He advised that this is something that AMECEA bishops can consider and deliberate upon because it is a decision that can only be made by the body of the bishops.

By Pamela Adinda, AMECEA Online News
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AMECEA: Secretariat Challenged to Strive Towards Being More Relevant to the Needs of the Region

May 27, 2016, 8:57 am
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Mr. Fritz Zuger, Consultant 
from USCCB Office of 
National Collection
Mr. Fritz Zuger from the Office of National Collection at the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) who is currently visiting East African Bishops Conferences has challenged the AMECEA Secretariat to strive towards being relevant to the needs of the Bishops in the region.

“AMECEA is doing a very good job serving different conferences in Eastern Africa and each one of the Bishops have particular needs according to the challenges in their dioceses. From what I have seen, AMECEA Secretariat departments therefore should continually develop programs that answer to the needs of the Bishops,” Fritz said during and interview with AMECEA Online Newsat the AMECEA Secretariat in Nairobi, Kenya.

“When for instance the departments of Justice Peace and Caritas produce material or information that the Bishops are looking for; anticipating even what they are looking for because the department has studied what is happening in the region and understands the various challenges in the region; if the department can deliver to the Bishops the information that can help them address particular needs, then the Bishops say ‘wow, it is great that AMECEA exists; they are giving me the material that I need right now!’” Fritz added that the departments have to continue to be swift and should always strive to anticipate what the Bishops really needs as this will make the secretariat and its departments always more relevant to the AMECEA Bishops.

He further explained that from what he has experienced, when the Social Communications Department of AMECEA helps the Bishops improve the communications in their own dioceses, then the Bishops feel the need for AMECEA and in turn support the secretariat even more willingly.

Meanwhile he emphasized the ongoing need to ensure continuity by making advanced plans such that when there is change of staff then proper handing over is done before the outgoing staff leaves.

“As we have all experienced, if a staff member leaves and there is a gap, this slows down everything. Sometimes it is not possible to have the new person come in before the outgoing staff leaves the office, however, proper handing over is very important for continuity,” he said.

Fritz also challenged the secretariat to continue to review and develop precise job descriptions for every person that works at AMECEA. He explained that a job description is a very important tool that helps an organization or institution to have personnel that matches the tasks they have been assigned to perform.

“When you have a job description that details what you are looking for then it is easier to find the person that matches these criteria,” he said. “Obviously,” he added “one might not always fit perfectly to the job they are doing but if the description is there then they can always adjust it.”

By Pamela Adinda, AMECEA Online News
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AMECEA: Pastoral Coordinator Rev Fr. Febian Pikiti leaves AMECEA Secretariat for his sabbatical leave

May 27, 2016, 9:28 am
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Rev. Fr. Febian Mulenga Pikiti, 
Outgoing Pastoral 
Coordinator at AMECEA

Rev Fr. Febian Pikiti Mulenga is leaving AMECEA secretariat this week for his Sabbatical leave after finishing his mandate as Pastoral Department of the secretariat.

Speaking to AMECEA Online News, Fr. Pikiti said, as my mandate and service as Pastoral Coordinator at AMECEA Secretariat comes to an end, I am prayerfully thanking God for the gift of priesthood and the Church in the AMECEA Region.

National Annual Pastoral Coordinators Meeting in 
Nairobi with Mr. Hans Peter from Missio Germany
Fr. Pikiti was appointed as Pastoral Coordinator at the AMECEA Secretariat fours year ago. He said that although the period has been very short, yet from the experience, it has been a great moment of growth in his faith, priestly ministry and personal maturity.

Catholic Students Workshop in Nairobi organized by 
AMECEA Pastoral Department in Nairobi 2015
“It has been indeed a blessing that God offered me this opportunity to serve the Church as Pastoral Coordinator here at AMECEA Secretariat. If ever something has been achieved in the Pastoral Department during the few years I have served here, it is because of the collaboration with all those with whom I have journeyed in seeking the will of God,” he said.

Conference on the Council of the Laity for Eastern Africa 
(COLEA) Workshop in Dar-es-Salaam Tanzania
 organized by Pastoral Department  in 2004
He said, “I am going back home, to the Archdiocese of Kasama, in Zambia, I would like to thank the Chairman of AMECEA, His Eminence, Berhaneyesus D. Cardinal Souraphiel and also the Executive Board for their guidance and wisdom in carrying out my mandate,” he said, adding “I am very grateful to Right Rev. Philip Anyolo, Bishop of Homa Bay, Kenya and Chairman of Pastoral Department for supporting me in all the initiatives that we embarked on as a Department.”

Workshop on the Assessment of Priests Organized by 
Pastoral Department in Nairobi in 2015
Fr. Pikiti said that he is indebted to his Local Ordinary, Most Rev. Ignatius Chama, together with Zambia Episcopal Conference, for appointing him to serve the Church in the AMECEA region; and to the Secretary General, Very Rev. Fr. Ferdinand Lugonzo Ferdinand and to all the Staff members of AMECEA Secretariat.  “I say that your collaboration made all that we achieved together possible,” he said.

“To all friends and benefactors who supported the activities of the Pastoral Department, I am thankful to you and wishing you God’s abundant blessings,” he said.

By AMECEA Online News Correspondent, Nairobi
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AMECEA: Rev Fr Chimombo from Malawi to head Pastoral Department

May 27, 2016, 9:33 am
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Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Chimombo, 
Newly Appointed Coordinator, 
AMECEA Pastoral Department.
 Fr. Chimombo is from Malawi

The Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa. (AMECEA) Executive Board has appointed Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Chimombo from Malawi as new AMECEA Pastoral Coordinator.

The appointment was ratified last week during the AMECEA Executive Board meeting held from 19 -20 May 2016 at the Secretariat Office in Nairobi, Kenya. Fr. Chimombo is taking the office from Rev Fr Febian Pikiti from the Archdiocese of Kasama, Zambia who finished his mandate with AMECEA.

The AMECEA Chairman H.E Berhaneysus D. Souraphiel expressed gratitude to Fr Pikiti for the services he rendered to AMECEA secretariat and wished him a success in his new responsibility.

Among the many responsibilities Fr Pikiti carried out at AMECEA secretariat is the revitalization of the Council of Laity of Eastern Africa which aimed to assist and encourage the laity to understand and fulfilltheir evangelizing mission; to promote dialogue between the laity and Bishops, priests and religious in order to build up the church as a family; to foster human and Christian formation and technical training of the laity and to encourage the exchange of information/experiences among the AMECEA laity.

Meanwhile, according to information reporting from Malawi the announcement of the appointment of Fr. Chimombo was made by ECM Secretary General Very Rev Fr Henry Saindi through his official statement.

“On behalf of the Catholic Bishops of the Episcopal Conference of Malawi, I write to officially announce the appointment of Reverend Father Emmanuel Chimombo as AMECEA Pastoral Coordinator,” read part of the statement signed by Fr. Saindi.

He said Fr. Chimombo is expected to report at AMECEA Secretariat in June 2016. “On behalf of the Episcopal Conference of Malawi, I take this occasion to congratulate and wish Father Chimombo God’s blessings as he takes up this new position at the regional level,” said Fr. Saindi.

Until his appointment, Father Chimombo was serving as the National Pastoral Secretary and Deputy Secretary General at ECM.

Fr. Chimombo hails from Mayaka Parish in the Diocese of Zomba, Malawi.


By AMECEA Online News Correspondent and Prince Henderson ECM Communications Office
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AMECEA: Professor Justus Mbae Installed the 7th CUEA Vice Chancellor

May 27, 2016, 9:40 am
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Installation Ceremony of Prof. Justus Mbae
 as new Vice Chancellor of CUEA


The Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) on May 26, witnessed the installation of Prof. Justus Mbae as the 7th, the First Lay person and the First Kenyan Vice-Chancellor (VC) of the University.

Other Vice Chancellors during the 32 years of CUEA existence came from Tanzania (3), Uganda (2), and Sudan (1).

The installation of Prof Mbae took place at the Langata main Campus, in Nairobi, as part of the graduation Holy Mass.

The ceremony was presided over by the Chairman of the University Council Rt. Rev. Maurice Muhatia Makumba, who represented the Chancellor of the University, H.E Berhaneyesus D. Cardinal Souraphiel, AMECEA Chairman and the Archbishop of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Prof Mbae recited the Creed as a sign of his commitment to the Catholic church and what it stands for.

Rt. Rev. Muhatia, who is the Bishop of Nakuru, Kenya congratulated Prof Mbae and promised him the support of the University council as he takes this new assignment.  

Prof. Mbae holding the Symbol of Power
 right after being Installed
 Vice Chancellor of CUEA
Meanwhile, Bishop Muhatia thanked the outgoing Vice Chancellor, Msgr. Pius Rutechura on behalf of the Chancellor for the services he rendered to the University during his five years’ tenure at the university.

“I wish you success and God’s blessings in your new responsibilities back in your diocese,” he said.

Speaking during the event, Prof Mbae expressed gratitude to the AMECEA members of the Executive Board for the big trust they put on him. He was also grateful to the outgoing Vice-Chancellor, Msgr. Rutechura for the wonderful work during his tenure as a Vice Chancellor. “Fr Pius has been a friend, and a mentor,” he said.  

On his part Msgr. Rutechura said that with the installation of the new Vice Chancellor his service at CUEA has come to an end.

“I am going back to my diocese after 22 years of service outside,” he said.

Monsignor Rutechura asked the CUEA community to support the new Vice Chancellor, “I have no doubt of his abilities to lead the university,” he said.


By AMECEA Online News Correspondent, Nairobi, Kenya
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KENYA: Elect deserving leaders, Bishop Appeals to Kenyans

June 3, 2016, 6:25 am
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Rt. Rev. Emmanuel Barbara, Bishop of Malindi 
during an interview with The Catholic Mirror
Rt. Rev. Emmanuel Barbara Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Malindi has called on political leaders to rise above negative ethnicity and personal interests and instead focus on uniting Kenyans and development of the country.

In an interview with The Catholic Mirror, Bishop Barbara encouraged Kenyans to vote for leaders of integrity and those with the interest of Kenyan people at heart come 2017 elections."We would like to see nationalistic leaders, it is not enough to say "sisi watu wa Kenya (we the people of Kenya),” while their actions say otherwise.”

The Bishop appealed to Kenyans to shun negative ethnicity and violence as the Country approach the electioneering period 2017 and instead focus on making Kenya a better place by practicing responsible citizenry.

At the same time, Bishop Barbara urged the government to involve and consult the church on decisions of national importance. “The church may have different ideas other than those of the government but all with good intentions for her people,” said the Bishop.

He regretted that the church has been side lined in important issues affecting Kenyans even though it plays a big role in development of the county. “Catholic Church is the main sponsor of education and health facilities in the country.” He added.

The Bishop was specifically referring to the WHO/UNICEF sponsored tetanus immunization campaign launched in October 2013 supposedly to eradicate neonatal tetanus. It was targeted at girls and women between the ages of 14 – 49 (child bearing age) and in 60 specific districts spread all around the country.

He expressed disappointment that the Government is collaborating with the outsiders to control the population of its people without worrying about the consequences that could affect the nation in future encouraging Kenyans to listen to the church leaders on such matters so as to make informed choices


Source: The Catholic Mirror, KCCB
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SOUTH SUDAN: Bishop Lodu Encourages Missionaries to remain strong in faith

June 3, 2016, 6:28 am
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Rt. Rev. Erkolano Ludo Tombe, 
Bishop of  Catholic Diocese of Yei
Rt. Rev. Erkolano Lodu Tombe, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Yei has encouraged to missionary priests and religious sisters working in the Diocese and throughout South Sudan to remain strong in their faith after the painful death of Sister Veronika Rackova who was shot in Yei.

Bishop Lodu spoke during a farewell gathering with diocesan priests and sisters of the Congregation of Sisters Servants of the Holy Spirit on Tuesday, Radio Easter reports.

He requests the missionary congregations to send more priests and sisters to the diocese.

“Losing sister Veronika, one of laborers in the Lord’s harvest leaves a big gap which needs an urgent respond,” Bishop Lodu said while thanking the missionaries for the role they play in the diocese including evangelization, health and education.

Sister Eleonora Teresa, general councillor of Catholic Religious women in South Sudan said that they will continue to work with the diocese adding that they accepted the recent situation in faith and hope for the renewal of their commitments.

Sister Teresa said that they will keep praying for peace in South Sudan through the late Sister Veronika who died as a martyr.

Meanwhile the Apostolic Administrator of the Catholic Diocese of Torit is calling on the governments of South Sudan, Kenya and Uganda to support peace-building activities across the three borders.

Monsignor Thomas Oliha said that the church is facing a lot of financial constraints in its effort to ensure the implementation of cross-border peace initiatives, Radio Emmanuel reported.

Monsignor Oliha appealed to the three governments to own the initiative by extending their monetary support to the church to increase peace-building activities.

The peace actions aim to create peaceful co-existence among communities of Toposa of South Sudan, Turkana of Kenya and Karamoja of Uganda and other communities along the three borders.

Peace building activities in the Catholic Diocese of Torit is supported by Pax Bank and Monsignor Oliha appreciates the donor for giving money, urging them to continue in the same spirit.


Source: CRN
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KENYA: The Focolare movement taking root in Africa

June 3, 2016, 6:31 am
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Maria Voce, President of Focolare Movement
The Focolare Movement is seeking to strengthen its penetration in the African continent. According to Maria Voce, the President of the Focolare Movement, the society hopes to recruit as many African religious, priests, the laity, the young and families to the movement whose core principles are embedded on unity and reciprocal love among the people. “The movement is at the disposal of those who want to deepen their faith” Voce said.

While visiting Maria Polese School for enculturation in Nairobi, Kenya, late May, 2016, Voce met more than 300 members from Kenya, Ethopia, Madagascar and West Africa Countries who are currently learning to enhance a better understanding and incorporation of African cultures and how to illuminate the gospel in these cultures. “African culture can be a gift to all the cultures in the world.” She noted.

She later met with the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) Vice chancellor Professor Justus Gitari Mbae to discuss potential future cooperation so as to enable the spirituality of the movement to penetrate the World through the university. “Focolare has a future in Africa, together with the other movements and congregations.” She stated.

Maria Voce also, addressed hundreds of law and Social Science students at CUEA where she encouraged them to give law a human face and seek justice founded on the values of fraternity. “It is not the law that contributes to the common good, but the person who contributes to promoting just laws.” She said.

The Focolare Movement is an international organization that promotes the ideals of unity and universal brotherhood. Founded in 1943 in Trento, northern Italy by Chiara Lubich as a religious movement, the movement has more than two million followers worldwide.


By Rose Achiego, Waumini Communications, KCCB
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