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The Burundi weekly (in French only) 20170324

Press review by Luc de l’Arbre (in French)

Les passagers qui empruntent la route Bujumbura-Ijenda sur la RN7 se plaignent de devoir payer des droits de passage aux jeunes Imbonerakure du parti CNDD-FDD, qui se font passer pour des agents de la Mairie de Bujumbura. Ces jeunes du parti présidentiel se sont implantés dans la zone Musaga, passage obligé de tous les véhicules qui empruntent la RN7. Les agents de la Mairie qui œuvrent au niveau de cette localité se disent impuissants et ignorent de qui répondent ces Imbonerakure. Ces jeunes du parti CNDD-FDD qui se font passer pour des agents de la Mairie …

Pour lire la revue de presse, téléchargez ici :
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Jean-Pierre Sibien, R.I.P.

Father Patrick Bataille, Provincial Delegate of the sector of France,
informs you of the return to the Lord of Father

Jean-Pierre Sibien

on Saturday the 25th March 2017 at Bry-sur-Marne (France)
at the age of 89 years, of which 60 years of missionary life
in Brurundi, in Zaïre (DRC) and in France.

Let us pray for him and for his loved ones.
Continue reading “Jean-Pierre Sibien, R.I.P.”

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Some details on Roland Dubourt’s death

We have received some details on Father Roland Dubourt’s death from one of his confreres in Nzovwe, Father Wolfgang Büth. At the end of the page, you will find three recent photos of Roland, of which two were taken in his workshop. Roland was a very active man who was providing work to quite a few people. Continue reading “Some details on Roland Dubourt’s death”

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Human trafficking … MAfr & MSOLA

Wednesday, the 15th February 2017, was a historic day in the history of the Lavigerie Family. It brought together the General Councils of the Missionaries of Africa (M.Afr.) and the Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Africa (MSOLA), the Provincial and Section Superiors of the M.Afr. and leaders of the five MSOLA Entities.

One major topic was on the Agenda: Human trafficking and related issues. This topic has great importance to both institutes because it is closely linked to the Anti-Slavery campaign of our common Founder, Cardinal Lavigerie. It has also been selected as a prime concern for both Institutes: The M.Afr. Chapter of 2016 chose migrants and human trafficking as a main area of concern. The MSOLA, in their enlarged Council, also selected this topic as one of their four priorities.

The day started with a conference given by Sr. Gabriella Bottani (SCM), coordinator of “Talitha Kum.” She first gave the historical background of the “Talitha Kum” group, which is an international network of people in Consecrated Life working against trafficking in persons (www.talithakum.info).
Most trafficking of people takes place within the country itself or in neighbouring countries. Trafficking of people on at transnational or intercontinental level is very small in comparison.

The speaker identified various forms of trafficking and slavery: domestic servitude; forced labour; organ removal (sometimes for reasons of witchcraft); criminal acts (e.g. child soldiers & drugs smuggling); begging; forced marriage and sexual exploitation (e.g. prostitution and cyber-sex).

After this introduction, the participants were divided into various groups, each of which was given one of the following topics to discuss: Advocacy; Protection; Prevention and Networking. The groups were invited to answer the following questions, what are the challenges? what are the calls? The different groups reported back and this led to an enriching discussion among the participants and with Sr. Gabriella.

The next round of group sharing was organized by geographical regions. Each regional group, and the group of the two General Councils, discussed and proposed a Common Action Plan, which was shared in a full plenary session.
It emerged that there is a strong conviction and a common commitment to become more involved in advocacy, protection, prevention and networking activities against human trafficking. M.AFR and MSOLA can do a lot together, especially during the preparation of the 150th anniversary of the foundation of the Lavigerie Family.

André Schaminée, Secretary General, M.Afr.

Apologies for late publishing of this posts. (Webmaster)

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Jan Knoops, R.I.P.

Father Luc Putzeys, Provincial Delegate of the sector of Belgium,
informs you of the return to the Lord of Father

Jan Knoops

on Tuesday the 21st of March 2017
at the nursing house St Joseph at Munsterbilzen (Belgium)
at the age of 85 years, of which 59 years of missionary life
in Congo and in Belgium.

Let us pray for him and for his loved ones.
Continue reading “Jan Knoops, R.I.P.”

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Conseil Provincial SAP

SAP Provincial Council gathered on the third week of March at FENZA, Lusaka, for its first meeting of the year. As usual, the four Sectors of the Province were represented by their Provincial Delegates and their Councillors. From Rome, Francis Barnes was also present with his usual sense of humour. A word of thanks was given by the Provincial, Felix Phiri, to Serge St-Arneault who will be ending his mandate as Provincial Secretary in few months from now. He has been appointed as Director of the Afrika Center in Montreal, Canada. Michel Meunier will replace him from July 2017.

From SAP Blog