AMECEA NEWS 32/2006
ERITREA/ETHIOPIA
BUILD MUTUAL TRUST AND HOPE
The Catholic Bishops of Eritrea and Ethiopia met in Rome for their plenary.
At the end of the plenary they released a communique. The bishops prayed for
peace between their two countries which has been enemies since they fought about
a border war six years ago and urged the faithful and people of good will to
intensify their prayers for peace.
Between 1998 and 2000, Eritrea and Ethiopia fought over a border. A ceasefire
was signed in Algiers, Algeria in 2000 and a military personnel of over 2,300
is manning the border by United Nations Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea (UNMEE).
Mid- September 2006, tension increased after Eritrea moved 1,500 troops and
14 tanks into the Temporary Security Zone (TSZ) separating the country from
Ethiopia in what the United Nations called "a major breach" of the
ceasefire.
The bishops called on all people to build "mutual trust, hope and to work
in order to bring understanding, cooperation and development in our respective
countries." "We exhort you to keep on praying for peace and reconciliation
to heal the wounds that we may have caused to each other in the search for a
just solution that would bring to the end the conflict between our two sisterly
countries".
According to the bishops best of energies should be directed towards working
in harmony in order to reduce poverty, disease, to alleviate suffering deriving
from all types of natural calamities and to fight the HIV/AIDS pandemic.
The bishops in the light of the upcoming Second Synod of Bishops for Africa,
under the theme of reconciliation, justice and peace among peoples and national
called for prayer and action to bring these values to Africa.
KENYA
EMBU, TWENTY YEARS LATER
The Catholic Diocese of Embu celebrated its 20th Anniversary since creation
by the late Pope John Paul II on June 9, 1986. The diocese carved from Meru
Diocese has made some milestones in different fields.
At the beginning the diocese had 35 priests 20 diocesan and 15 missionaries
serving in the 9 parishes then but today the number of parishes has grown to
16 served by 65 priests, 55 diocesan and 9 missionaries. The number of the catechists
both trained and untrained has increased too. It has also produced four bishops:
Rt. Rev. Silas Njiru, bishop emeritus Meru Diocese, Most Rev. John Njue, coadjutor
Archbishop of Nyeri and Chairman-Kenya Episcopal Conference and Rt. Rev. Anthony
Ireri Mukobo, Apostolic Vicar of Isiolo and Rt. Rev. Anthony Muheria, the ordinary
of Embu.
During this celebration the diocese remembered the selflessly work done by the Consolata Missionaries, Augustinian Fathers, Salesians of Don Bosco, Oblates of Mary Immaculate and the Fidei Donum priests.
KITUI CELEBRATES GOLDEN JUBILEE
In October 2006, Kitui Diocese celebrated 50 years of its creation as a Prefecture
Apostolic in pomp and colour at the Our Lady of Africa Cathedral. Among those
present were Most Rev. Alain Paul Lebeaupin, Apostolic Nuncio to Kenya, Most
Rev. Raphael Ndingi Mwana 'a Nzeki, Archbishop of Nairobi, Most Rev. Boniface
Lele, Archbishop of Mombasa and Apostolic Administrator of Kitui, Rt. Rev. Martin
Kivuva, Bishop of Machakos and Rt. Rev. Salesius Mugambi, Bishop of Meru.
On this occasion the Holy Father Benedict XVI praised the clergy and the faithful
of Kitui for their patience in the last one year when they have been without
a bishop. The post fell vacant when the late Pope John Paul II a day before
he died moved the then Bishop Lele to Mombasa.
It has about 150,000 Catholics in 24 parishes served by 63 priests and 42 catechists. There are 9 congregations of religious women and 2 male religious. Prefecture Apostolic of Kitui was created in 1956 and became a full diocese on November 16, 1963 with the late Bishop William Dunne as its first bishop. He retired in 1995 and was succeeded by Bishop Lele.
PASTORAL MINISTRY IN ARMED FORCES PRAISED
Most Rev. Alain Paul Lebeaupin praised the Catholic Church for its commendable
pastoral services to the soldiers. Recalling his experience, he said "Having
had my military service in the French Navy more than thirty years ago, I know
how important it is for the Christian men and women to have courage to be witnesses
of Christ in the world, promoting peace and justice that are so important for
the future of mankind". The conference was held from September 24 - 30,
2006 with the theme "Strengthening Christian Values within Armed Forces
Worldwide".
Over 60 delegates from Africa and Europe were told by the nuncio on the importance
of strengthening Christian values in the armed forces and need to inculcate
Christian values in society to counter materialism. He was delivering a homily
at the end of a weeklong conference for the armed forces.
The conference was organized by the International Military Apostolate founded
in Spain in 1965. It has more than 30 member countries. Hosted by the Military
Catholic Ordinariate headed by Rt. Rev. Alfred Rotich who officially opened
it, it took place for the first time in African.
MALAWI
PRIESTHOOD NOT MEANS FOR SOCIAL ADVANCEMENT
On September 29, 2006, Pope Benedict XVI, appealed to the Bishops of Malawi
to make sure they do their utmost to provide the legitimate needs of their co-workers
while warning them against excessive concern with material possessions. He was
addressing them during their Admina Visit to the Holy See in September 2006.
The Pope called on formators in the seminaries to teach the students that a
priest is called to live for others and not for himself, in imitation of Christ,
who came "not to be served, but to serve and to give his life as a ransom
for many" (Mk 10:45). He said above all the bishops' example of a truly
Christ-centred ministry can serve as an inspiration to their priests. "My
dear brother bishops, live as authentic followers of Christ, and let your discipleship
be the basis of the authority that you exercise. I pray that in this way you
will be able to strengthen the bonds of fraternal charity within the Presbyterian
of each of your local Churches."
He also exhorted the bishops to watch over and guide the faithful" with
true fatherly care towards a deeper knowledge of their Crucified and Risen Lord,
always providing them with sound catechesis in the faith and stated his hope
that the recent inauguration of the Catholic University in Malawi will encourage
the bishops "to provide it with sufficient resources and to maintain high-quality
teaching in fidelity to the Church's Magisterium".
The Pope urged the Bishops to follow the example of the Good Shepherd
and "guide your people away from the dangers that threaten them, and lead
them into safe pastures".
In conclusion he prayed that the Malawian faithful will pay hed to the bishops'
counsel in order to renew the face of the earth and Spirit of God to truly maintain
the national unity. (Source: VIS)
SUDAN
CARDINAL WAKO CELEBRATES EPISCOPAL SILVER JUBILEE
His Eminence Gabriel Zubeir Cardinal Wako celebrated his silver jubilee as
the shepherd of Khartoum on October 8, 2006. He was born in Mboro, Wau on February
27, 1941 and was ordained priest on July 27, 1963. He was appointed the bishop
of Wau on April, 1975, and on October 30, 1979, he was appointed the co-adjutor
bishop of Khartoum. On October 10, 1981 he took over as the bishop of Khartoum.
On the same day the Church in Sudan celebrated 125 years since the death of St. Daniel Comboni who died in Sudan ensuring his motto "Save Africa with the African" comes to reality.
TANZANIA
MTWARA'S CENTENARY JUBILEE
The Catholic Diocese of Mtwara headed by Rt. Rev. Gabriel Mmole in southeast
Tanzania had spectacular celebrations to mark a hundred years of faith in the
diocese on August 15, 2006.
Preaching during the Jubilee Holy Mass, His Eminence Polycarp Cardinal Pengo
called for maximum cooperation of the clergy, the religious and the laity in
the second century of evangelization in the diocese.
Former president Benjamin Mkapa called upon the laity in the diocese to be
fully responsible in supporting their local church economically.
Rt. Rev. Jeremias Shröeder, the Archabbot of the Benedictine Missionaries
of St. Ottilien who brought the Christian faith to the diocese, saw the second
century as the turn for the Mtwara church to be missionary locally and internationally.
The Jubilee celebrations were witnessed by 10 bishops from various dioceses
in Tanzania, 16 Abbots from different abbeys of Africa, Asia, and Europe, hundreds
of priests and the religious, thousands of the laity and well-wishers.
By Fr. Japhet Mwaya
UGANDA
NEW KAMPALA ARCHBISHOP INSTALLED
On September 30, 2006, Most Rev. Cyprian Kizito Lwanga was installed as the
new Archbishop of Kampala. The colourful installation Mass was held at Lubaga
Cathedral. He was appointed by His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI on August 19,
2006 to replace His Eminence Emmanuel Cardinal Wamala who retired at the age
of 79.
Archbishop Lwanga before his appointment was first bishop of Kasana-Luweero
Diocese which was carved from Kampala Archdiocese on December 16, 1996.
In his homily, Cardinal Wamala assured the new shepherd that he came the right
time to take a higher level pilgrimage to holiness. He also pointed out the
problems facing the archdiocese like unemployment, hunger, poverty, orphans
and widows. The archdiocese is rich through priests, religious, catechists and
the lay faithful. He called upon them to support the new shepherd.
Archbishop Lwanga pledged to work with the outgoing shepherd. He promised to
work together with the clergy and everyone in the archdiocese. He also called
the government to work for national unity in order to bring about social coherence,
religious tolerance, development and equitable justice.
The new Archbishop was born on January 19, 1953 at Naggalama in Mukono Diocese. He was ordained a priest on April 9, 1978 and appointed bishop of Kasana-Luweero on December 16, 1996.
GULU AUXILIARY ORDAINED
Rt. Rev. Sabino Odoki Ocan was ordained in a colourful ceremony
at Gulu Cathedral as the auxiliary bishop of Gulu Archdiocese on October 21,
2006. He was appointed by Pope Benedict XVI on July 22, 2006.
The Episcopal consecration was lead by Most Rev. John Baptist
Odama, the Archbishop of Gulu assisted by His Eminence Emmanuel Cardinal Wamala,
archbishop emeritus of Kampala, Most Rev. Christophe Pierre, the papal nuncio
to Uganda and other Bishops from Uganda.
In his homily, Archbishop Odama reminded Bishop Odoki that he
was chosen among men and appointed to act for men and women in relation to God.
He told him that the title of bishop was one not of honor but of service, and
a bishop should strive to serve rather than to rule.
"Such is the counsel of the Master, the greater should behave
as if he were the least, and the leader as if he were the one who serves; proclaiming
the message whether it is welcome or unwelcome; correct error with unfailing
patience and teaching; pray and offer sacrifice for the people committed to
your care, and so draw every kind of grace for them from the overflowing holiness
in Christ," he said.
"As a steward of the mysteries of Christ in the Church entrusted
to you, be a faithful overseer and guardian. Since you are chosen by the Father
to rule over his family, always be mindful of the Good Shepherd, who knows his
sheep and is known by them and who does not hesitate to lay down his life for
them," the archbishop advised his auxiliary.
Gulu Archdiocese has 23 parishes and is located in the northern
Uganda where the Lord Resistance Army rebels have instablized for more than
20 years. The diocese has many internally displaced people living in the camps.
Bishop Odoki was born on August 8, 1957 ay Layibi, Gulu. He was
ordained a priest on September 10, 1983. He holds a doctorate in sacred theology
from the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) in 1992. Until his appointment
he was the rector for the Alkolum National Major Seminary of Philosophy since
1996.
ZAMBIA
BISHOPS BACK EXCOMMUNICATION OF MILINGO
The Catholic bishops of Zambia backed the Holy See decision to excommunicate
Archbishop Emmanuel Milingo. The statement they released said: "We, the
Catholic Bishops of Zambia take this opportunity to confirm that the Holy See
has made a public statement on Archbishop Emmanuel Milingo regarding his present
ecclesial status. That position is as follows:
"Archbishop Milingo attempted marriage in 2001 and recently has been associated
with the promotion of a married clergy in the United States.
"On September 24, 2006, Archbishop Milingo ordained four men without the
Pope's approval. As a result, both Archbishop Milingo and the four ordained
men have incurred automatic excommunication according to Church Law [Canon 1382]
"We the Catholic Bishops of Zambia are deeply saddened by this turn of
events. We wish to reaffirm our deepest respect for, loyalty to, unity and solidarity
with the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, the Bishop of Rome and Successor of
St. Peter. These sentiments are anchored on our firm solidarity with the universal
Church,"
"We call upon all the faithful to remain united and strong in faith in the face of this very sad event, which has led Archbishop Milingo to leave the Church. We pray for Archbishop Milingo's good health and general well-being."
CHURCH CONGRATULATE MWANAWASA
The Catholic Bishops and Catholic faithful assured the President of Zambia,
Mr. Levy Mwanawasa their cooperation and prayers for his continued good health.
This message was included in their congratulatory letter signed by Archbishop
Telesphore George Mpundu, the Coadjutor of Lusaka and the President of Zambia
Episcopal Conference of October 6, 2006.
The Bishops commended Zambian people for conducting peaceful elections and turning out in great numbers to vote.
AD LIMINA VISIT: RENEW YOUR TRUST IN THE LORD
Pope Benedict XVI urged the Zambia Bishops to strive to prepare their faithful
for lives of genuine holiness and instruct them on the value and practice of
prayer especially the liturgical prayer where church unite with the Christ the
High Priest. He was addressing them during their Admina Visit to the Holy See
in October 2006.
He also encouraged them to urge God's people to dedicate themselves to prayer
and holiness, discovering the treasure of a life built on faith in Christ. Though
the Catholic Church encourages the faithful to practice popular forms of piety,
the Pope reminded the Bishops to always teach the faithful the value of the
intercession of the saints and particularly intercession of Virgin Mary who
is always attentive to people's needs.
Quoting the words of St. Jerome on his commentary on St. Paul's letter to Titus
that "Let the bishop practice abstinence with respect to all the troubles
that can agitate the soul: let him not be inclined to anger or crushed by sadness
and let him not be tortured by fear."
He advised the bishops. "As pastors and fathers to your co-workers in
the vineyard, you must always communicate to them the joy of serving the Lord
with proper detachment from the things of this world...With you I encourage
them to stand steadfast in the true faith and to look forward with living hope
to the joyful possession of that undefiled, imperishable treasure, won for us
by Jesus Christ".
He also reminded the bishops to urge the priests to live holy lives in accordance
with their teaching, to preach generous love and fidelity in marriage and exhort
everybody to practice the works of mercy using Jesus words in Matthew 5:14-16
that "You are the light of the world ... let your light so shine before
men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is
in heaven".
He added that: "Holiness is a divine gift, which manifests itself in love
of God and love of neighbour. Dear Brothers, show your people the beautiful
face of Christ by living a life of genuine love. Show Christ's compassion especially
for the poor, for refugees, for the sick and for all who suffer. At the same
time, in teaching continue to proclaim the need for honesty, family affection,
discipline and fidelity, all of which have a decisive impact on the health and
stability of society".
In conclusion, Benedict XVI wished the bishops to witness in hope filled the resurrection of Christ in order to ever greater appreciates the joys that the Lord promised all. (Source: VIS)
LUSAKA GETS A NEW SHEPHERD
On October 28, 2006, His Holiness Benedict XVI appointed Most Rev. Telesphore
George Mpundu as the new shepherd of Lusaka Archdiocese. He has been coadjutor
of the same archdiocese and apostolic administrator of Mpika Diocese. He takes
over from Archbishop Medardo Joseph Mazombwe who is now 75 years.
Archbishop Mpundu is also the president of Zambia Episcopal Conference. He
was born May 21, 1945 in Kapatu Parish in Kasama Archdiocese. He was ordained
a priest on December 17, 1972, appointed bishop of Mbala now Mpika Diocese on
April 14, 1987. He was consecrated a bishop on June 21, 1987.
Archbishop Mazombwe was born in Chundamira, Chipata on September 24, 1931. Ordained a priest on September 4, 1960. He was appointed bishop of Chipata on November 11, 1970 and he received the Episcopal ordination on February 7, 1971. He was appointed Archbishop of Lusaka Archdiocese on December 23, 1996 and installed on March 15, 1997. His has served the church in many fields and capacities including being Chairman of AMECEA.
AMECEA
BOARD AND HEADS OF AMECEA INSTITUTIONS MEET
The Patrons, Board members, heads of AMECEA Institutions and department/desk
heads attended a Workshop on Good Governance for Implementation of AMECEA Resolutions
in Nairobi on September4 and 5, 2006. The participants agreed that the basic
and underlying conviction is that it is only through faith, love, charity and
sacrifices that the spirit of cooperation and collaboration among the pastoral
agents in the Family of God within AMECEA Region that will sustain AMECEA's
vision, mission and mandate.
At the end of the workshop, participants called for mechanisms to monitor and
evaluate the implementation of pastoral resolutions, revival of pastoral coordination
at the secretariat, transparency and mutual trust. They also discussed ways
to improve fundraising initiatives and strengthening communication to create
awareness of AMECEA activities.
The need to change the mentality of the church leaders was strongly felt if the vision, mission and mandate were to be realized and recaptured fully. They agreed to use induction and orientation programmes for the new bishops, board members, chairmen of Episcopal conferences and heads of institutions and departments.
COORDINATION OF AMECEA PASTORAL ACTIVITIES
By Fr. Dr. Pius Rutechura, AMECEA Secretary General
THE PRIORITY OF PASTORAL COORDINATION
At the heart of founding the Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in
Eastern Africa (AMECEA) almost 50 years ago, was a desire of prophetic and foresighted
church leaders to address together key issues of pastoral interests in the Region.
From 1961 when Inter Regional Episcopal Board in Eastern Africa (ITEBEA) the
predecessor of AMECEA was founded, bishops wanted a regional forum for collaborative
study and reflection on pastoral issues of common regional interest. Through
this pastoral approach AMECEA has made tremendous achievements which include
the founding of key institutions like the permanent AMECEA Secretariat in Nairobi,
Gaba Pastoral Institute, the Catholic University of Eastern Africa, and Blessed
Bakanja College. The option of establishing Small Christian Communities, as
a way of being Church, is also a remarkable outcome of pastoral decisions taken
by AMECEA.
AMECEA Pastoral Department is among the late developments of the Association.
It was established in 1994 when Fr. Wolfgang Schonecke of the Missionaries of
Africa was appointed the first Executive Secretary.
The three key purposes of the Department were:
1. To offer inspiration and support to pastoral departments in the AMECEA countries.
2. To facilitate the exchange of ideas, research, efforts, pastoral experiences
and initiatives with sister churches.
3. To identify pastoral problems and propose relevant pastoral strategies and
policies. This is achieved through visits,meetings, seminars and publications.
During the 14th Plenary Assembly held in Dar es Salaam 2002, Bishops incorporated these desks under the Pastoral Department:
1. COLEA (Council of the Laity for Eastern Africa)
2. Justice and Peace
3. Apostolate to the Nomads of AMECEA (ANA)
Mandate of the Pastoral Department 1994-2001
Implementation of the orientations of the African Synod was at the heart of
founding the Pastoral Department in 1994. The Synod had raised many expectations
to renew the life of the Church as Family. Small Christian Communities were
an essential part of the vision to renew the life of the Church as a Family
of God.
The Departmental Action Plan envisaged visits, workshops and publications on
pertinent pastoral issues within the Region. The visits focused on coordination,
encouraging reflection on pastoral issues and facilitate exchange of ideas and
experiences among the pastoral workers. Priority was given to organizing an
annual workshop for all pastoral coordinators. Within seven years, the Pastoral
Department addressed many issues like the implementation of Ecclesia in Africa;
Inculturation, Small Christian Communities, Church as family, Training for Transformation.
In terms of formation sessions, the most remarkable ones were Formation of Diocesan Pastoral Coordinators Eldoret 1998 and a two week on going formation session for bishops in 2001.
New impetus to Pastoral Coordination
For almost six years, AMECEA Pastoral Department has no Pastoral Coordinator.
As consequences, the implementation of several pastoral resolutions has been
affected. AMECEA Secretaries General have tried to keep on the spirit by organizing
and following up Plenary Assemblies Resolutions.
After the 15th Plenary Assembly in Uganda in June 2005, there were efforts
to find a Pastoral Coordinator at the secretariat. In March 2006, the Executive
Board of AMECEA sent letters to various congregations within the AMECEA Region
asking them to identify competent and experienced priests to head the Pastoral
Department. Meanwhile, appeals were made to various congregations to support
the efforts of reviving the Coordination of AMECEA Pastoral Activities. We are
grateful to Archbishop Raphael Ndingi Mwana 'a Nzeki of Nairobi for his great
concern in fundraising for Pastoral Coordination. We thank the Brothers of Our
Lady Mother of Mercy, the Holy Cross Congregation, Assumption Sisters of Nairobi,
Mill Hill Missionaries and the Missionaries of Africa who have supported AMECEA
in this move. We are equally grateful to those in the process of supporting
this effort.
Among the fruits of this move is a workshop for strategizing on how to implement
AMECEA Resolutions. This workshop that brought together Patrons, Executive Board
Members, Heads of AMECEA Institutions, Departments and Desks came out with a
proposal on how to revive Coordination of Pastoral Activities as AMECEA level.
Resolution Four of the Executive Board Meeting held September 6-7, 2006 states
that in view of implementing pending and forthcoming pastoral concerns including
preparations for the Second African Synod of Bishops, CUEA be requested that
its Pastoral Department be the immediate convener for Pastoral Coordination
at AMECEA level. Fr. Dr. Joseph Kato was asked to accommodate tasks of coordinating
Pastoral Activities. Meanwhile, through CUEA and National Conferences, efforts
of identifying competent, committed and experienced people to fill in the post
in years to come will be initiated.
We are grateful to CUEA that through the CUEA Council, Community Service has
been extended to the Region through this Coordination of AMECEA Pastoral Activities.
To initiate the process, AMECEA Secretariat and CUEA are organizing a Workshop,
for the first time in six years, for all Pastoral Coordinators from the Region.
They are expected to chart out modalities of reviving the spirit of team work
at Regional level in addressing pastoral issues of mutual concern. This is crucial
in view of the proposed Lineamenta for the Second Synod of African Bishops,
the efforts to implement A Common Framework of Action of Responding to the HIV/AIDS
Pandemic, and the forthcoming Plenary which will focus on Advocacy for Justice,
Reconciliation and Peace within the Region.
We appeal to the Family of God to support efforts of enhancing Pastoral Coordination
at AMECEA Secretariat. Talks with Partners especially MISSIO Aachen and MISSIO
Munich on the way forward to help Coordination of Pastoral Activities at AMECEA
level are going on.
We look forward to a brighter future and indeed making sure that AMECEA continues to bear desirable fruits for the Region, the Continent and the Universal Church at large.
SIGNIS AFRICA DELEGATES MEET
The six SIGNIS Africa Delegates and observer from the Indian Ocean Islands
met to evaluate SIGNIS Projects from the continent and to plan for various activities
leading to the SIGNIS Africa Assembly to held in 2008.
The 139 communications projects evaluated will be presented to Propagation
of Faith by SIGNIS Secretariat for funding in 2007.
The delegates representing the following ecclesiastical regions in Africa (ACEAC, ACERAC, AECAWA, AMECEA, CERAO and IMBISA) had their meeting from November 2 to 5, 2006 at Rosa Mystica Spiritual Centre in Nairobi, Kenya. The next meeting will be held in November 2007.
Prepared
by AMECEA Social Communications Department
P.O. Box 21191, 00505, Nairobi, Kenya
Tel. (254-20) 3871229, 3878008/10 Fax. (254-20) 3871590
Email: amecea@amecea.org