KENYA: CUEA Holds 34th Graduation

October 28, 2016, 5:49 am

≫ Next: MALAWI: Chikwawa Diocese lays foundation stone Shrine Construction

≪ Previous: SOUTH SUDAN: SOUTH SUDAN: AMECEA Justice Peace and Caritas Coordinator pays a courtesy call to the South Sudan Bishops Secretariat

$

0

0

Cardinal Berhaneyesus Presides over Graduation Mass at CUEA

The Chairman of AMECEA, H.E. Berhaneyesus Cardinal Souraphiel who is also the Chancellor of the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) has led the 34^thGraduation Ceremony where some 1,782 candidates were awarded diplomas and degree in various fields.

The guest of honour at colourful ceremony which was conducted at the university’s main Campus in Langata, Nairobi on Friday, October 28, was Sr. Rosemarie Nassif, SSND who is the Director of the Catholic Sisters Initiative of the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation.

On Thursday, October 27, Cardinal Souraphiel who is the Metropolitan Archbishop of Addis Ababa Ethiopia presided over Holy Eucharist for the graduating candidates where he stressed upon the need to pray for God’s Mercy especially during this year of Mercy for an end of conflict in the different parts of the world.

∽End∽

---

MALAWI: Chikwawa Diocese lays foundation stone Shrine Construction

October 28, 2016, 2:57 am

≫ Next: KENYA: Church in Africa Evangelizing through SCCs

≪ Previous: KENYA: CUEA Holds 34th Graduation

$

0

0

By Prince Henderson, ECM Communications Officer

Fr. Vincent Mwakhwawa, The National Pontifical Missionary Societies  of the Episcopal Conference of Malawi Led the Occasion of   Laying of the Foundation Stone for the Shrine

Nsanje Parish of Chikwawa Diocese of the Catholic Church has taken an initiative to construct a Shrine at a place where the first Missionaries buried a medal of the Blessed Virgin Mary underneath a Baobab tree they planted upon their arrival in Malawi from Holland in 1901.

Parish Priest for Nsanje Parish, Fr. Michael Hussain said the first Missionaries who were the Montfort Fathers came all the way from Holland through Indian Ocean connecting to Zambezi River then Shire River on a mission to spread the word of God in Malawi.

“By burying the medal of the blessed Virgin Mary, these missionaries only wanted to symbolize that they were dedicating all their missionary work to Mother Mary, the Mother of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is against this background that Parishioners of Nsanje Parish, would like to construct this place as a historical place,” said Fr. Hussain during a Missionary Sunday celebration, a day aimed at promoting missionary works in the Catholic Church throughout the whole world.

He said this project should not be regarded as a project for Nsanje Parishioners or Catholic faithful alone but should be regarded as a national historical project as it carries the country’s historical facts in terms of Christianity in Malawi.

“We will put up a simple structure for the mean time but our plans are that we build a Chapel at the side where people will come to pray, then a hostel and we may even think of constructing a school,” he said.

The National Pontifical Missionary Societies of the Episcopal Conference of Malawi, Fr. Vincent Mwakhwawa who laid the foundation stone concurred with Fr. Hussain that indeed the place is a historical one and keeping its history will be ideal.

He said the first missionaries came to Malawi to preach to us the word of God and they are still preaching to us through various means hence time has come for Malawians too to become missionaries to others. It was for this reason that the Catholic Church set aside the month of October as Missionary month where Catholics world-over celebrate World Mission Sunday and as such encouraged to pray Holy Rosary daily.

His Lordship Peter Musikuwa who led the Holy Eucharistic Mass in his message from the Holy Father “Missionary Church, Witness of Mercy” centered on the missionary activities done by the Church as true visible signs of God’s mercy.

He said all that the Church does in taking care of the spiritual and bodily life of people on earth is a witness of Mercy. This witness comes from the joyful encounter with Jesus Christ. Thus, he called upon all to open up their hearts to Jesus Christ and then to the needs of other people.

∽End∽

KENYA: Church in Africa Evangelizing through SCCs

October 28, 2016, 3:54 am

≫ Next: MALAWI: Catholic Education Commission sensitizes the youth on local governance issues

≪ Previous: MALAWI: Chikwawa Diocese lays foundation stone Shrine Construction

$

0

0

By Rose Achiego, Waumini Communications KCCB

Group Photo of the Participants of the Pan-African Meeting on Small Christian Communities

Strengthening and networking of Small Christian Communities (SCCs) in Africa and beyond can be a major contribution of the African Church to the World.

Small Christian Communities is focused on "Christians coming together for prayer, scripture reading, catechesis and discussion on human and ecclesial issues with a view to a common commitment. These communities are a sign of vitality within the Church, an instrument of formation and evangelization, and a solid starting point for a new society based on the 'civilization of love.'" (Pope John Paul II)

In an interview with the Auxiliary Bishop of Bukoba Diocese in Tanzania Rt. Rev. Methodius Kilaini during the third Pan-African meeting in Nairobi early this week, said that the idea of SCCs started in Zaire in 1961, after the II Vatican Council explained the Church as a family of God.

Bishop kilaini also said that the Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa (AMECEA) countries embraced the idea in 1973 and made it official in 1976 after which different Conferences in Africa started rolling out the program in the Dioceses and Parishes.

Rt. Rev. Methodius Kilaini,  Auxiliary Bishop of Bukoba

The Bishop of Bukoba who has ten years of experience in planning of the activities of the Small Christian Communities from the Tanzania Episcopal Conference (TEC) is now focused on networking the SCCs to enhance evangelization throughout the World.

“We are meeting to make the program more systematic by creating social media platforms such as WhatsApp groups, websites, blogs and Facebook to help interact, exchange ideas and share experiences with the World.” He said, adding that the Catholic faithful in Germany have already shown interest and the next focus will be in Europe.

The one week meeting that brought together 16 participants from Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Burkina Faso, Germany and Democratic Republic of Congo, was funded by Missio.

∽End∽

MALAWI: Catholic Education Commission sensitizes the youth on local governance issues

November 4, 2016, 5:11 am

≫ Next: UGANDA: Catholic Church Re-Launches National Campaign Against Gender Based Violence

≪ Previous: KENYA: Church in Africa Evangelizing through SCCs

$

0

0

Br. Pascal Mtuwana,  ECM National  Education Secretary

By Prince Henderson, ECM Communications Officer

The Catholic Education Commission (CEC) of the Episcopal Conference of Malawi has embarked on a capacity building project for the youth especially students at St Mary’s Girls Catholic Secondary School, Zomba Boys Catholic Secondary and Chancellor College to enable them to effectively engage in governance and national budgetary process

National Educational Secretary, Brother Pascal Mtuwana said the project which is jointly being implemented by the Malawi Economic Justice Network (MEJN), Public Affairs Committee (PAC) and Catholic Education Commission (CEC) with funding from European Union through Trocaire is aimed at empowering the youth to demand services from duty bearers.

“Through this project, issues of justice, human rights and gender will be translated into accessible and youth-relevant materials that enable students to take up their role as activists for global justice,” said Bro. Mtuwana.

He said the project which is being implemented in Zomba has also an intended audience of national coverage through various print and electronic media outlets.

“During the project’s needs assessment we found out that National and Daily Times Newspapers in the print industry and Radio Maria, Zodiak Broadcasting Station and YONECO FM in the electronic industry are the most liked media channels among the youths hence the reason they were ear marked to advance publicity,” he said adding that, so far journalists drawn from these media houses have already been trained to effectively cover the project’s activities.

Ms. Cresensia Kansale, National Project Coordinator for CEC

National Project’s Coordinator for CEC, Cresensia Kansale said the training manual being used, civic education and debate sessions were designed in such a way that they are youth friendly, and effective in advocating for Local Governance Accountability and gender-responsive local governance in Malawi among the youth.

Two civic education sessions on Local Government (roles and responsibilities of local councils, budgetary processes) and the Local Governance Advocacy with secondary school students at Zomba Catholic Secondary School have been conducted.  University students at Chancellor College have also had debates on the same and the outcome have so far been good.

Meanwhile, both St Mary’s and Zomba Catholic Secondary School students have commended the coming in of the project.

“This is an eye opener to us as students and the youths in general. We ought to be engaged and consulted in every democratic process as we constitute a larger population in the country,” said one of the participants from St. Mary’s Secondary School.

∽End∽

UGANDA: Catholic Church Re-Launches National Campaign Against Gender Based Violence

November 4, 2016, 5:11 am

≫ Next: TANZANIA: 'Forgiveness and Reconciliation Emphasized at Close of Year of Mercy@, - Bishop Mlola

≪ Previous: MALAWI: Catholic Education Commission sensitizes the youth on local governance issues

$

0

0

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

As part of the church’s effort to see an end to Gender Based Violence (GBV) and promote women empowerment (WE) in the country, the Catholic Church in Uganda will this Saturday, November 5, 2016, re-launch a national drive on domestic violence prevention and women empowerment.

The National campaign will be carried out all year round but will intensify during the four weeks of the Season of Advent, which begins on Sunday November 27. Advent Season also coincides with the international commemoration of the 16 days of activism against Gender Based Violence (November 25– December 10). The campaign will run under the theme, “Merciful Parents, Peaceful Families” as extracted from Luke 6:36 in which Jesus calls upon us to be merciful just as our Father is merciful.

The Catholic Church in Uganda has been running the national campaign against domestic violence and the promotion of peace in families since 2010, in partnership with two Irish organisations which includes Trocaire and Irish Aid. But, following the rise of women empowerment subject around the world, the Church has also decided to pick-up the trend as one of its campaign focus.

“We chose our campaign theme as Women Empowerment and Domestic Violence Prevention Campaign because currently, the issue of women empowerment which includes gender balance and equality among other things has come up loudly,” the National Coordinator for the Domestic Violence Prevention Desk of the Uganda Episcopal Conference adding, “We have realized that many families are falling part because some women don’t know their roles. If we are to work on strengthening family units focus should be on both men and women.”

The campaign is aimed at creating awareness about the problem of GBV and to bring about behaviour change in the society such as women empowerment. It will be implemented in all the 19 dioceses of the Catholic Church in Uganda making an endeavour to reach out to all our parishes and families. Material such as posters, t-shirts and info-packs will be distributed in the churches throughout the country as part of this effort to see an end to domestic violence.

According to the Uganda Police Annual Crime Report of 2014, domestic violence is one of the most common forms of abuse in Uganda leading to loss of lives and property. This for sure highlights the gravity of this cancer which is quietly destroying the fabric of the society which is the family.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the UEC, Most Rev. John Baptist Odama, also the Archbishop of Gulu, the Irish Ambassador to Uganda, H. E. Donal Cronin and the Country Director of Trocaire, Ian Dolan are some of the key figures that will grace the re-launch event.

∽End∽

TANZANIA: 'Forgiveness and Reconciliation Emphasized at Close of Year of Mercy@, - Bishop Mlola

November 4, 2016, 5:16 am

≫ Next: AMECEA: Constituent Colleges of CUEA set to Become Universities

≪ Previous: UGANDA: Catholic Church Re-Launches National Campaign Against Gender Based Violence

$

0

0

Rt. Rev. Joseph Mlola, Bishop of Kigoma

By Silvanus Kayanda, Kigoma

During the whole year of the Jubilee of Mercy every Catholic had opportunity to seek forgiveness and reconciliation. It was the opportunity in a special way to reflect the mystery of the incarnation, passion, death and resurrection of Christ Jesus for freeing mankind from the abyss of sin and death. “Divine Mercy deeply touches the life and mission of the Church.” Bishop Joseph Mlola said this during the Holy Mass of Closing the Year of Mercy in Kigoma Diocese the year which was opened by Pope Francis December 8 2015 Vatican during the Feast of Mary Immaculate.

"God's mercy is the Central Pillar of the Catholic Church: God's mercy is the way God and man are united and give one's heart hope to realize that he is always loved by Him despite of the limitations of human weakness. Compassion is God's law carefully attached to a man's heart and make the Church exists firmly.”

Bishop Mlola further said that, in the Year of Mercy Pope Francis emphasized the importance of the power of God. He admitted that the mercy of God is eternal and that man will always remain under the merciful eyes of God.

He also insisted that Jesus in His life and mission, explained the meaning of compassion because he is the Fountain of Love and this Illustration was offered as sacrifices on the cross.Love is the manifestation of God the Father and the performance becomes a model of identifying true children of God. Basically, all Christians are challenged to forgive one another since they have been the first people to taste mercy, for forgiveness of sins committed.

“We take for granted not forgiving others. Much as it is not easy to forgive, God wants us weak Christian to learn from Him love and compassion to others so as to receive Christ’s mercy over him/her. Remember that forgiveness is a tool that has been put into the hands of human beings who are weak, in order to get a quiet heart, so that finally, live happily,” Bishop Mlola insisted.

Speaking about the motto of the Jubilee of Mercy: "Be compassionate as your Father in Heaven" the Pope admits that the concept of God's mercy is part of the life of his mission as reflected even in his Episcopal emblem “Miserando atgue aligendo” "which always continue to surprise him in his life. “The Holy Father explains the importance of proclaiming and witnessing the Mercy of God in the modern world, with a focus on new strategies for Pastoral activities. This is because these are the basics in life and mission of the Church, in order to be credible in the proclamation of the Good News of Salvation. This means we need modern ways of bringing God’s kingdom to this new world.”

∽End∽

AMECEA: Constituent Colleges of CUEA set to Become Universities

November 4, 2016, 5:22 am

≫ Next: SOUTH SUDAN: Ongoing fighting in South Sudan saddens Southern African Catholic Bishops

≪ Previous: TANZANIA: 'Forgiveness and Reconciliation Emphasized at Close of Year of Mercy@, - Bishop Mlola

$

0

0

By Pamela Adinda, AMECEA Online News

Prof Justus Mbae, Vice Chancellor  CUEA During the 34th Graduation Ceremony of the University

Two Constituent Colleges of the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) are set to become an independent university after they merged. This was confirmed by the Vice Chancellor of CUEA Prof Justus Mbae in his speech during the 34^thGraduation Ceremony held on 28^th October 2016 at the University’s main Campus in Langata, Nairobi, Kenya

“Just like in a family where children upon attaining the age of maturity go out to build their own livelihoods, CUEA, the only private University in Kenya with constituent colleges, has reached the point of letting the Colleges it has guided to go forth and grow as Universities,” Prof Mbae said.

According to Prof Mbae, Tangaza University College has come together with Marist International University College to form Tangaza University. “They have fulfilled all that is required to become a University and in the next few months, the Kenyan Government will award to them a Letter of Interim Authority to operate as a University.”

Another constituent college of CUEA, St. Monica University College, Uzima, which belongs to the Archdiocese of Kisumu has also applied to the Kenyan Government to be awarded with a Letter of Interim Authority. “I would like to wish the three University Colleges well as they become Universities and I say to you, our door will always be open for future partnerships and collaborations,” Prof Mbae said.

He revealed that in August this year, Regina Pacis University College, run by the Assumption Sisters of Nairobi join CUEA as an Institute under the Faculty of Science. In addition, Hekima College, a Theological Centre of the Society of Jesus is also in talks with CUEA with a prospect of becoming a Campus of CUEA as it too prepares to become an independent University.

∽End∽

SOUTH SUDAN: Ongoing fighting in South Sudan saddens Southern African Catholic Bishops

November 4, 2016, 5:22 am

≫ Next: UGANDA: Caritas Uganda Responds to the Plight of South Sudanese Refugees

≪ Previous: AMECEA: Constituent Colleges of CUEA set to Become Universities

$

0

0

Most Rev. Stephen Brislin, President  of South African Catholic Bishops'  Conference

Source: Catholic Radio Network

Southern African Catholic Bishops’ expressed concerns that the continuous fighting in South Sudan has saddened their Conference. “The Conference is saddened most by unnecessary death of innocent people, displacement and general disruption of normal life”, says Archbishop Stephen Brislin, President of the Conference in a letter of solidarity.

In his letter, he regretted  to know that there are people born in war, grew up, married and gave birth to children during war in South Sudan”, he adds. He assured the people of South Sudan that the Southern African Catholic Bishops and people are with them during this difficult moment, says the Catholic prelate.

Archbishop Brislin also comforted people of South Sudan by saying that there is hope for peace in the future by quoting an African proverb saying “the darkest hour is the movement just before dawn”.

Meanwhile the Auxiliary Bishop of Catholic Archdiocese of Juba has urged South Sudanese to listen to the messages of Peace. Bishop Santo Loku Pio in his homily on Monday during the feast of All Saints challenged South Sudanese to open their ears and listen to others, Radio Bakhita reports.

Last week, Church leaders met Pope Francis in Vatican over the crisis in the country and discuss many issues including inviting the Holy Father to visit South Sudan. The religious leaders met Pope Francis in Vatican because churches have spoken enough about the crisis in the country, he emphasized. Bishop Loku said South Sudanese may listen to the Pope because he is the last person on the earth.

∽End∽

---

UGANDA: Caritas Uganda Responds to the Plight of South Sudanese Refugees

November 4, 2016, 5:22 am

≫ Next: VATICAN: Cardinal Filoni's Pastoral visit Program to Malawi and Zambia

≪ Previous: SOUTH SUDAN: Ongoing fighting in South Sudan saddens Southern African Catholic Bishops

$

0

0

South Sudanese Refugees Staying at Bidibidi Camp, Uganda

Source: Caritas Uganda

Caritas Uganda has responded to the socio-economic needs of some of the 42,000 refugees currently residing at Bidi Bidi Refugee camp by empowering them to be self-reliant and have dignified lives in the camp.

Following the collapse of the peace process on 9^th July, 2016 when government and opposition forces clashed in the capital Juba. The opposition forces fled towards the Congolese border and as the government pursued them, the ever peaceful Yei River State got drawn into the war. In less than 2 months 240,000 more South Sudanese fled their country, prompting the Ugandan government to open Bidi Bidi refugee settlement.

Two months ago Bidi Bidi was a forest, now it is home to 169,000 people and one of the largest refugee camps in the world. As the 2016 rainy season drew to an end, Caritas Uganda’s emergency team launched a campaign for assistance and within weeks several International Caritas organizations and the Swiss Government mobilized enough funds to support 20,000 refugees. In the meantime, the Ugandan Government had requested Caritas to cater for the needs of all 42,000 refugees of Bidi Bidi’s “Zone 2”, so Caritas Uganda’s plea for assistance will continue until the needs of all those people have been met.

On the 22^nd of October the Caritas refugee response was officially launched with a large seeds and tools distribution. Within days, volunteers helped to distribute 10,000 hand tools and 10 metric tons of vegetable seeds in order to allow the refugees to grow pulses and vegetables so they can improve their diet. On the 26^thof October, the distribution was attended by the Papal Nuncio to Uganda, Archbishop Michael Blume, and the Bishop of Arua Diocese, Rt. Rev Sabino Odoki, in order to give the refugees a message of hope.

This distribution was the first activity in a 12-month program that will bring back dignity and self-reliance for the refugees by providing them with sanitary pads, mosquito nets, crop seeds and everyday agricultural support. In order to allow the refugees to make maximum use of their time in exile, the program will also take 420 refugee youths for vocational and agro-economic trainings in regional technical institutes. As their exile is expected to be temporarily, Caritas is not only looking at their current situation in Uganda, but we also want to make sure that they are fully ready for resettlement once the situation in their home country stabilizes.

The lands on which the refugees have settled, belongs to the Ugandan host communities and in order to thank them for their generosity, Caritas Uganda will also support 4,000 vulnerable Ugandans who are living around the camps. They will get similar support as the refugees and will embark on a massive tree planting campaign in order to compensate for the deforestation the camp has caused.

∽End∽

VATICAN: Cardinal Filoni's Pastoral visit Program to Malawi and Zambia

November 4, 2016, 5:25 am

≫ Next: MALAWI: Cardinal Filoni arrives for a 5-Day Pastoral visit in the country

≪ Previous: UGANDA: Caritas Uganda Responds to the Plight of South Sudanese Refugees

$

0

0

Vatican City (Agenzia Fides)

H.E. Fernando Cardinal  Filoni,

Cardinal Fernando Filoni, Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, begins his pastoral visit to Malawi today, where on November 5 he will preside at the consecration of the Cathedral of the diocese of Karonga, as Special Envoy of Pope Francis, and then in Zambia, for the 125 years of evangelization.

The Prefect of the Congregation will arrive in Malawi in the late morning of today, November 3. In the afternoon he will celebrate Mass in the Cathedral of Lilongwe then, immediately after, will meet with the clergy and religious. On Friday, November 4 he will travel to Mzuzu, where he will celebrate Mass and then in the afternoon leave for Karonga, where he will be welcomed by the children of Holy Childhood.

On the morning of Saturday 5, the rite of consecration of the Cathedral, dedicated to St. Joseph the Worker will be held, and in the afternoon the Prefect will have a meeting with the Bishops. The following day, on Sunday, November 6, Cardinal Filoni will return to Lilongwe where, in the afternoon, he will celebrate Mass in the parish of St. Patrick, then he will meet with the laity.

On Monday morning, November 7 after a visit to the Mother Teresa Center, the Prefect of the Congregation will leave for Lusaka, Zambia, where in the afternoon he will meet with the Bishops. On Tuesday 8 a Mass is scheduled at the St. Dominic Major Seminary, followed by a meeting with the formators of the three major seminaries. In the afternoon Vespers in the monastery of the Poor Clares.

On Wednesday, November 9 he will celebrate Mass in the Cathedral of the Child Jesus, and in the afternoon will preside over the opening of the National Catholic Forum (NCF). On Thursday 10 Cardinal Filoni will celebrate Mass at the Sisters of Mother Teresa, and then will return to Rome. 

 (Agenzia Fides 03/11/2016)

MALAWI: Cardinal Filoni arrives for a 5-Day Pastoral visit in the country

November 4, 2016, 5:28 am

≫ Next: AMECEA: Bishop Mtumbuka Appeals for unity of Clergy and Religious with their Bishops

≪ Previous: VATICAN: Cardinal Filoni's Pastoral visit Program to Malawi and Zambia

$

0

0

By Prince Henderson-ECM Communications Officer

The Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, H. E. Fernando Cardinal Filoni arrived at Kamuzu International Airport (KIA), Malawi ahead of the consecration of St Joseph the Worker Cathedral of the Catholic Church in Karonga Diocese on Saturday, 5 this week.

Cardinal Filoni was welcomed in the warm heart of Africa by His Excellency Archbishop Julio Murat, Apostolic Nuncio to Malawi and Zambia, Archbishops Tarcisius Ziyaye and Thomas Luke Msusa of Lilongwe and Blantyre Archdioceses respectively, His Lordship Martin Mtumbuka of Karonga Diocese and the Secretary General of the Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM), Fr. Henry Saindi.

He looked excited to be in Malawi and was visibly seen smiling while thanking the Bishops for the warm welcome. “Thank you for your warm welcome,” said Cardinal Filoni.

On Friday, he will interact with the Laity (akhristu eni ake) including children at St. Mary's Parish in the Diocese of Karonga before he proceeds to consecrate St Joseph the Worker Cathedral of the Diocese of Karonga.

The Vice-President of Malawi, Honorable Saulosi Chilima will represent President Arthur Peter Mutharika at the consecration ceremony.

On Sunday, Cardinal Filoni will lead in a Eucharistic celebration at St. Patrick's Parish in the Archdiocese of Lilongwe at 5pm and on Monday morning hours he will celebrate the Eucharistic at the Monastery of the Poor Clares before visiting Children at Missionary Sisters of Charity (Sisters of St. Tereza of Calcutta) in Kawale. From Malawi, he will proceed to Zambia through Kamuzu International Airport.

The Holy Father Pope Francis named the Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, Cardinal Filoni, as his special envoy at the consecration of St Joseph the worker Cathedral of the Diocese of Karonga.

The Diocese of Karonga is one of the eight dioceses in Malawi. It was created on 21 July 2010 and officially inaugurated on 20 November 2010. On the same day, Bishop Martin Anwel Mtumbuka was ordained as the first Bishop of the diocese.

Karonga Diocese is divided into two deaneries which are subdivided into six parishes. The diocese covers the geographical districts of Karonga and Chitipa including the northern part of Rumphi. It has an area of 12 000 Square Kilometres with a population of 467 000 of whom about 65 000 are Catholics. 

AMECEA: Bishop Mtumbuka Appeals for unity of Clergy and Religious with their Bishops

November 4, 2016, 5:31 am

≫ Next: AMECEA: CUEA Chancellor urges graduants to be Champions of Truth

≪ Previous: MALAWI: Cardinal Filoni arrives for a 5-Day Pastoral visit in the country

$

0

0

By Pamela Adinda, AMECEA Online News

Rt.  Rev. Martin Mtumbuka,  CUEA Council Member and  Bishop of Karonga, Malawi Speaking during 34th CUEA  Graduation Ceremony

Rt. Rev. Martin Mtumbuka, Bishop of Karonga Malawi and Council Member of the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) has appealed to the priests and religious men and women graduating from the university as well as those working at the university to maintain unity of purpose with their respective ordinaries.

Bishop Mtumbuka who delivered a speech at the 34^th Graduation Ceremony of the university on behalf of the chairman of CUEA Council Rt. Rev Maurice Muhatia of Nakuru Diocese, Kenya, also challenged CUEA staff to serve the community, promote the common good and uphold integrity. He promised the continuing students that the CUEA Council and the entire university fraternity will do their best to avoid letting them down.

He reiterated that the university Council was equally elated with the grant of license to the Faculty of Law. “This has been after years of sustained hard work by staff of the Faculty of Law and Management too. We congratulate all who worked hard to see the accreditation process successful. We also thank the students of the Faculty of law, many of whom graduate today for your patience, support and prayers throughout the process. We wish to reiterate our commitment to ensure that the Faculty of Law is the best Law Faculty in the region.”

Meanwhile he said that CUEA continues to strive to embrace innovative ideas that not only enhance its academic programmes but also exemplify its corporate governance structures, Human Resources Capacity Building and infrastructure. “It is in this regard that the University launched its Business Incubation Centre an evidence that CUEA is committed to inculcating a culture of creativity and innovation,” he said adding that the University is also steadfast in promoting ideas that create a sustainable entrepreneurial outfit both for the sustainability of the University and for nurturing these skills among its students.

End

AMECEA: CUEA Chancellor urges graduants to be Champions of Truth

November 4, 2016, 5:31 am

≫ Next: UGANDA: Catholic Bishops warn faithful to shun functions led by ‘Rebel Priests’

≪ Previous: AMECEA: Bishop Mtumbuka Appeals for unity of Clergy and Religious with their Bishops

$

0

0

By AMECEA Online News Correspondent

H.E. Berhaneyesus Cardinal Souraphiel,  CUEA Chancellor, Chairman of AMECEA  and Metropilitan Archbishop of  Addis Ababa Ethiopia speaking  during CUEA's 34th Graduation  Ceremony in Nairobi, Kenya

The Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) Chancellor H.E. Berhaneyesus Cardinal Souraphiel, on Friday October 28 urged the graduating students from CUEA to carry the virtues inculcated in them by the university as they go out to serve in various capacities.

“I say this because in the world today many are giving into the sin of greed which has spread immorality across the world. The job market is grappling with employees and business persons who keep scheming to swindle their employees and society,” he said adding that “You have been formed under the banner of truth. Carry this banner with pride and conviction as you go out to the job market. Be truthful, honest, witness to life, let all of our University's core values guide you in your professional, personal and religious life.”

Speaking during 34^th Graduation ceremony at the University’s main Campus in Nairobi, Kenya, Cardinal Berhaneyesus who is also the Chairman of AMECEA said that “AMECEA rejoices on the auspicious occasion that CUEA releases skilled, transformed manpower to the world with a purpose to serve Church and Society.”

He further advised the graduants to become ambassadors of The Catholic University of Eastern Africa by letting their transformed lives radiate to the world the values they had received.

“I entrust all the graduands to the loving care of God and believe that you will use the skill and manpower you have acquired not only to serve, but also to be a champions of truth, justice, morality and all else that is righteous,” said Cardinal Berhaneyesus.

While thanking the faculty members for the good work, he urged them to continue inculcating human values and ethics in education especially at these challenging times of need for moral formation.

∽End∽

UGANDA: Catholic Bishops warn faithful to shun functions led by ‘Rebel Priests’

November 11, 2016, 5:08 am

≫ Next: MALAWI: Cardinal Filoni condemns Dumping of Children

≪ Previous: AMECEA: CUEA Chancellor urges graduants to be Champions of Truth

$

0

0

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

Most Rev. John Baptist Odama,  Chairman of Uganda Episcopal  Conference and Archbishop of Gulu

The Catholic Bishops in Uganda have warned faithful to shun all events organized by the self-excommunicated priests and to guard against being misled in faith and practice by the said priests who are not in full communion with the Roman Catholic Church.

The warning, which was made on Thursday November 10 in a press statement issued by the Uganda Episcopal Conference (UEC), was signed by the Chairman of the UEC, Most Rev. John Baptist Odama, who is also the Archbishop of Gulu.

The statement comes out two weeks after two self-made ‘bishops’; one hailing from Kasese Diocese and another suspected to be a Kenyan citizen, carried out purported priestly ordination in Mubende District in the Diocese of Kiyinda-Mityana (Kampala Ecclesiastical Province). The ‘bishops’ who were also accompanied by three other self-excommunicated Catholic priests include, Rev. Fr. Jacinto Kibuuka, Fr. Deogratias Ssonko and Fr. Vincent Kisenyi.

“Those priests who have openly and publicly joined the rebellion are no longer in communion with the Roman Catholic Church,” Archbishop Odama’s statement read.

According to the Bishops, the above mentioned priests laid their hands on the ‘so-called ordained priests’ who have been deacons, during the invalid and illegal ordination ceremony that was carried out last month on October 29.

“The said ordination event, therefore, was not in accordance with the tradition and norms of the Roman Catholic Church and we do not recognize it, neither its legality nor its validity,” the Archbishop stated.

Fr. Jacinto was suspended in July this year from exercising his priestly ministry by his Ordinary, Most Rev. Dr. Cyprian Kizito Lwanga, the Archbishop of Kampala Archdiocese, due to disobedience. Fr Jacinto reacted by declaring his departure from the Roman Catholic Church, an action that resulted into his automatic self-excommunication from the Church.

Archbishop Odama concluded by calling upon Fr. Jacinto and his colleagues to come to the realization of their mistakes. “It is our prayer and hope that Fr. Kibuuka and the priests who have joined his acts of rebellion…. stop misleading themselves as well the people of God,” reads the statement.

∽End∽

MALAWI: Cardinal Filoni condemns Dumping of Children

November 11, 2016, 5:19 am

≫ Next: KENYA: Catholic Bishops add their voice to the fight against corruption

≪ Previous: UGANDA: Catholic Bishops warn faithful to shun functions led by ‘Rebel Priests’

$

0

0

By Prince Henderson, ECM Communications Officer

His Eminence Fernando Cardinal Filoni has expressed concern over irresponsible parenthood especially among mothers who are fond of dumping their babies upon delivery saying that it is uncalled for and the syndrome has to be checked and stopped.

H.E. Cardinal Filoni admires the children  During his  visit to Mother Teresa Orphanage in Lilongwe

Cardinal Filoni was speaking when he cheered orphans and dumped babies at Mother Teresa Orphanage Centre in Kawale, Lilongwe. “These are just innocent souls and need to be loved and cared. They are the future leaders and need to be taken care of,” said Cardinal Filoni who was visibly seen touched.

Speaking to the orphans, Cardinal Filoni encouraged them to be prayerful and emulate from the life of Jesus.

The Missionaries of Charity, famously known as sisters of Mother Teresa of Calcutta who run the home said the centre has 53 orphans and ten dumped babies whom they take care of. Many of the babies are brought by either official from the District Social Welfare or the Police.

“As a community we would like to thank His Eminence for paying us a visit. His coming is a blessing to us and we are very grateful to the Holy Father who sent with him some gifts for the children,” said Sr. Mira, one of the sisters at the centre.

She said as a congregation they believe that, life is a gift from God and so too are the children at the centre, adding that “who knows, these will be our future leaders.”

 “We would want to discourage the tendency of aborting innocent children, therefore, let those that feel they cannot  manage to take care for their children, bring them to this Centre rather than abort or abandon the innocent souls,” said Sr. Mira.

The National Police Spokesperson said cases of baby dumping are mostly unreported to the Police hence it is difficult to estimate how many babies are dumped within a specific period of time. He noted that the phenomenon of dumping babies is due to people not wanting to take responsibility of raising the children.

The Missionaries of Charity is a Roman Catholic Religious Congregation founded in 1950 by Mother Teresa of Calcutta, which now includes over 4,500 sisters in more than 130 countries.

∽End∽

---

KENYA: Catholic Bishops add their voice to the fight against corruption

November 11, 2016, 5:23 am

≫ Next: MALAWI: Catholic Bishops Condemn Abortion Bill

≪ Previous: MALAWI: Cardinal Filoni condemns Dumping of Children

$

0

0

By Rose Achiego, Waumini Communications, KCCB

Group photo of Bishops of Kenya with the Apostolic  Nuncio to Kenya, Most Rev. Charles Daniel Balvo  during the Bishops' Meeting in Nakuru Diocese

The Catholic Church in Kenya through her Catholic, Justice and Peace Commission and various other arms has joined the Government in the war against corruption.

In a memorandum handed over to His Excellency President Uhuru Kenyatta on 2nd, November, 2016 at State House, Nairobi, the Bishops said the Church is escalating the war against corruption through a book on how to fight corruption besides implementing various programmes to combat graft.

The handbook whose content is based on promotion of virtues and ethics informed by the social teachings of the Catholic Church, points out that corruption rotates around a society that has lost values and virtues hence the need to restore dignity in both public and private sectors.

The move to publish the book was prompted by the many cases and allegations of corruption where Billions of public funds meant for development projects have been misappropriated and by President Kenyatta’s call to Kenyans that fighting Corruption is a collective responsibility.

The Bishops proposed to President Kenyatta to intervene in the recent spate of matters concerning corruption by ensuring that, investigation of public officers adversely mentioned or suspected to be misappropriating public funds for their own personal gain.

“Any officer adversely mentioned and implicated in graft ought to step aside even as investigations proceed. There should be conclusion to investigations and actual convictions for those found guilty. You must hold responsible relevant officers that have been appointed to fight corruption which is not only a crime but a moral wrong.” The Bishops said.

The Memorandum was presented to the president at State House by His Eminence John Cardinal Njue, The Chairman of Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) and the Bishop of Homabay Rt. Rev. Philip Anyolo, KCCB Vice Chairman and the Bishop of Ngong Rt. Rev. John ObalaOwaa, Bishop of Kitui Rt. Rev. Anthony Muheria, Rt. Rev. Alfred Rotich and The KCCB General Secretary Vey Rev. Fr. Daniel Rono.

∽End∽

MALAWI: Catholic Bishops Condemn Abortion Bill

November 11, 2016, 5:29 am

≫ Next: SOUTH SUDAN: Bishops express concern over economic hardships and insecurity

≪ Previous: KENYA: Catholic Bishops add their voice to the fight against corruption

$

0

0

By Prince Henderson-ECM Communications Officer

 

Cardinal Filoni official opens the doors of the Cathedral

Chairman of the Episcopal Conference of Malawi, Archbishop Thomas Luke Msusa of Blantyre Archdiocese has condemned the Termination of Pregnancy Bill being advocated and campaigned by different quarters of the society in Malawi saying the Catholic Church is not in support of the proposed legislation.

Archbishop Msusa was speaking in Karonga on the occasion of the consecration and inauguration of St. Joseph the worker Cathedral which was officially consecrated by His Eminence Fernando Cardinal Filoni, Prefect for the Congregation of the Evangelisation of people at the Holy See.

He said the Patron of the Cathedral, St Joseph the Worker bravely accepted the responsibility to take care of, to defend and protect the baby Jesus from all harm hence this should serve as a reminder on the stand of the Catholic Church on abortion.

Cardinal Filoni blesses the Cathedral

He quoted from the Catechism of the Catholic Church, which says, “human life is sacred because from its beginning until end, no one can under any circumstance claim for himself the right directly to destroy an innocent human being,” (No. 2258) he added that the same Catechism, teaches that “human life must be respected and protected absolutely from the moment of conception and from the first moment of his existence, a human being must be recognized as having rights of a person.” (No. 2270) He therefore challenged Catholic faithful to stand against those that are advocating for the abortion bill.

Earlier Cardinal Filoni congratulated Bishop Martin Mtumbuka and the faithful of Karonga diocese for successfully coming up with a Cathedral.

He said he will invite Pope Francis on behalf of the people of Malawi that he should visit this country.

I will tell the Pope to go to Africa and Malawi in particular if he wants to see how much people love him,” he said.

Cardinal Filoni inserts relic (part of the body of St Joseph the worker)  who is the Patron Saint of the Cathedral

Vice President Saulosi Chilima commended the Catholic Church in Malawi for complementing government’s efforts in supporting its citizenry. He also commended politicians who despite their political differences united at this function saying it is through such unity that the country can develop.

Present at the function among others were former Vice President Khumbo Kachali, Leader of Opposition, Lazarous Chakwera, Finance Minister, Goodall Gondwe and Speaker of the Malawi National Assembly, Richard Msowoya.

Vice President Saulosi Chilima represented President Arthur Peter Mutharika at the consecration ceremony.

∽End∽

SOUTH SUDAN: Bishops express concern over economic hardships and insecurity

November 11, 2016, 5:35 am

≫ Next: MALAWI: Pope Francis donates $500 000 towards hunger Situation in Malawi

≪ Previous: MALAWI: Catholic Bishops Condemn Abortion Bill

$

0

0

Source: Catholic Radio Network (CRN)

Group Photo of  Bishops and other Participants of the South Sudan/Sudan Bishops  meeting held in Khartoum last month among them  the Apostolic Nuncios  of South Sudan; Most Rev Charles Daniel Balvo (left) and the  Apostolic Nuncios of Sudan  Most Rev Hubertus Matheus  Maria van Megen (right) during their meeting in Khartoum

The Sudan Catholic Bishops’ Conference or SCBC expressed great concern about economic hardships, insecurity and displacements in South Sudan and Sudan. They were speaking at the end of their ten-day plenary in Khartoum, Sudan. They urged the political leaders of the two countries to have pity on their suffering people.

They encouraged the current national dialogue in the Sudan and hope the same exercise will take place in South Sudan. The Catholic prelates appreciated the patience of the citizens of the two countries in bearing difficulties. They assured the citizens of their prayers for God’s intervention to bring the miseries to an end.

The Bishops thanked their donors for their unwavering support in the work of evangelization and serving the needy people in South Sudan and Sudan.

In their statement they also announced closing the Jubilee Year of Mercy on the feast of Christ the King on November 20th. The Catholic Church leaders in the two countries said forgiveness is the only hope for South Sudan and Sudan

Meanwhile UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has warned that an increasing number of South Sudanese will continue to face difficulty in meeting daily food needs in 2017. FAO said in a statement that economic downturn and insecurity cripple food production and trade.

The end of lean season and start of harvests in South Sudan are traditionally associated with a reduction in food insecurity due to more food stocks and lower food prices in the markets. However, FAO assessments indicate that the number of severely food insecure people now is 3.7 million people, representing 31 percent of the country’s estimated population. This is an increase of an overall one million people compared to the same period last year.

∽End∽

MALAWI: Pope Francis donates $500 000 towards hunger Situation in Malawi

November 11, 2016, 5:39 am

≫ Next: ETHIOPIA: ECC holds a consultation forum on child protection

≪ Previous: SOUTH SUDAN: Bishops express concern over economic hardships and insecurity

$

0

0

By Prince Henderson-ECM Communications Officer

His Holiness Pope Francis donated $500 000 (about 365 Million Malawi Kwacha) to the hunger stricken families in Malawi who were affected by the dry spell.

Vice President of Malawi Saulos  Chilima greets Cardinal Filoni

Archbishop Thomas Luke Msusa, Chairman of the Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM) announced the Pope’s donation during the consecration of St Joseph the Worker Cathedral Church of the Diocese of Karonga on Saturday last week.

The good news about the Holy Father’s donation was brought by His Eminence Fernando Cardinal Filoni during his five-day Pastoral visit to Malawi.

“His Holiness has decided to give $500 000 to Malawi to assist in drought relief as a sign of love for the poor and the marginalized,” said Archbishop Msusa.

Secretary General of the Episcopal Conference of Malawi, Fr. Henry Saindi said in a separate interview that the distribution of this donation will be done through Catholic Church agencies like Catholic Development Commission in Malawi (CADECOM).

Archbishop Msusa conveyed “sincere appreciation” to the Pope “for the timely spiritual and material interventions in favour of the people in Malawi.

Vice President Chilima also expressed government’s gratitude to the Holy Father for his commitment to the poor. H.E. Chilima, who was guest of honour at the event, also encouraged the Catholic Church to continue working towards satisfying the spiritual needs of the citizenry.

In an exclusive interview before his departure to Zambia on a similar mission visit, Cardinal Filoni said he was impressed and described his visit to Malawi as a success. He challenged Malawians to be Merciful and love one another.

∽End∽

ETHIOPIA: ECC holds a consultation forum on child protection

November 11, 2016, 5:41 am

≫ Next: MALAWI: CCJP Raises concerns over Malawi’s Socio-economic status

≪ Previous: MALAWI: Pope Francis donates $500 000 towards hunger Situation in Malawi

$

0

0

By Makeda Yohannes, CBCE Communications and Public Relation Officer

The Ethiopian Catholic Church Social and Development Commission (ECC SDCO) brought together those working with children, elderly and people with disability in various Church projects in different parts of the country. The consultation meeting that took place in Addis Ababa mainly aims at enhancing child protection and sharing of experiences among implementers from different Dioceses.

Group photo of the participants of the consultative meeting

In his opening remarks ECC SDCO’s Executive Director said that social rehabilitation is one of the priorities of the Church. He said the work of social rehabilitation extends to children, elderly, the people with disability and the marginalized for whom the Church has always been a voice.

“Gathering here together from different Dioceses for a discussion allows us to identify the needs of the vulnerable and evaluate our ways of responding to the needs, it also shows us a path to how we can proceed in the future,” he underlined encouraging the participants of the workshop to share their experiences in detail.

The Executive Director emphasized that working with children and with the elderly is not an easy task as many of the challenges from the society are due to pessimistic attitudes towards some of the vulnerable children being served. “Social reintegration is our priority, working with the society and families is vital to reintegrating the children we work with to their communities,” said Mr. Bekele. He added that the Church has so far been successful in engaging families and the community to be part of the lives of the beneficiary children and the vulnerable being supported by different projects and asked the social workers to move forward keeping in mind the importance of making the children they work with feel like they are part and parcel of the society.

Sr. SenaitMengesha, MMS, ECC SDCO Women and Family Affairs Team Leader said that children are entrusted to us by God. “Children, people with disabilities and the elderly cannot care for themselves but we are given the responsibility to care for them. This is not just a job for us but a Ministry given to us by Our Lord, thus we must serve them with faithfully” said Sr. Senait.

She explained in addition to directly working with children, the Church’s Child protection policy is considered for every social project run by ECC SDCO to ensure the safeguarding of children.

Tens of thousands of children in Ethiopia have gone through the Church’s social rehabilitation programmes and have become outstanding citizens throughout the years. Currently the Church runs 41 social rehabilitation centres mainly by religious congregations in different Dioceses working with children, elders and the vulnerable.

∽End∽