AMECEA
News 20/2003 1st July 2003 AMECEA
News 20/2003 1st July 2003 KENYA
HOMA BAY DIOCESE GETS A SHEPHERD
His Holiness Pope, John Paul II has appointed Rt. Rev. Philip Arnold Anyolo
as the new Bishop of Homa Bay. Until his appointment, Bishop Anyolo was the
Bishop of Kericho since December 1995 and the Apostolic Administrator of Homa
Bay Diocese from February 2002.
Bishop Anyolo was born on May 18, 1956 at Tongaren in Bungoma District. On December
6, 1995 the Holy Father appointed him to Kericho Diocese. February 20 2002,
the Holy Father appointed his as the Apostolic Administrator of Homa Bay Diocese
after the resignation of Rt. Rev. Linus Okok.
He was installed as the new bishop of Homa bay Diocese on Friday, May 23, 2003
in a colorful ceremony.
NEW BISHOP FOR KERICHO
The Holy Father Pope John Paul II has appointed Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Okombo the
new shepherd for Kericho Diocese. The diocese fell vacant after Bishop Philip
Arnold Anyolo was moved to Homa Bay Diocese where he had been Apostolic Administrator
since February 2002.
Bishop Okombo was born on November 29, 1942 at Bulanda village in Busia District.
He attended St. John's Seminary, Rakwaro and St. Peter's Seminary, Mukumu between
1960 and 1962. He then proceeded to St. Thomas Aquinas Major Seminary from 1967
to 1972 and was ordained a priest November 30, 1972 for the then Kisumu Diocese.
He has worked as an assistant parish priest at Shibuye and Port Victoria Parishes.
Upon the creation of Kakamega Diocese, he was appointed the rector of St. Peter's
Seminary, Mukumu from 1976-1981. Between 1981 and 1983, he studied at St. John
Fisher College, Albany, USA and obtained a bachelor degree in Economic Sciences.
On his return to Kenya he was appointed again as the rector of St. Peter's Seminary,
Mukumu till 1987.
When the diocese of Bungoma was created from Kakamega in 1987, Bishop-Elect
Okombo was appointed the vicar general of the new diocese. He also worked at
the Cathedral and then Amukura parish as the parish priest. Upon the death of
then Bishop of Bungoma Longinus Atundo, he was appointed the Diocesan Administrator
till the appointment of the new bishop. Later in 1998, he was appointed the
Vicar General of the diocese and as the parish priest of Amukura till his appointment.
Hundreds of Catholics braved the rains in Kericho to witness the ordination
of Rt. Rev. Emmanuel Okombo the new and second Bishop of Kericho Catholic Diocese
on Saturday, May 24, 2003. The open-air mass, held at Kericho Teachers' Training
College, was presided by the Apostolic Nuncio to Kenya, His Excellency Giovanni
Tonucci who was the Principal Consecrator.
In his sermon, the Nuncio emphasized the need for unity in the diocese by reminding
all the Christians that they were all One Body in Christ. He also called on
the new bishop to put the Eucharist at the center of his pastoral ministry.
"You will have many pressures, concerns and work. Your priests will come
to you for many things and support, but put the Eucharist at the center of your
pastoral preoccupation", the Nuncio said.
Bishop Okombo thanked the Holy Father, Pope John Paul II, for appointing his
to be bishop. He also expressed his gratitude to the Nuncio, Archbishop Giovanni
Tonucci, for accepting to be the Principal Consecrator and for the work he was
doing in Kenya. Rt. Rev. Okombo also thanked Bishops Cornelius Korir and Norman
King'oo the assisting consecrators, and the other bishops present for welcoming
him to Kenya Episcopal Conference.
He paid a special tribute his predecessor, Rt. Rev. Philip A. Ayolo, for the
foundation he laid. He also announced that the diocese would keep the old motto
"Arise and Evangelize" and add a new phrase "God Is With Us".
Therefore, the new motto of the diocese is "Arise and Evangelize, God Is
With Us".
Bishop Okombo thanked the priests, religious and Christians for all the preparations
made for the ceremony, and his relatives and friends for helping him keep the
faith.
K.E.C. ELECT A NEW CHAIRMAN
The Catholic Bishops of Kenya on April 29 and 30, 2003 elected Rt. Rev. Cornelius
Korir of Eldoret as the Chairman. Bishop Korir is the former Vice-chairman.
He has served in that capacity for the last six years. The Bishops were in their
annual Plenary held at St. Thomas Aquinas Major Seminary in Nairobi.
The new Vice-chairman is Rt. Rev. Peter Kairo of Nakuru Diocese. The former
Chairman Most Rev. John Njue Co-adjutor Archbishop of Nyeri Archdiocese was
elected the new delegate to AMECEA and Rt. Rev. Philip Anyolo is the substitute
delegate to AMECEA.
Rt. Rev. Virgilio Pante of Maralal Diocese was elected for the AMECEA Apostolic
to the Nomads (A.N.A.). ANA is a desk caring for the Nomads in the region under
the Pastoral Department of AMECEA.
CATHOLIC RADIO TO BE LAUNCHED
The Catholic Church has started a Radio in Nairobi in the name of Radio Waumini.
It is a Frequent Modulator (FM) radio with its frequency as 88.5. The Church
will launch it officially on Sunday July 6, 2003 when Kenya will mark the World
Communications Day.
The Kenya Episcopal Conference (KEC) intends to use this instrument of evangelization
and promotion of all the initiatives and activities of the Catholic Church in
Kenya. It is also intended to celebrate the rich diversity of contemporary Kenya.
Affirming all that is life giving, and striving to promote justice, peace, solidarity,
tolerance, reconciliation and understanding amongst all the people.
In Kenya, radio remains one of the most efficient means of communication. Almost
90% of the population has an access to the radio. Plans for nation wide extension
are underway. According to Rt. Rev. David Kamau, the Chairman of the KEC Communications
Commission, radio is a key factor in today's world should contribute to peace
by breaking down barriers of mistrust, fostering consideration for the point
of view for others, and striving always to bring peoples and nations together
in mutual understanding, tolerance and respect.
The bishops are appealing to all the Catholics Archdioceses, Dioceses, Parishes,
Small Christian Communities, Religious Communities and Institutions, friends,
Partners and all people of goodwill to sponsor and support the radio station
with donations during the World Communications day celebrations to be marked
in all parishes on Sunday July 6, 2003.
ARCHBISHOP OKOTH CELEBRATES SILVER JUBILEE
Most Rev. Zacchaeus Okoth of Kisumu Archdiocese celebrated his Episcopal silver jubilee on May 10, 2003 at Kibuye Cathedral in Kisumu. Archbishop Okoth was born on July 5, 1942 in Nyakach, Kisumu. He was ordained priest on November 14, 1968 and consecrated bishop on April 30, 1978 and in 1990 he was appointed archbishop of Kisumu.
KENYAN PRIEST ACQUITTED OF CHARGES
There was joy as America cleared a Kenyan priest of sexual abuse charges.
The Spiritans were happy after receiving news that one of their Kenyan-born
members was exonerated of sexual-related charges in the United States. Fr Peter
Kiarie, CSSp, who had been charged with sexually molesting a 12-year old American
boy in June 2002, was set free on Thursday, April 24, 2003. He flew back to
Kenya on May 3, 2003.
Fr Sean McGovern, the District Superior of the Spiritan (Holy Ghost) Fathers
in Kenya, said he and his confreres felt relieved and exonerated that Fr Kiarie
had been absolved of all the charges. Fr Kiarie, 42, left Kenya for fundraising
in America on June 11, 2002 and five days later he was accused of sexual abuse.
He was consequently arrested.
The prosecution found no evidence to corroborate the boy's allegations, and
acquitted the priest of all the charges leveled against him. According to Fr.
Sean, Fr Kiarie looked "remarkably well", and would be appointed to
work in the congregation's district of Kenya to which he belongs after a rest.
Fr. Kiarie was ordained eleven years ago and has served in the Democratic Republic
of the Congo (DRC) for six years. During the past five years he has been ministering
in Kenya. (Courtesy: CISA)
TANGAZA COLLEGE
On March 25, 2003, Msgr. Michael Charo Ruwa, the AMECEA Secretary General
bestowed diplomas to the students of Tangaza College. In his homily, he reminded
the graduands that Jesus advocates actions more than mere words as a prerequisite
for eternal life. This was derived from the day's Gospel reading on the Parable
of the Last Social Judgment (Matt. 25:31-46) where those who did not respond
to the needs of their brothers/sisters Jesus tells them they did not help him.
He told them that they were going out to be counted among those who are committed
to minimize challenges facing the society such as famine, ignorance, suffering
and disease.
The graduants were also called to be ambassadors with professional competence
to evangelize the secular world and enrich it with Christian perspectives. It
is not enough to be social workers but also pastoral agents with a vision, spirituality
and methodology of Christian ministry. He also urged them to hold fast the dignity
of the human person since education is about service to others rather than service
to self being making positive change in the lives of the people they will encounter.
MALAWI
CHIKWAWA DIOCEESE GETS A SHEPHERD
On Saturday June 28, 2003 Rt. Rev. Peter Musikuwa the new Bishop of Chikwawa,
received his Episcopal Ordination. It was presided over by Most Rev. Antonini
Orlando Apostolic Nuncio to Malawi and Zambia in Chikwawa Cathedral. Bishops,
Clergy, Religious and the laity from Malawi graced the occasion. His Excellency
Dr Bakili Muluzi the president of Malawi and other political leaders witnessed
the colorful ceremony too. Bishop Musikuwa was appointed by the His Holiness
Pope John Pail II on April 16. The diocese fell vacant in 2001 after Rt. Rev.
Felix Mkhori was transferred to Lilongwe Diocese.
Bishop Musikuwa was born on April 30, 1952 in Thunga Parish in Thyolo District.
He was ordained priest in 1981 in Byantyre Archdiocese. Until his appointment
he was a General Spiritual Director at St. Peter's Major Seminary.
BISHOP FELIX EUGENE MKHORI CELEBRATES EPISCOPAL SILVER JUBILEE
On May10, 2003 at Maula Parish in Lilongwe a huge congregation gathered to
celebrate the Silver Jubilee of Episcopal of Bishop Felix Eugene Mkhori, Bishop
of Lilongwe Diocese in Malawi. Born 73 years ago, Bishop Mkhori was ordained
priest on September 8, 1961. He was consecrated bishop on January 8, 1978, and
served as bishop of Chikwawa Diocese from 1979 to 2001. He is now the bishop
of Lilongwe since May 12, 2001.
Bishop Mkhori is the currently the Bishop Chairman of Mass Communications for
the Episcopal Conference of Malawi.
In his address that day, he praised the role of the Church in the struggle for
political pluralism in Malawi. Bishop Mkhori, said that the Roman Catholic Church
played an important role when the country was going through transformation from
the one party system to multiparty. According to him the Church acted like a
mediator between government and pressure groups when they were not allowed to
talk to government directly.
Malawian President Bakili Muluzi applauded the Catholic Church because of the
cooperation that exists between it and his government. He said it is the wish
of the government to continue working closely with the Church. The Roman Catholic
Church and government have always been partners in development for years. Malawi
as a country faces many challenges like poverty and HIV/AIDS, among others,
hence the need for cooperation between the church and government.
Bishop Mkhori said that he has been able to serve God because of his motto,
'In the name of the Lord' ('Ndidzapita kukagwira ntchito m'dzina la Ambuye').
Lilongwe Diocese has a population of half a million Catholics in 5 Deaneries,
with a total of 33 Parishes. Its education institutions include Likuni Boys
Secondary School, Likuni Girls Secondary School, St Johns Secondary School and
Namitete Technical College. (Courtesy of CISA)
CENTRE FOR SOCIAL CONCERN OPENED
On May 2, 2003, in Lilongwe Diocese, Malawi a Center for Social
Concern was officially opened by Msgr. Patrick Thawale on behalf of Rt. Rev.
Felix Mkhori. In his address he called the loving Father in the name of his
son Jesus to bless all who work there and deepen their spirit of dedication
and also to help the community to discern the signs of time and to promote justice
and peace.
According to Msgr. Thawale, the Social Center has found a home and hoped that
the center will provide a place where discernment and reflexion are of high
priority. He reminded those present the words of the Second Vatican Council
that "the joys and the hope, the grief and the anxieties of the women and
men of this age, especially those who are poor or in any way afflicted, these
too are the joys and the hopes, the grief and the anxieties of the followers
of Christ."
UGANDA
BISHOP GAY RETIRES AND KABALE GETS A NEW SHEPHERD
On March 15, 2003, the Holy Father Pope John Paul II accepted the resignation
of the Rt. Rev. Robert Gay of Kabale Diocese in accordance with Canon Law no.401
paragraph1. He appointed Rev. Fr. Callistus Rubaramira until then Diocesan Financial
Administrator as the new bishop of the diocese.
Bishop elect Rubaramira was born on February 8, 1950 at Rubira in Kabuli. He
attended St. Francis Primary School, Kyanamira 1956-1962, St. Paul's Minor Seminary,
Mutolere 1963-1964 and Kitabi Seminary 1965-1968. He later joined Katigondo
National Seminary and Ggaba National Seminary 1969-1975. He was ordained deacon
on December 29, 1974 and priest on May 18, 1975 in Rushoroza Parish.
He has worked as bishop's secretary1975-1977, diocesan chancellor, diocesan
financial administrator 1981-1984 and Episcopal vicar and parish priest 1984-1987.
He also worked as an assistant director of Interservice Kampala 1987-1995 and
Kabale Diocesan Financial Administrator and member of the Financial Commission
of the Uganda Episcopal Conference. Between 1980 and 1981, he studied at the
University of Portland, Oregon USA obtaining a Masters in Business Administration.
He was ordained Bishop of Kabale Diocese on June 1, 2003 in Mbarara.
FORT PORTAL GET A NEW BISHOP
On March 18, 2003 His Holiness Pope John Paul II, appointed Rev. Fr. Robert
Muhiira as the new bishop of Fort Portal Diocese in Uganda. The same day he
accepted the resignation of the Rt. Rev. Paul Kalanda of Fort Portal Diocese
in Uganda in accordance with Canon Law No. 401 paragraph 1. Bishop-Elect Muhiira
was until his appointment the Parish Priest of Virika Cathedral.
He was born on October 23, 1958 in Ibonde in Kaborole District. He attended
Butebe Primary School between 1965-1970, St. Mary's Minor Seminary, Virika 1971-1975.
Later he attended Teso College, Eleot between 1976 and 1977. For his priestly
formation, he attended Katigondo National Seminary for Philosophy and Ggaba
National Seminary for Theology where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree 1978-1985.
He was ordained priest on August 11, 1985 in Virika Cathedral in Fort Portal.
After his ordination he worked as a teacher and chaplain at St. Leo's College,
Kyegobe, 1985-1990. He was a diocesan animator of the "Pioneer Movement
of the Sacred Heart of Jesus", an association which seeks to increase awareness
about the dangers of alcohol consumption and promote sobriety. He attended Notre
Dame University, Pittsburgh, USA where he obtained a doctorate in Spiritual
Theology between 1991-1992. In Duquesne University, USA he obtained masters
degree in theology at the same time. After his studies abroad, he worked in
the diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend till 1996.
On his return to Uganda July 1998, he was appointed the parish priest of Bukwali
1998-2000 while working on ongoing formation of Fort Portal Clergy to date.
He is a member of the College of Consultors and Diocesan Financial Board from
1998 to date. At the time of his appointment, he was the parish priest of Virika
Cathedral since 2000.
BISHOPS SPEND A NIGHT IN THE STREET
On June 22, 2003 three bishops spent a night on the street in solidarity with
the displaced in northern Uganda. Archbishop John Baptist Odama of Gulu Catholic
Archdiocese, Bishop Marcleord Baker Ochola II and Bishop Nelson Onon-Onwend.
This gesture was to share the pain that the children from villages around Gulu,
Pader and Kitgum towns are persevering in the cold along verandas in fear of
being abducted by the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) rebels.
Thousands of children crowded the bishops with surprise and overwhelming respect
to them when they come in one at a time after 7.00pm. The children carried torn
sacks and rags for their bedding over their shoulder and looked very courageous
and humble as they gathered around their spiritual parents to listen to the
holy words of the Lord.
According to the three bishops, Anglican, Catholic and Muslim leaders under
the Acholi Religious Leader's Peace Initiative (ARLPI) based in Gulu town, "Thousands
of children have been abducted, butchered, battered or shot to death by the
LRA. The UN should try to put the war in the north top of its agenda on its
high level secretary meetings in order to intervene and save the children and
the people of northern Uganda from the flame of murder by the rebels led by
Joseph Kony."
ZAMBIA
ST. DOMINIC'S MAJOR SEMINARY SILVER JUBILEE
Twenty-Five years of witnessing to the truth? "Witnessing
to the truth for 25 years" in the formation to Catholic priesthood goes
beyond these simple lines. The formation to the priesthood in Zambia was done
in the neighboring countries of Malawi- Kachebere Major Seminary, Chishawasha-
Zimbabwe, Kipalapala- Tanzania. When the Zambian seminarians were expelled from
Kachebere Major Seminary for "political" reasons, Zambian bishops
started thinking of having a Major seminary in the country.
In 1973, the Zambian bishops had no option but to open a Philosophical and Theological
institute in St. Augustine's- Mpima. In 1978 the Theology students were moved
to St. Dominic's Seminary in Lusaka. The premises were formerly a girls' Secondary
School managed by the Dominican sisters.
May 10, 2003 was the day the Church in Zambia had been waiting for. The "Alumini"
of St. Dominic's Major Seminary traveled from all the ten dioceses of the country
to witness this event. The response was very overwhelming. There were eight
bishops, about 110 priests, hundreds of religious brothers and sisters, seminarians
and thousands of the faithful who celebrated the 25 years of St. Dominic's .
The main celebrant, Archbishop James Spaita of Kasama, in his homily exhorted
the Clergy, seminarians, religious and the faithful to be honest, truthful and
sincere in whatever they were to do. He stated that at the expense of embracing
these values of witnessing to the truth as the seminary mission statement states,
the Church is undergoing persecution from all corners especially the media who
are very malicious in their reporting. However, there is need to trust in the
lord who gives enough graces in order for us to excel in virtue, sincerity and
truthfulness. He emphasized that these are values which will help us to become
bold and courageous witnesses to the truth. His Grace James Spaita could not
spare his words against the government in times when they have not said the
truth about the Catholic Church in Zambia.
The Bishop Director of Seminaries, Right Rev. Noel O'Regan, appreciated the
contributions the staff and the bishops are making in ensuring the formation
to priesthood. He observed to the increasing number of seminarians in the country
that leaves the local church with a challenge of trying to finish the new accommodation
building that has been lying idle for years. The bishop exalted the local faithful
to do something so that the new building would be completed. "The formation
of the local clergy depends on the contributions of the faithful within the
country", the bishop Director lamented.
The imperative demand at this stage in the formation of the clergy is to equip
students of Theology with modern technological access to information so as not
to be rendered irrelevant to the people and society at large.
Long live St. Dominic's in witnessing to the Truth without Fear or Favor and
let us all remember that, " Today, well lived, makes yesterday a dream
of happiness, and tomorrow a vision of hope".
Fr. Andrew Chenjerani Phiri
DJIBOUTI
"GIVE WITNESS" BISHOP URGES HIS FLOCK
On June 8, 2003 Pentecost Sunday, Rt. Rev. Georgio Bertin of Djibouti in a
pastoral letter entitled 'You Shall Be My Witnesses in Djibouti' urged the Catholics
in Djibouti to offer the public witness of their faith irrespective of the duration
they are in that country. According to Bishop Bertin, "what counts is not
the length of our presence, but the fact that we are conscious that whatever
the reason for our being here, the Lord asks us to bear witness to God made
man, God who manifests his divinity not in his almighty power, but in the humility
of daily life, lived at the service of the truth and love for all men and women."
Bishop Bertin urges Catholics in Djibouti, living side by side with non-Christians,
to share in their daily life "with the local people the love which God
has given us, the hope he has placed in our hearts, and the faith he has given
us through no merit of our own."
Djibouti has a population of 638 000 (though estimates vary). Of these, 97.5%
are Muslim and Christians comprise 2.31%, including Catholics at 2.25%.
The Catholic Church is organized in one diocese, which has five parishes and
three mission stations. There are two diocesan priests, four religious priests,
five brothers, 19 sisters, 27 lay missionaries and 16 catechists.
(Courtesy of Zenit)
AMECEA HOLDS A WORKSHOP
The AMECEA Social Communications department in collaboration with the New
People Media Centre held a four-day workshop on Web Design and Maintenance.
It was held from May 5-8 2003. It is a follow up on one of the resolutions of
the 31st Annual AMECEA Social Communications meeting in Tanzania, 2003. It was
meant for the national communications secretaries in the region. In return they
are expected to train others.
Opening this workshop the AMECEA Social Communications Bishop Chairman, Rt.
Rev. Anthony Banzi, called on the participants to utilize all the available
means of communications without missing the opportunities offered by the new
technology. Quoting the Holy Father's word on February 21, 2003, when he inaugurated
a new website for the Pontifical Mission Societies in United States of America,
he observed that "the growth of internet in the recent years provides an
unprecedented opportunity for expanding the Church's missionary outreach, since
it has become a primary source of information and communication for so many
of our contemporaries, especially the young"
SECAM
PEACE CANNOT BE ATTAINED THROUGH VIOLENCE
On June 26, 2003, the Standing Committee members of the Symposium
of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) sent a declaration
against the suffering of the people of Liberia. It was signed by the President,
Most Rev. Laurent Monsengwo Pasinya.
In the name of Jesus who is our Peace (Eph 2:14) they called upon all parties
in the Liberian conflict to exercise restraint and end the slaughter of the
innocent civilians. Through laying down of their weapons and seeking peaceful
means towards prosperity for the country and well being of its people. According
to the bishops, peace cannot be attained through violence or use of arm conflict.
They also condemned unreservedly the violation of human rights and senseless
slaughter of civilians, useless destruction of property and perpetuation of
armed conflicts, which do not promote the growth of the nation, the future of
youth and security of the defenseless.
The bishops promised prayers for all those who are negotiating for the peace
and asked those responsible to ensure that humanitarian services reach those
who are most in need. They also assured the Liberians that God has not deserted
them and that their brothers and sisters in Africa and in the world are praying
for them and share their sufferings.
VATICAN
POPE EMAIL ADDRESS IS REVEALED
The Holy Father Pope John Paul II on May 18, 2003 celebrated his 83rd birthday.
For the first time the Vatican published the Pope's email address on its website.
The address is john_paul_ii@vatican.va It was published to enable people of
good will to send congratulatory messages/notes to His Holiness on his 83rd
birthday.
The following day before the Angelus, His Holiness the Pope said: "Yesterday
I turned 83. I am ever more aware of the fact that the day when I have to account
for my life before God is always closer," According to him he would have
to account for his life in Wadowice, the town where he was born, in Krakow,
where he was a priest, bishop and cardinal, and in Rome, where he has been the
Roman Catholic leader since 1978. AMECEA joins the world to wish His Holiness
the best in life. (Courtesy: ZENIT)
We invite the national and diocesan communications coordinators
and other collaborators to send us information on events in their religious
congregations, dioceses and countries. Send to amecea@amecea.org or amecea@gatewayonline.co.ke
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