AMECEA NEWS

SOUTH SUDAN: Message of the Catholic Bishops of South Sudan on the occasion of the Holy Father’s Global Day of Prayer and Fasting for Peace in South Sudan, Democratic Republic of Congo and the World

‘LET YOUR HEARTS BE TRANSFORMED’ (Joel 2:13)

23^rd February 2018

We, the Catholic Bishops of South Sudan, meeting in Juba from 21^st to 23^rd February 2018, express our gratitude to the Holy Father Pope Francis for calling the whole world to pray and fast for peace in South Sudan, DRC and other conflicts. We are encouraged by the Holy Father’s personal interest in our nation, and we renew our invitation to him to visit us when the time is right.

We reiterate our past messages: the killing must stop. It is unacceptable to be negotiating positions and percentages while the killing continues.

We thank international and regional bodies for their commitment to revitalising our peace process, although we note that some of these actors may also have their own interests. We hope that Phase 3 of the High Level Revitalisation Forum will end the violence. We are dissatisfied that our leaders, in both government and opposition, have so far been unable to put their own interests aside and make peace for the good of the people and the nation. We implore them in the words of Psalm 95:8, “Harden not your hearts”.

We fear that our leaders do not know how to make peace. They are confused. They are military people who see the world through the lens of violence. They need help, not so much with the technical and political details, but with the spiritual and moral courage to make peace, to hold a vision of the future which includes peace. Their hearts need to be touched. They need help to discern how to “beat their swords into ploughshares” (Isaiah 2:4).

Many of them are traumatised, like many of the people of South Sudan. Trauma can paralyse people, make them behave inappropriately, erode their morale and morals, and lead to self-pity and denial. They need trauma healing.

They fear peace. They are finishing their own people. They have called on their followers of whichever tribe to sacrifice for some gain, but what is the gain? The leaders are afraid to return to the people without anything to show, so they continue this senseless war because they do not know what to do. To continue fighting is easier for them than to take the risk of making peace. They fear not only international justice, but they fear what their own people will do to them when they fail.

They have already failed. More than four years of war, tens of thousands of deaths, millions of people displaced, looting, rape, hunger, economic collapse, breakdown of the rule of law, destruction of the nation’s infrastructure, children denied education, families denied health care... these represent failure. How many more deaths do there need to be, how many more failures, before they will admit that they have failed and that they don’t know what to do?

We have asked ourselves, how can we help them to overcome their fear and confusion? How can we help them to reconcile, not merely politically but deep in their hearts?We have issued many statements, but they have not been heard. We repeat again: the killing must stop immediately. We must let the guns fall to the ground in order to free our hands so that we can embrace each other.

In 2015 our South Sudan Council of Churches issued a Statement of Intent in which we offered to create Neutral Forums where the leaders of the government and of the main opposition parties, other armed groups and political factions could meet for dialogue in a safe space. We the Catholic bishops pledge our full support to this process, which should include a spiritual retreat, to be led by religious leaders from South Sudan and elsewhere. The theme of the retreat would not be political – it would be a healing retreat to bring about personal transformation to prepare the participants to face the task of making peace. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” (Matthew 5:9). We South Sudanese will resolve our own issues if we can change our hearts.

We call on all people of good will to join us today for prayer and fasting for peace, and to continue with prayer and fasting on a regular basis in the coming months. We also recognise with sadness that many of our people in South Sudan are actually fasting continuously as they have no food to eat. Peace will come when the hearts of the South Sudanese leaders are changed. Let us pray for that conversion.

May God bless you.

By AMECEA Online News Reporter

AMECEA Secretariat Staff on 23 February responded to Pope Francis’ appeal to believers all over the world to offer special prayer for peace in Congo and South Sudan –a member country in the AMECEA region.

The community engaged in prayers from morning and concluded with the Prayer of the Way of the Cross a special devotion linking the Passion of Jesus Christ and the suffering of the innocent people in South Sudan and Congo.

In a letter dated 5th,February, 2018 and addressed to Archbishops and Bishops in Kenya, Apostolic Nuncio to Kenya and South Sudan H.E. Most Rev. Charles Daniel Balvosaid that the Holy Father had asked Kenyan Bishops to take the most suitable initiatives in order to enable the local Church to take part in the day of prayer and fasting for peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo, in South Sudan and in the whole world.

The Apostolic Nuncio said that the Holy Father desired that the Church throughout the world participate in this initiative, in order to ask God, infinite in mercy, for a conversion of hearts especially of those who have responsibility for leading those countries or who are in some way involved.

“The Holy Father has shown great concern to people affected by war and conflict throughout the world and especially South Sudan and Democratic Republic of Congo;” read part of the letter of the Apostolic Nuncio.

South Sudan plunged into civil war in December 2013, two and a half years after it gained independence from Sudan. The conflict has left tens of thousands dead and forced a third of the country’s 12 million people out of their homes.

H.E. Berhaneyesus D. Cardinal Souraphiel, C.M.,

Message of H.E. Berhaneyesus D. Cardinal Souraphiel, C.M., Metropolitan Archbishop of Addis Ababa, President of CBCE and AMECEA Chairman, delivered at the Press Conference organized by the Inter-Religious Council of Ethiopia on 17^th, February, 2018.

By AMECEA Online News Correspondent, Addis Ababa

As much as we are proud of the development of our country, we are saddened by the recent unrest and conflicts taking place in our country. The loss of lives and loss of property take us back when we should be going forward. This is not good for our country. Taking this into consideration we as religious leaders have been engaged with political leaders in taking measures that would bring peace to our country.

We appreciate the pardoning and release of prisoners and the continued development efforts. However even though we are children of one God what is taking place is ethnic based divisions and spreading hate messages and this is very saddening and unacceptable for all religions. Especially for us Ethiopians this is very shameful as this is not our value. Any person who is born in Ethiopia is an Ethiopian and has equal dignity, this is our tradition. We respect and treasure the life of all people. In our religion we value the life of every single human being and thus any person that puts the life of another at harm is guilty of degrading the dignity of that person.

We are especially saddened because the effect of the hate messages being spread based on ethnic is not just for today but will pass onto generations. This is not what we should pass on to our children. As Ethiopians we should pass on to our children and grandchildren, our tradition of unity, love for one another, and collaboration. Not the legacy of hate and division, and evicting people from their land claiming that they do not belong their because of their ethnic background. This is disrespectful of Ethiopia and the dignity of being an Ethiopian, as this is not our tradition. Let us not disrespect our country. Our country is big and exemplary, others look to us. We are the seat of the African Union and there are more than 330 embassies in the city. Thus, we need to pause and think about what we are doing, we need to be strong in prayer and fasting and restore our dignity and respect for one another.

When I heard of the news of the resignation of the Prime Minister H.E. Hailemariam Desalegn, at first I was surprised and saddened but when I heard his explanation that this is his will and if his resignation can contribute to the betterment of his country and that he is glad to do so, I was happy and proud. Now we expect to have a new prime Minister and the next Prime Minister will come with the task of leading this great nation. Thus our people should bring forward their requests in a peaceful manner without harming lives and destroying property and work for a better understanding.

On 26^th, February, 2018 we will commemorate the Ethiopian Martyrs day, these patriots fought for their country. They all fought and sacrificed their lives for the freedom of their country, they never considered their ethnic backgrounds when they martyred, and they fought for their country as one. Let us be careful that their sprits may not be disappointed in us.

I urge all Catholics to remember in this day the acts of the martyrs and strive in prayer and fasting and ask the Almighty God to bless and protect our country. Let us ask for intercession of Our Lady the Blessed Virgin Mary to Pray for our country’s peace.

God Bless Ethiopia!

Source: Catholic Radio Network-CRN

The Catholic Bishops have responded to Pope Francis’ call by inviting all South Sudanese regardless of their religion to join the prayer and fasting for peace on Friday 23^rd, February, 2018, a prayer day specifically dedicated for South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

In their meeting which begun on 21st, February, 2018, in Juba, Catholic Bishops requested people of good will to join them in prayer at St Theresa’s’ Cathedral in Juba at 4.oo PM on Friday 23 February.

Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Yei Rt. Rev. Erkolano Lodu Tombe, said the diocese had organized spiritual preparation activities to join the global to pray on that day as well.

While reading the press release, he encouraged the public to continue with prayer and fasting even after Friday for lasting peace and stability in the county - South Sudan.

Archbishop of Juba Most Rev. Paulino Lukudu Loro, said both Christians and Muslims are invited for the prayer.

Meanwhile, Fr David Tombe Leonardo, expressed the need to pray for change of mind and hearts among the people of South Sudan to bring change in the nation.

Monsignor Roko Taban the Apostolic Administrator of the Catholic Diocese of Malakal also said it is a good moment to pray for peace in South Sudan and Congo in union with the Holy Father emphasising that South Sudan really need peace.

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By Grace Kapatuka – ACJ Communication Office

The Association of Catholic Journalists (ACJ) in Malawi, a grouping of Catholic media practitioners, has established Chapters in all the regions of the country in a bid to enhance smooth administration of the association.

The establishment of these chapters was agreed upon by the National Executive Committee (NEC) members for the association during their meeting held on 17th, February, 2018 at Chitsime Conference Centre in Balaka district.

Delivering his welcoming remarks at the meeting, the President for the association in Malawi, Augustine Mulomole, said the establishment of the regional chapters was in line with the structures that were set up by the Catholic Church across the country.

“As you are all aware, we have the Southern Region Chapter which comprises the Archdiocese of Blantyre and the Diocese of Chikwawa; the Dioceses of Zomba and Mangochi form the Eastern Region Chapter; the Central Region Chapter comprises the Archdiocese of Lilongwe and the Diocese of Dedza; while the Northern Region Chapter comprises the dioceses of Mzuzu and Karonga,” he said.

Mulomole further thanked the NEC members for their attendance at the meeting, saying this was the right forum where resolutions are proposed in order to guide the operations of the association.

“As professionals in the media industry, the Catholic Church relies on us for information dissemination, hence the need for the Regional Chapters to work hand in hand with the Diocesan Communications Secretaries. We are so thankful to the Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM) for their untiring support which they continue to render towards the ACJ,” said Mulomole who also acknowledged the moral, material and financial support the ECM has been channeling towards the association.

The NEC members also made some resolutions, among them were the adjustment of the annual individual membership fees from MK5, 000.00 (US$7) to MK10, 000.00 (US$14); and institutional membership fees for Catholic Media Houses from MK10, 000.00 to MK15, 000.00 (US$21).

Both individual and institutional membership will now be done at regional level, and that regional chapters will be remitting 50 percent of the membership fees to the National Chapter.

All these proposed resolutions, according to the NEC members will be ratified at the association’s forthcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM) which will be held at Fish Eagle Cottage in the lakeshore district of Salima from 27^th– 29^th April, 2018, where the ACJ will also ratify the 2018 Action Plan as well as the proposed amendments to the association’s National Constitution.

Delivering his remarks at the NEC meeting, the ECM’s National Communications Secretary, Rev. Fr. Godino Phokoso encouraged the NEC members to continue with their hard working spirit in order to make the ACJ as vibrant as possible both at regional and national level.

“I’m particularly impressed with the turn up of the NEC members. You have sacrificed your resources to come to this meeting, this is very rare among leaders, some of whom always want to be benefiting from the groupings they are leading. Bravo ACJ, and please keep it up! My office is always there to support you, so let’s work together for the benefit of the ACJ but also for the benefit of the Catholic Church,” he said.

Fr. Phokoso commended the Central Region Chapter for the ACJ which already has an action plan in place and is working towards mobilizing more Catholic Journalists to join the association.

“Let the other Chapters emulate what the Central Region Chapter has done. As ECM, we are working towards putting in place training sessions especially to make the Catholic Journalists understand the teachings of the Catholic Church, but also we need them to help us with the civic education exercises as we approach 2019 tripartite elections in liaison with the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC). We shall therefore be working together with the regional chapters, hence the need to make them more vibrant,” he said.

Currently, the ACJ has 60 paid up members and over 300 registered members in Malawi. The association, which started in the country in 1992 as the Malawi Catholic Journalists Association (MACAJO), is among media bodies in Malawi such as the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Malawi Chapter; Media Council of Malawi and the Journalists Union of Malawi (JUMA); just to mention but a few.

//END//

By Prince Henderson, Communications Officer

On Saturday, 17th, February, 2018, the Catholic faithful in Malawi woke up to the shocking news

Rt. Rev. Emmanuel
Cosmas Kanyama

of the death one of its Bishops, Rt. Rev. Emmanuel Cosmas Kanyama of Dedza.

Late Bishop Kanyama had gone to see his old mother in Kapili, Mchinji on Friday but as he wanted to return back to Dedza, he felt unwell and decided to spend a night in Mchinji. Sadly, on Saturday morning, relatives noted that the Bishop was not waking up and decided to check on him in his bedroom where he was found very weak.

Reports indicate that the Bishop was rushed to Kapiri Health Centre where he was pronounced dead upon arrival. According to the medical report, Bishop Kanyama died of High Blood Pressure.

The late Bishop Emmanuel Kanyama was born on 25th December, 1962 at Kanyama Village, Traditional Authority Kasumbu in Dedza District. He came from a devoted and pastorally active Catholic family. He completed his primary and secondary education in Dedza, his home District and followed his priestly studies at St. Anthony Kachebere Major Seminary where he was awarded the Diploma in Philosophy. He proceeded with Theology studies at St. Peter's Major Seminary where he was awarded Bachelor's Degree in Theology.

The late Bishop Kanyama was ordained Priest on 4th August, 1990 at Mtendere Parish where his parents settled. From 1990 to I992, he was Lecturer at St. Kizito Minor Seminary in the Diocese of Dedza. From 1992 to 1996, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Kanyama studied at the Pontifical University of Urbaniana in Rome from where he was awarded a Licentiate and Doctorate Degrees in Philosophy.

After his studies, he was appointed Lecturer in Philosophy at St. Anthony Kachebere Major Seminary in Mchinji, where he also was in the office of the Acting Rector for six years. From 2004, he was appointed Parish Priest in Ntcheu. At the same time, he was serving as a member of the College of Consultors for the Diocese of Dedza and Lecturer of Philosophy at St. Anthony Major Seminary in Kachebere.

Pope Benedict XVI appointed Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Kanyama Bishop of the Diocese of Dedza on 4th July 2007. On 6th October 2007, Rev. Fr. Kanyama was consecrated and installed as Bishop of the Diocese of Dedza at Bembeke Cathedral. He succeeded Bishop Joseph Gustave Sainte-Marie M. Afr. who was transferred to the Diocese of Lilongwe succeeding Bishop Felix Mkhori.

At Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM) level, Bishop Kanyama held among others, the following positions: Chairman for the Council of the Catholic University of Malawi (CUNIMA), Bishop Chairman for the Catholic Education Commission, Bishop Chairman for Ecumenism and Interfaith Dialogue, Bishop Chairman for Social Communications and Research Commission and ECM Board of Trustee for Ecumenical Counselling Centre (ECC).

At AMECEA Regional level, Bishop Kanyama was a Council Member of the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA), a position he has held for the last six years. He was also a substitute Board Member of AMECEA Executive Board.

The Late Bishop Kanyama was laid to rest at the Holy Family Cathedral Parish Bembeke, Dedza Diocese on 21 February 2018.

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By Ephraim Nyirenda, Karonga Diocese News

Catholics and people of goodwill from all walks of life gathered at Likuni Parish on Tuesday, 20^th February to pray for the repose of the soul of Bishop Emmanuel Kanyama of Dedza Diocese who passed on Friday, 16 February at his home; Kapiri in Mchinji District.

Speaking during the requiem Mass, the main celebrant Rt. Rev. Martin Anwel Mtumbuka, Bishop of Karonga Diocese and Vice Chairperson of the Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM), described the death of Bishop Kanyama as a great loss to the conference of bishops and the entire Malawi nation.

In his homily, Bishop Mtumbuka said the Late Bishop Kanyama was a gifted man, whose numerous gifts were put at the service of the Church and the nation in various areas.

“I remember Bishop Kanyama as a quiet man, but when he wanted to contribute, he could not mince words. He was always straight to the point which some of us cannot do,” said Bishop Mtumbuka.

He further urged the congregation to commend themselves into the hands of God during this Lenten season condemning the tendency of being preoccupied with daily cares and material things without sparing time to spend with God.

The Vice Chairperson of ECM emphasized the need for Christians to maintain a good relationship with Christ through the Sacrament of Penance and Eucharist during this time of Lent.

Notable figures at the Mass were Vice President of the Republic of Malawi Dr Saulos Claus Chilima and other government officials.

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By Prince Henderson, ECM Communications Officer

H.E. President Arthur Mutharika arriving for Requem Mass

President of the republic of Malawi Prof Arthur Mutharika has pledged financial support to the aging mother of the late Bishop Emmanuel Cosmas Kanyama of Dedza Diocese who passed away on 18^th, February 2018.

In a speech read on his behalf by the Vice President of Malawi Saulos Chilima, who was among the mourners at the funeral of the Late Bishop on 21^st, February, 2018, President Mutharika said that, he was extremely saddened by the demise of Bishop Kanyama and especially because he had left behind his beloved aged mother.

“The President therefore pledged support toward the mother and has since given One Million

Bishop Kanyama with his mother,

few days before his death

Kwacha, approximately US $ 1000 for her upkeep. This money will be given through the office of the Archdiocese of Lilongwe,” His Excellency Chilima, said adding that the late Bishop Kanyama was always very time conscious and orderly in everything he did.

“I knew Bishop Kanyama as a very intelligent person who liked reading. He loved his mother most and this is evidenced by where he has died. He respected his mother hence visited her quite often. Let us also embrace the same,” said Chilima.

The function was also attended by Very Reverend Fr. Andriy Yevchuk, Deputy Head of the Diplomatic Mission of the Holy See who represented His Excellency Most Reverend Julio Murat, Apostolic Nuncio to Zambia and Malawi.

On Wednesday, 21st, February, 2018 thousands of people from all walks of life including Catholic faithful and people of goodwill, led by the President of the Republic of Malawi, Arthur Peter Mutharika, his Vice President Saulosi Chilima and his Spouse, Leader of Opposition Parties, Lazorous Chakwera and Speaker of the National Assembly, Richard Msowoya gathered at St. Joseph's Demonstration Primary School at Bembeke in Dedza for a late Bishop Kanyama’s Funeral Mass.

Archbishop Ziyaye presided over the Holy Mass and was assisted by Bishops Mtumbuka of Karonga Diocese, Bishop Montfort Stima of Mangochi Diocese, Bishop George Tambala of Zomba Diocese, Bishop Peter Musikuwa of Chikwawa Diocese and Bishop John Ryan of Mzuzu Diocese. Also present were Bishop Emeritus Allan Chamgwera, Archbishop Emeritus Rémi Joseph Gustave Sainte-Marie, M. Afr. and Bishop Emeritus Alexandro Pagani.

Pouring glowing tribute to the late Bishop In his Homily during the Holy Mass, Rt. Rev. Montfort Stima challenged Church and Political leaders to be true servants of God by among other things getting rid of false prophets and the evil of corruption.

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By Jacinta W. Odongo, Media Officer, UEC

The Secretary General of the Uganda Episcopal Conference, Msgr. John
Baptist Kauta (right) and the Executive Secretary of the UEC Social
Communication Department, Rev. Fr. Philip Odii inspects the new media
equipment upon delivery.

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has boosted the Social Communications Department of the Uganda Episcopal Conference (UEC) with a grant worth $15,000 (UGX 54.4M) for the purchase of new media equipment.

The department received the grant in 2017 from USCCB’s Pastoral Solidarity Fund for the Church in Africa. The new media equipment procured includes three Desktop Computers, two Laptops, one Camera for still photographs, one Video Camera and one Printer. Others are: one Photocopier, one LCD Projector, one Power Stabilizer and three APC Battery Backup and Surge Protectors, all aimed at improving the efficiency of the SCD.

In an interview conducted recently, the Executive Secretary of the UEC Social Communications Department (SCD), Rev. Fr. Philip Odii, lauded the USCCB for the grant adding that the equipment will strengthen the capacity of the department to communicate effectively.

“We are grateful to the USCCB for their continued support to our department,” said Fr. Philip adding “This is in line with the Department’s Strategic Direction 4, namely, promoting the use of digital technology in evangelization and development activities of the Catholic Church in Uganda.”

He described the arrival of the items as timely noting that the Department is already using the

media equipment to enhance the publication of the Online Magazine (New Contact) of Uganda Episcopal Conference and to improve information sharing for effective evangelization and development in Uganda.

He also said that the desktop computers and laptops are being used by the department staff for their daily office work and media activities which include writing and editing news stories/articles for the Online Magazine.

Meanwhile, this is not the first time for the USCCB through its Pastoral Solidarity Fund for the Church in Africa to donate grants to the SCD. In 2008, the USCCB donated funds for the purchase of two computers, a photocopier, printer and projector, which have now become old and are not functioning properly.

The SCD also received another grant in 2009 to facilitate a workshop for Catholic Communicators in Uganda on promoting Reconciliation, Justice and Peace.

SOURCE: CRN

The South Sudanese Catholic Bishops say they believe the leaders of South Sudan do not know how to make peace and they are confused of what to do next.

In a message issued on Friday in Juba after their three days meeting, bishops have reiterated their call on warring parties to silence the gun and stop killing.

They say it is unacceptable to keep on negotiating positions and percentages while the killing continues.

Paulino Lukudo Loro, the archbishop of Juba archdiocese read the message during a prayer for peace at St. Theresa Cathedral at Kator.

He said that they have come to the conclusion that South Sudanese leaders are not ready to bring peace because they are confused and they do not know what should they do for the country.

“We are dissatisfied that our leaders in both government and oppositions so far they have been unable to put their own interest aside and make peace for the good of the people of South Sudan. We fear that our leaders do not know how to make peace. They are confused. They are military people who see the World through the lens of violence. They need help, not so much with the technical and political details but with the spiritual and moral courage to make peace,” he said.

Bishop Lukudu says "Our leaders are traumatized and thus they need to be healed from it; as he noted that for more than four years of senseless war and many killings for their political gain. “Tens of thousands of deaths, millions of people displaced; Looting, rape, hunger, economic collapse, break down of the rule of law, destruction of the nations’ infrastructure, children denied education and families denied health care. This elucidates a failure as a country” he said.

In their message the Catholic Bishops asked, “How many more failures, the leaders’ need, before they will admit that they have failed and that they do not know what to do.”

“We, the Catholic Bishops pledged our full support for this process which would include a spiritual retreat to be led by religious leaders from South Sudan and elsewhere. The theme of the retreat was not be political; it would be a healing retreat to bring about personal transformation to prepare the participants to face the path of making peace,” he said.

The bishops hope that the third round of the revitalization forum of the 2015 peace deal would be a forum for leaders to resolve their personal and political interests and make peace a reality in South Sudan. "That will only happen, if the leaders are ready to change their hearts and be transformed," said Archbishop Lukudu.

Group photo of the participants

By Rose Achiego, Waumini Communications, KCCB

Having 12 radio stations, one catholic television, various print and online publications, the Bishops in Kenya are committed to form synergy for networking and close collaboration to be the alternative voice in the country.

Having gone through general elections that has left the country divided along tribal lines, and the media that is awash with divisive politics that offers less solution to unity, the Bishops would like to strengthen the catholic media to evangelize and relay messages of forgiveness, reconciliation and to restore hope among Kenyans.

Rt. Rev. Joseph Obanyi,
Chairman for Social
Communications
Commission - KCCB,
Bishop of Kakamega

Addressing more than 30 Diocesan Communication Coordinators, Print and online editors, TV/Radio Directors and Managers Nairobi on 26th, February, 2018, The Chairman of the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) – Commission for Social Communication, Rt. Rev. Joseph Obanyi urged the participants to seek ways of coordination so as to speak with one voice on national issues affecting the county.

“Think nationally about having a national radio. Where we are as Kenyans, we need an alternative voice. Ask yourselves, how do we as a church in Kenya bring out this issues nationally?” Bishop Obanyi who is the Bishop of Kakamega Diocese challenged communicators.

He also encouraged the media practitioners to think about sustainability of their various media houses without relaying so much on donor funding. “Find out ways of how to become sustainable without being dependent,” posing a question “how safe are we to sustain ourselves without collapsing. How can the dioceses support the national office to continue coordinating and facilitating its activities?”

Most Rev. Martin Kivuva, Chairman
Commission for Justice & Peace-KCCB,
Archbishop of Mombasa

Speaking during the closure of the workshop on 27th, February, 2018, The Chairman for KCCB- Commission for Justice and Peace (CJPC) and the Archbishop of Mombasa Most Rev. Martin Kivuva called on the communicators to focus more attention on the Lenten Campaign 2018 theme “Reconciliation for Peaceful Coexistence and National Integration Justice for All.” Which was as a result of the aftermath of the 2017 General Elections.

Echoing Bishop Obanyi’s sentiments, Archbishop Kivuva called on the Catholic Media Houses to unite and to strengthen the voice of the church which is always the voice of reason and to curb the spread of fake news which is also a concern of the Holy Father in his message for the World Communications Day this year which will be celebrated on May 13.

“Let us be brothers and sisters, learn from each other and support each other. This year is a very special year, link up to amplify the voice of the church through collaboration with other commissions,” he said.

In their conclusion of a three-day meeting, the participants drawn from various diocese in Kenya resolved to pull together by enhancing close collaboration through networking, sharing of information and marketing as pull for financial sustainability.

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Seminarians from Christ the King Major Seminary-Nyeri
with Facilitators of Small Christian Community Training

By Pamela Adinda, AMECEA Online News

Christ The King Major Seminary in the Archdiocese of Nyeri-Kenya becomes the second Seminary in AMECEA Region to benefit from the AMECEA training on small Christian Communities. Apostles of Jesus Major Seminary in the Archdiocese of Nairobi was the first to receive the training which is part of AMECEA’s initiative to expand the program of train personnel to run Small Christian Communities (SCCs) in the region using the methodology provided in the AMECEA Small Christian Community Training Handbook for facilitators which was published in May 2017.

In an interview with AMECEA online news, the AMECEA Pastoral Coordinator Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Chimombo, said that his department was striving towards establishing a uniform model of conducting Small Christian Community activities in the region expressing the need to train agents of evangelization using a standardised model. “This standardised model has been developed in the AMECEA Small Christian Community Training Handbook for facilitators,” he said.

Fr. Chimombo explained that previously, the agents of evangelization were conducting Small Christian Community activities according to their own ways which did not conform to any guidelines; a trend he said is set to change adding that it is the main reason for training the seminarians who will need the skills when they are sent out to do pastoral activities.

Meanwhile, the Rector of Christ the King Major Seminar Very Rev. Fr. Peter Mutune, emphasised that the training was very timely announcing that soon the institution will be sending out Seminarians for three-month Pastoral experience in various parishes and institutions in Kenya with the mandate to strengthen the Church through small Christian Communities.

Group photo with a section of the seminarians and
facilitators during the SCC Workshop Training

The trainings are meant to promote new and deeper evangelization through revitalization and utilization of Small Christian Communities (SCC) as a model of evangelization at the grassroots level. This is one of the goals of AMECEA 10-Year Pastoral Strategic Plan for 2014-2024 and it targets the clergy, religious and the lay leaders.

At Christ the King Major Seminary, a total of 307 seminarians covering eight years of Priest Formation were trained. These included those in Spirituality, Philosophy and Theology years. This number according to Fr. Chimombo is the largest team to ever to be trained, something the facilitators were extremely impressed about.

The training which took place between 22^nd– 25^th February, 2018 were facilitated by Rev. Fr. Moses Muriira, Rev. Fr. Joseph Healey, MM and Mr. Alphonse Omolo. In attendance were Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Chimombo of AMECEA and Dr. Miriam Leidinger from Missio who came to learn about the operations of Small Christian Communities with an aim of adopting the model for the Church in Germany.

Facilitators of SCCs Workshop Training in Nyeri From Left
Rev. Fr. Joseph Healey, MM, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Chimombo
AMECEA Pastoral Coordinator, Dr. Miriam Leidinger
from Missio Germany, Rev. Fr. Moses Muriira
and Mr. Alphonse Omollo

Rev. Fr. Joseph Healey, MM who led the facilitation team reported that they very impressed by the 14 House SCCs at Christ the King Seminary in Nyeri located in the dormitories or residence halls covering eight years of theology - Spiritual Year, three years of philosophy and four years of theology. “These House SCCs of seminarians meet on Tuesday for a SCC Mass (Jumuiya Mass) and on Sunday afternoon for a prayer session in their respective halls,” he said.

Fr. Healey added that the model used in Njeri was a good one and could be used as an example for all the Major Seminaries in Kenya and in the entire AMECEA Region.

The facilitation team also had an opportunity in the afternoon of Sunday 25, February to visit one of the St. Samuel Small Christian Community at St. Joseph Parish in the Archdiocese of Nyeri where they had a learning experience.

Prior to the training workshop in Nyeri, similar workshops have been held in Malawi, Ethiopia, Tanzania (Mwanza Metropolitan) and Uganda (Tororo Archdiocese and Jinja Diocese).

Some Bishops having learnt of the importance of these trainings have made request to have their priests trained. Examples include the Diocese of Kakamega, Kenya, which benefited from the training in May 2017 and the Archdiocese of Kisumu where similar trainings were conducted respectively.

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Rt. Rev. Montfort Stima, Bishop of Mangochi Diocese
addresses the participants of Young Christian Workers
AGM Meeting in Mangochi

By ECM Correspondent

The Catholic youth in Malawi have been urged to stand up and fight corruption that has engulfed Malawi and the entire world arguing that the youth have the energy and ability to do things differently in order to change the world.

Speaking during the official opening of the Annual General Meeting (AGM) for the Young Christian Workers (YCW) movement at Montfort Lake House on Friday, 23^rd, February, 2018, the Bishop of Mangochi Diocese in the eastern part of Malawi Rt. Rev. Montfort Stima said that the majority of young people today are not bold enough to speak about the ills that are committed in the society.

“Most youth today are just good at seeing things, but they are afraid of judging what they have seen because they don’t have the courage to take action. You should be different and be courageous to speak out against evil,” he said as he called on the youth to point out the malpractices at their places of work as one way of fighting corruption.

“There is a lot of corruption at your work places and in society where you are living, but you are afraid to speak out against such malpractices for fear of losing your jobs or being side-lined by your friends. You should know that it’s a sin not to speak out against evil things,” he pointed out in reference to the YCW motto of See, Judge and Act where the members of the YCW movement are encouraged to be conscious about what is going on around them, judge the situation and then take action based on their judgement while putting Jesus Christ at the centre of very action that is being taken.

Participants of the Young Christian Workers in Malawi
during their AGM Meeting held in Mangochi

The Bishop who is also Vice Chairman for the Pastoral Commission at the Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM), encouraged the Catholic youth to come forward and take up leadership positions in the Catholic Church, arguing that the youth are the leaders of today and not tomorrow.

“You are all welcome to priesthood, sisterhood and even brotherhood, especially those youths that have not yet gotten married. Some young people think that after going through tertiary education they cannot take up religious vocations. That is not true, you are all welcome to serve Christ as the religious (priests, nuns and brothers)

Speaking prior to the official opening remarks at the AGM, the YCW National President Augustine Mulomole welcomed all the delegates and outlined the main agenda items for the AGM.

“This is a very important gathering where we are all expected to deliberate on preparations for the forthcoming international meeting where Malawi is hosting the East Africa Regional Commission meeting comprising countries such as Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Malawi as the hosts from 27th August – 1st September; discussions on amendments to the YCW National Constitution; discussions on the YCW National Strategic Plan for the year 2018 – 2022; and discussions on the role of the Catholic youth on public affairs issues. All these agenda items need our active participation,” he said.

The YCW movement is run by the Catholic youth, with close supervision from the Diocesan Youth Chaplains. The National Youth Chaplaincy in Malawi has its headquarters at the Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM) and is headed by Rev. Fr. Valerian Mtseka as the National Youth Chaplain. In his remarks during the opening ceremony, Fr. Mtseka encouraged the members to seriously discuss the future of the movement in Malawi.

“We are relying on you as the leaders of today. Make the most out of this meeting to agree on the resolutions that will be deliberated upon during this AGM. Let’s continue with this hard working spirit for the benefit of the movement in Malawi but also for the benefit of the Catholic Church,” he said.

Up to 60 YCW members and Diocesan Youth Chaplains from all the 8 dioceses in Malawi attended the 2018 AGM, which was held from Thursday, 22^nd to Sunday, 25^th February 2018. The YCW movement has been in existence in Malawi since 1956, following its establishment globally in 1924 by a Belgian born Catholic Priest, Rev. Fr. Joseph Cardijn. The movement is existent in all the 8 dioceses in Malawi, with an estimated total membership of 1, 500.

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Rectors and Librarians from Major Seminaries in Kenya
during their Meeting to Evaluate Progress of
Sharing the Word Program

By Catholic Mirror, KCCB

Rectors and Librarians from the Major Seminaries in Kenya gathered for a two-day meeting organized by the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) led by the National Director, Rev. Fr. Bonaventure Luchidio.

The meeting was to evaluate the progress of Sharing the Word Program in Kenya, a project under KOHA Program, sponsored by the society of St. Peter the Apostle and spearheaded by Rev. Fr. Lucas Brian, the PMS National Director Australia.

Speaking to the participants, Fr. Luchidio said all the major seminaries have embarked on Sharing the Word program and it was important to evaluate the effectiveness of the program and also learn from each other.

“The idea of Sharing the Word Program is meant to digitise our libraries and make knowledge accessible for research and on flow of information for the good of the priests and the faithful. We aim at linking all our seminaries and make the books available for use from all spots,” said Fr. Luchidio.

The meeting which was held at the Missionary Sisters of the Holy Family in Langata from 22^nd to 24^th February, brought together seven rectors and seven Librarians drawn from St. Augustine Major Seminary-Mabanga, St. Thomas Aquinas Major Seminary-Nairobi, Christ the King Major Seminary-Nyeri, St Mathias Mulumba Major Seminary-Tindinyo, St. Mary’s Major Seminary-Molo, St Joseph’s Major Seminary-Nairobi and Blessed Bakanja (AMECEA) Nairobi.

A section of the participants of the meeting

Sharing the Word is a project supported by PMS and spearheaded by PMS Australia. It was introduced to the Kenya seminaries in 2014, second country after Zambia, and later to Tanzania and now Myanmar.

The initiative is under the Society of St. Peter the Apostle, one of the Pontifical Mission Societies, which funds the formation and training of seminarians and novices. This project aims at electronically connecting computerised catalogues, online resources and enhancing online research for quality academic work.

KOHA is an open source Integrated Library System, used world-wide by public, school and special libraries. The name comes from a Māori term for a gift or donation.

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Network Small Christian Communities in Africa
(NSCCA) Steering Committee Members
From Left: Rt. Rev. Method Kilaini,Auxiliary
Bishop of the diocese of Bukoba in Tanzania,
Sr. Dr. Josee Ngalula from Kinshasa-
Democratic Republic of Congo,
Dr Miriam Leidinger from Missio
Aachen-Germany and
Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Chimombo,
Coordinator AMECEA
Pastoral Department

By AMECEA Online News Correspondent

A four member steering committee of the Network Small Christian Communities in Africa (NSCCA) met to plan for the upcoming meeting of the NSCCA scheduled for September this year in Nairobi Kenya.

A meeting held on 20th February, 2018 at aimed at St Theresa Training Center for the Sisters of the Donum Dei Missionary Family in Karen, Nairobi- Kenya aimed at creating space for sharing experiences and the best pastoral approaches for managing SCCs.

Furthermore, the committee is tasked to facilitate the exchange of information between different regions in Africa and beyond. At present Missio Aachen-Germany has established a special research desk to review the impact of SCCs on the church and how that can help to boost and strengthen the Church in Africa and subsequently Europe.

Having adopted SCCs as a pastoral priority as early as 1962, AMECEA Pastoral Department was earmarked to take the lead in strengthening the conferences and regions that are lagging behind in the promotion of SCCs. In this regard, getting up to date statistical data for SCCs, catholic Christians, families and youth that are still active or inactive within the region is a key component in the promotion of SCCs.

With the “Youth Synod“in mind, the committee members agreed to centre the upcoming NSCCA on the youth with the intention of working out strategies of attracting, maintaining and helping the youth to be evangelisers and to fellow youth with special reference to SCCs. In this regard, promotion of Youth Small Christian Communities was emphasized.

To give Dr Miriam Leidenger a practical experience of how Youth Small Communities are conducted, a visit was made to Kenyatta University- Ruiri Campus, on the evening of Wednesday 21st February, 2018. It was a joint meeting which brought together close to 200 students from neighbouring campuses. The sharing was open and enriching. Among others students deliberated the Lenten Campaign theme for second Sunday of Lent which was on Reconciliation as instituted by the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) through the Catholic Justice and Peace Commission (CJPC). Another exciting experience was the interaction with the members of St Samuel Small Christian Community under St. Joseph Parish in the Catholic Archdiocese of Nyeri, central Kenya.

The steering committee comprised of Right Reverend Method Kilaini-Auxiliary Bishop of the diocese of Bukoba in Tanzania, Sr. Dr. Josee Ngalula from Kinshasa-Democratic Republic of Congo, Rev. Emmanuel Chimombo from AMECEA Pastoral Department, Nairobi-Kenya and Dr Miriam Leidinger from Missio Aachen-Germany.

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Source: Catholic Radio Network

Sudan Catholic Conference of Bishops (SCCB) call for a unified education syllabus to be taught in Catholic schools in South Sudan.

Wau Catholic Diocese Administrator Rev. Fr. Marko Mangu reported that, the Bishops’ meeting at the end of February, 2018 raised concerns on education system in Catholic Church schools in the Country.

Fr. Mangu said that the Bishops expressed the need for religion subject to be taught in Catholic Schools to let generations grow up in strong faith.

He asked the government of South Sudan to invest more on education system to have good quality for a better future of the upcoming generation.

Meanwhile, according to Anisa Radio report, the Director General of Gender and Social Welfare in the ministry of education in Gbudue state. Rev. John Zeburunga said that, the condition of former child solders released in Yambio last month is improving revealing that, the government and partners in Yambio are taking care of more than 60 former child solders.

Zeburunga said they have been offering them Psycho-social support training to help them forget the atrocities they went through in the bush adding that, the children will be re-integrated back into the community to continue with their normal lives.

He explained that out of the over 300 child soldiers released, more than 32 are girls. He warned parents not to allow children below 18 years to be solders because it is against the policy of the government of Gbudue state. He concluded by saying that the government and the partners are working hard to see that all child soldiers are released and reintegrated into the community.

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By Rose Achiego, Waumini Communications

Teachers have been urged to inspire parents to take up their role in values and faith formation of their children more seriously by encouraging them to participate in all aspects of the education of their children

In his keynote address to Education Secretaries and Religious Education Advisors, Principals, Head Teachers and Directors of Catholic Private Institutions at Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA), the Chairman of Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) - Commission for Education & Religious Education Rt. Rev. Maurice Muhatia said that, parents and educators need to focus more on faith, sincerity and seriousness in the education of their children.

Speaking during the Catholic Private Educational Institutions Conference (CaPEIA) that runs from 6^th-9^th March, 2018 under the theme “Parental Empowerment and Engagement for holistic Education’’, Bishop Muhatia challenged teachers to encourage parents to support their children in achieving their life goals, take up responsibility of preventing abuse of their children in and out of school, productively engage with the school administration and teachers for the good of their children and build their own capacity to empower parents/guardians as collaborators in provision of holistic education.

“Successful educational programs depend upon the cooperation and involvement of the parents with the school. According to Declaration on Christian Education (Gravissimum Educationis, 3; 1965), parents have given children their life, they are bound by the most serious obligation to educate their offspring and therefore must be recognized as the primary and principal educators,” he said.

The Bishop of Nakuru said partnership between the Catholic schools and the families of pupils and students must continue and be strengthened to deal with academic problems that may arise and to achieve the educational goals of the school.

“This partnership is more important today, when dealing with sensitive issues such as religion, moral values, human sexuality education, pornography, social media, child protection as well as rights and responsibilities of children. This partnership is not a question of convenience, but a serious partnership based on faith, value of children as a gift from God and the future of any society,” Bishop Muhatia said.

He stressed that, the parents should be aware of the dangers of Comprehensive Sexuality Education, and at the same time empower them to educate their children on age-appropriate human sexuality adding that other threats to children in schools that parents can assist to address are radicalization, drug abuse and teenage suicide.

A section of Participants of the Catholic Private
Educational Institutions Conference (CaPEIA)

Bishop Muhatia emphasized on the Catholic tradition that teaches that God has bestowed on the family its own specific and unique educational mission, stressing the need to uphold this mission in schools (Congregation for Catholic Education, 1988). “As Catholic Educators we need to help parents understand and appreciate their roles in school as spelt out by Canon 792 §2,” he said.

In empowering parents, he called upon teachers to encourage parents to be active in the faith development of their children and worship, ensure participation in school Masses when possible, contribution to Community service and instilling in each child positive values, attitudes and behaviour besides supporting school and class regulations and policies that include; Code of Dressing and educational programs offered at school by conscientious supervision of school assignments.

“Parents must cooperate closely with the teachers of the schools to which they entrust their children to be educated; moreover, teachers in fulfilling their duty are to collaborate very closely with parents, who are to be heard willingly and for whom associations or meetings are to be established and highly esteemed,” he said

Bishop Muhatia conveyed Bishops Conference gratitude for the great work the education officials are doing in ensuring that Catholic private schools offer quality education and remain truly Catholic while congratulating Catholic Private Schools for posting impressive 2017 KCPE and KCSE results.

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President General Renato Lima de Oliveira
of the Society of St. Vincent-de-Paul
During a courtesy call to ZCCB Secretariat in Lusaka

By Mwenya Mukuka, ZCCB Communications Officer

Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB) appreciates Society of St. Vincent-de-Paul for being of help to the Church in reaching out in her evangelization through faith in action.

Speaking at the Catholic Secretariat in Lusaka during a courtesy call by Society of St. Vincent-de-Paul President General Renato Lima de Oliveira, on 5^th, March, 2018, ZCCB Bishop Director for Pastoral, Rt. Rev. Clement Mulenga, SDB, praised the work of the Society of St. Vincent-de-Paul in different areas of need being, prison visitation, food supply to the poor, education, and building of houses for the vulnerable among other charitable activities.

(Left) ZCCB Bishop Director for Pastoral,
Rt. Rev. Clement Mulenga, SDB and
Society of St. Vincent-de-Paul President
General Renato Lima de Oliveira

“The work of the Society of St. Vincent-de-Paul like the building of houses for the vulnerable, education support for the needy, food supply, ex-convicts’ community reintegration, repatriation of stranded people to other parts of the country is commendable. This kind of work has helped the Church in reaching out in her evangelization through faith in action. And we would like to say thank you to the Society for this partnership,” he said.

Bishop Mulenga also appreciated the financial support the bishops received from the International Council General [Society of St. Vincent-de-Paul] when they lost some local members of the Society of St. Vincent-de-Paul in the Mbala’s fatal road accident in 2017.

He however noted the challenges faced by lay movements in Zambia and asked for some ideas on how to overcome them.

Society of St. Vincent-de-Paul President General
Renato Lima de Oliveira, With Secretariat Staff

Meanwhile, Society of St. Vincent-de-Paul President General Renato Lima de Oliveira revealed that Zambia is special to the international community of the Society of St. Vincent-de-Paul because of the membership figures which are quite impressive.

“The membership figures are so impressive in Zambia. We have 1,420 groups in all the 11 Dioceses. The statistics in Zambia are impressive because of the hard working men and women on the National Council,” Mr. Oliveira said.

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Loneliness is the situation as being in a place with a
thousand people but feeling invisible to every one of them

By Pamela Adinda, AMECEA Online News

As the days to the Pre-Synodal meeting of Pope Francis and some 300 young people from across the globe draws nearer, the majority of young people are eager to share their views, sentiments, worries and fears among other things with the Holy Father so that their concerns and needs may be addressed.

The purpose of the Pre-Synodal Meeting, which is scheduled to take place in Rome between 19^th to 24^th March 2018 is to provide an opportunity for young people to produce a document which will later on in October this year, form a basis of deliberations among the Synod Fathers who are scheduled to meet under the theme: Young People, the Faith and Vocational Discernment. The document will bear the views of the young people on the state of things, their ideas, their feelings and their recommendations.

Alloys Nyakundi, a young Kenyan who is currently pursuing a degree in Pastoral Studies, focusing on Small Christian Communities at Loyola University, New Orleans, USA is one such young people who hopes to get solutions after sharing their experiences as the youth. Although he is not among the 300 participants who will be meeting with the Pope for the pre-Synodal meeting, Nyakundi a strong member and champion of Youth Small Christian Communities believes that young people today are more scared of never meeting the love of their life than being homeless, losing their job or finding themselves in the middle of a terrorist attack.

According to a post he made on Youth Small Christian Communities Facebook page, because of this fear of not finding love, many young people feel lonely and bored.

“Loneliness typically includes feelings anxious or a lack of connection or communication with other people, both in the present and extending into the future. As such, loneliness can be felt even when surrounded by other people,” he explained.

Alloys Nyakundi (Right in Blue Jacket)

Terming loneliness a serious health risk, Nyakundi vividly described the situation as being in a place with a thousand people but feeling invisible to every one of them and the main cause of the scenario is difficulties among young people to establish and maintain lasting friendships that culminates into meaningful relations.

Another issue that worries the majority of young people especially in Kenya is lack of academic empowerment which consequently leads to lack of proper knowledge and skills required to get employments.

“A larger population of talented youths languish in abject poverty and hopelessness because the number of scholarships being offered is limited, thus most of them only afford elementary education. This has disadvantaged the participation of youth in leadership,” he explained adding that the consequence is underrepresentation of the young people in decision making positions at the national level.

Nyakundi further expressed a concern that junior citizens in Kenya have fewer privileges compared to their seniors in almost all spheres of life and this further denies them personal growth necessary for their well-being and empowerment. For instance, he singled out the fact that youthful Kenyans are often locked out from applying for powerful positions in the executive and the judiciary, this was evident in the recruitment for the country’s next Chief Justice following the recent resignation of the incumbent.

“One of the requirements for an applicant was that he/she should be 40 years and above, and have at least 15 years’ experience in law. This automatically disqualified ambitious young lawyers in their 30’s and 20’s from applying for the lucrative and powerful position. Not because they are incapable but because of the strongly entrenched social patriarchy,” he said.

Owing to such trends, Nyakundi pointed out that the unfortunate young people in Kenya are often left out just as spectators and poorly paid servants working as gardeners, night guards, revenue collectors and worst of it all, being exploited by powerful politicians to take part in political protests and demonstrations.

Nyakundi who speaks for many young people not only in Kenya but throughout AMECEA Region, Africa and in deed the whole world hopes that the pre-Synod dialogue between the young people and the Holy Father and subsequently the Synod of Bishops in October will address these challenges in-depth and come up with concrete ways of arresting the fears, worries and concerns and challenges of the youth people.

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Msgr. Thomas Oliha, Apostolic Administrator of Torit Diocese

Source: CRN

Members of the Catholic Diocese of Torit and Summer Institute of Linguistics have launched a new Bible in Didinga language last Saturday in Chukudum.

According to a report by Emmanuel Radio, Hundreds of people from Didinga and Buya counties gathered in Chukudum for three days to witness the historic occasion.

The Apostolic Administrator of the Catholic Diocese of Torit Monsignor Thomas Oliha said the book is a gift of God to the Didinga people.

South Sudan Summer Institute of Linguistic Director Jackie Marshall explained that the book is also in audio form, for these who are unable to read due to various challenges.

Although the new translation was launched as the great achievement with hopes to change the spiritual lives of the people, more work still needs to be done to fully accomplish the project.

For now, the only complete translation is the New Testament and out of the 46 books of the Old Testament accepted by the Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church, only four have been translated.

The new Bible will be used by all Christian Denominations.

Five churches and government officials led by Kapoeta State Deputy Governor Paul Langa Rapicio attended the ceremony.

The Didinga Language Bible project was funded by Wycliffe USA Foundation and printed in South Korea and the first project started in1980s and was completed in 2017.

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SOUTH SUDAN: Catholic Bishops’ Message on the Global Day of Prayer and Fasting for Peace

AMECEA: Secretariat joins the Universal Church in praying for Peace in South Sudan and Congo

ETHIOPIA: Cardinal Berhaneyesus’ Statement - A Call for Peace in the Country

SOUTH SUDAN: Catholic Bishops invite all South Sudanese to join Pope Francis’ Prayer Day for Peace

MALAWI: Association of Catholic Journalists establishes Regional Chapters

MALAWI: Catholic Church Mourns the death of Bishop Emmanuel Kanyama

MALAWI: ‘Bishop Kanyama, A quiet but always Straight to the Point Man, A great loss to the Conference’ – Bishop Mtumbuka

MALAWI: President Mutharika pledges support to the mother of the late Bishop Kanyama

UGANDA: USCCB boosts UEC Social Communications Department with new media equipment

SOUTH SUDAN: “We fear that our Leaders do not know how to make Peace,” say Bishops

KENYA: Catholic media meet to seek better ways of convergence to amplify the Church’s voice

KENYA: AMECEA Taking Small Christian Community Trainings to the Major seminaries

MALAWI: Fight against corruption, Bishop urge the youth in Malawi

KENYAN: Major Seminaries evaluate “Sharing the Word Program”

KENYA: Missio AACHEN Partners with AMECEA to Strengthen Small Christian Communities in Africa

SOUTH SUDAN: Catholic Bishops call for a unified education system

KENYA: Parents and teachers to partner in molding children for holistic education

ZAMBIA: ZCCB lauds the Work of Society of St. Vincent De Paul

KENYA: What Young People Fear most and What deeply Worry them

SOUTH SUDAN: Catholic Diocese of Torit launches first Didinga Bible