Missionaries of Africa

Pilgrimage to the saints of Africa: women ahead

Posted on 05/06/201905/06/2019 by Vitus Danaa Abobo

Hello from Fribourg! Here is the link to the beautiful report by the journalist who covered the 18th Pilgrimage to the Saints of Africa on 2nd June. There are very beautiful professional pictures, almost Caravaggio! This pilgrimage is an initiative of the Missionaries of Africa of Switzerland. It has taken its cruising speed and a steering committee is gradually taking over…

Claude Maillard, M.Afr.

Pilgrimage to the saints of Africa: women ahead

article & photos : Bernard Hallet 03.06.2019

The 18th edition of the pilgrimage to the saints of Africa focused on the place of African women in the Church and society. Togo was the country honoured at this event hosted by the Abbey of Saint-Maurice (VS) on the 2nd of June 2019.

The brightness of the courtyard between the Saint-Maurice school and its refectory is almost blinding. The picnic ends and small groups gather in the rare shaded areas left by the sun at its zenith. Choirs and pilgrims are drawn to the procession that is being formed and that will lead them to the basilica for the mass of this 18th pilgrimage to the African Saints.

The songs rise, punctuated by percussion, among which the voices of the women, the majority on this day, dominate. They are in honour of this African pilgrimage to Saint-Maurice. “Exceptionally, this year we have no invited bishop or saint to honor. The theme is therefore the place of women in the Church and society,” explains Father Claude Maillard, White Father, member of the pilgrimage committee. He added that Togo is the country in the spotlight and that Bishop Jean Scarcella, Father Abbot of the Abbey, has agreed to preside at the pilgrimage mass.

The essential role of women

“The role of women is essential in Africa,” explains Father Maillard. It has its full place in the family, the community that is the pillar of social life in Africa. In a society dominated by men, he believes that things are moving, especially in politics. Slowly, of course, but surely.

Agnès Rondez, a Togolese woman who arrived in the Jura in 2001, spoke on the theme of the day, drawing inspiration from the lenten campaign – Bread for All. She supports the statement: “In Africa, women are the carriers of the world, tireless, they are the driving force,” she says. She creates, she sews, she is “up front” to feed the family and take initiatives. “In Togo, at the market, it is the woman you will find,” she smiles.

It can also start in childhood, in the parish and in youth activities,” says Agnès Rondez. She remembers the years when she served at Mass and was part of the Valiant Hearts (the equivalent of Scouts). However, she acknowledges that the situation differs greatly from one country to another.

Yvonne, from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), puts this into perspective. “Women are marginalized in the Church and in society and are unable to find their place. Yet she gives life, she must be listened to,” deploring a situation in which the woman is not heard. She denounces the rape and murder of children and women and castigates the multinationals present in the DRC who exploit them. Nevertheless, she still has a smile and hope for African women.

“The assembly reacted strongly during the conference. These were words that the mothers applauded and commented on a lot,” says the White Father. Earlier in the morning, the pilgrims also prayed for these suffering African women.

Apostles of forgiveness

“Yes, Africa is alive in the Church and will be faithful to the prophetic words that Pope Benedict XVI gave her during the Second Synod of Africa”. Father Godfroy Kouegan, a Togolese priest from the diocese of Aneho, said in his homily that “the hour of Africa” had come, a favourable hour that urged Christ’s messengers to move forward in deep water and release the nets for fishing (Le 5:4). In a gentle voice, the priest, currently at the Abbey of Saint-Maurice for a sabbatical period, noted that “Our joy, the true joy of Africa is the courage with which she takes up her cross and advances with perseverance and confidence”.

“I dare to put on each of your lips these words of the psalmist to bless this Abbey, its Father Abbot and his canons: “To you always, life and joy!”, thanked Father Kouegan who was surprised that the Abbey was interested in the black continent. “She[the abbey] is in search of life[…]. Life and hope that transcend all the assaults of death, the culture of death that the world today develops unconsciously or not”.

“It is to make Church, family of God, to live and make events like this live in Catholicity,” he concluded, before exhorting pilgrims to “leave here and become the apostles of forgiveness and reconciliation”.

The time of maturity

At the end of a rhythmic and colourful day, Father Claude Maillard said he was serene and delighted. He praised the commitment of the choirs, the true “backbone” of this pilgrimage. “Africans bring a lot to our communities and parishes, thanks to the anchoring they have found there.

“Africans take charge of “their” pilgrimage. It is no longer said that it is the pilgrimage of the White Fathers“. The event has reached its cruising speed, we must continue. “It’s time for maturity!”

PEP/Fra – Sector France: News from Verlomme Community

Posted on 05/06/201905/06/2019 by Vitus Danaa Abobo

From the Mini-Lien of the French sector, a look back at May from the sector community, at rue Verlomme.

Communauté de Verlomme :

The most important event of the month is undoubtedly the Sector Council meeting.

But the one we remember best is our annual community outing: it was on Saturday, May 11th that we first met at St Etienne du Mont Church, located on Mont Ste Geneviève. The current church dates back to the flamboyant Gothic and Renaissance periods. In particular, we admired the vault of the ﬂamboyant choir, the finely carved stone rood loft, the carved wooden pulpit, the organ buffet and the stained-glass windows. While walking around the sanctuary, everyone was able, according to their interest, to stop in front of the hunting of Saint Genevieve, the tombs of Pascal and Racine, and many works of art: frescoes, paintings, statuary.

We then crossed the square to enter the Pantheon. This XVIIIth century building of neo-classical style, has suffered the convulsions of our history. First conceived as a church by Louis XVI in 1791, it became a republican temple to house the remains of the “great men”. It once again housed the Catholic cult under Louis XVIII and Napoleon III. It was under Louis-Philippe and the Third Republic that it resumed its function as the mausoleum of the great men of the country.

It is therefore with both religious and republican devotion that we entered this édiﬁce, which is impressive in its size and majesty. After having visited the frescoes and sculptures on the ground floor, we were able to reflect on the ashes of the 81 personalities, men and women, who were “honoured by the grateful country”. Some of us (but we won’t say who) have dreamed of being “pantheonized”.

This did not prevent us from going for a good meal at the restaurant on Place de la Contrescarpe.

On the way we sang in chorus the words of Georges Brassens:

Poor kings, pharaohs! Poor Napoleon!
Poor missing people lying in the Pantheon!
Poor ashes of consequence!

You’ll envy a little the eternal holiday-maker,
Who, with his pedal boat, climbs the wave dreaming,
That he spends his death on vacation….

You’ll envy a little the eternal White Father,
Who says his rosary dreaming of the days of yesteryear,
Passed under the African sun.

François Richard

PEP/Fra – Sector France: News from Marseille Community

Posted on 05/06/201905/06/2019 by Vitus Danaa Abobo

From the Mini-Lien of the France Sector, here is a look back at the month of May experienced by our confreres in Marseille.

Community of Marseille:

After the celebrations of the 50th anniversary of the Church of Our Lady of the Limits and the 150th anniversary of our Missionary Institutes “White Fathers” and “White Sisters”, May was a special month. Henri Blanchard joined the community of Sainte Foy-lès-Lyon on April 29th and Moses, having completed his internship (stage), went on a family vacation in Uganda on May 4th. He will continue his training in Abidjan (Côte d’Ivoire).

Michel was called to meet the young confreres in Tunis and left on May 3rd. And the day before his return to Marseille, he learned of the death of his paternal uncle, whom he considers to be his father. It was this uncle who took responsibility for the family after his father’s death. This uncle, a Muslim, encouraged Michel to follow his path towards the priesthood and mission. Michel therefore left directly from Tunis on May 11th for Ouagadougou, from where he joined his family in mourning. Raphaël participated in the Sector Council from May 7th to 10th. Steve, the new confrere, acclimatized to Marseille. Very handyman, he takes care of the garden and storage in the workshop and store. He strives to improve his French, especially for reading. On Sunday, May 26th, he presided at the Eucharistic celebration and preached.

The month of June will be for Raphael the month of farewells in the parish, in the associations and services of the diocese in which he was involved. At the beginning of July, he will join Fribourg, Switzerland, for a ministry at the service of the confreres. But he will also be able to commit himself once again to the service of Islamic-Christian dialogue.

Guy Vuillemin

Jubilarians in Montreal

Posted on 04/06/201904/06/2019 by Vitus Danaa Abobo

Last weekend, the following Jubilarians were celebrated in Montreal :

Guy Vezeau – 60 years
John Boos – 50 years
Michel Fortin – 50 years
Gilles Barrette – 50 years
Michel Meunier – 50 years
Michel Lavoie – 50 years

Congratulations to all of you.

South Africa at its best

Posted on 04/06/201904/06/2019 by Vitus Danaa Abobo

Since its inception in 2009, the Ndlovu Youth Choir has profoundly affected the lives of the choristers and demonstrates the potential of any human being to achieve excellence no matter their background, education or place of birth. From its humble beginnings as an after-school activity the choir has evolved into a truly outstanding professional ensemble.

PEP/Fra – Sector France: Nouvelles de la Communauté de Toulouse

Posted on 04/06/201904/06/2019 by Vitus Danaa Abobo

Community of Toulouse :

Active Spring at the “Minimes”

Just like Spring, the Toulouse community is waking up with lots of activities to reactivate a flowery life. Perhaps inspired by the Resurrection of the Lord that we have just celebrated with great pomp and circumstance, the memory of the foundation of our Society has reminded us of our spirituality that has enabled us to adhere to the Mission of being All to All. Thus, on May 3, we celebrated in community the end of Emile Kimembe’s internship. He arrived safely in his family in Congo DRC on May 6.

The next day in the evening, we shared a meal with some former White Father students from rue Vélane in Toulouse in the presence of the Provincial Delegate, Patrick Bataille, who trained two of them. There were only three. Together with their spouses and children we were about twenty people.

In their testimonies they expressed the desire for stronger unity among them and close collaboration with the Society of Missionaries of Africa. One of them, Jacques Kampetenga, is a deacon and explained his journey. They are ready to start a group of elders. In any case, their many children are our friends and potential collaborators to support us. It was a very good time.

On Sunday, May 5th, the Church of the Minimes filled up for the installation ceremony of Norbert Mwishabongo as the new parish priest of the Pastoral sector of the Minimes. The Mass was presided over by Hervé Gaignard, the Vicar General, because Bishop Le Gall was unable to attend. Patrick Bataille, our Provincial Delegate, all the collaborating priests of the parish, the Episcopal Vicar of the Deanery, and the National Chaplain of the African and Malagasy Coordination concelebrated Holy Mass.

After the mass there was an aperitif that allowed people to meet each other, then a simple and very convivial meal. The borough mayor was present for the installation and stayed all the time during the meal during which he renewed his commitment as mayor of the district for the responsibility of the Church. He also expressed his desire to collaborate with the new priest and his team.

To close our series of images as part of the organization of activities for our 150th anniversary, Bishop Michael Fitzgerald gave a lecture on “Islamic-Christian Dialogue: the contribution of the Missionaries of Africa and the Sisters of Our Lady of Africa” on May 22 in the Church of the Minims.

Presented by the animator as a man of great openness, Bishop Fitzgerald demonstrated this in welcoming the other. Through his extensive experience in the field of Islamic-Christian dialogue, he has demonstrated that dialogue is possible even in our current context in Toulouse. We thank him for agreeing to come from Liverpool to revive our commitment to ” Encounter and Dialogue “. Go well, my Lord.

Simon Gornah, M.Afr. (texte et photos)

PEP/Fra – Sector France: News from the Billère Community

Posted on 04/06/201904/06/2019 by Vitus Danaa Abobo

From the Mini-lien of the French sector, a return to the month of May in Pau-Billère.

Community of Billère Lavigerie :

In May “do as you please” in Billère… (“Fais ce qu’il te plaît” : French proverb)

Several confreres’ outings this month: the first week, a 1800km trip in the Var with a team of Lourdes hospital workers – our photographer made for us a small souvenir image.

On the 19th, at Tournay Abbey, with the Pastoral Care Center for Migrants, and in particular with about a hundred Iraqis and their children (who speak among themselves in Aramaic), we celebrated together the 150 years of the W.F.

On the 8th, of course, we celebrated the martyrs of Algeria with a Eucharist in our little chapel corner; next year we will have our large room on the 3rd floor to celebrate…

The work is nearing completion and the director of Fed’Es, Mr. Didier Debrand, came on the 12th, to announce that he would take over the management of the house himself until all the people from the two EHPAD’s¹ were installed.

1 EHPAD means “Etablissement d’Hébergement pour Personnes Agées Dépendantes” (Accommodation establishment for dependent elderly people). In France, even though the buildings for the Old Folks communities still belong to the Missionaries of Africa, their management is entrusted to an association. Details can be obtained from the Sector house in verlomme.

PEP/Fra – Sector France: News from Bry-sur-Marne Community

Posted on 03/06/201904/06/2019 by Vitus Danaa Abobo

From the Mini-Lien of the France sector, a look back at May in the community of Bry-sur-Marne

Bry Community:

Jean FISSET left us end of April very peaceful, while some members of his family were at his bedside. He, who was very family-minded, was able to leave in peace. The funeral was a family celebration rather than a community celebration because John’s family, including his brother and sister, filled the chapel. The liturgy of the Mass had been prepared by John himself before his death, and his nephews were keen to respect his last wishes. Bernard Lefebvre, who knew him well, came to preside at the Eucharist, and Gérard Demeerseman was able to retrace in his homily John’s attachment to the Muslim world to which he had dedicated his entire missionary life. When we returned from the cemetery, the whole family gathered one last time for a glass of friendship, which made it possible to see how much Jean was appreciated by all his family. He has now joined the great family of confreres who are waiting for the resurrection; may he rest in peace.

A few days later, the entire house was celebrating the 100th anniversary of a resident, Mrs. Berthe LE CAM. The same day it was the “Pierre angulaire” (the residence) that organized the celebration with a bouquet of 101 red rose buds. And the champagne flew freely over a huge cake. Mrs. LE CAM then confessed the secret of her longevity: a glass of red wine every day at noon and an aperitif on Sunday, a diet she intends to follow for many years to come, as she is not yet completely dependent. The following Saturday, it was his family that wanted to celebrate her again. As for us, we can now wait quietly for the celebration of our next centenary at the beginning of next year, our confrere Georges BERGANTZ, who will in turn make it because he is even more fit than Mrs Le CAM, and especially shares with her the same secret of longevity. What is certain is that celebrating centenarians gives a lot of hope and happiness to all. Long live Mrs. Le CAM.

Bishop SANTIER, Bishop of Créteil and therefore our bishop, wanted to visit us a second time this year, which touched us very much. But especially this time he wanted to exchange with us, and for a good hour he presented his diocese to us with passion. Everyone was surprised to see how cosmopolitan this diocese was: many foreigners and a large number of religions, including Judaism and Islam, and even Buddhism. Interreligious dialogue has thus become an obsession for the pastor of our diocese, which sounds familiar to many of us. All this greatly enhances the dynamism of the diocesan Christian community, which is living a true renewal. Finally, we feel a little more at home in this diocese, because we have spent our entire lives in an equally complex environment. It is up to us to remain more White Fathers than ever.

Last Saturday, an orchestra came to enliven our afternoon, the “HARMONIE TUTTI” orchestra, the fruit of Bry’s music school. It was obviously not the Scala of Milan, but it must be acknowledged that their conductor is a virtuoso, both to conduct and to play as a soloist. They now know the code to enter the house.

Finally, at the month’s end, on Ascension Thursday, Jo le NIGEN will renew his contract with the White Fathers in our community for another three years. We will talk more about it in the next Mini-Lien. The park is already looking forward to it, but less than we certainly are. Congratulations, Jo!

Clément Forestier (photos J-Y Chevalier)

PEP/Fra: Sector France: News from the Mours Community

Posted on 03/06/201904/06/2019 by Vitus Danaa Abobo

From the Mini-link of the France sector, a return on May for the community of Mours.

Community of Mours :

Mours: a festive month of May!

We often talk about the month of May, like the month of holidays and long weekends, this year it will have been for us here, a festive month!

The 150th Anniversary Jubilee, organized by the AAPB (Association of the White Fathers’ Friends) of Paris and the Missionaries of Africa of MOURS, was celebrated on Sunday, May 19th. Yves has participated in several preparatory meetings in Paris and Mours. Jean-Louis prepared the park’s walkways to allow visitors to get some fresh air and planned for the lawns to be able to accommodate the 150 people invited for the day. Jean for weeks had been preparing an exhibition to present the Missionaries of Africa and MSOLA and renovated the glass roof space to install the panels brought by Bernard Lefebvre. Everyone on their own side had their hands in the game so that everything could go well. Everything was planned for us to live this day in the heart of nature: mass, conferences, aperitif and meal on the lawn and under the lime trees… But the weather changed our plans at the last minute and the day before we decided to review the program of installation of the festivities!

The tables, benches, sound system and barnum, graciously brought by the municipality and the Mours festival committee, had to be re-planed : the barnum was installed to allow us to have an aperitif outside, but we had to close ranks to enter the chapel for the Eucharist and sit in the glass roof.

Bishop Stanislas Lalanne of Pontoise presided over the Eucharist and gave the homily… One of the participants, not used to listening to a bishop’s homily, had these words : “a message adapted to all the participants”.

Yves Masquelier in his welcoming address pointed out that this celebration of the 150th anniversary of the Missionaries of Africa brought together here: on the one hand White Fathers and MSOLA Sisters from the Paris region, but also Mgr Claude Rault, Bishop Emeritus of the Sahara and Fr. André Ferré from Tunisia, on the other hand the Friends of the White Fathers of the Paris region, but also the diocesan family of Pontoise, priests, religious and lay people, representatives of the town hall and the committee of the Monts festivals as well as a delegation of Burkinabe Christians from the region.

After the aperitif taken outside, we sat in the glass roof to enjoy an excellent meal.

Nous avons réalisé notre projet d’accueillir à Mours pour le 150è anniversaire 150 personnes ! Même si les conversations étaient parfois rendues difﬁciles à cause du nombre, la joie était bien présente et les remerciements se sont multipliés à la ﬁn du repas quand les gâteaux du 150è ont été présentés par le personnel de la cuisine, alors qu’à l’extérieur la pluie tombait.

C’est à nouveau dans la chapelle qu’ont eu lieu deux conférences : l’une concernant l’histoire et le rôle qu’occupent les AAPB dans notre secteur et leur participation à l’aide pour l’Afrique, présentée par M. Bruno Dupuy, président des AAPB de Paris ; et la seconde par François Richard sur l’histoire de Mours avant l’arrivée des PB et surtout ce qui s’est vécu à Mours de 1950 à nos jours.

Si le thème de la 3è année de préparation de ce jubilé était de « regarder l’avenir avec espérance », nous pouvons dire aujourd’hui que « la mission, c’est notre vocation », comme l’indique le titre de la lettre pastorale de notre évêque, Mgr Stanislas Lalanne, et que nous nous y engageons tous avec les forces que nous avons.

C’est à nouveau notre parc et notre verrière qui ont été choisis par les organisateurs de la Fête des Voisins ce 24 mai. Mais ce soir là, l’ambiance était tout autre, car les participants étaient majoritairement d’un autre âge !

Deux structures gonﬂables, un toboggan et un billard ont été installés et ont fait la joie des nombreux enfants durant toute la soirée. Et même certains d’entre nous se sont exercés à jouer au billard avec les pieds pour faire rentrer les balles dans l’une des 6 cases du billard. Un bon moment de partage « avec des voisins » que nous ne connaissions pas ou peu ! Et par chance cela a pu se passer à l’extérieur.

Au cours de ce mois de mai, plusieurs groupes de catéchèse sont venus avec leurs animateurs pour se préparer aux sacrements du baptême, de l’eucharistie ou de la conﬁrmation. Et malgré la présence de plusieurs faisans et le passage d’un vieux sanglier, les scouts viennent toujours occuper le terrain pendant les Weekend.

Nous attendons le retour prochain de notre confrère Jean Chauvineau, parti « dans les îles » pour un mois d’apostolat et nous espérons que Michel Dubois, actuellement près de Chartres en maison de rééducation après son opération, pourra nous rejoindre dans les prochaines semaines.

Jean Chaptal (Photos J-Y Chevalier et Joseph Foucaud)

PEP/Fra : Sector France: News from Friant

Posted on 03/06/201903/06/2019 by Vitus Danaa Abobo

Taken from the Mini-lien of the France sector, a mini-diary of the Rue Friant community.

Communauty of Rue Friant :

At the beginning of the month, Stan Lubungo and Martin Grenier came to Paris to participate in a meeting of the Societies of Apostolic Life. It was in Morlaix, in the West of France, with the Fathers of Saint-Jacques.

The first (of May) came Father Alexandre BAZIE, the next auxiliary bishop of Koudougou (in view of the foundation of a new diocese) passed through our country on his way to Rome where he will take the “short course” for the new bishops.

Etienne Sion, a confrere from Tanzania, spent the month of May with us where he was able to make some health check-ups.

Emile Bombiri, priest of the diocese of Nouna, came to check on his heart and diabetes….

Matthias Gyato, former confrere, now a priest in his diocese in Ghana, was happy to return to Friant Street and meet one or other confrere he knew; he also wanted to check on his health.

Jean-Marie Vasseur spent a few days with us for family and pastoral meetings… Very valiant, but with a cane all the same.

Father Alexandre Dembélé, who works in the media in Bamako, came to supply his equipment through Amazon….

On Saturday, May 21, 32 children and their caregivers (from the parish of St Jacques de Montrouge) came to make their retreat in preparation for the First Communion in our large hall and garden. A lot of joy and a lot of seriousness…. And plenty of children’s games. Jacques took part in a question-and-answer session with them on Africa, the White Fathers, the vocation…

On that day, we received Bishop AKE (of Ivory Coast) who came for a last check-up following his surgeries… and Bishop Thomas KABORE, former Bishop of Kaya… He was the one who ordained five years ago the priest of Dablo who had just been murdered by terrorists.

On Monday, May 13, we received a Cor Unum group of 12 people who met in our large room; they also had lunch with us.

On May 14, André Ferré arrived from Algeria for a holiday with us. That same day, in the evening, there was also a monthly meeting of the “Relais Lumière Espérance”; on the 15th, it was Father Joseph Nikiema who came to Paris for a funeral.

On Wednesday afternoon, 15th and Thursday 16th, the meeting of the Steering Committee of the Christian Pensioners’ Movement took place in our house. There were 35 of them… They were so pleased with our hospitality that they promised to come back to us….

On Sunday, May 19, it was Bishop Augustin TRAORE of Segou, Mali, who came to visit us.

Saturday, May 25, it was the parish of Vanves with 40 children preparing for the first communion that took place in the garden and the main hall. The animation team (eight adults) has prepared everything perfectly and Jacques intervened with the children as he had done 15 days before with those from Montrouge.

And Norbert Mwishabongo, the new parish priest of Toulouse-Minimes, came to close this month of visits.

Jacques Lacour