AN/19/2003
17th March, 2003 AN/19/2003
17th March, 2003 SUDAN
SUFFERING AND EVEN DEATH HAVE NO UTLTIMATE POWER
The bishops of the Sudan Catholic Bishops Regional Conference (SCBRC) meeting
in Nairobi January 26-31, 2003 released a pastoral letter at the end of their
Plenary Assembly. In that letter, they reminded their Christians that 'Jesus
own passion teaches us that there is no human experience, however harsh and
unjust that is beyond the presence and power of the Risen Christ to make the
experience itself a source of redemption and grace for the individuals and communities
concerned.' Therefore, four basic human values: truth, justice, love and freedom
are essential requirements in building true peace, as per Blessed Pope Paul
XXIII letter of "Peace on Earth".
The bishops emphasized on the need for each and all people of the Sudan to know
not only their rights but also their duties and responsibilities that flow from
such rights. They also quoted Pope John Paul II message for the World Day of
Peace in the beginning of the year where the Pope challenge all Catholic Communities
to take up the responsibility in building the culture of peace not only in the
hearts but also in the civic communities through:
· Protecting and promoting the human rights of all people
· Educating all the members of the community on their rights and responsibilities
as citizens
· Living as Christians according to the teaching and example of Jesus,
the Way of Peace especially His Self-giving love for all, even enemies: The
Bishops remind the Christians that Lord Jesus did not call people to 'like'
the enemy but love them. Therefore, there is need to hate and name the evil,
pray for enemies, ask God's grace to forgive them, continue to seek justice
and work for true reconciliation based on mutual respect and justice that is
open to build the future full of hope for all.
In conclusion the bishops challenged the friends of Sudan and the international
community using the words of the Pope John Paul II at the beginning of this
millennium that they need to promote the development of an International Declaration
of Human Responsibilities to parallel the International Declaration on Human
Rights developed in the last century. According to him this will help in establishing
the limits within which the rights of groups and nations may be exercised and
thus contribute to the welfare of all the human family and clarify the ongoing
role of individual nations and the international community itself in their efforts
to contribute to the true peace in Sudan.
ZAMBIA
RADIO SATELLITE LINK
Yatsani Radio of Lusaka Archdiocese in Zambia has acquired an Internet Connection
by satellite for all the Catholic and non-Catholic Radio Stations in Zambia.
The former National Communications Secretary, Fr. Eustace Sequeira SJ, sourced
the funds from the Swedish and Danish Embassies in Zambia. The project is meant
to enhance democracy in the country. It will therefore have all Catholic and
non-Catholic radios linked to each other by a satellite which will enable radios
to exchange radio programmes (especially on democracy) easily.
SIGNIS (the World Catholic Association for Communication) Technical support
office in Rome will be sending a team to erect dishes in all participating radios
stations. This will mean using a satellite with a footprint that would be accessible
throughout Africa and Europe. By using a dish that sends signals up and down,
it make communication between all the dioceses and radio stations in Africa
possible, through the use of computers. This facility will have two simultaneous
streams so that two radio stations could uplink their programmes and according
to their suitability other stations could rebroadcast their signals. Besides
the use for radio, the links will also allow cheap Internet and telephone connections.
SEMINARIANS' RADIO WORKSHOPS
Two radio one-week workshops have been conducted in Zambia for the senior seminarians
and deacons of St. Dominic's Major Seminary. These workshops were conducted
in Yatsani Studios. The first workshop was conducted in November 2002 and it
attracted 45 deacons from various dioceses in Zambia. A second workshop was
held in the first week of December 2002 for the third year students in the same
seminary. The participants were equipped with the skills of script writing and
techniques of producing radio programmes. By the end of the workshop, each participant
produced a thirty-minute programme which are currently being aired on the national
radio; Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) Radio Two.
The staff of Yatsani Studios and Radio and Multimedia Zambia, an ecumenical
media house, facilitated the workshops.
After the workshops, both student groups requested that Communications be made
part of the seminary syllabus. Their sentiments have since been passed to the
seminary authorities for consideration.
CHIPATA GETS A SHEPHERD
February 23, 2003 is a historic date in Chipata Diocese because it is the
day when the Apostolic Nuncio for Zambia and Malawi His Excellency Orlando Antonini
ordained Mgrs. George Zumaile Lungu bishop of Chipata. As soon as he finished
the prayer of Consecration Chipata diocese had a new shepherd in the name Bishop
George Lungu.
The memorable feast was attended by scores of bishops, priests, religious brothers
and sisters and the faithful from the neighbouring Malawi and within the country.
The ceremony was characterized by ululating, dancing, songs and gestures that
occupied the Chipata wavelength. Looking at the hundreds of clergy and Christians
gathered to witness this big event, one would proudly say that the Catholic
Church in Zambia is not only ONE, HOLY, APOSTOLIC but truly CATHOLIC. The identity
of the Church was expressed in unity.
Bishop Lungu in his address to the congregation thanked the people for working
"tooth and nail" in bringing about development in the country. He
admitted that despite the hard work performed by the local people in his diocese,
the beneficiary of the people's labour are the foreign investors who are always
on the receiving side than the production one. He lamented the government's
negligence of the area in terms of establishment of local industries. He said
his heart bled with tears to see that all the resources like the wildlife, agriculture
and communication opportunities with the neigbouring Malawi and Mozambique were
being neglected by the people in authority. "Of all these resources, WHO
BENEFITS? IS IT A LOCAL PERSON OR SOME..... somewhere?" he asked. "The
so called investors." He challenged the people to work with one voice so
as to have an influence on the leaders of the country. He observed that the
local people in most places have allowed themselves to be exploited. This social
vice has to come to an end.
The president of the Zambia Episcopal Conference Rt. Rev. Telesphore Mpundu
said that the appointment of Bishop Lungu was stepping stone towards the renewed
trust of the Church hierarchy in the local clergy. Indeed Bishop Lungu, though
being the Second Zambian Bishop to be appointed for Chipata Diocese, becomes
the first FRUIT of the Zambian Seminaries (Sts. Augustine's and Dominic's) since
1973 when formation of the clergy was moved from Malawi and Zimbabwe to Zambia.
He is the JUBILEE GIFT of St. Dominic's Seminary as they celebrate the silver
jubilee on May 10, 2003.
The Apostolic Nuncio, in his concluding remarks, said that God has chosen the
new shepherd according to his heart. He paid tribute to the missionaries who
brought Christianity in the diocese about hundred years ago.
The diocese of Chipata has been without a bishop for the past six years since
Archbishop Medardo Mazombwe was transferred to Lusaka archdiocese as a metropolitan
bishop. Bishop George Lungu was appointed the Apostolic Administrator of the
diocese in December 1998. He becomes the third bishop in the history of the
diocese which is in the eastern part of the country.
To Bishop Lungu we say, "God does not call the qualified but qualifies
those that he calls" and remember "mwizyo" (brother)' when God
ordains He sustains".
By: Fr. Andrew Chenjerani Phiri
ETHIOPIA
RESPONDING TO PEOPLE'S NEEDS
The Catholic Church in Ethiopia has continued to uplift material and spiritual
development of its people over the years in order to achieve integral human
development of its people. This is according to the Secretary General of Ethiopia
Catholic Secretariat, Abba Tsegaye Keneni.
Among the social development meant to improve the living standard of the people
are inception of modern education in Ethiopia through establishing more than
200 different level schools across the country and playing a significant role
in the provision of high quality modern education. They have also established
over 70 hospitals, health centers and clinics to serve the people. Majority
of these people are poor. The Church has established a social development commission
in each of its nine dioceses in order to cooperate with the Federal and Regional
Government structures and international donor institutions in running programmes
on social development issues. Some of the areas include health, education, gender,
HIV/AIDS prevention and control and emergency relief response for instance during
drought induced famine. The Church is making unreserved effort to solve this
problem through the provision of relief services and sustained programmes that
could contribute to achieving a lasting solution to the famine in the country.
They have received so far a substantial relief resources pledges from the international
donor communities and they express their appreciation. Among them are Caritas
Network, European Union (EU), USAID, Catholic Relief Service (CRS), the Joint
Relief Partnership (JRP) and Action Churches Together (ACT).
In conclusion, Abba Tsegaye said that the Church wished to seek lasting solutions
to some of the on-going problems in order to make a lasting impact on the lives
of the downtrodden without seemingly constant need for international humanitarian
assistance. His prayer to God on behalf of Ethiopians is deliverance from the
devastating effects of the current famine.
Courtesy of the Link
KENYA
A NEW BEGINNING FOR KENYA
On March 9, 2003, Kenya Episcopal Conference will launch this year Lenten Campaign
all over Kenya with the theme: A New Beginning for Kenya. The theme is the first
positive one after a decade of Lenten campaigns pointing different negative
issues affecting the country. It comes after a mature conduct of the Kenyans
during the general election in December 2002. Kenyans have shown the realization
that politics need not only be competitive but must include cooperation and
participation of everyone.
The bishops emphasize that for the country to grow, the new government need
the support of all Kenyans as it tries to revitalize a nation torn a part by
the greedy of a few individuals. They also pointed out that Kenya needs to revive
her economy since it is difficult for poor people to be faithful to the laws
of the country and all must be given an opportunity to improve their lives.
Improving the infrastructure especially roads, electricity, hospitals and marketing
of local products should be given the first priority.
During the Lenten season, the bishops have allocated a theme for each week as
follows: first week - reconstruct. This means that there need to reform people's
lives, families, and other relationships that have been broken. In the second
week deals the economy. According to the bishops the economy of this country
must not be allowed to undermine the life and dignity of the human person. Therefore,
all people have the right to economic initiative, productive work, living wages
and decent working conditions. The third week theme is new government. This
theme spells out the kind of leaders Kenyans need and how good leadership can
be attained. Week four talks about AIDS/HIV and medical care. While there is
need to mention the issue of HIV/AIDS Christians are reminded that people are
also dying from other diseases like malaria. The bishops make an observation
that many people are suffering for lack of adequate medical care and drugs hence
a call to offer an affordable medical care. The bishops also remind the Christians
that their response to illness must affirms life and empathize with the sick
and those affected. The fifth week will be about the new constitution. It is
important that people know that the problems Kenya is facing come from lack
of constitutionalism and abuse of the rule of law. The bishops challenge the
everyone to devise ways that will enable Christians to use the law for the benefit
of everyone.
In conclusion, Kenyans are urged to utilize the God given opportunity to form
a government of national unity where being Kenyan will be more important than
belonging to a particular ethnic group. All Kenyans are reminded that the future
of Kenya is in their hands.
MACHAKOS GETS A NEW BISHOP
His Holiness Pope John Paul II, on March 15 2003 appointed Rev. Fr. Martin
Kivuva Musonde, a priest from Archdiocese of Mombasa and Director of Ukweli
Video Production, as the Bishop of Machakos Diocese. He takes over from Rt.
Rev. Urbanus Kioko who the Holy Father has accepted his resignation.
Rt. Rev. Kivuva was born February 10, 1952 at Muthetheni in Machakos District.
He attended Kichaka-Simba School in Kwale and St. Mary's Seminary. He later
attended St. Thomas Aquinas Major Seminary for Philosophy and Theology. He was
ordained priest December 9, 1978 in the Archdiocese of Mombasa.
He has worked as an assistant parish priest at Mwatate Parish. He was a parish
priest of Kongowea Parish in Mombasa town from February 1979 - February 1989
at the same time officiating chaplain of Armed Forces - Nyali Barracks. In Makupa
Parish he worked as a parish priest from July 1989 to 1982 and also as Coordinator
of Social Communications for the Archdiocese at the same time. In 1992 he was
appointed to work as the Ukweli Video in Nairobi where he later become Director
up to his appointment.
He holds certificates in Building and Construction from Mombasa Polytechnic;
Religious Studies from the University of Nairobi, Aid Administration from Selly
Oak Colleges, Birmingham, England; Radio Production from All Africa Conference
of Churches, Nairobi, Video and Television Production from the Institute of
Telecommunications, Dallas, Texas, USA.
His Episcopal ordination will be on June 3, 2003 in Machakos.
NEW BISHOP NEW DIOCESE
The Holy Father, John Paul II, appointed Rev. Fr. Luigi Paiaro as the first
bishop of the new Diocese of Nyahururu. The new diocese is carved from Nyeri
Archdiocese and will consist of the civic boundaries of Laikipia West Constituency
and Nyandarua District.
The bishop-elect is a Fidei Donum priest from Padua Diocese in Italy. He was
born on September 8, 1934 in Padua. He was ordained priest on July 12, 1959
in Padua. He has worked in Kenya in the Archdiocese of Nyeri for many years.
Until his appointment he was the parish priest of Nyahururu Parish for thirty
three years. He holds degrees in Philosophy and Theology. He speaks Italian,
English, Kiswahili and Kikuyu.
He will be ordained bishop on March 25, 2003 in Nyahururu.
AMECEA SECRETARIAT
ARCHBISHOP PAUL K. BAKYENGA - CHAIRMAN OF AMECEA
At a first glance he looks a very serious man. But this first glance can be
deceitful because on the contrary he is a man full of humour and an entertainer
as Bishop Kakubi describes him: He will joke over an issue that some of us might
tremble over. He is a man of humour, shown sometimes through jokes and purring
in his conversation. That is His Grace Paul K. Bakyenga the new Chairman of
AMECEA. Archbishop Bakyenga is a talented preacher and his sermons with an African
touch of proverbs makes his listeners want to hear more because very often he
says that even the one who cultivates on a nice soft ground must stop and go
home (a Runyankole proverb).
He feels with those who suffer. He has compassion for orphans. Many times, he
makes sure that people, who come to him, are given something to make them feel
relieved and happy. From his meagre resources he pays school fees for orphans
and other children whose parents cannot afford to do so. His predecessor, Bishop
Emeritus, John Baptist Kakubi described Bishop Bakyenga as "a man who doesn't
rush into problems. He takes his time. I noticed when I would go to consult
him on some Diocesan difficulties when he was in Gabba as a Rector. He is a
priest from the ordinary rank and file of priesthood. He has a grip on the elite,
who very often are distant from Church organizations or personnel."
Archbishop Paul K. Bakyenga was elected Chairman of the Association of Member
Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa (AMECEA) on July 25, 2002 during its
14th plenary in Dar es Salaam. He is also Chairman of Uganda Episcopal Conference
to which he was elected in June 2002. Archbishop Bakyenga has held several positions
in the Uganda Episcopal Conference. He was chairman of the Seminary and Priestly
Formation Commission from 1990 to 1998 after which he became chairman of the
Health Commission and Vice Chairman of Uganda Episcopal Conference concurrently
from 1998 to 2002. He is currently a chancellor for two universities namely
Uganda Martyrs' University in Uganda and the Catholic University of Eastern
Africa (CUEA) in Nairobi.
Bakyenga was born on June 30 1944, in the village of Bumbaire, Igara, in now
Bushenyi District in south western Uganda. His father was Cyprian Kaamuza and
his mother Maria Gakibayo Kaamuza. Paul Bakyenga was the fourth born of ten
children. He had his primary education at Ibaare Primary School from 1952 to
1957; 1958 to 1960 he studied at Ibanda Preparatory Seminary. He then went to
St. Francis Xavier Kitabi Seminary in 1961 and in 1965 joined Bukalasa Seminary
for Higher School Certificate (H.S.C) studies. In 1966 he joined Katigondo Seminary
in Uganda for philosophy from where in 1967 Bishop Jean Marie Ogez, the then
Bishop of Mbarara diocese, sent him to study at St. Andrews College in Scotland.
After successful completion of his studies in Scotland, Bakyenga was ordained
priest on July 11, 1971 at Mushanga Parish, in Mbarara, Uganda. After his ordination
he was assigned to be chaplain of Ntare School which he did for two years. He
was then appointed Rector of Kitabi Minor Seminary from 1973-1974. He was sent
to Rome in 1974 to study at the Biblical Institute of the Gregorian University
after which he was awarded a Licentiate Degree in Sacred Scripture 1978. On
his return to Uganda, he was appointed Chancellor and Pastoral Coordinator of
Mbarara Diocese from 1979 to 1982. From 1982-1984 he was lecturer of New Testament
Studies at National Seminary Gabba after which he became the Rector of the same
Seminary from 1985 to 1989.
April 1, 1989 was a day of rejoicing for the people of Mbarara when Bishop Kakubi
announced appointment of two Bishops from Mbarara Diocese. Fr. Bakyenga, was
appointed Co-adjutor bishop of Mbarara while Fr. Egidio Nkaijanabwo was to be
the founder Bishop of a new Diocese of Kasese, cut off from Fort Portal Diocese.
On June 24, 1989 Fr. Bakyenga was ordained Bishop amidst thousands of people
who filled Kakyeka Stadium in Mbarara town. December 8, 1991 was another important
day in Bishop Bakyenga's life when he was installed Bishop Ordinary of the then
Mbarara Diocese taking over from Bishop J.B. Kakubi. Bishop Kakubi described
what took place on that day; "... Paul is a man of feeling. This was seen
at his enthronement when I handled him the reign of the diocese. He was so much
moved when I knelt down to pay my respect to him after enthroning him that he
shed tears."
On January 30, 1999 His Holiness Pope John Paul II appointed Bishop Bakyenga
an Archbishop and June 29, 1999, he received the Pallium from the Pope John
Paul II at St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. On July 11, 1999 His Grace Paul Bakyenga
was installed as the first Archbishop of the province and Archbishop of the
Archdiocese of Mbarara amidst rejoicing and jubilation. On the same day the
Ecclesiastical Province of Western Uganda was inaugurated. The province comprises
dioceses of Kabale, Kasese, Fort Portal and Hoima with the See in Mbarara.
By: Sr. M. Germina Keneema
MSGR. MICHAEL CHARO RUWA
Msgr. Michael Charo Ruwa, a diocesan priest from the archdiocese of Mombasa
comes from the Girima Community found in Kenya's Coastal Province. Bishop Eugene
Butler ordained him a priest on December 24, 1976 at St. Michael's Girima. He
has 26 years of experience working in the Catholic Church in Kenya at different
capacities starting at the diocesan level up to National level.
His first appointment was as an assistant priest in Timbila early 1977. He served
here for only five months and was transferred to Lushagoni as the Parish Priest
in June 1977. Between September 1979 and September 1987, Msgr. Ruwa served as
Assistant Procurator and Procurator respectively.
In September 1987. Msgr. Ruwa left for studies in Canon Law at the Pontificia
Universitas Urbaniana Rome, Italy where he obtained a licentiate in Canon Law
with Magna Cum Laude. Upon the completion of his studies Fr. Ruwa came home
to the archdiocese and was appointed Parish Priest in Wundanyi. He served in
Wundanyi until he was appointed Consulter to Bishop and the same time the duty
Secretary General of the Kenya Episcopal Conference.
He served in the post for two years and was appointed the Secretary General
after the tragic death of Fr. Michael Toror in 1992. Msgr. Ruwa worked as Secretary
General of Kenya Episcopal Conference from 1992 to December 2001. Thereafter,
he took a sabbatical for Peace Studies in Ireland in 2002. He was appointed
the Secretary General of AMECEA in August 2002 while he was still for his sabbatical.
Msgr. was born in 1951. He holds a certificate in Theological Studies from Peramiho
(Tanzania), a Certificate in Bookkeeping and Accounts from the Transworld Tutorial
College (England) and a Licence in Canon Law from the Pontifical University
Urbaniana, Rome (Italy). He covers various other responsibilities in the field
of management and development in the Church.
In recognition of his services to the Church in Kenya, His Holiness Pope John
Paul II bestowed the title of His Chaplain to Rev. Fr. Michael Charo Ruwa. By
this appointment, Fr. Ruwa consequently received the title of Monsignor. The
Apostolic Nuncio to Kenya, His Excellency Giovanni Tonucci communicated this
news to Archbishop John Njenga of Mombsa in a letter dated March 7, 2003.
By: John Tanza Mabusu
THE NEW SECRETARY GENERAL'S VIEWS
When asked about his style of leadership, vision and challenges at the AMECEA, his answers to John Tanza Mabusu are in the extract of the interview below:
What was your first reaction when you were appointed as the AMECEA Secretariat
Secretary General?
I was surprised and I asked myself why me of all the other priests in the region.
But I though perhaps because of my 18 years experience as a team player in the
Church. With that reflection in mind, I decided to take this appointment as
a challenge for me to serve the region of AMECEA.
What kind of new changes are you proposing for the AMECEA?
Nothing new. They have their own structures; I am going to fit in the existing
structures. My role is to fulfill the mission and vision of AMECEA. Furthermore,
I am a finance person and Canon Lawyer by training. I am coming in with proper
financial skills. According to me the best accountant in the Church is not the
one who prays only, but the one who prays and keeps record of financial transactions.
Can you share with us your disappointments at the AMECEA Secretariat?
My only disappointments are lack of personnel and finances. One person manages
most of the departments. I have already suggested to the AMECEA Board to seek
ways of employing more personnel in the Secretariat. Otherwise, for me to work
effectively I need personnel. If they (Bishops) selected me because I am a good
fundraiser, they have to bring people who will implement the work. Without personnel,
I lack the necessary tools for my work. It is like you are invited for a lunch
and when you reach the venue very hungry and ready to eat, you are told the
cooking gas is finished and the invited guest have to wait for another two hours
before the meals are ready. It is a set back. However, I am not discouraged
by this situation.
How do you coordinate your work within the AMECEA Region?
Coordination is very difficult. We are dealing eight countries having different
problems. For instance, in the Southern part of the region, there is drought
and in the eastern there is the longest civil war in Africa (Sudan). I read
constantly to keep informed of the events in these eight Countries. That is
why it is important to have personnel in the secretariat that will be doing
regional analysis for easier access.
Who are the donors of AMECEA?
Our money for administration comes from the dioceses of the AMECEA region. Each
dioceses contributes 1000 US$ per year. Some dioceses have not been paying the
dues on time and this affects our operation greatly. The money for salaries
of the employees comes from foreign donors.
The Catholic Church in Africa is not self-reliance. It depends on foreign Aid,
which is often difficult to get on time. The challenge for us is to train people
who will be actively involved in advocacy work in the Church so that they raise
awareness about the various problems affecting the Church. Plans are on the
way for every Episcopal Conference to embark on training people from National
to the diocesan level to animate themselves.
What are your achievements during this period at the AMECEA Secretariat?
I have managed to visit three Episcopal conferences of Sudan, Uganda and Tanzania.
I have also met the Board members of the Catholic University of Eastern Africa
(CUEA).
What is your last word?
The future looks hopeful and I am hopeful.
NEW AMECEA COMMUNICATIONS SECRETARY
AMECEA Social Communications has a new Communications Secretary, Rev. Fr. Moses
Hamungole. Fr. Hamungole hails from Kafue in the Archdiocese of Lusaka in Zambia.
Born on May 1, 1967 in Kafue to the late Mr. Simon Hamungole and Mrs. Sofia
Hamungole, he is the third born in a family of eight children: three boys and
five girls.
In 1975, he started his primary school education at Shikoswe Primary School
in Kafue. He attended Kafue Boys Secondary School from 1982 to 1984 for Forms
One - Three. Moses Hamungole later transferred to Mukasa Minor Seminary in Choma,
Zambia where he did his Forms Four and Five. After his two years at Mukasa,
he started his formation for priesthood at Emmaus Spiritual Centre for one year
(1987-1988). He went on to do his Philosophical Studies at St. Augustine Major
Seminary in Kabwe from 1988 to 1991, and later moved to St. Dominic Major Seminary
in Lusaka for Theology (1991 - 1994).
His Grace James Spaita of Kasama Archdiocese ordained him deacon on July 25,
1993 at St. Dominic Major Seminary in Lusaka. On August 6, 1994, His Grace Adrian
Mung'andu at Holy Saviour Parish in Kafue ordained him priest.
Fr. Hamungole was appointed to Sts. Joseph and Anthony Parish in New Kanyama
in Lusaka as an assistant parish priest for a year. He was transferred to Holy
Trinity Parish in Kabwe in the same capacity. He worked at Holy Trinity Parish
for two years. After three years in the pastoral apostolate, Fr. Hamungole was
appointed as Studio Manager of Yatsani Studios, which belongs to the Zambia
Episcopal Conference under Social Communications Department. From 1997 to 1999,
he worked in the studio where his main work was to run the studios and produce
a weekly 30 minutes television programme (LUMEN 2000) broadcasted on Zambia
National Broadcasting Corporation, the national television station.
While still working at Yatsani Studios, Fr. Hamungole did a one-year part-time
certificate course in Journalism at Everyn Hone College in Lusaka. In June 2002,
he left Yatsani Studios to pursue further studies in Social Communications at
Gregorian University Rome, Italy. Upon completion of his Licentiate in Social
Sciences with a specialization in Social Communications in June 2002, his Archbishop
asked him to postpone beginning the doctoral programme so that he could work
for some time at the AMECEA Secretariat in Nairobi. He shelved his studies to
accept this appointment at Department of Social Communications AMECEA in October
2002.
God willing, Fr. Hamungole hopes to continue his studies later. He is happy
that he is gaining more experience and utilizing the knowledge he has acquired
over the years. It is his hope to contribute to the improvement of Social Communications
in the AMECEA Region, and use his talents for the good of the Church.
"DON'T FEEL ABONDONED" CERAO URGES IVORIANS
The Catholic Bishops of the Regional Episcopal Conference of the West Africa
(CERAO) meeting in Bamako, Mali for their 15th Plenary Assembly sent a solidarity
message to the people of Ivory Coast during the dramatic situation and tragic
events taking place on her soil. The assembly was held from February 3 to 9,
2003.
Their message begins by quoting the Vatican Council II: "The joys and hopes,
the sadness and the anguishes of the people of this time, of poor especially
and all those that suffer, are also joys and hopes, the sadness and the anguishes
of the Christ's disciples, and it inhuman not to echo this in their heart. Their
unity, indeed, is built in people gathered in Christ, driven by the Holy Spirit
in their journey towards the Father's kingdom, and carriers of news of salvation
that is necessary to all…" (G.S. no 1).
In their message, the bishops call on people of Ivory Coast not to despair and
feel abandoned by God and their many friends. They also urged them to take and
assume individual responsibility in the peace restoration process. According
to the bishops public and private media too have a role to play by avoiding
promotion of ideologies that could incite hate, vengeance, contempt, segregation
and xenophobia.
The president of the Ivory Coast, Economic Community of West Africa (CEDAO),
African Union and committed national and all international organizations have
been asked to play their part in restoring peace in the country.
"IT IS MORE BLESSED TO GIVE THAN TO RECEIVE"
The Holy Father, Pope John Paul II has reminded the Christians and all people
of good will that "Lent is a season of intense prayer, fasting and concern
for those in need". In his Lenten Message for 2003, the Pope observed that
Lent offers all Christians an opportunity to prepare for Easter by serious discernment
about their lives with particular attention to the word of God which enlightens
the daily journey of all who believe.
He noted that it is generally difficult to build a culture of solidarity although
concern for others is certainly shown whenever natural disasters, war and other
emergencies strike. He pointed out that "exploitation of others, indifference
towards the suffering of others and the violation of basic rules of morality
are just a few fruits of the thirst for gain". Questioning the lack of
concern for others, he noted that it is not surprising that few hands have immense
resources while the rest of humanity suffers in poverty and neglect. He appeals
to Christians to promote justice, commitment in defense of the powerless, humanitarian
work in providing bread for the hungry and care for the sick. In order to make
mercy and love for one's neighbour the fruit of a living relationship with God,
it is necessary to be close to Christ.
In conclusion, he stressed that Lent offers the practical and effective weapons
of fasting and almsgiving as a means of fighting against excessive attachment
to money. He challenges Christians to avoid giving only from abundance, but
to sacrifice something more in order to foster self denial which is essential
to genuine Christian living. To those seeking true happiness and love, Christ
offers his own example and calls upon all people to follow him.
(Courtesy of Vatican Information Service)
APOLOGIES
The AMECEA Social Communications Department wish to apologize to our esteemed readers for the failure to publish AMECEA News the whole of 2002. it was due to restructuring in the department.