Missionaries of Africa

150th Pilgrimage – Day 1 – Kigungu

Posted on 19/12/201920/12/2019 by Vitus Danaa Abobo

150th Jubilee - Pilgrimage

A year ago, a good delegation of the Missionaries of Africa and of the Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Africa were in Tunisia to mark the official beginning of the Jubilee Year. At that occasion, the delegates had the privilege of participating to a pilgrimage, skilfully prepared by the missionaries of Maghreb, on the footsteps of our Founder, Cardinal Lavigerie, and the first missionaries in Tunisia. A few days ago, it was for the missionaries in Uganda to prepare a pilgrimage, a spiritual journey, in the footsteps of the first missionaries in Uganda, Father Simeon Lourdel and Brother Amans Delmas, as well as the very first seeds of faith, the Martyrs of Uganda, before the celebration of the official closing of the Jubilee Year.

TO ALL THOSE WHO COULD NOT TAKE PART, WE PROPOSE TO ENGAGE INTO THE SAME SPIRITUAL JOURNEY BY FOLLOWING THE PUBLICATION – LITTLE BY LITTLE OF THE “PILGRIMAGE BOOKLET”.

Introduction

The Missionaries of Africa arrived in Uganda one hundred and forty years ago (1879) while the Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Africa one hundred and twenty years ago (1899). Our pilgrimage is going to take us to some places where our predecessors in mission passed, lived and served God and his people. We hope and pray that as we explore and enjoy the glorious past whose impact is visible in the present thriving Christian community, we do not “transform that past into a museum” or, worse, into a ‘cemetery of nostalgia’ (expressions of Pope Francis); but rather make it alive and fully present wherever we are continuing the mission started by our predecessors. May this journey in the past of our Lavigerie Family in this country help us to discover “seeds of an unimaginable future in our apparently barren.” (Timothy Radcliffe).

PILGRIMAGE IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF THE PIONEER MISSIONARIES

Day One - Kigungu

How beautiful are the feet of the messenger of Good news (Is. 52: 7)

FIRST CARAVAN TO EAST AFRICA 1878:
1. Joseph Augier 2. Ludovic Girault 3. Leon Livinhac 4. Simeon Lourdel 5. Leon Barbot 6. Amans Delmas
7. Joachim Pascal 8. Theophile Dromaux 9. Henry Delaunay 10. Toussaint Deniaud

Some historical notes

Kigungu also known as Kyettale was the biggest port of Buganda Kingdom in the nineteenth century. On the 17 February 1879, the two pioneer Catholic missionaries, Fr. Simeon Lourdel and Bro. Amans Delmas, arrived at this port. It had taken them ten months from Algiers and almost one month from Kageye (Mwanza), the other side of the lake, where they had left their three confreres. After two days of rest and repairing their canoe, they left heading for Lubaga the capital of the kingdom. But, after a few kilometres, at Kaweta (cf. Bugonga Parish), their canoe broke into pieces. This is how Mapeera narrates the incident: “We arrived just in time, our poor canoe, often repaired, was no longer any good except for firewood. It simply fell apart and so completely that we had to give up any idea of using it any further.” So, from here they continued their journey on foot.

Four months later, on the 17 June 1879, the three missionaries left at Kageye also arrived at the same port. These were: Frs. Leon Livinhac, Ludovic Girault and Leon Barbot. Bro. Amans went to fetch them with a fleet of 20 canoes provided by King Muteesa I. It was indeed a joyful and thanksgiving day. This is how Fr. Girault described it in the diary:

“Last night the mosquitoes once again came back to make war against us… We woke up at four in the morning (4.00a.m) and departure was at five …. Fr. Livinhac and Bro. Amans are still suffering from fever … Before our arrival, Musisi called together all the canoes, and then we slowly moved forward to the shore… The guards fired in the air and the drums were beaten as the rowers were singing. And finally, at twenty minutes past ten (10.20a.m), we put our feet on this land of Uganda for which we had for a long time been longing to reach! We were very happy and deep within our hearts we earnestly gave thanks to God for the unfailing protection which he had given to us throughout our journey. We also asked Him to bless our mission and to convert these poor people among whom we have come to live.”

They stayed here for four days and then left on foot for Nabulagala where Fr. Simeon Lourdel was waiting for them. Fr. Livinhac was very sick and had to be carried in a stretcher.

Twenty years later, in October 1899, the first group of six White Sisters in this country arrived at this same port. They came with Mgr. Henry Streicher and a group of 12 White Fathers.

Monument and Sub-Parish

The first monument in remembrance of the arrival of the pioneer missionaries at this port was built in 1929 which was the golden jubilee year of the arrival of those missionaries. This monument was slowly submerged in the water – parts of its remains are in the museum at Lubaga.

The present monument with statues of Mapeera and Amans was built in 1933-35. Since 1935, Kigungu is a sub-parish of Bugonga (Entebe) Parish since 1975. Construction works on the new church started in 1994. (Entebe parish, about 3 kms from Kigungu, was founded by M.Afr. in 1902; it was for many years the procure).

Annual pilgrimage

Pilgrimages to Kigungu started in the sixties (1960’s). Since 2009, this pilgrimage is on the very day of the 17th February, be it a Sunday or not. It is organised in turn by the dioceses making Kampala Ecclesiastical Province and each year the number of pilgrims increases such that the place is getting smaller and smaller!

PRAYER AT KIGUNGU (MSOLA)

(From “Listening to Mother Marie Salomé” p. 37-38)

« The Heart of Jesus should be our model and with him, our Mother Mary whom our Constitutions gave us as an example to imitate every day. Look at them very closely, look at them constantly, look at them lovingly; may their example, printed on your heart, make you become radiant with their virtues in all that you are, and may everyone find in you an example of modesty, Christian friendliness, meekness, deep piety and perfect seriousness, all of which were characteristics of the person of Jesus and of his Holy Mother. In this way you will be like a magnet, drawing souls to God; then you will fulfil, through the grace of Our Lord, the words which our Venerable Founder pronounced at the basilica of Our Lady of Africa over his first missionaries leaving for Equatorial Africa:

“How beautiful, for the children of Africa, are the feet of those who come down from their mountains, bruised and wounded from their journey and covered in dust, to finally bring them peace. How beautiful are they, in the eyes of Christians, those feet which carry them to martyrdom out of love, those feet which sacrifice themselves to save so many victims from their pains.” »

Let us reflect on the way Father Simeon Lourdel, br. Amans Delmas and all of our missionary ancestors were ready to be sent wherever the Lord needed them. What about us? How do we answer our vocation every day? How do we face some difficulties we encounter in accepting the mission and in our obedience to the Lord’s call?

Let us thank the Lord, like Father Simeon Lourdel, br. Amans Delmas, for entrusting us, despite our weaknesses, the mission of spreading His Word to African people.

Song : Tu es le Dieu des grands espaces

White Fathers mark 150 years

Posted on 16/12/201916/12/2019 by Vitus Danaa Abobo

White Fathers mark 150 years

By Nelson Kiva in NEW VISION (December 9, 2019)

The leading Ugandan Newspaper “NEW VISION” covered both the great celebration in Namugongo and the pilgrimage which preceded the feast.

Here is an article from Nelson Kiva, of NEW VISION, which appeared in the edition of the Newspaper on Monday 9th December.

Hundreds of missionaries from different parts of the world yesterday thronged Uganda Martyrs Shrine, Namugongo to mark 150 years of African evangelisation. This was in honour of the Uganda Martyrs.

The first Catholic missionaries to come to Uganda belonged to the White Fathers. They were Fr Simeon Lourdel popularly known as Mapeera and Brother Delmas Amans (Amansi), who taught religion to the 22 Uganda Catholic Martyrs.

The Society of the Missionaries of Africa (White Fathers) and the Congregation of the Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Africa (White Sisters) are held in high esteem across Africa, for not only helping in evangelisation, but also their support for the education and health sectors.

The White Fathers and White Sisters missionary movements originated in 1869 when Cardinal Charles of Lavigerie, the Archbishop of Algiers in North Africa, called young men and women to form the two societies. The missionaries hailed from France and England.

The superior general of the White Fathers, Fr Stanley Lubungo, said the Uganda Martyrs are key, since they obeyed the word of God. “They did not forsake God and this makes them a blessing and a key pillar of faith,” he said. “They lit the candle and it is us to carry it forward by furthering the gospel,” he added.

Sr Carmen Sammut, the superior general of the Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Africa, said: “We thank God for the Uganda Martyrs and for the joy many men and women and children who on this continent have given their lives to Christ and for others.”

Apostolic Nuncio to Uganda, Luigi Bianco, the chief celebrant of the Mass to thank God for the 150-year milestone, said the Church in Uganda had special reason for deep gratitude, because the two missionary institutes were the pioneers in bringing the good news to the country.

“Indeed, it is a moment to thank God for many missionaries, fathers, brothers and sisters, who dedicated their lives to the proclamation of the gospel in Africa and other continents and at the service of the human promotion of the people,” he said.

“The anniversary offers a good example and inspiration that nobody is excluded from the Church Mission,” he added.

“Even Pope Francis invites the Church to rediscover its fruitfulness in the joy of mission and to be witnesses of the love of God for everyone.
The Archbishop of Kampala, Dr Cyprian Kizito Lwanga, said: “When I consider the abundant fruits of the missionaries, I am prompted to ponder a number of questions. For instance, Where would we be if you were not founded? How would Africa be without your missionary activities and commitments? How would Uganda be without the miracle of the Uganda Martyrs?” He said the Uganda Martyrs were the first fruits of the evangelism work in Uganda.

The head of the Catholic laity of Uganda, Gervase Ndyanabo, said the laity should think about the sacrifices the missionaries made, including putting their lives on the line for the sake of evangelisation.

“We, therefore, join the rest in praising God for them. We shall forever be grateful to God for the true joy we were given through them,” he said.

President Yoweri Museveni, who was represented by finance minister Matia Kasaija, told religious leaders that the solution to the evils of corruption and senseless killings, was in joint efforts to deal with the growing trends of immorality in the country.

The Kabaka of Buganda, Ronald Muwenda Mutebi, in his message paid homage to the missionaries, saying Uganda and Africa were proud of them for producing the first African bishop in the modern times.

Bishop Joseph Nakabale Kiwanuka, was consecrated in 1939. The Kabaka, who was represented by Prince David Golooba, said this anchored the Catholic Church in Uganda.

BETWEEN THE LINES

President Yoweri Museveni reminded the Church that its role to fight immorality was immense, saying: “Evils such as corruption and senseless killings are an indication of bad perception, lack of honesty and immorality in our people.”

Read online the coverage of the same NEW VISION newspaper on the “pilgrimage on the footsteps of our predecessors”.

Kampala Closing Mass

Posted on 13/12/201914/12/2019 by Vitus Danaa Abobo

Jubilee Year Closing Celebration in Namugongo

In almost all provinces, sections and sectors, the Jubilee Year has come to an end. A time to celebrate, to thank God and count the graces that will take us forward to continue the Mission with the charisms which are ours.

Many photos of the various celebrations were posted on Facebook or circulated by email or by WhatsApp. These are coming late due to poor Internet Connection in Namugongo, Uganda, where the official closing of the Jubilee Year took place. They come mainly from Brother Vitus Abobo, but I suspect he also collected photos from other photographs.

It is more difficult to give an account of what happened for your servant was not in Namugongo and did not receive anything from those who had the chance to be there. But the photos themselves give a beautiful account of the celebration.

René De Laet, R.I.P.

Posted on 10/12/201910/12/2019 by Vitus Danaa Abobo

Society of the Missionaries of Africa

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

René De Laet

on Sunday the 8th December 2019 at Antwerp (Belgium)
at the age of 94 years, of which 70 years of missionary life in
DR Congo (Zaire) and in Belgium.

Let us pray for him and for his loved ones.

Download here the announcement of Father René De Laet’s death

Milestones in the life of Father René De Laet

Born in Leest on 08/12/2019	Spiritual Year	Missionary Oath	Priesthood ordination
in the diocese of Mechelen Brussels	22/09/1945	21/07/1949	08/04/1950
Nationality: Belgian	Varsenare	Heverlee	Heverlee

23/08/1950	Aumônerie	Kilo Mines,LacAlbert	Congo
28/03/1952	Ecole Moyenne	Kilo Mines Bambu)	Congo
03/11/1953		Badiya	Congo
19/01/1960	Grande Retraite	Mours	France
28/03/1960	Supérieur	Badiya	Congo
30/06/1965	Supérieur	Badiya,D.Bunia	Zaïre Ituri
06/08/1970	Vicaire	Bunia,Evêché	Zaïre Ituri
16/09/1972	Supérieur	Geti	Zaïre Ituri
05/10/1980	Session-Retraite	Jérusalem	Israël / Palestine
30/06/1981	Supérieur	Kilo Mines	Zaïre Ituri
30/06/1984	Supérieur	Bambumines,St-Pierre	Zaïre Ituri
01/09/1987	Vicaire	Badiya,D.Bunia	Zaïre Ituri
01/10/1992	Curé	Badiya,D.Bunia	Zaïre Ituri
01/09/1996	Vicaire	Gety,D.Bunia	Zaïre Ituri
17/12/1996	Evacué par Kampala		Belgique
10/09/1997	Vicaire	Geti	Congo Ituri
01/11/2001	Vicaire	Geti	Congo Ituri
28/02/2002	CEVB	Bunia	Congo Ituri
17/05/2003	évacué		Belgique
17/05/2003	Nommé Résidence	Antwerpen, Keizerstraat	Belgique
10/09/2003	Session 70+	Roma	Italie
19/05/2004	Nommé (PE 6/04)		Belgique
08/12/2019	Retour auprès du Père	Antwerpen	Belgique

Louis Blondel : ten years already

Posted on 06/12/201906/12/2019 by Vitus Danaa Abobo

Memorial Service for Louis Blondel

Ten years ago already…. Our colleague Louis Blondel was murdered in the prebytery of Diepsloet, a township in northern Johannesburg, South Africa. Since then, a Youth Centre has been built in his memory. On Sunday a “Memorial Service” will be celebrated on site. You can follow its progress in streaming. Here’s how it works:

Desktop PC or Apple Mac
Go to www.watchaweb.co.za
Register a free account (Sign In)
Log In with your account details
The Voice of Diepsloot is on the Main Page
Click to view

On any Tablet or Smartphone
Go to the Playstore for Android devices or App store for Apple devices
Search for Watcha Streaming
Download the free App
Install the app
Register a free account (Sign In)
Log In with your account details
The Voice of Diepsloot is on the Main Page
Click to view

Sharing of Sister Rosetta Rossi, msola

Posted on 02/12/201902/12/2019 by Vitus Danaa Abobo

Sharing of Sister Rosetta Rossi, msola

Sister Rosetta Rossi is a missionary sister of Our Lady of Africa (White Sister) who has worked for many years, especially in Burundi. As part of the Roman conferences marking the 150th anniversary of the foundations of our two missionary institutes, Sister Rosetta agreed to give her testimony as a missionary. This was done in French during a “Roman conference” on the 6th November 2019.

Echoes from the Plenary Council – 30th November 2019

Posted on 01/12/201901/12/2019 by Vitus Danaa Abobo

Echoes from the Plenary Council - 30th November 2019

Finances

Tony gave a very crystal clear presentation concerning the state of our finances. But as he pointed out the core of the issue is that of sustainability so as to ensure that our financial resources cover our needs not just for today but also in the future. In view of that he mentioned the question of transparency, accountability, the collaboration with professionals and audits (both internal and external). The financial world is a minefield and the pitfalls are many. More and more the need to engage with professionals is felt and already the collaboration that is there is bearing fruit. For some time now the financial council of the Society has each provincial treasurer as a member. This has improved collaboration and a common vision is emerging. There is also the much felt conviction that sustainability has to be applied to each and every province, community and confrere. This involves working effectively and responsibly at every level. Income from confreres (pensions, ministry, salaries, legacies) are steadily decreasing even if they are still the most important source of income. Yet the picture is changing and there is the growing importance of investments yet, as we know, such investments can be volatile and erratic for they are dependent on the markets.

For the moment our income is stable yet expenses are constantly increasing even if the number of confreres decrease every year. We are not yet out of the woods but what about tomorrow? Surely we have, first and foremost, to be grateful for God’s providence for the benefactors who have supported us for the last 150 years. We are also grateful for our predecessors whose generosity and sacrifice helped to create the reserves we have today. In all of this solidarity is called for, for it is solidarity that has bound us together for all these years and must do so in the future. Yet let us not be afraid to mention certain tendencies of confreres that threaten such solidarity. There are confreres who have income generating projects for their own personal gain and interest to the detriment of solidarity certainly but also to the detriment at times to their pastoral involvement; others are only too happy to keep all the money they receive from the ministry that is theirs or keep the salaries they have. Such tendencies not only gravely threaten solidarity but threaten the identity that is ours. Linked with this Tony asked us to challenge ourselves with regards our lifestyle and attitude towards material things. Do I witness in any way to a simple lifestyle or does my lifestyle hinder the very witness I am supposed to give? On top of that it happens that confreres, even candidates, can have a keen spirit of entitlement (Rome will pay, the Society has the money, it is my right). Such sense of entitlement has no place in our Society.

There is a pressing need for a rigorous financial system that is not porous and is not prone to wastage. Controls, checks and balances have to be in place at all levels so that money is always used for the right purposes. All our resources are to be used wisely and responsibly; this would mean that financial considerations must play an important role in the discernment process. Each and every one of us must be in solidarity with the whole Society and that demands a healthy concern for the future on our part. For this caution and vigilance are part and parcel of the mentality that is ours and if necessary sacrifices will have to be made. As regards fundraising we must be ready to mobilise income yet all of this demands humility, creativity, transparency, conviction and motivation.

In the final analysis our financial resources must be protected and sustained for they are the indispensable tool that makes our mission and ministry possible. It is imperative that such planning and appropriate directing of such resources pave the way ahead for a secure future. That future is in our hands.

Francis Barnes

Download Echoes from the Plenary Council – 30th November 2019

This is probably the last report we will receive from the Plenary Council. Many thanks to Francis Barnes who has been very faithful to let us know the progress of the Plenary Council.

Echoes from the Plenary Council – 29th November 2019

Posted on 01/12/201901/12/2019 by Vitus Danaa Abobo

Echoes from the Plenary Council - 29th November 2019

Initial Formation

Once again today we had a very clear introduction to the question of Initial formation given by our secretary of formation Bob Tebri. He stated clearly that what he would share was not a reflection on what formation should be but rather a look back over the last 3 years or more to see just how we are faring with the recommendations made by the last chapter (and how thus to move forward). This is indeed the methodology that has been used throughout this plenary council.

Since the last chapter there have been numerous meetings for those involved in formation at various levels. The programme of all the pre-first phase centres have been harmonised for there was a great discrepancy and some were also mirroring what would later be covered in the first phase. For the most part the follow up of stagiaires by provincials and coordinators has greatly improved which also is the case for the evaluations that are made. Most receiving communities were made up of 3 confreres though unfortunately there are still exceptions where the stagiaire becomes the third member. Certainly on the whole our formation continues to reflect the values of our charism by the M.Afr formation we desire to give (JPIC-ED, Missiology, spirituality, human development issues, integrity of ministry (some candidates elaborate their own code of conduct ). In our formation houses there is a growing awareness of candidates to be present in the peripheries for their pastoral ministry, hospitals, prisons, the slums. It would be interesting to hear from provincials if the same interest and ardour is there when they become young confreres.

Formation is a rich and complex process; it is difficult to find a word that conveys the formation reality with all its nuances. The same certainly could be said about leadership and yet it is incumbent on those in leadership to work for solutions. Certainly in the group work today we tried to look at certain issues that continue to arise in our formation process be it with stagiaires or young confreres. Let us not forget that the period of stage is also a period of formation and in some way because of the accompaniment needed it could also be true of the young confreres. We discussed about the stage, about the reticence of certain of our stagiaires or young confreres to accept an appointment to a given province or even a type of ministry. Many felt that there seemed at times to be a lack of readiness and availability. There are situations where after a few months in a particular mission a young confrere is asking to change or a stagiaire may be ill at ease because he did not get the specific place he had desired. Maybe our discussions were begging the question that is so fundamental concerning our identity. Surely the very basis of whom we are, the very basis of our identity is mission and that entails our constant availability, generosity and flexibility; how do we form for such important elements of whom we are?

Yes, in many ways the questions discussed around the accompaniment of stagiaires; their receiving communities, the role of leadership and the role of stage coordinators are issues that have been discussed so many times over the years, directives are there, guidelines are there so how is it that such questions are still arising? Surely it is a question of all leadership teams to take these matters seriously and follow the guidelines that have been in place for so long. Our animation, our visits, our overseeing, our proximity are all the important aspects of how we follow up things.

Download Echoes from the Plenary Council – 29th November 2019

Oath & Declaration of Intent in Jerusalem

Posted on 29/11/201929/11/2019 by Vitus Danaa Abobo

Oath & Declaration of Intent in Jerusalem

On Tuesday, 26th November, our Confrere Michael Cardinal Fitzgerald, received the Final Oath of Patient Balma and Nelson Ekeh, as well as the renewal of the Declaration of Intent of Audace Niyibigira, Belito Jose Joaquim, Isac Kinda and Thierry Uyirwoth in the new Chapel of St. Anne’s in Jerusalem. Congratulations to all.

20191128 Echoes from the Plenary Council

Posted on 29/11/201929/11/2019 by Vitus Danaa Abobo

Echoes from the Plenary Council - 28th November 2019

Meeting with the president 27th November

Just to say that yesterday Stan, Aloysius (the EAP provincial) and myself were received very cordially by the President of Uganda. We met in the afternoon sometime after 3 though we began the day by meeting with the Archbishop of Kampala in his residence in the morning then, along with members of other Churches (the new Anglican Archbishop, an orthodox vicar general, and other clerics), we waited for a couple of hours before heading off for Entebbe. Once there we were all invited for lunch at the State house (without the president being present). A very nice lunch followed by tea or coffee in one of the many lounges. It was only later, sometime after three, that the whole group was received by the President and each one was able to present himself. We three Missionaries stood out from among the others for we were wearing our habit and rosary. After some minutes the three of us, along with the Catholic Archbishop of Kampala were given a private audience with the president in another smaller meeting room.

The meeting must have lasted about 20 minutes or so. The president seemed very aware of the Missionaries of Africa (when we arrived in Uganda, Lourdel, Amans and the fact the first schools were set up by the White Fathers). Throughout the President seemed relaxed and very attentive to all that was being shared. Stan invited him to come to the shrine of the Martyrs on the 8th December for our closing ceremony of our 150th anniversary and he said he would come if only for an hour.

Francis Barnes

The Mega-Provinces at the service of Mission - 28th November

Today Ignatius introduced an important topic: The Mega-Provinces at the service of Mission, communities and confreres. The basic issue was to see whether these new structures have truly improved the quality of our service to Mission. It is not really a question of returning to the former structures that were in place though certainly some would hanker after the power and authority that was once theirs and has been taken away with the creation of sectors. Some would even say that some of these sectors have become peripheries, they no longer have the voice that was once theirs and the direct contact, especially with the General council, has been all but taken away. Yet, in some sectors it is as if nothing really ever changed, the sector house is there, the Provincial Delegate and the treasurer both have their large vehicles at their disposal and feel as though their task is a full time occupation. However, from the outset the whole thrust of the new structures was not to increase the number of those holding office but rather make more confreres available for pastoral ministry. Certainly there are differences in sectors as there are some, especially in Europe, where the Provincial Delegate is truly a full time job and the number of confreres in their care is high. Yet in others the number of confreres is rather low which would enable the delegate to be involved with ministry though some don’t see that and still don’t fully understand. Yes, there are some sectors where there is only one community. What is the answer? To regroup? In that sense it is up to the provinces to rethink, if necessary, the whole structure of governance even if it means revisiting and revising the presence of sectors. It has to be clear that as a general principle being the Provincial Delegate or sector treasurer is (though there can be exceptions) is not a full time job. They must be able to create that fine balance with the pastoral ministry that is theirs and the task of being there for the animation of the confreres in their care.

One of the issues was also what we might term a question of identity especially the question of belonging not merely to a given sector but to a province. In that sense one of the main concerns of the combined leadership of a province is to create that sense of belonging. The awareness of being part of the whole province is a spirit that has to be created and enhanced. When a provincial team works well together; when co-responsibility is understood and local communities become part of the communication process; when there is transparency from top down hopefully there will be always that sense of cohesion and fraternal communion.

Looking at the issues together in groups and in the plenary session it might well be said that there has been a certain lack of clarity and up to now no real evaluation of things. The Statutes of the province have to be clear and roles clearly defined. When a Delegate is elected, or a sector treasurer appointed he must clearly have a written mandate, in other words, a clear understanding of what his role is and what has been delegated to him. In the past this may not have always happened and it would cause confusion and frustration. In some provinces it is taken for granted that new delegates need to be initiated and some formation is necessary. Another aspect that clearly came out from responses given in preparation for the plenary council and from the floor today is the importance of internationality and this important aspect of our identity is of prime importance in order to avoid any form of nationalism which would disfigure the identity that is ours.

One other very important aspect of our leadership role is that of visits to communities for being on the ground with the confreres must never be underestimated. Some spoke about the importance of a canonical visit at least once a year with a report made. Provincials and their delegates must never be seen as remote for their presence is the major way of being in touch. Being close and allowing the confreres to feel that we in leadership are truly there for them is no doubt the most important aspect of our ministry and if we fail to be there for the confreres we fail in our leadership and the Society will suffer the consequences.

Francis Barnes

Download Echoes from the Plenary Council – 28th November 2019