AMECEA NEWS 27/2005
ETHIOPIA
EMDIBIR EPARCHY - ONE YEAR AFTER
It is one year since the new Emdibir Eparchy was established and a great work
is underway to respond to the needs of having pastoral and human development
activities well organized. The Secretariat, which will be the coordinating office
for all activities, will soon be operational with an office for pastoral, social
and development, Laity and Youth coordination offices. There are 24 parishes
and 6 chapels serving some 24,000 Catholics.
The Eparchy is stationed in Emdibir town, which is the second biggest town of the Guraghe zone, situated 200 km south west of Addis Ababa. The population falling under the Eparchy is estimated at 4 million people. The main occupation of people is agriculture and there are two major ethnic groups.
KENYA
NEW APOSTOLIC NUNCIO
On January 14, 2005 the Holy Father appointed Most Rev. Alain Paul Lebeaupin,
the then Apostolic Nuncio to Ecuador, as Apostolic Nuncio to Kenya and permanent
observer to the United Nations Environment and Human Settlements Programs (UNEP
and UN-Habitat) headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya. The new Nuncio was born in
Paris, France, on March 2, 1945. He was ordained priest on June 28, 1975. On
December 7, 1998 he was appointed Titular Archbishop of Vico Equense, and began
his diplomatic career the same day following his appointment as Apostolic Nuncio
to Ecuador. He was ordained Bishop on January 6, 1999.
Archbishop Lebeaupin, 59, takes over from His Excellency, Archbishop Giovanni
Tonucci, who in December 2004 left for a similar appointment to Sweden, Denmark,
Finland, Iceland and Norway. Archbishop Tonucci served Kenya as the Apostolic
Nuncio in Kenya since 1996 and served for more than 8 years. (Source: VIS and
CISA)
BISHOPS CONFERENCE LAUNCH WEBSITE
The Catholic Church in Kenya has launched a website with the address http://www.kec.or.ke
Launching the website the outgoing Apostolic Nuncio to Kenya Archbishop Giovanni
Tonucci praised the Church's move to develop the website. It will act as a positive
information source and a reference point for partners who support the cause
for Christ.
He expressed hope that the website will be positively utilized in reaching
out to all who need to learn more about the Kenyan Church, or who may be searching
for useful contacts in the Catholic Church. "This is a timely development
for me because, no matter how far away I am going to be, I will only need to
press a button to relive my Kenyan experience," said the Papal envoy, who
is leaving Kenya for a new posting in the Nordic Countries.
The Website, whose purpose is to make available appropriate information for
all, both faithful as well as non-Christians, was developed by the Research,
Advocacy and Information Technology department at the Kenya Catholic Secretariat.
The site gathers and diffuses up-to-date information on the Kenyan Catholic
community, as well as on the history, activities, and mission of Catholics.
In addition, it offers links to documents of the Holy See, KEC itself, and other
Catholic institutions.
The launching ceremony was witnessed by the Bishop Vice Chairman of the Kenya
Episcopal Conference, Rt. Rev. Peter Kairo, who is also the Bishop of the Catholic
Diocese of Nakuru, and the Secretary of the Bishops Conference, Rev. Fr. Vincent
Wambugu.
EMBU PRIEST HONOURED
His Holiness, Pope John Paul II elevated Rev. Fr. Gabriel Njeru Muverethi
of Embu Diocese to the title Monsignor. This is an honour given to a catholic
priest with outstanding qualities. The nomination was announced in a letter
dated late 2004 by conferring him with honours and privileges that goes with
this dignity.
Fr. Muverethi who turns 69 years old and celebrates 37 years in priesthood.
He has served in various capacities in Embu Diocese. He served as the Vicar
General of the Diocese for many years. His key role was seen in the Administration
of the Diocese during the one-year and a half period of sede vacante.
Rt. Rev. Anthony Muheria, the Bishop of Embu congratulated him for being nominated
to the title Monsignor. He thanked his Holiness Pope John Paul II for recognizing
the efforts of Very Rev. Fr. Gabriel Muverethi as the administrator of the Diocese
for the one and a half years in absence of the Bishop. This appointment was
announced officially to the Diocese on January 10, 2005 during a colourful ceremony
attended by the Secretary to the Nunciature in Kenya, Rev. Fr. Julian and Bishop
Salesius Mugambi of Meru Diocese when bishop Muheria was celebrating his 1st
Anniversary as Bishop of Embu in Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral in Embu.
He will vest with special robes similar to those of Bishops, and will have special privileges in the Vatican. He is currently the Vicar General of the Diocese.
LENTEN CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED
Kenya's National Catholic Justice and Peace Commission (CJPC) launched a Lenten
Campaign for 2005 on Sunday, February 6, 2005 at Familia Takatifu Catholic Parish,
Rumuruti, in the Archdiocese of Nyeri. All the materials for Kenya's 18th Lenten
Campaign were printed and sent to diocesan CJPC coordinators countrywide, where
parishes, communities and individuals can request for them. These include a
booklet in both English and Kiswahili and a color poster to help the faithful
in reflection, discussion and action, using the Pastoral Circle (or SEE-JUDGE-ACT)
method of social analysis.
The annual Lenten Campaign in Kenya started in 1988 where the theme of the first
campaign was 'Just Future for Children'. (Source: CISA)
TANZANIA
DODOMA HAS A NEW SHEPHERD
On January 15, 2005, His Holiness Pope John Paul II, appointed Bishop Juda
Thaddaeus Ruwa'ichi O.F.M. Cap., of Mbulu, Tanzania, as bishop of Dodoma, Tanzania.
Dodoma has an area 41,311 with a population 1,698,996 among them 318,807 Catholics.
The diocese is served by 104 priests both religious and diocesan. He succeeds
Bishop Matthias Joseph Isuja, whose resignation from the pastoral care of the
same diocese after attaining the age limit. Bishop Isuja was born on August
14, 1929 at Haubi-Kondoa in Dodoma. He was ordained a priest on December 24,
1960 and was consecrated bishop of Dodoma on September 17, 1972 in Dodoma.
Bishop Ruwa'ichi was until his appointment the Bishop of Mbulu since February
9, 1999. He was born in Mulo-Kilena in Moshi Diocese on January 30, 1954. He
attended St. James Minor Seminary at Kibosho, Capuchin Novitiate at Kasita in
Mahenge Diocese, and for theology at St. Paul's Major Seminary Kipalapala. He
made his perpetual profession on January 11, 1981 and was ordained a priest
on November 25, 1982.
He studied in Rome and obtained a Licentiate in Philosophy from the Gregorian University. He served as a Vice-Provincial, novice master at Kasita, the Order's vocations promoter, parish priest, professor of philosophy and assistant to the Director of the Franciscan House of Studies in Livingstone Zambia and the St. Bonaventure College Lusaka. From 1994 to 1999 he was the General Definator and member of the general council of Friars Minor in Rome. Until his appointment to Dodoma Diocese, he was the Mbulu shepherd.
UGANDA
LACK OF PEACE CAUSES LOW DEVELOPMENT
His Excellency Pierre Christophe, the Apostolic Nuncio to Uganda has urged
the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) and the Government to strive to end the war
in northern Uganda, which has wrecked havoc in the region. He was addressing
the Moyo District leaders on January 4, 2005.
He lamented that the fighting in northern Uganda, which the Government and
the LRA has power to stop has contributed to the low development in the region.
Archbishop Christophe regretted that the collapse of the peace process, but
hoped the Government and the rebels would allow peace to return in the area.
He appealed to the Moyo Community to embark on agriculture, saying it was the
main source of income for the country. (Source: CISA)
CARDINAL WAMALA DECLINES TO RETIRE IN EUROPE
His Eminence Emmanuel Cardinal Wamala of Kampala Archdiocese in Uganda has
turned down an offer from his British friends to retire in Britain. He revealed
this when he addressed the crowd which had gathered to celebrate with him, his
10 Anniversary as a Cardinal. He was elevated in to Cardinal 1994. Cardinal
Wamala is yet to retire but he said when the Holy Father permits him to retire,
he wants to spend his retirement with Ugandans who he has served selflessly
for many years.
He also said it was unfair for the government to tax private schools although
they offer a good service to the public. The Catholic Church owns many educational
institutions but they are treated as private and hence taxed. (Source: CISA)
UGANDA LAUNCH THE 15TH AMECEA PLENARY ASSEMBLY PREPARATIONS
On February 6, 2005, the Uganda Episcopal Conference (UEC) launched the preparations
for the AMECEA Plenary Assembly to be held in Kampala, Uganda from June 1-11,
2005. The theme of the plenary is: 'RESPONDING TO THE CHALLENGES OF THE HIV/AIDS
WITHIN THE AMECEA REGION'
A prayer for the preparation and success of the Plenary Assembly has been sent
to the dioceses and parishes in Uganda. A radio jingle has been designed and
is being used in all the Catholic radio stations since February 4, 2005 in Uganda.
A song about HIV/AIDS has been composed and have started running in the radio
stations from February 4, 2005.
Several committees to oversee the good preparation and also success of the plenary
have been launched and they are operational.
ZAMBIA
PRIEST CONDEMN STRIKES
The yearly strikes by workers in Zambia has been termed as a recipe for disaster
by Communications Secretary of Zambia Episcopal Conference, Rev. Fr. Paul Samasumo.
In an interview, Fr. Samasumo said the impact of yearly strikes by workers for
instance teachers always have a negative impact on the country's quest for economic
independence. He said if the country goal to grow economically and rely less
on donors is to be achieved all people in the country must be educated. Fr.
Samasumo, appealed to the government and the teachers' unions to find a lasting
solutions to the frequent teachers' strike.
"Whereas we know strike action by workers is a democratic right, it is
critical that other avenues such as negotiations are fully exploited before
strikes for the sake of our children," he said. He noted that it as extremely
important to realize that workers in Zambia were frustrated and that strikes
action were inevitable. Pointing out that the teachers for instance sign for
conditions of service which have not been fulfilled and allowances have not
been paid. This makes it difficult for them to work.
When teachers and the government can't agree the children suffer. He said it
was a pity that all the teachers unions in the country cannot come together
and make one firm decision. He called on the government to put in more money
into teachers' remuneration since teachers condition of service are bad and
frustrating and yet education should remain a priority to the country.
Though the country has numerous private schools, it's still disadvantageous
to the majority of the children who cannot afford them. "It's a vicious
circle because rich children will manage to acquire a good education while the
poor will be left out because they cannot afford to go to private schools. The
poor will then remain poor," he said.
In conclusion, he urged the government to employ all graduate teachers as several schools countrywide did not have enough teachers. He also commended the government's sector funding which he said had made a difference in some schools. (By Tabitha Mvula - Source The Post).
AMECEA
NEW MEMBER OF STAFF
The AMECEA Apostolic to the Nomads (ANA) Desk in has gotten another staff.
Mr. David Ndegwa joined the desk on January 31, 2005. He was born 42 years ago
in Kitale, Kenya.
After his primary and secondary education, he joined St. Mary's Spirituality
Centre in Molo, then St Augustine Seminary Mabanga for Philosophy and St. Matthias
Mulumba Seminary Tindinyo for Theology. He later went to Catholic University
of Eastern Africa (CUEA) for a Masters degree in Philosophy. He also attended
Nijmegen University, Netherlands for a doctorate in Theology. He will graduate
in May 2005.
He will work as the assistant Coordinator to the current ANA coordinator.
OLTEPESI CULTURAL INSTITUTE OPENED
On January 8, 2005 the Oltepesi Cultural Institute was blessed in the presence
of Rt. Rev. Virgilio Pante - Bishop of Maralal and Chairman of Apostolate to
the Nomads of AMECEA (ANA), Msgr. Michael Charo Ruwa - AMECEA Secretary General,
the outgoing Superior of Guadalupe Fathers Fr. Philippe Mortinez and several
priests, Sisters of St. Ana and Masai leaders, the Councilor and the Administrators
of the Project Fr. Francis Mol. Also present was Dr. Hans Stoks, the Coordinator
of ANA.
Bishop Schliders of Ngong Diocese blessed the Institute. It will be built on
a 30 acres plot and it will teach traditional Masai Culture, story telling and
language of the Masai people. It will be the centre of the Masai cultural articles
and library, which is currently situated in Kajiado. "The overall aim is
to integrate Masai culture into the Christian faith", said Mr. Paul Ole
Murero, the Administrator.
In his homily Bishop Schilder thanked the donors and emphasized that the only
way to appreciate their assistance was through full utilization of the centre
once its operational. It will be a symbol of unity among the various Masai cultures
and the modern Christianity. "The Church should take inculturation sessions",
he said.
The Councilor of the area thanked the Catholic Church for spearheading development in the area particularly in the area of education for Masai. He underscored the role of culture and inculturation in Christianity and Traditions.
SOUTH AFRICA
SOUTHERN AFRICA BISHOPS CONFRONTS
THE STIGMA OF HIV/AIDS
The Catholic Bishops of Southern Africa assembled for their plenary session
agreed to celebrate Holy Mass on January 30, 2005 at Regina Mundi (Soweto) with
people infected and affected by HIV. They pointed out that the stigma of HIV
and AIDS is often a great burden to families and caregivers, sometimes a greater
burden than the person who is ill.
The Bishops from the 29 dioceses of South Africa, Botswana and Swaziland anointed
and prayed for a number of HIV positive people and caregivers. They followed
an inspiration of Jesus who healed and cared for the sick. The Church takes
the role of Community serving humanity. Addressing the plenary session, Archbishop
Buti Tlhagale the spokesperson of the Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference
(SACBC) said that the service of the Church to the suffering humanity demands
that there be a confrontation head on misconceptions around HIV/AIDS and destructive
attitudes such as judgment and social stigma, fear of being labeled and ostracized.
The international concern about the HIV epidemic has enabled the Church to form
partnerships that allow her to offer Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) in 25 sites,
making the Catholic Church thus the second biggest provider of ART after the
government. The church believes that HIV challenges everyone to deepen community
life and interpersonal relationships because ART is not the only answer to HIV.
There is an increased need to focus on being communities of care as people infected
and affected by HIV need to find comfort, support, information and care in our
church communities.
The Church recognizes the role played by both traditional and scientific medicine
and the inspiring example of community based caregivers.
CAMEROON
DAY OF THE SICK CELEBRATED IN AFRICA
The 13th World Day of the Sick was marked on February 11, 2005 with a theme:
"Christ, Hope for Africa". The day was celebrated at the Shrine of
Mary, Queen of the Apostles, in Yaounde, Cameroon. In his message for the day,
His Holiness Pope John Paul II, said that, the venue offered an opportunity
to express real solidarity to the peoples of Africa who are tried by serious
inadequacies in the health-care sector. It was also a further step in implementing
the commitment which the Africa Christians made at the 3rd World Day of the
Sick, 10 years ago to be "Good Samaritans" to their brothers and sisters
in difficulties. The Holy Father compared the Africans with the man who was
attacked on his way from Jerusalem to Jericho lying on the edge of the road,
sick, injured, disabled, marginalized and abandoned who are in dire need of
Good Samaritans to hold them.
Commending with admiration the invaluable services offered by many health-care
workers, chaplains and volunteers who like Good Samaritans assist persons in
Africa afflicted by every type of illness, and especially by AIDS, malaria and
tuberculosis. He requested in a special way the Bishops in all the continents
to generously join forces with the African pastors in dealing effectively with
these emergencies. He assured the Pontifical Council for Health Pastoral Care
continued support in this contribution for effectiveness.
The annual celebration of the World Day of the Sick offers everyone a possibility
of understanding better the importance of pastoral health care.
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