Luc Piette R.I.P.

Posted on by Vitus Danaa Abobo
Society of the Missionaries of Africa

Father Barthélémy Bazemo, Provincial of the Americas,
informs you of the return to the Lord of Father

Luc Piette

on Saturday, 26th October 2024 in Sherbrooke (Canada)
at the age of 98 years, of which 74 years of missionary life
in Malawi, South Africa and Canada.

Let us pray for him and for his loved ones.

Download here the announcement of Father Luc Piette’s death

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Sitting on a Well full of Water but Being Deprived of Drinking from it

Posted on by Vitus Danaa Abobo

The world of social injustice can be best described with a scenario where a man who is dying of thirst is comfortably sitting on a well, filled with pure water, but who is being blocked deliberately by a super force from drinking this water. This is a barbaric treatment impregnated with hatred, wickedness, selfishness and lack of respect and consideration for the other.

The world is unjust

The inequalities that exist in this world push us to sometimes ask the question whether some people are born to suffer (Ref. Lucky Duby) and others are born with silver spoons in their mouth. This has been the refrain of many of the inhabitants of Kisenso, one of the municipalities of Kinshasa which lacks some basic necessities like potable water, good roads, electricity, job opportunities, well-furnished hospitals, etc. For people who go through these hardships, their perpetual refrain is that the world is not just because they are not fairly treated and their basic needs are being denied. Sometimes, many of these people go through these hardships because of who they are, that is, because of their colour, religion, race, tribe, country and gender. These hardships are not imposed by God but by their fellow human beings.

That is why this refrain “the world is unjust” can be explained from different perspectives of life, from cultural and religious practices, from some established social and political institution and people’s economic status. Let us explain this in greater detail.

Cultural and religious practices

First, regarding some cultural and religious practices, such as widowhood rites. These rites are ceremonies performed in some cultures when a woman loses her husband. The aim of this practice is to break what they call the spiritual relationship that could exist between the deceased husband and the surviving wife. Unfortunately, these practices dehumanize the widow, deny her some basic rights and do not respect her privacy. For widows who are dehumanized, the world is unjust because a widower doesn’t get the same treatment. Doesn’t he also need to be cleansed from all kinds of spiritual relationships with the deceased wife?

Imagine the psychological torture of a widow, who is being prevented to take a bath for a number of weeks, condemned to wear the same clothing, prohibited to leave her room, forced to sleep on the floor and eat from broken plates. In the case of Kisenso, some are even chased away from the deceased husband’s house and all the properties of that husband are confiscated. Saint Etienne Parish which is in Kisenso helps a good number of these widows who are rejected by their in-laws and their own children because she is considered to be a witch, hence, the murderer of her husband. Many of them have no choice than to live under the hot scorching sun, and expose themselves to torrential rains that often hasten their immature death.

Social and political institutions

Secondly, regarding established social and political institutions, some of which create social injustice. This is the case when some groups of people consider themselves as the aristocratic group, thereby denying other people from climbing up the social ladder. All the efforts that have been made to change this have borne no fruit, because the system, established in that given society, excludes certain tribes from ruling. At times, it becomes even worse when some young men and women are denied of getting married because of tribal misunderstandings. In our pastoral activities here, we have encountered a number of cases where young ladies and men have had to break up their relationship.

Social injustice occurs in a situation where development takes place based on the location of a given territory. A deep reflection on why some parts of a given country keep developing while other parts are neglected makes us understand that cities of a given country are created based on where they are located (where there is a dense population). Areas which are sparsely populated receive in some countries less developmental projects. People in these areas are sometimes treated as if they have chosen to be where they are. They are left on their own to toil while their counterparts have everything at their disposal and sometimes use in a selfish way what in fact belongs to everyone. The inequalities in the quality of education, health, road network and some social amenities are largely determined by the location of each village or territory. The development in the capital cities of each country, cannot be compared to that of the villages of that same country. Some keep celebrating and throwing food away while others are even deprived of eating what is being thrown away.

No one needs a doctorate degree to understand these developmental disparities, especially in Kisenso (Kinshasa) where lukewarm development is seen at all levels. It is not uncommon to see people queuing and passing nights around the sites of boreholes so as to buy water once it begins flowing. This sometimes prevents children from attending school, paralyses our pastoral activities and weakens the participation of the faithful in church activities like Masses, rehearsals, retreats, recollections, etc., because they have to look for water. The population survives by water from wells and drilled boreholes because there is no other source of water.  Saint Etienne parish is one of the entities that supply good quality potable water to the population though it is always limited because of high demand and limited supply. When will Kisenso be connected to the Regideso? That is an everyday question that lacks an answer. Why are equals treated unequally?

There is always a great joy when each person is fairly treated and his or her dignity respected. Eliminating individualism, selfishness, greediness, corruption etc. will lead to establishing social justice among the creatures of God.

By: Paschal Bapuoh, M.Afr.

Benno Baumeister R.I.P.

Posted on by Vitus Danaa Abobo
Society of the Missionaries of Africa

Father Ludwig Peschen, Provincial Delegate of the sector of Germany,
informs you of the return to the Lord of Father

Benno Baumeister

on Wednesday, 23rd October 2024 in Hechingen (Germany)
at the age of 86 years, of which 62 years of missionary life
in Burundi, DR Congo, Ireland, Italy and Germany.

Let us pray for him and for his loved ones.

Download here the announcement of Father Benno Baumeister’s death

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Official Communication, Rome, 23rd October 2024

Posted on by Vitus Danaa Abobo

After consultation, dialogue and with the consent of his Council, Father Stanley LUBUNGO, Superior General, has appointed Father Benoît MWANA NYEMBO NGITU Provincial Superior of the Province of Maghreb for a first mandate starting on 7th November 2024 and ending on 30th June 2027.

Rome, 23rd October 2024

André-L. Simonart,
Secretary General.

Promoting Social Justice: a Journey with Sharing Youth Centre in Kampala Archdiocese

Posted on by Vitus Danaa Abobo

Social justice is not merely an abstract concept but a vital necessity for communities grappling with systemic inequalities and injustices. Within the bustling streets of Kampala, Uganda, Sharing Youth Centre (SYC) stands as a beacon of hope, striving to address the multifaceted challenges faced by the youth in the region. From its humble beginnings, SYC has been steadfast in its mission to combat social injustice and promote equitable access to resources, opportunities, and rights for all. 

The roots of social injustice run deep, particularly in marginalized communities like Nsambya, where structural barriers impede access to basic necessities such as education and economic empowerment. Nsambya used to house and is still housing some slums in Kampala such as Katwe, Police barracks, former railways quarters among others. Many of the youths SYC serves come from war-torn areas and impoverished regions, seeking refuge in the urban landscape of Kampala. SYC admits refugees from neighbouring countries such as Sudan, Eritrea, Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo etc. Most of these students are received and provided with accommodation as well as feeding. Their school fees and school uniforms are paid through the help from partners who are supporting us financially.

The SYC’s activities

However, upon arrival, they often find themselves trapped in a cycle of poverty and despair, with limited avenues for personal and professional growth. In response to these challenges, SYC has implemented a range of initiatives aimed at holistic empowerment. Education lies at the core of their efforts, with vocational and technical programs providing youths with practical skills to thrive in a competitive job market. One most important function of SYC and her staff is how to locate these poor youth to provide them with the needed services. Vocational and technical education seems to be neglected in Uganda and many students do not see its importance, hence the low enrollment affecting our centre.

Moreover, advocacy efforts in collaboration with partners such as ICEP (International Clean Energy Partnership) , Kindermissionswerks, Hetzerath (a place in Germany) and ADA have sought to effect policy changes and uphold legal rights, ensuring that marginalized voices are heard and respected. Furthermore, SYC recognizes the intersectionality of social justice issues, particularly regarding gender equality and women’s empowerment. About 70% of our students are females who through these courses are able to find jobs and live better lives.

Through tailored programs in soap-making, catering, and batik tie and dye, women are equipped with the skills and resources needed to achieve economic independence. Additionally, youth-led initiatives focus on entrepreneurship and job creation, empowering young individuals to become agents of change within their communities. My journey with SYC has been both enriching and transformative. 

As a minister within the organization, I have witnessed firsthand the profound impact of our programs on the lives of countless individuals. From providing a safe haven for vulnerable youths to fostering inclusive decision-making processes, SYC embodies the principles of social justice in action. Listening to and amplifying community voices lie at the heart of our approach, ensuring that the needs and aspirations of those we serve are heard and addressed. Moreover, building partnerships and collaborations with local churches and NGOs has been instrumental in expanding our reach and impact. 

By addressing power imbalances and systemic issues head-on, SYC remains steadfast in its commitment to promoting social justice and creating a more equitable society for all. The spiritual growth of the youth is not neglected in anyway. Daily Masses and Sunday Masses are the norms of SYC. Much as we provide the youth with knowledge and possibility of financial inclusivity in the future, the concept of prayer life is also very important. Youth groups such as Youth Alive, Catholic Youth Professionals, Xavierians and Sunday School also provide avenues for training the youths against drugs and substance abuse, violence and crime. Together, they build themselves and their community. This is not however an indoctrination session but a platform for evangelization.

In conclusion, the pursuit of social justice is not merely a lofty ideal but a tangible imperative for communities worldwide. Through the tireless efforts of organizations like Sharing Youth Centre and Sharing Youth Centre Vocational and Business Institute-Nsambya, we can strive towards a future where every individual, regardless of background or circumstances, has the opportunity to thrive and contribute to the collective well-being of society. This is done through the provision of an enabling environment for the youth to learn trades such as hair dressing and beauty therapy, catering and hotel management, tailoring, welding and fabrication, carpentry & joinery and agriculture. Other activities, which help the youth through these challenges and trying times, include football, basketball, volleyball, netball, break dance, art work, karate and boxing, badminton and baseball. As we confront the myriad challenges of our time, let us remain steadfast in our commitment to justice, equality, and dignity for all.

By: Berthrand Dakyie, M.Afr.

Joseph Billot R.I.P.

Posted on by Vitus Danaa Abobo
Society of the Missionaries of Africa

Father Michel Girard Provincial Delegate of the sector of France,
informs you of the return to the Lord of Father

Joseph Billot

on Monday, 21st October 2024 in Billère (France)
at the age of 91 years, of which 54 years of missionary life
in Tchad, Burkina Faso and  France.

Let us pray for him and for his loved ones.

Download here the announcement of Father Joseph Billot’s death

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August Beeckmans R.I.P.

Posted on by Vitus Danaa Abobo
Society of the Missionaries of Africa

Father Yvo Wellens, Provincial Delegate of the sector of Belgium,
informs you of the return to the Lord of Father

August Beeckmans

on Friday, 18th October 2024 in Antwerpen (Belgium)
at the age of 92 years, of which 66 years of missionary life
in Uganda, Ireland and Belgium.

Let us pray for him and for his loved ones.

Download here the announcement of Father August Beeckmans’ death

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Henk Bonke R.I.P.

Posted on by Vitus Danaa Abobo
Society of the Missionaries of Africa

Father Jozef de Bekker, Provincial Delegate of the sector of The Netherlands,
informs you of the return to the Lord of Father

Henk Bonke

on Thursday, 17th October 2024 in Tamale (Ghana)
at the age of 87 years, of which 63 years of missionary life
in Ghana, France, Italy and the Netherlands.

Let us pray for him and for his loved ones.

Download here the announcement of Father Henke Bonke’s death

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Henri Renevey R.I.P.

Posted on by Vitus Danaa Abobo
Society of the Missionaries of Africa

Father Josef Buholzer, Provincial Delegate of the sector of Switzerland,
informs you of the return to the Lord of Brother

Henri Renevey

on Thursday , 10th October 2024 in Fribourg (Switzerland)
at the age of 100 years, of which 81 years of missionary life
in Algeria, Malawi, Zambia and Switzerland.

Let us pray for him and for his loved ones.

Download here the announcement of Brother Henri Renevey’s death

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Second term confreres meeting in Nairobi, September 2024

Posted on by Vitus Danaa Abobo

From September 1 to 22, 2024, 15 Missionaries of Africa, representing 12 countries and working in 15 different parts of the world, gathered in Nairobi at St Charles Lwanga Missionaries of Africa Provincial House to share their experiences from the early years of missionary work. These sessions are typically organized at Society level for confreres in their second term. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the sessions had been postponed for three years. As a result, some confreres attending the sessions in Nairobi were nearing the end of their third term, while others were already in their fourth.

Although some of us arrived with a sense of uncertainty, wondering, “What is the purpose of this session?”, these doubts quickly gave way to joy. The opportunity to reconnect with confreres we hadn’t seen in years, and to meet others for the first time, became a source of great joy. Many expressed gratitude, feeling that the Society had not forgotten about us and was committed to our ongoing formation. This care for confreres is a key value in our Society, and it renewed our strength for our missionary journey.

JOYS AND CHALLENGES IN MISSION

The atmosphere of the meeting was filled with openness, sincerity, joy, internationality, and brotherhood, making us feel like part of one big family. We began by sharing our missionary experiences, reflecting on both the joyful moments and the challenges we encountered in our daily work and community life. Most of us had positive experiences, feeling that God had been walking with us in our mission. A sense of joy and fulfilment emerged from our sharing.

However, we also recognized moments when things didn’t go well, either in the community or in the mission. For example, insurgencies in places like Adigrat in Ethiopia and Aribinda in Burkina Faso placed confreres in danger, forcing them to leave or even close the community. Despite these challenges, the confreres remained optimistic, happy to have been prophetic witnesses of the Gospel in such perilous situations. It became clear that, despite the diversity of our experiences and the different contexts in which we work, we are united by a common spirit and strong bonds of our charism. As the days passed, we grew closer, realizing that diversity not only unites us but also enriches us.

A key point of reflection was the recognition that growth in the missionary charism comes not only from lived experiences but also from embracing, reflecting on, and growing through them, despite the challenges. Father Olivier Soma prepared us spiritually for this meeting, which made it easier for us to open up to one another.

COMMUNITY LIFE AND ITS DYNAMICS

Community life – its strengths and weaknesses – was a recurring theme throughout our meeting. We dedicated significant time to reflect on how we can build and strengthen our community life. It became apparent that this is a widely felt need, and the session provided a space where we could collectively seek solutions and support by raising awareness about the stages of community building. We received a comprehensive presentation on the eight stages of community life: orientation, inclusion, control, conflict, cohesion, sharing of faith, intimacy, and finally, termination.

Another valuable session was on coping with stress, healthy intimacy, intentional celibacy, and preventing burnout, facilitated by Brother Fabien Bulamu. We began by doing personality tests and reviewing the characteristics of different personality types, which helped us understand why we act, behave, and reason in certain ways. A talk on stress management helped us revisit moments when we had experienced stress, explore its causes and effects on our lives, community, and ministry, and discuss strategies for managing it. It was clear from our sharing that all of us had experienced stress at some point in our mission or community life.

The topic of healthy intimacy, intentional celibacy, and affectivity reminded us of the importance of developing healthy relationships, respecting personal boundaries, and protecting vulnerable individuals.

BEING PROPHETIC WITNESSES

Our confrere, Dave Sullivan, gave us an online presentation on prophetic witness, which was both encouraging and down-to-earth. We were deeply moved by his personal missionary journey, during which he recounted how the deep faith and commitment of two Missionaries of Africa, whom he had worked with at a minor seminary, rekindled his own missionary calling. This challenged us to remember that the most authentic prophetic witness is lived through deeds, not just words.

FINANCES OF THE SOCIETY

The Treasurer General took some time to present an overview of our Society’s current financial situation. Despite facing liquidity challenges, he expressed optimism, encouraging all confreres to work hard and devise new ways of fundraising to address these issues.

ALCOHOL AND DRUG ABUSE

The session on alcohol and drug abuse reminded us that addiction is a risk for all of us, as we live with and encounter people struggling with addiction in our ministry. We were also reminded that addiction is not limited to alcohol and drugs but extends to things like the internet and social media usage. We were encouraged to remain vigilant.

VISITING COMMUNITIES IN NAIROBI

We had the opportunity to visit other communities in Nairobi. At the Bethany Centre, we were warmly welcomed, and the confreres gave us a detailed briefing on the centre’s history, current activities, and ministry, followed by a tour of the two plots and a meal together. At Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish, we celebrated the 11:30 AM Mass, after which our confreres shared about their pastoral work with us. We also visited the Fourth Phase Formation House, where we prayed with the community and shared an evening meal. It was inspiring to interact with our young brothers in formation.

We concluded our meeting with a Eucharist on Saturday evening, followed by a barbecue where we were joined by all the residents of the provincial house. We were grateful that the meeting took place in our own house and for the support provided by the resident confreres in various ways.

CONCLUSION

Our meeting in Nairobi was a valuable time for reflection, learning, relaxation, mutual inspiration, and renewing bonds that, despite geographic distances, remain strong. We thank the General Council for granting us this opportunity for renewal, and our two confrere animators, Olivier Soma and Gilles Efiyo. We were ready to return to our places of ministry with renewed zeal, energy, and the awareness that we are part of a larger, shared mission.

By: Tomasz Podrazik, M.Afr. and Lawrence Tukamushaba, M.Afr.