Nigerian Bishops' Conference Takes a Swipe at Media Misrepresentations

Vatican Radio || By Fr. Chris Anyanwu, Communications, Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria || 28 September 2015

We are aware of hateful campaigns of calumny against the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) because of their position that ‘same-sex unions’ are alien to Nigerian culture.

Since the increasing activism about homosexuality, lesbianism as well as bisexual and transgender rights in many parts of the world culminating in the signing into law by some countries of the West a bill which allows same-sex union, there has been also a deliberate attempt by some lobbyists and gay movements to denigrate and malign those countries, groups and individuals especially in Africa, who hold a contrary view. Those who oppose the same-sex union are now being perceived as ‘enemies’, because they do not support such a cause.

It is not surprising that Most Rev. Ignatius Ayau Kaigama, the Archbishop of Jos and the President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) together with his colleagues in the Conference, have been black-listed into that category of people and therefore have become the subject of attacks for their uncompromising stand on the sanctity of marriage and family life.

We are aware of many of such hateful campaigns of calumny by some persons against the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) because of their position that ‘same-sex union’ is alien to the Nigerian culture as well as against the natural law of creation.

For instance, the Gaystarnews, one of the leading gay movements online newspaper promoted the notion that Archbishop Kaigama and the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria are supporting what they described as a “legislation to make participation in a same-sex marriage a crime punishable by 14 years imprisonment" and this is quoted in Wikipedia.

This is a blatant lie aimed not only to suppress the truth but also a vendetta by the gay rights lobbyists to demonise those they perceive are not supporting their mission to change the natural law of creation to suit their own whims and caprices. This is indeed uncharitable!

At different fora, Archbishop Kaigama has clarified the position of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria on this matter. In his opening remarks at the 13th Annual General Assembly of the Catholic Archdiocese of Jos Kaigama stated:

“The culture of 'same-sex marriage' is alien to our understanding of the family and should not be imposed on Nigerians. In wrongly reading the letter of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) in January 2015 to President Goodluck Jonathan, some international organizations and the media instead of highlighting our biggest concern that marriage must be between a man and a woman, in accordance with our cultural and religious norms, mischievously reduced the CBCN position to advocating severe punishment of gays or lesbians with long prison terms! This is a deliberate distraction and a wicked deviation from what is our primary concern. In a recent statement, 'Our stand on Marriage, Family and Human Society', we re-emphasised our position: No to 'same-sex marriage'. As we say, in Nigeria, 'No shaking'.”

When the Daily Times journalist, Chijoke Kinsley in Jos on 25 August, 2015,  reported about the General Assembly, he deliberately chose to ignore the substance of the Archbishop's address on pastoral developments and concentrated on the same-sex issue; attributing to the Archbishop words he never used at all when he (journalist) wrote: "The President of Catholic Bishops of Nigeria and the Catholic Archbishop of Jos, Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama, has reiterated that it was shameful, barbaric and madness on the part of those calling for same sex marriage... He said the Bishops’ Forum in Nigeria had taken a stand to resist what he described as “un Godly and evil for anybody to abandon the standard of God as regards marriage.”

Archbishop Kaigama we know is a careful and pastorally-minded prelate who would not have used such words as: "shameful", "barbaric", "madness", etc. to refer to anyone. These words were the mischievous imagination and fabrication of the reporter.

Similarly, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) posted a report  on  August 25, 2015 with the title, "Same-sex marriage alien to Nigerians" and emphasised that, "Kaigama said the Catholic Church does not only advocate severe punishment for gays or lesbians, it was also opposed to it and any other similar act".

There is certainly an obsession by some journalists about "severe punishment of gays or lesbians" and they try to twist the Bishops' statements to articulate their views. Nigerian Catholic Bishops are very responsible pastors who do not seek the punishment or jailing of persons who err, but to help them unto salvation.

In his opening address on the 13 of September, 2015, at the Second Plenary meeting of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria held in Port-Harcourt, the CBCN President noted:

“Returning to the encroaching LGBT lobby and the subject of "same-sex unions", the CBCN has emphatically and repeatedly said that it contradicts our cultural and religious norms of marriage which are defined as the union of man and woman (cf. Gn 2:24). What the CBCN supported, blessed and commended in their letter of 21st January, 2015 to former President Goodluck Jonathan was because the Nigerian government upheld the dignity and sanctity of marriage even in the face of all sorts of pressure from foreign governments of the Western world and international bodies to impose this on our country.

The issue is a hypersensitive one and touches on our moral, cultural and spiritual nerves. Therefore, in writing a letter to the former President, CBCN was worried about a culture that would distort the Nigerian understanding of marriage and family. The CBCN was far from advocating jail terms for homosexuals! The CBCN saw that there was an attempted invasion or even usurpation of our moral, cultural and spiritual space by those who work to impose "same-sex union" on our people. The CBCN was informed that people at the highest level of government were being economically cajoled by foreign organizations to legislate in favour of "same-sex union". The Bishops felt that our moral pillars were being shaken, social fibre being attacked and cultural roots in danger of being dried up.

When therefore the federal government resisted the attempt to impose this culture on Nigerians by legislating against "same-sex union", the Catholic Bishops of Nigeria felt a sense of great relief and issued a statement to affirm Government's decision.

Unfortunately, this has been mischievously and deliberately reported as the CBCN is asking government to jail people with different sexual orientations.

We hereby again emphatically deny that misleading position. The Bishops simply did their moral duty to prevent the spread of a culture (gay and lesbian) that is alien to us. In any case, since that legislation, no one has brought their attention to the fact that anyone has been convicted, persecuted or sent to jail. If there are any such people they should confide in us and see what the pastorally-charitable response from the Nigerian Bishops would be.

As with other pastoral cases, we shall provide a pastoral response for such people. Those who are said to flee the country seeking asylum elsewhere do so for other undisclosed reasons, certainly not because of their persecution as gays or lesbians.

The Catholic Bishops always try to rescue people from jail not to send them there. Our communiqués since 1960 show that we stand on the side of justice and charity and would never support the flagrant violation of people's rights.

It is an absurdity to accuse the Nigerian Catholic Bishops of supporting and sending people to jail! Our stand was and is "no to same sex union" and "no to spreading of the homosexual culture" which can only complicate our struggle to uphold traditional, religious, moral values in our country. Our commitment to providing justice to those whose rights are unfairly violated is unwavering. The Year of Mercy declared by Pope Francis calls us even now to do more.”

It is therefore important to place on record that no amount of calumny, intimidation, lies and name-calling will make the Bishops to change their stand on marriage and family life or abdicate their moral responsibility in speaking out clearly against the same-sex issue.

Ghanaian Catholic Women Urged to Champion Fight against Human Trafficking

CANAA || By Damian Avevor, Accra || 28 September 2015

The Acting Director of Social Development of the Department of Human Development at the National Catholic Secretariat in Accra, Ghana, Mr. Lloyd Fiifi Sackey, has urged Catholic women to champion the fight against human trafficking and child labour in the society.

According to him, women are indispensable and play a crucial role in the society and their joining in the fight against human trafficking and child molestation can have tremendous results.

Mr. Sackey made the comments in a presentation at the World Union of Catholic Women Organisation (WUCWO) Day celebration at the Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Accra on Saturday, September 26, 2015, whose theme was, Women, Sowers of Hope.

WUCWO is the umbrella body for all women in the Catholic Church. In Ghana, WUCWO day is celebrated by all Catholic dioceses on the day each diocese selects.

The event for the Archdiocese of Accra brought together women from the various parishes of the Archdiocese as well as women groups from other Christian denominations including the Methodist, Presbyterian, Anglican, Assemblies of God and the Pentecost Churches around Dansoman.

Speaking on “Combating Human Trafficking: Protecting Children from Abuses through Domestic Servitude in Ghana”, Mr. Sackey said it was unfortunate that 49,000 children were working on the Volta Lake, 21,000 of which were in hazardous child labour.

According to him, about 17.2 million children aged 5-17 years were engaged in domestic work in the world in an International Labour Organisation (ILO) 2012 Report with boys representing 3.8 per cent and girls 9.9 percent (ILO, 2012).

Mr. Sackey said that victims were usually recruited and/ or trafficked below the age of 10, many eventually suffering violence and sexual abuse and ending up in bondage.

He enumerated some of the root causes of human trafficking in Ghana as poverty and desperation, ignorance, large families and neglect, weak law enforcement and policy implementation, and a culture that accepts treating young boys, women and girls as objects that can be bought and sold.

He said the Catholic Church had over the years been fighting against trafficking of women and children, describing women as real agents of development.

“We will advocate to Churches, schools and national audiences to guide and influence national policy on child rights in general, and the rights to education and freedom from domestic slavery,” Mr. Sackeysaid.

Mrs. Asare of the Child Trafficking Section at the Ministry Of Gender, Children and Social Protection on her part said globally, more than 800,000 persons are trafficked annually, noting that women and girls were estimated to be 66 percent mainly for sexual and labor exploitation.

She noted, “Human trafficking is considered one of the most heinous crimes and a modern day slavery as traffickers profit from the misery of innocent people especially women and children.”

“It is a crime that often uses force, violence and terror to control their victims, often violating their rights and dignity.” Mrs. Asare observed.

The President of the Accra Archdiocesan Council of Women, Margaret Yeboah, lamented that that women and children were faced with myriads of challenges and were humiliated in many forms, saying that these situations call for frantic efforts by Catholic women to wake up to fight for their and children’s rights in society.

The World Union of Catholic Women’s Organisations (WUCWO) was founded in 1910 and now represents 100 Catholic women Organizations worldwide active in 66 countries including all continents and some island states, representing more than five (5) million Catholic women of every walk of life.

Meanwhile, Bishop John Bonaventure Kwofie of Sekondi-Takoradi in Ghana has cautioned Ghanaians who acquire wealth illegally through fraud, crime or violence to desist from it since it was a sin against God.

Bishop Kwofie was preaching at St. Maurice Catholic Church in Accra on Sunday.

He reminded the faithful that success is never on the silver platter but rather comes with hard work, commitment and dedication, encouraging members of the congregation to act truthfully in all their dealings and to stand firm by condemning people who cheat and extort in society.

The Bishop visited and celebrated Mass with parishioners of St. Maurice Church to thank them for their prayers as he marked one year of his Episcopacy.

Southern African Bishops Endorse Anti-corruption March, Question Government’s Seriousness in Fighting Corruption

CANAA | |By Fr. Stan Muyebe, SACBC Justice and Peace Coordinator || 28 September 2015

The Justice and Peace Commission for the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) has endorsed the anti-corruption march on 30 September and has questioned Government’s seriousness to curb corruption.

“We believe that the Government is not doing enough to demonstrate that it is serious in its efforts to prevent and combat corruption. Political rhetoric is often not accompanied by decisive action,” says Bishop Abel Gabuza, Chairperson of the Justice and Peace Commission.

Justice and Peace is particularly concerned about the lack of decisive action in implementing the decision of the Constitutional Court calling for effective measures to enhance the independence of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations (the Hawks).

In 2012 the Constitutional Court found that the Hawks were not adequately independent from political interference and ordered rectifying legislation.

Adds Bishop Gabuza: “Government has dragged its feet when it comes to the restructuring of the Hawks to protect it from undue political interference as directed by the Constitutional Court.

“We have always maintained that our country will only succeed in combating corruption when anti-corruption institutions are adequately protected from executive and political interference; when competent people are appointed to head these institutions; and when the high-level politicians and those politically connected are held to account for corruption.”

In May this year Police Minister Nkosinathi Nhleko appointed a task team to oversee the process of strengthening the independence of the Hawks. The task team has been given April 2016 as a target for completion of institutional reform of the Hawks.

The Minister has promised that the reform shall include establishment of the Hawks as an independent budget programme to ensure that there are no malicious budget cuts when the institution is investigating powerful political officials.

The Justice and Peace Commission believes that the mandate of the task team should also include advising the Police Minister on the institutional location of the Hawks that is best suited for its independence and effectiveness as an anti-corruption institution.

Questions have been raised about its location in the South African Police Service (SAPS), which allows the National Commissioner considerable influence over members.

Says Bishop Gabuza: “We need to revive the national conversation around the best institutional location of the Hawks. We also call for greater involvement of Parliament in the appointment of the head of the Hawks. Concentration of the appointment powers in the Police Minister, without some form of parliamentary oversight, does not sit well with the independence of the Hawks.”

For further information or interviews, please contact

Bishop Abel Gabuza,

Chairperson, Justice and Peace Commission,

Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference.

Email: [email protected]

PRAYER AGAINST BRIBERY AND CORRUPTION IN SOUTH AFRICA

Father in Heaven, You always provide for all your creatures so that all may live as you have willed. You have blessed our country South Africa with rich human and natural resources to be used to your honour and glory and for the common good of all South Africans.  

We are deeply sorry for the wrong use of these your gifts and blessing through act of injustice, bribery and corruption, as a result of which many of our people are hungry, sick ignorant and defenseless.  

We believe that You alone can heal us and our nation of this sickness. We therefore beg you to touch our lives and the lives of our leaders and people so that we may all realize the evil of bribery and corruption and work hard to eliminate it.  

Raise up for us God fearing leaders who care for us and who will lead us in the path of prosperity, integrity and the common good.  

We ask the through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

(Adapted from Catholic prayer against Bribery and Corruption in Nigeria)

The Church is Alive in Africa, Vatican-Based Cardinal for Consecrated Life Confirms

CANAA || By Fr. Don Bosco Onyalla, Nairobi || 28 September 2015

The Prefect of the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life (CICLSAL) at the Vatican, João Cardinal Bráz de Aviz, confirmed on Saturday that the Church is truly alive in Africa and acknowledged the services by consecrated persons to the people of God on the continent.

Cardinal Bráz de Aviz was presiding over the Eucharistic celebration at Tangaza University College grounds to mark the conclusion of the three-day Conference on Consecrated Life in Kenya organized by the Commission for the Clergy and Religious of the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB), Tangaza University College, the Association of Sisterhoods of Kenya (AOSK), and the Religious Superiors’ Conference of Kenya (RSCK).

“I see that Jesus is served and the Church is alive in this part of the world. I thank you,” Cardinal Bráz de Aviz told the international congregation of well over two thousand members representing the various religious Orders and Societies ministering in Kenya.

The occasion was also graced by Berhaneyesus D. Cardinal Souraphiel of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, the Apostolic Nuncio in Kenya and South Sudan, Archbishop Charles Daniel Balvo, the Chairman of KCCB Liaison Commission for Clergy, Bishop Anthony Ireri Mukobo, with nearly two hundred priests as concelebrants, men and women religious representing the hundreds of Religious Orders and Societies with a presence in Kenya and dozens of laity.

The celebration was animated by Tangaza University College (TUC) choir, with various groups of liturgical dancers drawn from the different men and women religious communities, members in initial formation, TUC students, and boys and girls from the Pontifical Mission Society (PMS).

In his homily, Cardinal Bráz de Aviz appreciated the presence of many young men and women in Kenya at various stages of formation into consecrated life saying to them, “The Trinity and Mary continue to look at you with love to remain close to Him and to give your love and service to Him.”

“We have to be like adolescents who have passions and they go ahead in search of these passions. We have to go ahead and look at the future with hope even if the number of consecrated may seem to be reducing in the world,” Cardinal Bráz de Aviz said, revealing that there are well over a million consecrated persons globally and over three thousand institutes of consecrated life worldwide.

Archbishop Balvo recognized the global nature of consecrated persons in Kenya, telling Cardinal Bráz de Aviz, “We have missionaries from Europe, Asia, the Americas, Africa and the Islands. The whole world is here and Nairobi is an important Centre of formation.”

Speaking in the name of the Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa (AMECEA), Cardinal Souraphiel who chairs the AMECEA Executive Board thanked the consecrated persons in Kenya for all that they are accomplishing for the people of God, encouraging religious houses to be hospitable in the face of the many needy people seeking help globally.

Bishop Mukobo described the Kenya Conference on Consecrated Life as having been “enriching,” encouraging the consecrated persons in Kenya to “wake up to wake up the world,” which is the theme of the Year of Consecrated Life (YCL).

The Principal of TUC, Father Steven Payne, thanked the dignitaries at the occasion and said that the Conference had been blessed with the presence of many women religious, recalling Pope Francis’ acknowledgment of women religious at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York who had posed in recognition of women religious, “What would the Church be without you?”

“We shall take your greetings to the Holy Father who has a lot of love for you and looks so much to the consecrated persons,” Cardinal Bráz de Aviz expressed his farewell message to the representatives of Consecrated persons in Kenya, who responded by claps and ululations.

In his letter announcing YCL, which officially started on November 30, 2014 and will conclude on February 2, 2016, the Holy Father outlined the aims of the YCL and urged Consecrated persons “to look to the past with gratitude; to live the present with passion; and to embrace the future with hope.”

In view of marking the YCL, the Congregation that Cardinal Bráz de Aviz heads, CICLSAL, called on schools of higher learning staffed mainly by religious and affiliated to a pontifical institute to hold special Conferences on issues pertaining to religious life.

Father Christopher Owczarek, who gave a vote of thanks on behalf of the organizers of the Conference acknowledged with appreciation the collaboration between Bishops and religious men and women in Kenya in the process of organizing the Conference saying, “During the last four days, we have seen what can happen when the hierarchy and charisms work together.”

The celebration of the Holy Eucharist was preceded by an hour of prayer in commemoration of persons considered “Saints” and “Martyrs” among the consecrated persons in the Church of Kenya, with their photos paraded in a procession.

Consecrated persons renewed their vows of celibacy, poverty, and obedience during the Eucharistic celebration, promising to rely on God’s grace to be able to spend their whole life in the generous service of God’s people through a life of prayer.

The input from various speakers as well as reactions during the three-day Conference whose theme was “Consecrated Life in Africa Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow,” are to be collated and published in the course of the year by Tangaza University College.

Catholic Bishops in Ghana Speak Out on Judicial Corruption

CANAA || By Damian Avevor, Accra || 24 September 2015

The members of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference have spoken on the controversy and furore that has surrounded the recent exposé of alleged massive corruption in the judiciary by Ghana’s ace investigative journalist, Anas Aremeyaw Anas, and his Tiger Eye PI investigative team.

In Statement issued September 22, the Bishops said, “We recall that the present report is not the first time that this eminent son of the soil has brought the nation’s attention to the prevalence of deep-seated bribery and corruption in her public and social life but, by far, this is one report that has woken all of us from our slumber and one that will be spoken about in the years to come.”

“We believe that this alleged scandal has generated all the attention it has generated because it involves the third arm of Government and the very foundation upon which the nation and for that matter every civilized nation in the world is built, that is the rule of law,” the Bishops added.

The Statement signed by Bishop Joseph Osei-Bonsu, President of the Ghana Conference commended Anas Aremeyaw Anas and his team of investigators for risking their lives and safety to carry out this investigation and for all previous efforts to help the nation to deal with the prevalence of bribery and corruption in our midst.

The Bishops encouraged the journalists to carry on this fight against corruption without fear saying, “We assure them of our prayers. We are pleased with the assurances by the Ghana Police Service that they are giving the necessary protection and security to Anas and his team and pray that the same protection and security will be extended to their families and close relatives.”

The Bishops expressed the belief that this exposé is another wake-up call to all Ghanaians to come to terms with the extent to which bribery and corruption has eaten into the very fabric of the Ghanaian society and to dare to tackle the canker head-on in both our private and social lives.

“We are also aware that this process has been challenged with three interlocutory injunction applications by some of the affected judges as at now. Our hope and plea like all Ghanaians is that the necessary judicial process and procedures will be expedited to ensure fairness and justice to all to bring a speedy resolution and closure to this case in the days ahead,” the Bishops said.

The Bishops recalled their November 2014 communiqué issued at the end of their Plenary Assembly in Accra in which they had discussed the issue of bribery and corruption and had stated that the twin evils “continue to ravage every fabric of the Ghanaian society. Present-day Ghana is openly and pervasively corrupt. People at all levels of society, including some Christians, are engaged in naked corruption with impunity. We commend the Government for the recent prosecution of some high level personalities in government and for setting up various Commissions of enquiry into alleged corrupt practices at high levels. We do think, however, that our Government could do more to nip this canker in the bud.”

Conference on Consecrated Life in Kenya attracts over a Thousand Participants

CANAA || By Fr. Don Bosco Onyalla, Nairobi || 24 September 2015

The Conference on Consecrated Life organized by select Catholic institutions in Kenya has attracted well over one thousand participants, among them cloistered nuns, diocesan representatives to the Liaison Commission for Clergy and Religious of the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB), men and women religious belonging to different Orders and Societies from all over Kenya.

The three-day ongoing Conference has been organized in response to the call of the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life (CICLSAL) for schools of higher learning staffed mainly by religious and affiliated to a pontifical institute to hold colloquia on issues pertaining to religious life during the Year of Consecrated Life (YCL).

YCL officially started on the first Sunday of Advent, November 30, 2014 and will conclude on the Feast of the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple, on February 2, 2016.

The Kenya Conference, which is being graced by the Vatican-based Prefect of the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, João Cardinal Bráz de Aviz, is taking place at Pope Paul VI Learning Resource Centre of the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA).

In his keynote address to the participants at the opening of the Conference on Wednesday, Cardinal Bráz de Aviz compared Consecrated Life with the Gospel passage of the new wine and the old skins, saying, the new wine is the youths but also the new wine is Jesus and the Gospel, and that the more that wine becomes old the better.

He clarified that the challenge is not the wine but the wine skins, which need to be changed, highlighting three types of new wine skins as community life, formation, and power in Consecrated Life.

“We have to remake our community life in the spirituality of communion,” Cardinal Bráz de Aviz said and explained, “One cannot live community life alone; at least you need another person to love. Humility can also be exercised only in a community.”

Clarifying the element of formation, the Cardinal who delivered his speech in Italian, aided by an English translator, said that formation starts from our mother’s womb till our last breath, emphasizing the need to continue learning as disciples.

“Perfectionism is a serious sickness,” he cautioned.

The cardinal further encouraged the religious to have obedience and authority that flows from the example of Jesus Christ, insisting that this can only be possible when they (consecrated persons) live in fraternity.

“All we have is for service. Superiors should have the will of Christ and learn to walk with others in the counsel of Christ,” the Cardinal advised.

Before the start of the Conference, on Tuesday, September 22, Cardinal Bráz de Aviz presided over Holy Eucharist and interacted with the cloistered nuns of Kenya at the Subiaco Center for Spirituality in Karen during morning hours before meeting Bishops and Major Superiors in Kenya later in the day at Dimesse Spirituality Centre in Karen, Nairobi.

The Conference, spearheaded by the Commission for the Clergy and Religious of the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB), Tangaza University College, the Association of Sisterhoods of Kenya (AOSK), and the Religious Superiors’ Conference of Kenya (RSCK), will conclude on Saturday with Holy Eucharist at Tangaza University College Grounds.

The content shared throughout the entire Conference, whose theme is “Consecrated Life in Africa Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow,” will be published by Tangaza University College in the course of the year.

SECAM Officially Gets Observer Status at African Union, Appoints First Deputy Secretary General

CANAA || 24 September 2015

The African Union (AU) has officially granted the body of Catholic Bishops in Africa, the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM), the observer status at the continental organization existing to promote cooperation among the independent nations of Africa, headquartered in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

There had been earlier publications about this Observer Status, but that was before SECAM President appended his signature to the necessary documentation. That has now happened.

SECAM has also appointed Father Edourd Thumaini Mombili from the Archdiocese of Kisangani in DR Congo as its First Deputy Secretary General with effect from October 1, 2015.

Below are Press Releases announcing SECAM’s Observer Status at the AU and Father Mombili’s appointment at SECAM’s Secretariat prepared and issued by the Communications office of SECAM

SECAM GETS OBSERVER STATUS AT THE AFRICAN UNION

The African Union (AU) has granted the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) an observer status at its headquarters in Addis Ababa. This comes following a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that has been signed by the two bodies recently.

The President of SECAM, Most Rev. Gabriel Mbilingi initialed for SECAM while the Commissioner for Political Affairs of the AU, Dr. Aisha Laraba Abdullahi signed for the AU.  

The MOU was also signed in line with Article 5 and 22 of the AU’s Constitutive Act as well as the AU’s Assembly decision to engage Civil Society Orgainsations (CSO)  and the  establishment of the Economic and Cultural Council  (ECOSOCC) for the AU.  On the part of SECAM it was based on the fact that SECAM promotes human dignity, integral human and social development, capacity building, dialogue and fraternal relations among people of different creeds, the common good through good governance, social justice, peace and human security and integrity.

According to the MOU the two parties (AU & SECAM)  will among other objectives a) consult one another and prepare programmes for cooperation; b) invite each other to attend and send observers to meetings of their respective organs on matters of mutual interest in line with their respective rules and procedures; c) cooperate in order to attain their specific objectives, at national, continental and international levels, and promote, social and economic aspirations of their members; d) cooperate in the field of training, capacity building, seminars, and the dissemination of  reports.

Regarding financial matters, the two bodies will endeavor to seek funding for carrying out joint activities for the benefit of the entire continent of Africa.

The AU and SECAM have also agreed to develop an efficient and effective Social Communications network within the continent in order to achieve the objectives of the two organisations.

The governing principles of the memo are based on international law.

It must be put on record that the signing of the MoU was expedited after a courtesy visit of His Eminence Berhaneyesus Cardinal Souraphiel (Archbishop of Addis Ababa and Chairman of AMECEA) to AUC Chairperson H.E. Dr. Dlamini Nkozasana Zuma.  Past and present Presidents and Staff of SECAM have also played a great role in the process leading to its signing.

Regarding the signing of the MoU between SECAM-AUC, His Eminence stressed the intention of the Church in Africa to contribute to the continental development endeavor, more specifically Africa Agenda 2063 and Post-2015 SDGs. The current status of the signing of the MoU and other initiatives of SECAM were further explained to AUC Chairperson by Mr. Berhanu Tamene, SECAM-AU Liaison Officer.

The AUC Chairperson appreciated the visit of the Cardinal and the commendable work of the Church on the African continent for example in the areas of poverty alleviation, health and education particularly for the marginalised. The Chairperson noted that poverty does not know any religion and that’s what the Catholic Church is doing by reaching out to those in need regardless of their religion, race and political orientation or affiliation. 

Issued by the Communications office of SECAM

SECAM APPOINTS FR.  MOMBILI AS FIRST DEPUTY SECRETARY GENERAL

Rev. Fr. Melchoir-Edourd Thumaini Mombili from the Archdiocese of Kisangani, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has been appointed First Deputy Secretary General of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM). His appointment takes effect from October 1, 2015. He will be responsible for the Commission of Evangelisation at SECAM Secretariat in Accra, Ghana.

His appointment letter signed by the President of SECAM, Archbishop Gabriel Mbilingi, comes almost a year after the passing on of his predecessor, Rev. Fr. Pierre Ile Bosangia of DRC.

The new First Deputy Secretary General of SECAM was born on June 26, 1960. He was ordained a priest on July 31, 1988 in Kisangani.  Having served as an Assistant Parish Priest  for a few  years  he  had further studies  at the Gregorian University in Rome from 1991- 1999, where he obtained a doctorate degree in Church History. During his studies in Rome he had short courses in Britain and some pastoral activities in Germany.

Fr. Mombili has served as Chancellor-Secretary of the Archdiocese of Kisangani from 2001- 2004 and Vicar General and as Rector of the Minor Seminary Seminary of Kisangani from 2004-2007. From  2008-2009 he was Secretary of the Episcopal Provincial Assembly of Kisangani and  a visiting professor at the Seminary of St. Cyprain in Bunia, DRC. 

He was appointed in 2009 as the Secretary General of the Association of Episcopal Conferences of Central Africa (ACEAC), a position he held until his present appointment. While serving at ACEAC, Fr. Mombili lectured at the Catholic University of Congo and at the Seminaries of St. John XXII in Kinshasa and St. Cyprian in Bunia, DRC.

The new First Deputy Secretary General of SECAM speaks French, Italian, English, German Swahili and Lingala.

Issued by the Communications Office of SECAM.

Cardinal Lauds Africans for Family Values ahead of Synod, Acknowledges Communication Gap to Tell Africa’s Story

CANAA || By Fr. Don Bosco Onyalla, Nairobi || 24 September 2015

The Archbishop of Addis Ababa, Berhaneyesus D. Cardinal Souraphiel, has expressed appreciation for family values in Africa, citing the love for life among Africans as good reason for Bishops from Africa to speak with one authentic voice at the Synod on the Family scheduled to start at the Vatican on October 4.

“Others want to speak for Africa,” Cardinal Souraphiel told CANAA in an exclusive interview on Thursday, adding, “Some say Africa should do this and should do that. I think Africans have reached the level that on various issues they can speak their own views.”

He however recognized the communication gap in bringing out the African voice at the Synod and expressed the hope that some media from Africa will be at the Vatican to facilitate the telling of Africa’s story.

“Indeed, at the Synod, we are dominated,” Cardinal Souraphiel admitted and added, “I am hoping that at this coming Synod, the media (from Africa) will be represented.”

Cardinal Souraphiel is in Nairobi as Chairman of the Executive Board of the Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa (AMECEA), which concluded its two-day meeting on Thursday.

In his capacity as the Chancellor of the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA), the Cardinal will be presiding over the University’s 32^nd Graduation on Friday, October 2, before leaving for the Vatican.

Below is the full text of Cardinal Souraphiel’s interview with CANAA in which he also describes same-sex unions as “a very new phenomenon” and “a non-issue” in Africa.

CANAA: In just over a week, the long-awaited Synod on the Family will kick off at the Vatican. From the Oriental Catholic Churches, the Holy Father very recently appointed you and Archbishop Menghesteab Tesfamarian, metropolitan of Asmara, to take part, among a diverse group of prelates from Europe and Africa. What do you look forward to as you prepare to be part of this Synod?

Cardinal Souraphiel: Yes, the Synod is coming. The Holy Father has called this Synod of Bishops, not just on the family in general, but on the vocation of the family and on the mission of the family. On the vocation of the family, we can make reference to the Catechism of the Catholic Church about what marriage is, what family is, who children are as gift of God, the indissolubility of Catholic marriages, all these based on the teaching of the Gospel, the teaching of Christ.

There will be reflections on the reality of Catholic families built on the Sacrament of Matrimony in terms of their mission in the world. Their (Catholic families) mission is essentially the protection of life, the protection of Catholic values, and the proclamation of the Gospel in general.

Looking at the reality of families here in Africa and elsewhere, we have families in difficulties: families that have experienced divorce, entered into second marriages and so on. These will be some of the pastoral challenges that will be presented (at the Synod). Whenever couples divorce, it affects family, it affects children, and it affects society as well as the persons themselves. There will be experts telling us about such situations and the studies they have made in this regard.

There will also be many married persons from different parts of the world who will be expressing these difficulties. The Holy Father has been emphasizing not only children, youth, husband and wife, the newlyweds, but also the elders, the grandparents, who are also part of the family. So the family is a big institution, not just limited to husband and wife. These are the issues we look forward to addressing at the Synod.

CANAA: Mentioning the challenges the family faces in the modern world, do you foresee realistic solutions to these challenges?

Cardinal Souraphiel: There might not be some solutions for the various issues. But some of the issues that have been raised before during the extra-ordinary Synod will be reflected now seriously during the Synod. And later on, the Holy Father will come out with (an) exhortation, which will be in the form of pastoral guidelines for strengthening the Christian family in the world.

We have the issue, for instance, of polygamous families in Africa and the Church’s position of marriage between one man and one woman. These are pastoral problems, which priests, religious, Bishops, and also Conferences (Bishops’) are studying and reflecting together with these families to see how best this (family) institution becomes a source, not of intrigues and of hatred and of jealousies, but of love.

CANAA: The possibility of Africa speaking with one voice is a concern that has been voiced from different quarters. More specifically, however, the Vatican-based Prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and Discipline of the Sacraments, Robert Cardinal Sarah, in June, asked Church leaders in Africa to put together their deliberations on the marriage institution and to speak with one credible voice at the Synod. You were present at that meeting in Accra, Ghana. Do you see this happening?

Cardinal Souraphiel: I think so because Africa is a big continent and a special continent. We can recall the visit of Pope (Emeritus) Benedict (XVI) in Cotonou, Benin, when he called Africa “the spiritual lung” and that Africa has traditional values like standing for life, and encouraged Africa to continue doing so.

So, Africa is not just a place where values are thrown out at and that Africa is just taking whatever comes from whichever direction. Africa has its own values, its own culture and traditions. So yes, Africa can speak with African voice.

During the SECAM meeting in Accra (June 8-11, 2015), Africa speaking with one voice at the Synod was reflected upon. Others want to speak for Africa. And some say Africa should do this and should do that. I think Africans have reached the level that on various issues they can speak their own views.

One of the greatest emphasis (at the Accra Consultative Meeting) was that Africans love life. In whatever society you go, in the traditional African religions, in polygamous families, in cities, in modern families, we see that Africans love life and they stand for life. The culture of anti-life, the culture of death, is something which Africans do not accept. What is positive in life, the Africans want to strengthen.

In the old days, there were no borders in Africa. There is (in Africa) the sense of hospitality. When you receive a guest, you receive him as God’s messenger. You give him time, you give him food, and only after two days or so you ask him about what he is doing. First, you give him the necessities of life, all because they (Africans) stand for life. Now there are these borders, but even with that, we have now a lot of migrants of youth going from South to North, from North to South, East ,West, still Africans are very humane to people, and this can only be (best) spoken and expressed by Africans themselves.

CANAA: There is no doubt that in its traditional setting, Africa had all these values you have highlighted. There are many places on the continent where these values are still cherished, despite imperfections. Looking back at the last Synod on the family, the issue of same-sex unions came out prominently and put on the level of human rights in other related forums. What are your views about this topic, ahead of the Synod on the family?

Cardinal Souraphiel: For the African society, this is a very new phenomenon. And as was put recently here in Kenya by the President, that this is not an issue for us, for Africa it is a non-issue, because Africa has so many other issues, which are really top priorities. First is, for example, poverty. Because of poverty and related to it, we lack education, we lack health, we lack social services.

So, how to provide these basic needs so that the African could have at least the three meals a day (becomes a priority). For example, agricultural improvement is a priority. Others have surpassed all these needs and for them this is not an issue. For us, this is a life-and-death issue. Take this example, before child reaches five years, he (or she) has to pass through lots of dangers. And if he (or she) passes five years, then he (or she) can live until fifty and above. The first five years are very critical. You have to provide vaccinations, deal with malnutrition, and to give clean water. We are in this process.

So, the issue of same-sex union is not an issue for us. So, we don’t speak about it. And also taking the Ethiopian context, when religious leaders discussed this (same-sex unions) together with the faithful, among them Christians, Muslims, we said that this is not an issue for us and we do not want these tendencies to be imposed on our societies. They are mostly foreign-dominated media, which are imposing this and looking at them as human rights.

Many international companies come and take resources of Africa. When we speak about that and say is that not human rights, they (media) don’t speak about it. But they (the media) speak about this issue of same-sex union as human rights. And some organizations, including United Nations Organizations, say, unless you admit that this same-sex union is a human rights issue, we don’t give you funds. They tie funds with accepting this issue as human rights.

In our meeting hall as religious leaders in Ethiopia, we said, we don’t need your money. Keep your money. We want to have our values. Even if we are poor, we have values. And even if we are poor, we have our dignity. So, we want to express it that way so that African values are not for sale.

CANAA: Speaking about the media, one of the gaps at the last Synod for the Church in Africa was that of communication. There was not a single professional journalist from Africa (native to an African country) covering the Synod. All the African communicators there were working for Western-based media like the Vatican Radio and other international news services. I am afraid the same might be the case at this coming Synod, namely, the lack of a single professional African journalist who lives and works in Africa and would come back to Africa after the synod to help tell Africa’s story. As a result, the African voice will not be heard and the cry of dominance by others will be louder. Don’t you think so?

Cardinal Souraphiel: Indeed, at the Synod, we are dominated. But being dominated and not having the means does not mean they are right. They are not right. When we come back here (to Africa), we shall speak in our own small ways, whether we employ the traditional ways or other, we will do.

I am hoping that at this coming Synod, the media (from Africa) will be represented. This is a challenge for the media in Africa. There are many communication experts in Africa who can represent Africa and who can be voices of Africa. CANAA is invited to the Synod. We want to invite all our African media experts and personnel because they are our voice.

CANAA: There has also been a concern about the role of women, a significant population making up more than half of religious and believers, at the forthcoming Synod. The Holy Father appointed 30 women as auditors, only four of them from Africa. There have been weighty concerns revolving around the extraordinarily few women given the numbers invited to the Synod and the exclusion of half of humanity and its experience in the synod's discussions considering that only the 279 male members of the meetings can vote. How would you react to these concerns?

Cardinal Souraphiel: The Holy Father has selected some members to take part in the Synod, but others will go as ex-officio, like Presidents of the Conferences (Bishops’) and other experts, who are not just limited to Catholics, but also to other Christian denominations. When the Holy Father makes such (wide) invitations, it shows how seriously he is considering the whole Synod.

The Synod is not just called for the sake of having a Synod. It is something that has to offer some hope, some new ways of looking at old issues. The family is such a sensitive cell of society and of the Church that he (the Holy Father) wants it shared all over the world.

However, the full name of the Synod is the Synod of Bishops. Also the Secretariat works with the given Decree of Vatican II when the Synod of Bishops was established. So, it is only the Bishops who give their voice, not even the fraternal delegates say from the Orthodox Church, Lutherans, Methodist, or other Churches (will be voting). They don’t give their voices.

Experts come to help the Bishops in their discussions. Among these experts will be men and women, brothers, some Superiors General, they come, but they don’t vote. They are invited for their expertise, and when they are asked to give their views especially during the small group discussions, they give. But the final voice, the final decision is of the Bishops, because it is the Synod of Bishops.

CANAA: Would you be having any additional message with regard to the forthcoming Synod?

Cardinal Souraphiel: I would like to address Catholic families in Africa and Catholics in general. The Synod on the family is a special Synod because we all love our families. We all have parents and grandparents, brothers and sisters. The teaching of our Lord Jesus Christ will not change. The values that he (Jesus) has given to Matrimony, will not change. Of course, there are challenges. But, these challenges need not only human solutions and proposals, but also and above all, they need the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.

When a couple marry, it is not just the young man and the young woman who marry, but there is also Jesus in their midst. Therefore, it is prayer which strengthens and solidifies the family. It is also prayer which gives fruit in the family of having children and also love and compassion for each other and for the other families.

So, I would ask especially Catholic families to pray for this coming Synod. The whole world at this moment is looking at the Pope Francis saying, he is a humble, simple Pope, close to the people, he is compassionate, not condemning anybody, he is merciful. This shows that the world wants a moral voice. I don’t know if the Holy Father can be. We have to pray for him. In other societies, there are so many ethical and moral confusions. We hope that the Holy Father will get the inspiration of the Holy Spirit and the prayers of the over 1 billion Catholics all the world that he will be able to guide the Catholic Church in this particular stage of its history.

The Story of a Missionary in Ethiopia: "Making Jesus present among poor people who struggle to get by"

Agenzia Fides || 21 September 2015

"A year has gone by since I started my 'fidei donum' service in the Church of Robe in Ethiopia, so I thought I would tell you about the progress made": writes to Fides Fr. Giuseppe Ghirelli, currently in the Catholic Mission of Adaba, West Arsi, Oromia (see Fides 11/12/2014)

"I am fine - continues the priest – I am happy to dedicate myself to this population, I am learning the Oromo language and I can already say a few sentences. When people hear me speak in Oromo, they laugh, they tell me they are surprised, but I think the reason is that I make them laugh when I speak this new language.

“The hardest work is still to get to know a new culture, to understand the mentality of the people, to be close to people, putting aside our way of thinking and prejudices that inevitably accompany us.

“When I celebrate Mass with my few Christians, while I look at them, I think of what I could do and organize for them, but then, immediately, the idea is that the first thing to do is just to be here, to be with them, to make Jesus present among these poor people who struggle, work, strive to get by, hoping to improve their situation.

“In them there is a great desire to 'survive' in the midst of enormous difficulties. You should see how happy they are when I go to visit them in their homes and to hear me say a few words in their language!

“In many ways I feel lucky, I try to be close to them and I sincerely hope that meeting Jesus and believing in him, can give direction and perspective to their existence.

“This is what I would like to do: make Jesus present with my life, to make him known, read the Gospel with them, walk together, to understand where they find the strength to go on in life and help them experience how the word and example of Jesus can give strength and hope amid the many problems they experience in their lives.

“Will I be able to do this? Will I succeed? In my wanderings from one parish to another I often think of the many people I meet along the way, many women and many children who graze cows or sheep. How do they live? What are their houses like? What do they eat? Do they go to school? Do they have parents? Is there anyone who thinks of them? Are they Christians? Do they know Jesus? I ask myself a lot of questions and I pray for all of these situations.

“I hope to help some of them to have a more certain future. I am in a predominantly Muslim area where Catholics are a small minority, there is not much pastoral work to be done, but there is much to be done such as being close to them, to learn, share their lives, help them have a further opportunity and to be guided by the example of Jesus. Naagaa_pace", says Fr. Giuseppe.

Catholic University in Mozambique Celebrates 20 Years amid National Tensions

Vatican Radio || By Herminio Jose, Maputo || 18 September 2015

The Catholic University of Mozambique (UCM), based in Beira, this week celebrated its 20th anniversary as an institution of higher education.

The university celebrations were graced by former head of state, President Joaquim Chissano. Also present were the opposition leader of RENAMO, Afonso Dhlakama and the former Archbishop of Beira, Dom Jaime Gonçalves.

The university celebrations took place against a backdrop of growing political tension in the country. Opposition leader of RENAMO, Afonso Dhlakama has threatened to declare “self-rule” in the areas where his party has majority seats.

Fearing a return to devastating conflict of the past, former President Armando Guebuza and RENAMO leader Afonso Dhlakama signed a ceasefire agreement in Maputo two years ago. The ceasefire paved way for RENAMO to contest last year’s October presidential elections.

Currently peace talks between the Government and RENAMO are stalled after the latter decided to boycott further discussions. The talks began two years ago after RENAMO re-started low-level rebel activities against the government. Nevertheless, two years on there is little to show for the dialogue as tensions continue.

RENAMO performed badly in the October 2014 elections and its call for a “caretaker government” has been repeatedly rejected by government as unconstitutional. RENAMO’s latest maneuvering for self-government in its controlled areas could re-open old wounds.

Kenyan Diocese Holds Eucharistic Congress ahead of National Congress Early October

CANAA || By Fr. Don Bosco Onyalla, Nairobi || 21 September 2015

The Catholic Diocese of Kakamega in Kenya held its Eucharistic Congress on Saturday, September 19, ahead of the National Eucharistic Congress slated for Saturday, October 3, 2015 at the National Marian Shrine in Subukia, some 40 Km North of Nakuru town.

Known as village of Mary, Mother of God, the Shrine belongs to the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) with the Conventual Franciscan Friars as the caretakers.

Representatives from the 41 Parishes of Kakamega diocese, the clergy, men and women religious as well as the various institutions of the diocese gathered at St. Peter’s Minor Seminary grounds, Mukumu, for the celebration.

The Saturday 10 a.m. celebration started with the main celebrant, Bishop Joseph Obanyi of Kakamega acknowledging the presence of his predecessor, Bishop Emeritus Philip Sulumeti and welcoming the congregation that filled up all the tents erected for the occasion, with many more standing under trees around the venue of the Holy Eucharist.

Prior to the Saturday celebration, each parish in the diocese had organized its own Eucharistic Congress.

In his homily, Bishop Obanyi explained the value of the Eucharist, emphasizing the real presence of Jesus in the Holy Eucharist.

He invited all participants at the celebration to draw close to the Eucharist, reiterating the theme of the diocesan Congress, “The Eucharist, Our Life.”

“The Eucharist is real food that brings eternal life,” Bishop Obanyi said, encouraging the congregation not to stop at looking for ordinary food that gives temporary satisfaction, only to feel hungry after a couple of hours.

“When we participate in the Eucharist, receiving the body and blood of Jesus, right there we get eternal life,” Bishop Obanyi stated, urging all to take time to prepare well their hearts before receiving the Eucharist, including the Church's laws on observing a fast before Holy Communion.

He also encouraged all to be focused during Eucharistic celebrations rather than entertain thoughts about unfinished businesses in life.

He also urged the priests to have a place within the parish premises where the Body of Jesus is available for adoration and to continually catechize the faithful on the value of the Eucharist describing priests as “the true ministers of the Eucharist.”

“May our families have their children embrace the sacrament of Matrimony so that more and more people may actively participate in Holy Eucharist for eternal life,” one faithful prayed during the intercessory prayers.

Another faithful prayed that God may transform leaders in Kenya to respect the rights of children, making specific reference to the ongoing impasse between the government and the teachers’ unions over salary increment that has resulted in the closure of all primary and secondary schools just three weeks into the last term of the academic year.

Traffic along the busy Kisumu-Kakamega road was halted for about one hour to allow the congregation to do the procession with the Holy Eucharist from the Minor Seminary to Sacred Heart Parish, Mukumu, a distance of about two kilometers.

“For participating in this unique event, you will certainly be blessed,” Bishop Obanyi assured the congregation, thanking them for their faith, for turning up in large numbers, and urging them to travel to Subukia for the national Eucharistic Congress.

Kenya hosted the 43^rd International Eucharistic Congress from 11 to 18 August 1985, an event that was graced by Pope John Paul II under the theme, "The Eucharist and the Christian Family."

Meanwhile, on Sunday, September 20, Bishop Obanyi presided over the launching of the Centenary celebrations of St. Augustine’s Parish, Eregi, the third oldest parish in the diocese after St. Peter’s, Mumias (started in 1904) and Sacred Heart, Mukumu (started in 1906).

The parish was established by the Mill Hill Missionaries in 1913, credited for their holistic approach in the evangelization mission having been behind the birth of 15 primary schools, four secondary schools and one teachers’ training centre within the parish territory and similar initiatives in other Parishes they established in that region of the country.

Kakamega diocese, established in 1978 with Bishop Emeritus Sulumeti as its first bishop, has 41 parishes, most of them under the care of the 107 diocesan priests.

Catholic Bishops in Nigeria Laud the Pope, Thank New Government for Recorded Progress

CANAA || By Fr. Don Bosco Onyalla, Nairobi || 21 September 2015

The Catholic Bishops in Nigeria have lauded the Holy Father for his recent messages, initiatives and publications through a communiqué issued at the conclusion of their Second Plenary Meeting as the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN).

The Bishops held their Plenary Assembly at the Pastoral Centre, Igwuruta, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, from 10 September to 18 September, 2015.

The Papal Encyclical Laudato Si’, the setting aside of September 1 as the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, and the announcement of the Jubilee Year of Mercy (JYM) scheduled to begin on 8 December 2015 were some of the initiatives the Bishops commended the Pope for.

“We hope to see in our nation, from our leaders, in our communities, churches, mosques, interpersonal relationships, businesses, practical demonstrations of mercy and compassion,” the Bishops said in reference to the planned JYM.

The Bishop further applauded Pope Francis for constantly emphasizing the importance of the family, citing the World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia starting this week and the Synod of Bishops on the Family scheduled for October 2015.

In the same message co-signed by CBCN President, Archbishop Ignatius Ayau KAIGAMA and CBCN Secretary, Bishop William AVENYA, the Bishops appraised “the Nigerian government and all the security agencies on the achievements recorded so far in the fight against the Boko Haram insurgency.”

“It is therefore a welcome development that the present government has made the fight against corruption and insurgency central to its programme,” the Bishops observed in appreciation.

On the state of the economy, the Bishops stated in part, “We therefore appreciate the desire of the government to re-invest in the agricultural sector and to seek other alternatives to oil and gas, which have fared very badly in the recent past.”

The Bishops concluded their message by urging individuals, families and Parishes to intensify their prayers for the nation, proposing a six-month prayer program to begin in October 2015 and conclude “on 4 April 2016, the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord.”

Family rosary every Saturday evening and Eucharistic adoration in Parishes every last Sunday of the month are among the activities the Bishops recommended.

Below is the statement by the Catholic Bishops in Nigeria in full.

CATHOLIC BISHOPS CONFERENCE OF NIGERIA, COMMUNIQUE:

A CALL TO TRUE CONVERSION OF HEART

A Communiqué at the End of the Second Plenary Meeting of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) at the Pastoral Centre, Igwuruta, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, September 10-18, 2015.

1.      PREAMBLE

We, the Catholic Bishops of Nigeria, held our Second Plenary Meeting of the year at the Pastoral Centre, Igwuruta, Port Harcourt Rivers State from September 10 to 18, 2015. Having prayerfully reflected on the issues affecting the Church and our country, we now present our Communiqué.

2.      EVENTS IN THE CHURCH

We thank God for his infinite mercies and for the many blessings he has continued to shower on the Church, Family of God, in Nigeria. On the 28March, 2015, the resignation of Most Rev. Athanasius Usuh as Bishop of Makurdi was announced. In accordance with Canon Law, the Coadjutor Bishop, Most Rev. Wilfred Chikpa Anagbe CMF, has already taken canonical possession as the fourth Bishop of Makurdi Diocese. Most Rev. Denis Chidi Isizoh has been ordained as the Auxiliary Bishop of Onitsha Archdiocese. We joyfully unite with Archbishop Joseph Ukpo who marked his sacerdotal Golden Jubilee, with Most Rev. Lucius Ugorji who celebrated his Episcopal Silver Jubilee. With deep sorrow but with strong faith in the resurrection, we pray for the repose of the soul of Bishop Malachi Goltok of Bauchi diocese, who passed on after our First Plenary. The Veritas University of Nigeria, Abuja (the Catholic University of Nigeria), has been granted full operational license by the Nigeria Universities Commission.

3.      THE ENCYCLICAL LETTER OF POPE FRANCIS, LAUDATO SI

We welcome the recent Encyclical Letter Laudato Si’, on care for our Common Home issued by His Holiness Pope Francis on  8 June 2015,followed by the announcement, that the “World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation” be henceforth celebrated annually in the Church on 1 September. The changes we have noticed in our climate are affecting everyone. Locally, the degradation of our environment is worsened by such collective bad habits as littering everywhere with plastic sachets and bottles, loss of tropical forests, lack of proper disposal of waste and a contemporary throwaway culture. The ecological crisis that we experience today summons nations, international communities, Christians, Muslims, people of other religions, local communities, families, individuals, all persons of good will not only to the responsibility of justice but also to a profound spiritual and ecological conversion: from consumerism to sacrifice; from greed to generosity; and from wastefulness to sharing (Laudato Si’, 216, 156 and 159).

4.      THE EXTRAORDINARY JUBILEE OF MERCY

His Holiness Pope Francis has also announced the celebration of the Jubilee Year of Mercy, which will begin on 8 December 2015, to coincide with fiftieth anniversary of the closing of the Second Vatican Ecumenical Council and the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. We hope to see in our nation, from our leaders, in our communities, churches, mosques, interpersonal relationships, businesses, practical demonstrations of mercy and compassion. Through the grace of this celebration, may the poor find fulfilment and comfort; may the wounded be healed, the destitute and migrants find shelter, love, care, rehabilitation, and hope. We pray that the broken-hearted may experience love, forgiveness, healing and mercy. We also hope that during this Year of Mercy the voiceless may be heard, those discriminated against may find true acceptance, those deprived and exploited experience justice, the marginalized find strength, the sick healing, and those unjustly detained given freedom.

5.      MARRIAGE, FAMILY AND HUMAN SOCIETY

After our First Plenary meeting from 20 to 26February, 2015 in Abuja, we issued a Communiqué entitled “Good Families Make Good Nations”. As we look forward to the celebration of the World Day of the Family in Philadelphia from 20 to 27September, 2015 and the General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops in Rome in October this year, we re-affirm the validity of the family as a divinely instituted community of persons made up of a man and a woman who are open to life in love, together with their children and relatives. We commend His Holiness Pope Francis for the Motu Proprio,Mitis Iudex Dominus Iesus (Jesus Christ, the meek Judge) aimed at accelerating the process for the declaration of the nullity of marriage. We pledge to use this new process for the pastoral and spiritual benefit of our people.

We observe with deep concern the rise of the orientation towards homosexuality and lesbianism as well as bisexual and transgender activism in many parts of the world (perhaps not excluding our own). We re-iterate our unreserved condemnation of all acts of homosexuality as sinful and opposed to the natural law of creation. We call on our government to continue to resist the attempt by some external governments and agencies to impose an acceptance of same-sex unions. Nevertheless, we maintain that persons with these orientations should be assisted pastorally, spiritually and psychologically, with respect for their dignity as human persons created in the image and likeness of God.

6.      YOUTH CHALLENGES AND PRIESTLY MINISTRY

We acknowledge the contemporary challenges that confront our nation especially the teaming youth population. These pose problems to priests in the exercise of their ministry. We encourage priests who work in very difficult situations to draw strength from the cross of Jesus.  We the Catholic Bishops of Nigeria are resolved not only to assure priests of their paternal solidarity, but also to encourage them to be united in the intimate sacramental priesthood they share, be diligent in their duties and seek for holiness of life. Priests should love their Church as Christ does. This era more than ever requires that priests be modest and honest. The Youth are crucial agents of transformation that require our sincere pastoral concern. We note however the many challenges confronting the youth in their lives especially in the practice of the Christian faith.  We invite the young people to be courageous and proud of their faith and while investing in the life of the Church seek the truth of the gospel in which lies freedom.

7.      THE STATE OF THE NATION

We congratulate Nigerians on the peaceful 2015 General Elections. The doom that many predicted did not happen. We are indeed grateful to God and to all those who allowed God to use them for this positive development. The elections have come and gone. It is time now for real governance and we call on our leaders to work for the common good of all our citizens. We congratulate the Nigerian government and all the security agencies on the achievements recorded so far in the fight against the Boko Haram insurgency. The refugees and internally displaced persons are gradually returning to their homes. As we pledge our willingness to collaborate with the government on the modalities of their movement and resettlement, we enjoin the government and other humanitarian agencies to start putting in place practical measures necessary for immediate rehabilitation, reconstruction and the reconciliation of the victims and their families.

8.      CORRUPTION AND INJUSTICE

Since it came into existence, this Conference of Bishops has constantly condemned corruption, violence and injustice and has consistently urged all Nigerians, especially those who hold public offices, to embrace a life of transparency and service. For many years, the Catholic Church has offered public prayers against bribery and corruption in Nigeria. It is therefore a welcome development that the present government has made the fight against corruption and insurgency central to its programme. We affirm that the war against corruption is not just a battle for virtue and righteousness in our land but a fight for the soul and substance of our nation. This is a collective responsibility that requires our collective efforts. All Nigerians should be part of this struggle, which ought to be carried out at all levels, in order that we may recover our wasted opportunities. To guarantee sustainable success in fighting corruption, Nigerians must transcend ethnic, religious and regional affiliations and sentiments. Those who are genuinely identified to have either stolen or recklessly used the national wealth must be compelled to make comprehensive restitution. In this process, we strongly urge all to eschew personal interest, political vendetta, and bitterness. Those with the mandate to facilitate this process should be guided by a true sense of justice and act in accordance with the rule of law.

 9.      THE ECONOMY

At the moment, the Nigerian economy is in distress. More and more Nigerians are now struggling or are unable to provide the basic needs for their families. Unemployment is growing beyond control, leaving many of our citizens, especially the younger ones, to migrate, both locally and to other countries. This exposes them to inhuman conditions, including different forms of immorality and criminality. In many cases, young promising lives are wasted on our streets, in the deserts of some African countries and on the shores of Europe. We therefore appreciate the desire of the government to re-invest in the agricultural sector and to seek other alternatives to oil and gas, which have fared very badly in the recent past. We encourage the federal and state governments, the private sector and individual Nigerians to intensify their efforts in exploring the means of diversifying the sources of national income, while initiating genuine policies that would protect the citizens, create wealth and absorb our teeming unemployed youth.

There is a serious outcry today against the high cost of governance in Nigeria. There are instances of enormous sums of money paid as allowances to public office holders (in addition to their already high basic salaries) and of legislators passing bills in view of future pension benefits for themselves and members of the executive arm of government. It is regrettable that this is happening in a nation where a large percentage of the population is living in dehumanizing poverty, where so many workers are not paid the recommended basic salary, and where massive decay of infrastructure has put much stress on the citizens and their lives in great danger. This situation is unjustifiable. It also represents a gross injustice against the poor. We therefore commend the initiative of some States in cutting the cost of governance and call on the Federal and other State governments to do the same.

10.  CALL TO PRAYER AND CONCLUSION

As Christians we rely on God to make our efforts towards the emergence of a new Nigeria bear the desired fruit. At very difficult moments of our history, we, the Catholic Bishops of Nigeria, have called on all to pray. In many respects, it can be said that our Nation is today at the crossroads. Although the general elections were peaceful, our problems are far from over. We therefore feel the need to renew our call to prayer. In addition to the prayers already being said for the Nation, we ask individuals, families and Parishes to intensify their prayer for a period of six months, beginning from the month of October and according to the following programme:

a)      Family Rosary – Every Saturday evening;

b)      Rosary and one hour Eucharistic Adoration in Parishes – Last Sunday of the month (between 3.00 pm and 6.00 pm).

The Family Rosary and the Eucharistic Adoration should always end with either the Prayer against Bribery and Corruption or the Prayer for Nigeria in Distress. This six-month prayer programme is expected to end on 4 April 2016, the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord.

We, the Catholic Bishops of Nigeria re-echo in our hearts the very first words of Jesus as he began his public ministry: “Repent for the kingdom of God is near” (Mathew 3:2). We therefore invite all Christian faithful and citizens of this country to a true conversion of heart (Deut. 2:16-17; Micah 3).

May our Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Mercy continue to intercede for us to attain true conversion of heart and thus continue to grow in wisdom and insight which come from Christ Jesus the Lord.

Most Rev. Ignatius Ayau KAIGAMA

Archbishop of Jos, President, CBCN

Most Rev. William AVENYA

Bishop, Catholic Diocese of Gboko, Secretary, CBCN

Civil Society in Zambia Rallies in Support of Jesuit Father Chiti

Vatican Radio || 16 September 2015

Zambia’s Oasis Forum says it is deeply concerned and saddened at personal attacks leveled at Jesuit priest, Fr. Leonard Chiti by politicians.

In a statement of 16 September 2015, made available to Vatican Radio, Zambia Episcopal Conference (ZEC) Secretary General, Fr. Cleophas Lungu who is also Oasis Forum Chairperson said Fr. Chiti speaks with the full support of the Grand Coalition that he heads as Chairperson.

In coming to the defence of Fr. Chiti, the Oasis Forum has said, “We also find it to be in bad taste the attempts by some people to demonise and try to isolate the Grand Coalition, especially its Chairperson, Fr Chiti, who carries the full mandate of speaking on behalf of the Grand Coalition and usually after wide consultation and deliberation by the various committees of the Coalition. To vilify him in his individual capacity is therefore grossly unfair and highly unchristian,” Fr. Lungu said.

Zambia’s Oasis Forum (formed in 1996) is a consortium of member-associations comprising the Zambia Episcopal Conference (ZEC), the Council of Churches in Zambia (CCZ), Evangelical Fellowship of Zambia (EFZ), Non-Governmental Organisations Coordinating Council (NGOCC) and the Law Association of Zambia (LAZ). Fr. Lungu has said the Oasis Forum stands “solidly with and wholeheartedly supports Fr. Chiti.”

Fr. Leonard Chiti is the Director of the Lusaka-based Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR). The media attacks, by politicians against Fr. Chiti stem from his role as the current Chairperson of the umbrella group of Church and civil society associations which has recently emerged in the past two years. The grouping calls itself the ‘Grand Coalition.’ 

The Grand Coalition formed early in 2014 by various civil society organisations and Church associations, some of which were already members of the Oasis Forum, has been putting pressure on government to enact a new republican constitution. In recent months, Fr. Chiti has been publicly critical of the PF Government led by President Edgar Lungu saying that the President had reneged on his election promise to enact a new people driven constitution. After winning the presidential elections, in January 2015, President Lungu’s Government has not been keen on a new constitution. Instead, President Lungu’s Government is now on a course to amend the existing constitution rather than call for a referendum that would usher in a completely new constitution.  

Fr. Lungu said, in the statement issued today, that most Zambian civil society organisations and Church bodies support the stance taken by Fr. Chiti in his recent media pronouncements against the PF Government. The Oasis Forum says it believes that Fr. Chiti by speaking on behalf of the Grand Coalition is actually speaking on behalf many voiceless citizens of Zambia who have been calling for constitutional reform that meets their needs and aspirations.

“The Oasis Forum therefore strongly condemns the continued personal attacks on Fr. Chiti and calls upon all well-meaning Zambians to continue to support him and the just cause for which he is fighting for the greater good of all Zambians,” said Fr. Lungu in his statement.

Vatican Releases Full List of October Synod Participants, Pope Appoints 45 Members

CANAA || 17 September 2015

On Tuesday, the Vatican officially released the full and definitive list of participants, auditors and collaborators in the 14th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops to be held in Rome from 4 to 25 October 2015 on the theme “The Vocation and Mission of the Family in the Church and the Contemporary World.” 

The Holy Father also appointed 45 members to the Synod, consisting of a diverse group of prelates from Europe and Africa.

Below is a summary message about the list of participants, prepared and submitted to CANAA by Father Joseph Healey of the Maryknoll Society.

There are 279 bishops, prelates and priests announced as voting participants coming from countries and regions all over the world. These include the elected representatives of the episcopal conferences from the nine AMECEA counties (already announced).

The full list in English can be found in the Zenit News Service:  

Pope Francis has now appointed 45 members to the Synod on his own authority (PONTIFICAL APPOINTMENTS), selecting a diverse group of prelates from Europe and Africa. These include: 

FROM THE ORIENTAL CATHOLIC CHURCHES

Ex officio: Cardinal Berhaneyesus Demerew Souraphiel, CM, president of the Episcopal Conference, Metropolitan Archbishop of Addis Ababa, President of the Council of the Ethiopian Church and Chairman of the Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa (AMECEA).

Ex officio: Archbishop Menghesteab Tesfamarian, MCCJ., metropolitan of Asmara, president of the council of the Eritrean Church.

There will also be 34 auditors taking part in the discussions who are allowed to attend and participate in the discussions but not to vote on any final document or issues. Among those auditors are 17 individuals/single (including auditors from Egypt, Nigeria and Rwanda) and 17 married couples (including auditors from Cameroon and South Africa). Thirteen of the individual auditors are women including three religious sisters. The total of auditors from Africa is seven (four laywomen, two laymen and one priest).

I highlight the names of some of the participants who have special ties to Eastern Africa:

Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Africa Sr. Carmen Sammut, MSOLA, the head of the International Union of Superiors General (UISG).

Fr. Richard Kuuia Baawobr, MAfr, Superior General of the Missionaries of Africa (White Fathers).

Fr. Boniface Mungai, Kenya (Collaborators of the General Secretariat, Assistant).

As Pope Francis urges, let us pray daily for the fruits of the Synod especially practical, concrete pastoral solutions to the challenges of family and marriage in Africa and the world today.

There are 12 bishops participating in the synod from the AMECEA Region.

We pray that the important voice of Africa will be heard in Rome.

We also pray that the communications media will get Africa’s message out to the world.

Preparations for Conference on Consecrated Life in Kenya Underway, Call for Early Registration of Participants

CANAA || By Fr. Don Bosco Onyalla, Nairobi || 17 September 2015

Preparations for a conference on consecrated life scheduled to take place in Nairobi in just under a week are underway, with the personnel organizing the event calling on the participants to avoid last minute registration.

In a message addressed to the Superiors of the various religious congregations and societies in Kenya on the necessary preparations for the conference, the Executive Secretary of the Religious Superiors’ Conference of Kenya (RSCK), Br. David P. Mahoney, called on the superiors to consider registering their members by Friday this week.

“Superiors, please don’t wait until Tuesday’s meeting at Dimesse to remit your own payment and that of your confrères. We hope to know by this Friday the names of every religious attending the Conference, so that nametags can be printed,” Br. Mahoney stated and provided various options of paying the one thousand Kenya shillings (US$10) per participant, including the Kenya’s popular mobile-phone based money transfer service, M-Pesa.

“Payment for whole groups of religious through congregational offices is certainly the ideal,” Br. Mahoney continued in the message.

He clarified that the conference will be “open to professed religious men and women and all the clergy,” adding, “novices and postulants are not included, but they are welcome to attend the closing liturgy on the Saturday.”

The three-day Conference, which will be graced by the Vatican-based Prefect of the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, João Cardinal Bráz de Aviz, will begin at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) next Wednesday, 23rd September, and continue until Friday, 25th September.

On the eve of the first day of the Conference, on September 22, Cardinal Bráz de Aviz will preside over the Holy Eucharist and interact with the cloistered nuns of Kenya at the Subiaco Center for Spirituality in Karen, before meeting the Bishops and Major Superiors in Kenya later in the day at Dimesse Spirituality Centre in Karen, Nairobi.

There with a closing Eucharistic celebration at the Tangaza University College Grounds on Saturday, 26th September.

The Select Catholic institutions in Kenya organizing the event include the Commission for the Clergy and Religious of the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB), Tangaza University College, the Association of Sisterhoods of Kenya (AOSK), and RSCK.

“Religious women, and this certainly includes Sisters studying at CUEA and elsewhere, should communicate with the Executive Secretary of AOSK, Sr. Agnes Wamuyu,” Br. Mahoney indicated in his message to the Superiors of Religious Orders and Societies in Kenya.

In a phone interview on Wednesday, Sr. Wamuyu told CANAA that out of the 162 women Religious Orders in Kenya, she expected at least one hundred Orders to take part in the planned Conference.

“We look forward to the Cardinal’s message to the Superiors of the religious congregations and Bishops,” Sr. Wamuyu told CANAA, making reference to the Tuesday gathering of Cardinal Bráz de Aviz together with Bishops and Major Superiors of the women and men Orders and Societies in Kenya.

“This is going to be a unique forum, the first one of its kind in the history of my five-year tenure as AOSK Secretary General, and perhaps in the history of this country,” Sr. Wamuyu told CANAA, expressing the hope that the meeting will foster unity and collaboration among the Church leaders who will be meeting.

On Monday evening, Br. Mahoney told CANAA that 65 out of the 78 men’s congregations had confirmed attendance of the Tuesday meeting.

“Because of space limitations, only one member per congregation may attend. Those attending are being asked to share rides so as to reduce traffic and save fuel,” Br. Mahoney advised in a message to the Superiors.

The planned Nairobi Conference is in line with the Year of Consecrated Life (YCL), which officially started on the first Sunday of Advent, November 30, 2014 and will conclude on the Feast of the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple, on February 2, 2016.

In his letter announcing YCL, Pope Francis urged religious communities to guard against gossip, jealousy and pettiness in community life, to live “in synergy” with other vocations in the Church, and to “step more courageously from the confines of our respective institutes and to work together.”

Organized under the theme “Consecrated Life in Africa Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow,” the Nairobi Conference is expected to provide an excellent opportunity for the consecrated in Kenya to respond to the aims of YCL as outlined by Pope Francis, namely, “to look to the past with gratitude; to live the present with passion; and to embrace the future with hope.”

Delegation of 21 to Represent Kenya at World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia

CANAA || By Fr. Don Bosco Onyalla, Nairobi || 17 September 2015

Families from around the globe will be gathering in Philadelphia, U.S.A., from September 22 to 27, 2015 for the world’s largest gathering of Catholic families. Participants at this global congress are expected to pray, learn, and celebrate the gift of the family through planned workshops and panel discussions.

Pope Francis who will be in the U.S. from Tuesday, September 22 is scheduled to arrive in Philadelphia on Saturday, September 26, 2015, celebrate mass at Cathedral Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul and later in the evening speak at Independence Hall before celebrating at the Festival of Families, a free party, which will be held on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.

In an exclusive interview with CANAA on Wednesday, the National Family Life Coordinator (NFLC) at the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB), Mrs. Theresa Mera Abuya, said that the Kenyan delegation to the global event comprises of 21 members, among them the clergy and laity.

Below is the full interview with Mrs. Theresa Abuya who is tasked with the duty to provide effective management of National Level Interventions in Family Life as well as HIV/AIDS service areas in Kenya.

Further below, after the interview, is the official World Meeting of Families Prayer.

CANAA: How have the preparations of this global conference on families been for you as the coordinator of Family Life in the Catholic Church in Kenya?

Abuya: It has been a very vigorous exercise. It started with getting in touch with all the dioceses (in Kenya) and the bishops, sharing with them the information about the conference. I had to write several letters, encouraging those who are interested to get in touch with us. We got responses and planned meetings to share about the logistics around the conference, especially about the various online contacts and preparations for traveling and accommodations. The first meeting took place early this year. In total, we have had eight meetings with the Kenyan delegation.

CANAA: Who have been the various members of this Kenyan delegation and how many have received the visas to travel to the U.S?

Abuya: The group that was handled by KCCB comprised of 31 individuals, including three youth. There are others that are not known to us but we hope to meet with them during the organized meeting for the entire Kenyan delegation with our Bishops on Friday, September 25, 2015.

Those who received visas and are travelling are 21, with Rt. Rev. Salesius Mugambi as the leader of this delegation. He is the Bishop Chairman of the National Family Life Program, KCCB. I am coordinating this trip by virtue of my office as the National Family Life Coordinator at KCCB. The delegation is blessed by the presence of Rt. Rev. Philip Anyolo who is the Chairman of the Conference together with nine Catholic priests, among them, the General Secretary of KCCB, the Very Rev. Father Daniel Rono.

My husband, Peter Okumu Abuya and I represent the couple from KCCB. We have seven other married individuals who are however traveling as singles due to the traveling costs. One member of this Kenyan delegation is single.

Ten individuals were denied visas including the three youth. The denial of the visas to these youth makes this larger and significant group left out. It is also unfortunate that we do not have any nun in this delegation.

CANAA: The clergy represent a significant number of the Kenyan delegation to this congress, which will be discussing families. You have two bishops and nine priests in this delegation. One may be curious about the justification of such significant representation.

Abuya: One of the priests was asked this question. In his response he said, “I handle so many families, and they come to me with different kinds of problems. The topics that are at this congress are topics that will help us (priests) to handle the issues related to families.”

What the priest said is also true about the single lady in our delegation. She is the Family Life Coordinator of Nairobi Archdiocese. She deals with families and has programs with families. We are talking about poverty, single parents, alcoholism, parenting and the whole relationship between children and parents, all very relevant topics. Indeed, all those who got visas and are going to this congress are individuals in touch with families and have the right motivations to this global meeting of families.

CANAA: Are there topics, at this conference, that you can say interest you most and the other members of this delegation?

Abuya: On my part, the challenge of raising children and the whole responsibility of parenting is on top of my list. I have the experience of seeing families getting broken because of poor parenting. Whether one is the biological father or mother or a guardian, one must just know the skills of parenting. These are the skills we should be able to share with those who stay with our children, like our dear house-helps, when we return.

However, as a coordinator of family life, all the topics are necessary to complete the holistic education. Priest were very much interested in all but in particular, The Parish as a support community for families. All in all, individuals had particular topics of interest. It was agreed that when we return (from Philadelphia), we shall share what we will have gathered at different possible levels during the conference.

CANAA: Speaking about your return and sharing, how do you plan to make other Kenyans profit from your experiences in Philadelphia?

Abuya: We have shared this in our several meetings. The experiences we are going to have during this global gathering should not just remain for ourselves. We will have the duty to share these experiences in our parishes, in our Small Christian Communities, in our families, and in our social circles. For sure, we all agreed about the sharing of experiences when we return from Philadelphia, reaching out to the communities around us.

CANAA: Are you all traveling together as a delegation?

Abuya: Traveling together has not been possible. While in Philadelphia, we are going to be meeting in different halls for the various workshops, which will be going on simultaneously. Depending on the topics of interest, each member of the delegation will choose which workshops to take part in. We agreed that on 27^th (September), we shall come together and meet with our (two) Bishops as well as other Kenyans who will be willing to join the delegation.

Only four priests and one single married man left four days ago. Most of us will be traveling on Saturday, the 19^th of September 2015. The last one to leave will be Bishop Anyolo on the 23^rd because he is involved in the preparations of the Pope’s pastoral visit (to Kenya).

We are also returning individually, although most of us are working and are coming back in two weeks’ time.

CANAA: How are you going to get yourselves together considering that you are not traveling together and will not be staying together?

Abuya: Yes, we shall be staying in different places. Some will be in families, others in parishes, while the KCCB team will be at a hotel. We have exchanged our email contacts and we are communicating. We are all on WhatsApp and we have a WhatsApp group.

This is a meeting bringing together people from various countries of the world. Do you have any specific things that will identify you as Kenyans while there?

We made T-shirts of Kenya and caps, which we shall wear on the opening day and when we plan to meet together. Although we are traveling on different dates and staying in different places, we are all under one umbrella as we are all Kenyans. That is why we came up with the idea of having these things to identify us.

CANAA: Do you plan to have any follow up meetings as a delegation after your return from Philadelphia?

Abuya: We have agreed that around December, we shall call for a meeting so that we can share about the impact of this congress and how we are translating it into our life in our respective pastoral contexts. We shall use this meeting to agree on how we shall continue to disseminate the information we shall have received from Philadelphia.

Official World Meeting of Families Prayer

Source: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, USCCB:

God and Father of us all,
in Jesus, your Son and our Savior,
you have made us
your sons and daughters
in the family of the Church.

May your grace and love
help our families
in every part of the world
be united to one another
in fidelity to the Gospel.

May the example of the Holy Family,
with the aid of your Holy Spirit,
guide all families, especially those most troubled,
to be homes of communion and prayer
and to always seek your truth and live in your love.

Through Christ our Lord,
Amen.

Jesus, Mary and Joseph, pray for us!

Ugandan Photographer Bags Africa Award

Africa Review || By Mwenda Micheni || 14 September 2015

Ugandan photographer Mohsen Taha is the overall Africa 2015 Photo Competition winner.

His shot of a boy holding a mobile phone, depicts a continent in the cusp of a technology take-off.

According to the contest organisers, Agility Africa, more than 700 photographs were submitted from 33 countries in the categories of industry, technology and cities.

Photographers were invited to submit their shots depicting Africa’s growth and development.

Carlos Aguiar from Angola and a Kenya's Ahmed A Osman, won in their categories, urbanisation and industry respectively.

Images of the city of Luanda in Angola, wheat fields in Kenya, and a child holding a cell phone won at the end of the exercise.

Very positive

A cash prize of $2,000 was awarded to the winner of each category, with the overall winner receiving an additional $2,000.

“I’m proud to be a part of a competition that helps to promote the economic development happening right now in Africa,” said Taha, in a press release.

“Agility launched this competition to help showcase some of the very positive advancements in infrastructure and technology happening across Africa,” said Geoffrey White, CEO of Agility Africa.

“As a company investing heavily in Africa’s future, we’re delighted to see how well these photographs have captured the region’s fast-paced evolution and modern spirit,” he added

The judges were Sneha Shah, Managing Director, Thomson Reuters Africa; Bronwyn Nielsen, Editor-in-Chief, CNBC Africa; and renowned Ghanaian artist, Prof Ablade Glover.

“The joy on the young boy’s face just radiates from the picture. It clearly demonstrates how investing in energy, technology and youth can positively shape Africa’s future. In short, this picture is Africa’s hope,” said Nielsen.

Bishops in Burundi Denounce Climate of violence and Rekindling of Spirit of Division of Country

Agenzia Fides || 12 September 2015

"Thou shalt not kill". With reference to the fifth commandment the Bishops of Burundi invite Burundians to work for peace in the Country which is experiencing the worst crisis since the civil war ended in 2003, after President Pierre Nkurunziza was re-elected for a third term in violation of the Constitution.

The Bishops have spoken out on the situation of the Country in a statement issued at the end of their Plenary Assembly in early September.

The Bishops stress how a division in the population between those who feel safe and those instead who fear for their lives has been created to the point that several have been forced to flee abroad.

The Bishops condemn the criminal acts that occur daily in particular in the capital Bujumbura, where every night murders occur, and where many people do not sleep in their own home for fear of being kidnapped or killed.

"Poverty threatens the population - write the Bishops, and this increases the drama we are living, since some members of the international community seem to have suspended their aid to Burundi".

The Bishops also deplored the language used in the political debate by both the government and opposition, judging it "threatening and intended to denigrate others. (...). A speech aimed at causing confrontation as if we were at war".

A language that is used to awaken the spirit of division of a Country which with a peace agreement would turn the page and take the path of national reconciliation.

After having invited the faithful to pray for peace in the Country, the Bishops appeal urgently to the protagonists of the political crisis so that they sit around a table to "take the necessary measures to enable Burundi to return being a country where everyone feels free and where there is respect for others"

Pope Francis’ Visit to Africa to Generate Spiritual Energy and Reawakening

Aleteia || By Diane Montagna || 11 September 2015

"Nothing can match the spiritual energy and reawakening that the visit of a Pope will generate on our African continent"

Pope Francis is to make his first trip to Africa in November, on a six-day, three-nation visit expected to generate an unmatched “spiritual energy and reawakening” on a continent Cardinal Robert Sarah says will save the family and save the Church.

The Vatican announced on Thursday that the Pope will visit Kenya, Uganda and the Central African Republic from November 25-30. Details of the trip have yet to be released.

The itinerary is further evidence of the Pope’s desire to focus on the developing countries of the world. The Pope first announced his intention to visit Africa in January, during an in-flight press conference returning from the Philippines and Sri Lanka.

Earlier this year, Pope Francis received in private audience the Standing Committee of SECAM (Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of African and Madagascar).

His Excellency Emmanuel Badejo, Bishop of Oyo Diocese, Nigeria, and Chairman of CEPACS (the Communications Commission for SECAM), responded to Thursday’s news, telling Aleteia: “Africa will surely be especially blessed by a visit of the Holy Father Pope Francis in November. I was fortunate to have been present at the visit of the Standing Committee of SECAM to the Holy Father in February, where SECAM invited Pope Francis to visit Africa. His Holiness’ prompt response is a very strong message about how much the Pope loves Africa and Africans.”

“During that visit,” Bishop Badejo explained, “the Pope enjoined SECAM to speak up more clearly to the world to stem ideological colonization, especially by educating the youth and strengthening the family.”

Indeed, during the February meeting, Pope Francis told the African bishops: “The greatest need is for a model of education which teaches the young to think critically and encourages growth in moral values (cf. Evangelii Gaudium, 64).”

Bishop Badejo continued: “The entire Church in Africa has since been praying, reflecting and working to restate to the world those positive values that distinguish African culture, edify the youth and cultivate Christian family life.”

He added: “In the Pope’s visit I envisage a great opportunity for the confirmation of Africa’s faith in God and the Church and the projection of the enduring and ennobling values that have kept Africans going through the numerous challenges on the continent.”

“Nothing can match the spiritual energy and reawakening that the visit of a Pope will generate on our African continent, which still grapples with war, terrorism, and the crisis of migrating and internally displaced peoples,” the bishop explained.

“The presence of Pope Francis on African soil will surely lighten the burden of our irrepressible populations. Africa welcomes Pope Francis, messenger of love and mercy.”

Christ’s New Homeland — Africa

Ahead of the October Synod on the Family, the bishops of Africa have also taken up Pope Francis’ call to strengthen the family through various initiatives, including the release of a new book entitled, Christ’s New Homeland – Africa, published by Ignatius Press.

The book is the fruit of a June 2015 meeting in Accra, Ghana of 5 cardinals and 45 bishops representing 50 African countries. The prelates gathered to prepare for the October Synod on the Family.

In his opening remarks at the meeting, which are included in the new book, Guinean Cardinal Robert Sarah — Prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments — encouraged the bishops of Africa to “speak with one voice” during the upcoming synod:

“I encourage you to speak with clarity and with one credible voice and with filial love of the Church. Be conscious of the mission of the Church; protect the sacredness of marriage, which is now being attacked by all forms of ideologies that intend to destroy the family in Africa. Do not be afraid to stress the teaching of the Church on marriage.”

“I am certain that Africa will save the family, that Africa will save the Church,” he also boldly stated in God or Nothing, a new book interview with the African cardinal recently  released by Ignatius Press.

And in an interview with the French magazine Famille Chrétienne, Cardinal Sarah described in part the way this will be done:

“At the synod next October we will address, I hope, the question of marriage in an entirely positive manner, seeking to promote the family and the values that it bears. The African bishops will act to support that which God asks of man concerning the family, and to receive that which the Church has always taught…. Why should we think that only the Western vision of man, of the world, of society is good, just, universal? The Church must fight to say ‘no’ to this new colonization.’

The title of the book, Christ’s New Homeland – Africa, comes from a phrase used by Blessed Pope Paul VI, the first pope in modern times to visit Africa.

Pope John Paul II made 14 apostolic visits to Africa during his 25-year pontificate. And Africa most recently welcomed a Roman pontiff with Benedict XVI’s visit to the nations of Cameroon and Angola in 2009.

With his trip to Africa, Pope Francis will have visited all continents except Oceania in the first three years of his pontificate. The trip will mark Pope Francis’ eleventh apostolic visit outside Italy since his election in 2013.

He is schedule to visit Cuba and the United States from September 19-27.

Diane Montagna is Rome correspondent for Aleteia’s English edition.

Thousands Gather for Beatification of Benedict Daswa, Pope Declares 1 February His Feast day

Vatican Radio || 14 September 2015

Pope Francis has declared 1 February as the feast day of Blessed Benedict Daswa beatified 13 September 2015 in South Africa.  

Cardinal Angelo Amato, the Prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints presided over the beatification ceremony of Tshimangadzo Samuel Bendict Daswa in Tshitanini, Thohoyandou, Limpopo, South Africa.

Cardinal Amato read out the decree from Pope Francis describing Daswa as a layman, a family man and an educator who gave heroic witness of the Gospel.

"We grant that the venerable servant of God, Tshimangadzo Samuel Benedict Daswa, a layman and family man,... a zealous Catechist, all-round educator who gave heroic witness to the gospel, even to the shedding of blood, from now on be called 'Blessed' read the decree from Pope Francis. The crowd applauded and blew traditional horns.

A significant announcement at the ceremony was the Church’s declaration of 1 February as the feast day of Blessed Benedict Daswa. The announcement was made at Daswa’s beatification ceremony.

The local Ordinary, Bishop of Tzaneen, Joao Rodrigues also addressed the faithful. He said that Daswa’s death “makes him a hero for all Christians in Africa and elsewhere who are struggling to break free from the enslavement of the world of witchcraft…By his courage and his fidelity to the Catholic faith, Tshimangadzo Samuel Benedict Daswa is a model for all the people in Africa,” Bishop Rodrigues said.

South Africa’s President Jacob Zuma described the beatification of Benedict Daswa as a significant moment for South Africa and the continent as a whole. President Zuma spoke through his spokesperson, Bongani Majola.

The Government of South Africa was represented at the ceremony by Vice President, Cyril Ramaphosa who told the pilgrims in Thohoyandou that this was an occasion in which all South Africans shared with deep faith and affection.

“This is the first time in the history of the Catholic Church of Southern Africa that a South African man is being recognised as a Blessed martyr of Christ,” He added, “This is, therefore, a special honour for the Church in this region. But it is also an extraordinary honour for the Daswa Family, who tragically lost a 43-year-old son and father on the 2 February 1990,” The South African Vice President said.

The beatification Mass was punctuated with a traditional flavor by attire and song.

Apart from the 30 000 people who gathered at Thohoyandou, millions of other Catholics in Africa were expected to have followed the beatification ceremony of Benedict Daswa via digital satellite television, DSTV on the SABC’s news channel 404 that is widely followed on the continent.

Daswa, born on 16 June 1946, was married with eight children. He was killed by a group of men who attacked him not far from his home because of his anti-witchcraft stance. He was praying on his knees when his executioners killed him. His fame as a martyr soon spread throughout the province and each year, on the anniversary of his death, a growing number of people would make a pilgrimage to his grave which is currently located in a small cemetery near his home.

Catholic Bishops in Burkina Faso Advocate for Change of Mindset for Peaceful Elections

Vatican Radio || 08 September 2015

The Bishops of Burkina Faso have published a pastoral letter in French entitled, "Political commitment: The supreme expression of love."  The pastoral letter, signed by all Bishops is addressed to the “sons and daughters of the Church-family of God in Burkina Faso and all of you, brothers and sisters in our (shared) humanity.”

The Bishops make reference to the popular uprising of 30 and 31 October 2014 which toppled and led to the exiling of former President Blaise Compaoré.  “The memory of those who lost their lives, health or property during the insurrection should challenge us and stimulate our commitment now to sacrifice for the good of all,” the Bishops’ message reads in part.

The Bishops call for conversion among citizens, a change in mindset for peaceful, free and transparent elections.

“Burkinabe citizens are being called to elect the President of Burkina Faso and their representatives in the National Assembly on 11 October 2015. All of us should aspire to a democracy which requires especially a change of mentality at all levels to achieve peaceful elections that are free and transparent. We must all commit ourselves to reducing the current social divide and walk towards true reconciliation,” say the Bishops.

The Bishops make a plea for peace to avoid wars, "Wars often cause more wars because they nourish deep hatred and they create situations of injustice and the trampling-on of the dignity and rights of other people. In general, wars do not solve the problems for which they are conducted," the Bishops say in the pastoral letter.

The shepherds of Burkina Faso then go on to give some guidelines for the proper conduct of elections. They insist that for elections to be credible, they must take place in a spirit of reconciliation.  In other words, all must have “the courage to tell the truth, to ask, to give and receive forgiveness; to have the courage to do what is right and to fight impunity," the Bishops say.

It is the hope of the Bishops that the new leaders that will emerge from the elections will direct themselves to addressing real problems that the people of Burkina Faso face such as food insecurity and the growing need to respect of the environment among others.

“Let those who will be elected remember to work to bring about a truly participatory democracy.” The Bishops warn that it is the lack of confidence in political actors that leads to post-election violence.” They pray that Burkina Faso will avoid this.

Finally, the Bishops commend the country to the protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Yagma and the guardian angels of Burkina Faso to watch over the nation.

Cardinal in Ethiopia Calls for Prayer for Families as Country Marks New Year 2008

CANAA || By Makeda Yohannes in Ethiopia || 10 September 2015

Ethiopians are set to have celebrations to mark the conclusion of the year 2007 and usher in their New Year 2008 this Saturday, September 12.

Based on the Coptic calendar, the Ethiopian calendar was fixed to the Julian calendar in 25 BC by the Emperor Augustus of Rome with a start date of 29 August J.C., thus establishing the New Year on this day.

This date, which marks the approximate end of the "rainy season," has also been traditionally associated with the return of the Queen of Sheba to Ethiopia following her visit to King Solomon in Jerusalem round about 980 BC.

On this occasion of Ethiopia’s New Year 2008, the Archbishop of Addis Ababa, Berhaneyesus D. Cardinal Souraphiel has delivered his New Year message and blessing through the Ethiopian media, calling for prayers for families in the context of upcoming Bishops’ Synod on the family.

“Our Church gives special attention to families as family is a foundation of a society and of the Church,” Cardinal Souraphiel said, adding, “A marriage is between a man and a woman (Mt. 19: 4-6). It is a sacrament and as such in a Catholic marriage, there is no divorce.”

He acknowledged the challenges families go through and encouraged a life of prayer saying “couples go through many challenges in their married lives thus we must pray for Christian families who are facing problems that the Lord may bless them and have Mercy on them.”

The Cardinal also stressed the importance of peace for the development and prosperity of a nation.

“Co-existing peacefully with all neighboring countries is a benefit for all of us. Thus I ask that we continue our efforts of peace building and pray that Jesus Christ, the King of Peace, may bless us and our neighbouring countries with His peace,” he said.

Recalling the ending of the year 2007 and the beginning of the New Year 2008 in Ethiopia, Cardinal Souraphiel said, “when a year ends and a new one begins we must always remember that we live in God’s gift of Mercy; when we live in the world that He has created for us and a new year He has given us, we must grow more spiritually and need to live as His faithful children.”

The Cardinal further called on all people to make proper use of the time given by God saying, “In our family and professional life we must fulfill our responsibility devotedly and with thoughtfulness. It is important to be happy with the time God has given us, and to put Him first before all our activities asking him to bless all our activities and New Year resolutions.”

South Africa’s Blessed Benedict Daswa: An Inspiration for All

Vatican Radio || By Linda Bordoni || 10 October 2015

It will be a momentous moment for all South Africans on Sunday, 13 September, when Benedict Daswa is Beatified and put on the track to become the Nation’s first Saint and martyr.

Pope Francis in January authorized the signing of the proclamation for the Beatification of Daswa, a lay person from the Southern African province of Limpopo.

He was a dedicated Catholic husband, father and schoolteacher in the remote rural town of Tschitanini when he was brutally murdered in 1990 for having opposed witchcraft beliefs and practices.  

Cardinal Angelo Amato, Prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, will represent Pope Francis during the Beatification ceremony.

The diocese of Tzaneen, which encompasses the area, opened an inquiry into Daswa’s death that ended in July 2009. It resulted in 850 pages of testimonies from people who witnessed the life and death of Daswa. This was forwarded to Cardinal Amato after they were signed by the then bishop of Tzaneen, Hugh Slattery. 

Linda Bordoni spoke to the current Bishop of the Diocese of Tzaneen, Joao Noe Rodriguez, who says the Beatification ceremony is taking place in the village where Benedict Daswa came from.

Bishop Rodriguez says Benedict was born in that area and spent most of his life there and in the neighboring Nweli village where he helped build a Catholic Church and where he was Principle of the Primary School.

Rodriguez, who of course is in charge of organizing the event and has closely been following the whole process, says it is very difficult to make an exact estimate of the numbers of people who will be attending the Beatification as many will be travelling long distances from different parts of South Africa.

“On the other hand it is a big venue in terms of being able to accommodate from 20 to 30 thousand in the open-air area” and at least 20,000 are definitely expected he says.

He says it is a unique occasion: “we’ve never had anything like this before in South Africa but the word has got around (…) and people are opening their homes in welcome”.

Rodriguez explains that the main celebrant of the Beatification will be Cardinal Angelo Amato, the Prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints who will be arriving with Monsignor Sarno.

He points out that most South African bishops will be present and will be concelebrating as well as South Africa’s Cardinal, Wilfrid Fox Napier.       

Speaking of the importance of the event for the Catholic Church in South Africa Bishop Rodriguez explains that the nation is made up of a very diverse population in terms of cultures.

He says that his own diocese is part of Venda Land after the name of the Venda culture, on the Eastern side there are the Tsonga speaking people and on the South Western side the Northern Sotho people, and then of course there are many other cultures and languages in South Africa.

“In a way the Beatification is a very important event for us who are Catholics because South Africa is largely a Protestant Christian country in the sense that most Christians belong to various Protestant Churches of different kinds as well as more recent Christian movements (…) so the Catholic Church is a smaller presence. But at the same time we are very organized and we have a good network so this event will bring many Catholics together and it will really be a celebration of our Catholic faith” he says.

Rodriquez speaks about Benedict Daswa and of how important his model is explaining that he was not born into a Christian family. He says: “they became Catholics and it is a unique fact that his mother, who is still alive, will be present for the Beatification.”

All of his children will also be present “so it will be a wonderful occasion to celebrate the joy and the grace of God” he says.

Rodriguez points out that Benedict is also an intercessor “so this growing devotion will also help Catholics to understand and appreciate that someone who is recognized as a martyr and a saint in the Church is someone who is praying for them and who has the interests of our life in his heart”.

He is also a wonderful model as he was a dedicated father and the Principle of a School, and Rodriguez says “education is so precious in our region, it is still a huge challenge, and he is an important inspiration for people involved in this field”.

Rodriguez lists all those who have been invited to attend the Beatification and those include political leaders as well as leaders of other faiths as well.

He speaks of the ceremony itself which will reflect the variety of cultures present in the Limpopo region but says English will be the main language of communication.

Pointing out that Benedict Daswa comes across as a very “approachable” figure; I asked Bishop Rodriguez if he thinks Benedict is a Saint for everyone.

He says the unique aspect of his Beatification is that he was not a well-known person in the sense he did not become a well-known figure internationally for political or other reasons.

“Benedict Dasia was really an ordinary man and we are not celebrating him for national achievements, but he was a man of great faith. And that is the wonderful thing (…) he was one of us but deeply committed to Jesus Christ, deeply committed in his family life, in his work life, in his community life. A man who was serving, helping, educating: an overall inspiration of faith for anyone”.

The beatification of Benedict Daws takes place on Sunday 13 September 2015 at Benedict Daws Shrine Site in Tshitanini near Thohoyandou (17 kms north -east of the Thohoyandou Stadium) in the Limpopo Province, South Africa. For more information click here.

Vatican Officially Announces Pope’s Maiden Visit to Africa, Precises Dates

CANAA || By Fr. Don Bosco Onyalla, Nairobi || 10 September 2015

The Press Office of the Holy See has officially announced the pastoral visit of Pope Francis to Africa, the first to the continent since he became Pope, giving the precise dates when the Holy Father will visit three African countries.

The announcement was made in a two-sentence statement on Thursday, indicating that the planned six-day pastoral visit would run from 25 November to 30 November.

“Accepting the invitation issued by the respective Heads of State and the Bishops, His Holiness Francis will make an Apostolic Trip to Kenya from 25 to 27 November 2015, Uganda from 27 to 29 November, and the Central African Republic from 29 to 30 November,” reads the first sentence of the statement as reported by Vatican Information Service.

The second sentence indicated that “the programme of the trip will be published in due course.”

The Holy Father gave the strongest hint at visiting Africa on January 19, when he was returning from his weeklong pastoral in Asia, responding to a question from the Associated Press AP journalist Nicole Winfield, aboard the Papal Plane.

He indicated then that he would visit Uganda and the Central African Republic (CAR).

“I think it will be towards the end of the year because of the weather,” Pope Francis was quoted as saying, explaining that the trip to Africa had “been a bit delayed due to Ebola.”

It was on June 12 that the Holy Father confirmed his maiden trip to Africa and indicated the possibility of adding Kenya to the programme.

"If God permits it I will be in Africa in November, in the Central African Republic and in Uganda," the Pope was quoted as saying when he was addressing a gathering of priests from around the world at Saint John Lateran basilica in Rome.

Kenya

“As far as I am concerned, when I was first informed in the middle of June (2015), the capitals of the three countries were on the Pope’s planned trip: Nairobi, Kampala, and Bangui,” the Nuncio in Kenya, Archbishop Charles Daniel Balvo, told CANAA in an interview last month.

The Bishops in Kenya have officially announced Pope’s pastoral visit to their country through a letter addressed to “Christians, fellow Kenyans and the family of God,” in which they attribute the Papal trip to the invitation they extended to him during their Ad Limina visit in April.

Uganda

Last year, the Bishops in Uganda had invited the Holy Father for the Golden Jubilee of the canonization of the Uganda Martyrs, 22 Catholic and 23 Anglican martyrs executed on the orders of King Mwanga II of Buganda Kingdom between 1885 and 1887 after they refused to recant their Christian faith.

The martyrs were canonized on October 18, 1964 by Pope John Paul VI.

These martyrs, as well as the two who were speared to death in Paimol, Gulu, North Uganda in 1918 and beatified by Pope John Paul II on October 20, 2002, are honoured on June 3 every year.

Central African Republic (CAR)

CAR is emerging from an atrocious conflict that pitted Christian anti-balaka militias against mostly Muslim Seleka rebels, a wave of violence that saw thousands killed.

In May this year, the Holy Father thanked the Bishops in CAR, who were in Rome during their Ad Limina visit, for their courageous testimony during the period of strife and assured his closeness to “those who for too many months have been enduring a difficult and painful situation.”

“Given the social and political difficulties in CAR, living together has been challenge. I hope his visit will help us go back and look how we can deepen peace, reconciliation and interfaith dialogue,” Bishop Nestor-Desire Nongo Aziagbia of Bossangoa has been quoted as saying.

“I think it was in relation to the political situation in Central African Republic, the serious unrest, the violence, that was a concern to him (Pope Francis),” the Nuncio in Kenya told CANAA in an interview last month.

“These kind of things, migrants, immigrants, places where there is some social unrest, are of special concern to him. If people can remember, the first trip out of Rome that he made was to the small island of Lampedusa, where many of the migrants on these ramshackle boats that leave the North African coast often end up,” the Nuncio in Kenya explained to CANAA in the interview.

Pope Francis’ visit to the three African countries is expected to inspire deeper faith among the Catholics and encourage the influence of gospel values in these societies.

Kenyan Catholic Nun Promoted to Associate Professor in Communication

CANAA || By Fr. Don Bosco Onyalla, Nairobi || 07 September 2015

A Nairobi-based University has promoted a Kenyan Catholic nun belonging to the institute of the Sisters of Mary of Kakamega to the position of Associate Professor in communication.

On Monday, August 31, 2015, Daystar University’s Recruitment Committee interviewed and promoted three senior lecturers to the position of Associate Professor, one of them Sr. Prof. Agnes Lucy Lando.

“As I give thanks and glory to God for thus far He has brought me, I’m praying and asking Him that He grants me the grace of humility and deep love for the Church so that I may use the position and opportunity to love and serve Him more dedicatedly, amidst the various challenges that come with the title,” Sister Lando said in a message to CANAA.

Sister Lando who joined Daystar University (DU) in August 2008 is an alumna of the Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome, from where she obtained her PhD in Social Communication in April 2008.

She served as Secretary of Communications at the Nairobi-based Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa (AMECEA) Secretariat between June 1999 and May 2000.

Sister Lando was also the Director of Ukweli Video Production, a faith-based media production center founded in May 1981 by Father Richard Quinn of the Maryknoll Society, a position she held from 2009 to 2013.

At DU, Sister Lando is the Assistant Head of Communication Department and teaches Doctoral Colloquium, Communication and Media Theory, Communication Ethics, Crisis Communication, Media Management, Advanced Audio-Visual Productions, Human Communication and Intercultural Communication, among other courses.

Sister Lando’s research interests are in Media studies, Communication theory, Crisis Communication, and Communication Ethics. Her latest research, co-authored, is entitled, “Traditional African Culture and Communication: The Missing Link in Cattle Rustling Interventions among Pastoralist Communities in Northern Kenya.”

She is a member of the Daystar University Ethics Review Board, in addition to being a member of various national, regional and international communication academic bodies.

In an attempt to provide a lasting solution to the perennial school fees plight of a number of MA Communication students at DU, on March 14, 2013, jointly with some MA Communication students Sister Lando founded Master Communicators Welfare Association (MCWA) that aims at raising money and paying fees for financially challenged but academically able MA Communication students of Daystar University.

“I know it has not been a sole Sr. Lando journey to achieve this. Apart from my religious institute, many other people and institutions have been part and parcel of this journey,” Sister Lando said in gratitude, adding, “I would like to thank one and all, especially the Jesuits who are my mentors and educators, for being part and parcel of my story.”

The other two who were promoted to Professor alongside Sister Lando are Abraham Waithima who has a PhD in Economics from Cape Town, South Africa, and Rebecca Oladipo, a holder of PhD in Linguistics from the University of Leeds.

“I know a lot is expected of me because Communication is still a young field in the Continent. Yet I’m not afraid because the good Lord who has brought me this far, will certainly continue guiding and leading me,” Sister Lando said in conclusion.

Pope Francis Sends Good Wishes to All Africa Games

Vatican Radio || By Fr. Paul Samasumo || 06 September 2015

Pope Francis has used his Sunday Angelus appeal to send, among other messages, good wishes to the All Africa Games currently taking place in Congo Brazzaville. 

“Two days ago the eleventh Africa games opened in Brazzaville, capital of the Republic of Congo, involving thousands of athletes from all over the (African) continent. I hope that this great sports festival will contribute to peace, brotherhood and the development of all countries of Africa. We greet the Africans who are participating in these games,“ said Pope Francis on 6 September.

Africa’s 54 countries are currently converged in what is known as the birth place of the All-Africa Games in Congo Brazzaville.  Over 7,000 athletes are competing in over 20 sports disciplines that include Athletics, Basketball, Boxing, Fencing, Gymnastics, Weightlifting, Karate, Judo, Swimming, Taekwondo, table Tennis and Beach Volleyball among others.

The President of Congo, Denis Sassou Nguesso officially opened the pan-Africa Games in the sparkling purpose-built Kintele Stadium. The games in Brazzaville, for the first time, are being held under the auspices of the African Union (AU) which is celebrating its golden anniversary as an organisation.

The games which started on 4 September will end on the 19 September 2015.

The All-Africa Games (AAG) are a continental multi-sports event held every four years, a year before the Olympic Games. They are seen as a major rendezvous for African athletes.  In fact, they are a milestone in preparations for the Olympic Games as they are an opportunity for the continent’s athletes to express their potential.

Pope Francis’ Angelus appeal comes when he himself is preparing for his first visit to Africa in November. The visit has been confirmed by the Bishops of Kenya. The Pope is expected to visit Kenya, Uganda and the conflict-ridden Central African Republic.

Many analysts have said that Africa needs peace in order for it to maximise its potential as a continent.  It has often been acknowledged that Africa, in general, is a land of rich resources. The continent has one of the highest economic growth rates in the world yet beyond GDP and economic indicators, the reality is that it is equally a land of endless conflicts, hunger, corruption and poverty. As one Kanayo Nwanze told African Union leaders, last year, in the UK Guardian newspaper, Africa is also a continent that is “prey to foreign exploiters.”

Bishops in Zambia Laud AMECEA for Capacity Building Initiatives

Vatican Radio || Zambia Episcopal Conference || 07 September 2015

Bishop Moses Hamungole of Monze Diocese in Zambia who is also the Bishop-director for Communications of the Zambia Episcopal Conference (ZEC) has commended AMECEA for training diocesan personnel.

Bishop Hamungole who was speaking on behalf of the Zambia Episcopal Conference, acknowledged the continued improvement in services offered to member-countries by the Association of Member Episcopal Conference in Eastern Africa (AMECEA) Secretariat.

The ZEC Bishop-Director for Communications made the observation when he addressed 50 participants to a capacity building workshop from all curial offices of the 11 Catholic Dioceses in Zambia. He said the development makes AMECEA more relevant to its members and contributes to enabling pastoral agents obtain necessary skills for their collaboration in the evangelisation mission and administration of the local Church and ultimately the universal Church.

Bishop Hamungole also said that after getting new skills, participants of the capacity building workshop should be the first ones to suggest changes for the good of their dioceses and the entire family of God in the local church, especially this time when most Bishops are worried about how to mobilise financial and human resources for the running of dioceses.

The Bishop further appealed for capacity building workshops for Bishops saying they too needed to sharpen their skills to respond to new challenges in the local and universal church.

The Monze Diocese Bishop challenged the Zambia Catholic University to make itself more visible and publicise its activities through participating in various diocesan programmes and events.

The workshop which closed on 4th September 2015 had diocesan vicar generals, pastoral co-ordinators, financial administrators and other administrators as participants.

Selected Catholic Institutions in Kenya Prepare Hosting an International Conference on Consecrated Life

CANAA || By Fr. Don Bosco Onyalla, Nairobi || 07 September 2015

Selected Catholic institutions in Kenya are preparing to host an international conference on consecrated life, which will be graced by the Vatican-based Prefect of the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, João Cardinal Bráz de Aviz.

The planning of the five-day event, set to run from September 22 – 26, 2015, is being spearheaded by the Commission for the Clergy and Religious of the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB), Tangaza University College, the Association of Sisterhoods of Kenya (AOSK), and the Religious Superiors’ Conference of Kenya (RSCK).

On September 22, Cardinal Bráz de Aviz will preside over the Holy Eucharist and interact with the cloistered nuns of Kenya at the Subiaco Center for Spirituality in Karen, before meeting the Bishops and Major Superiors in Kenya later in the day at Dimesse Spirituality Centre in Karen, Nairobi.

The following three days (September 23 – 25) will have facilitated inputs from selected speakers and discussions around the theme “Consecrated Life in Africa Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow,” to be hosted at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA).

The sessions about consecrated life in Africa will begin with a convocation address by Cardinal Bráz de Aviz, who will be introduced to the participants by the Apostolic Nuncio in Kenya, Archbishop Charles Daniel Balvo.

Among the topics lined up for presentation by selected Church leaders, to be followed by forums for discussion, include Living the Evangelical Counsels in East Africa; Charismatic Maturity: A Persistent Challenge for Consecrated Life in Africa; Juridical Considerations in the Dismissal of Religious in the African Context; Doing Formation in East Africa: Contexts, Struggles, Possibilities; Mutuae Relationes: On the Relationship between Bishops and Religious; Religious Life in the Vernacular: Challenge, Revelation; and The Prophetic Character of the Consecrated Life.

A couple of expositions are being organized around the following themes: The State of Consecrated Life in Africa: Survey Analysis and Report on the State of the Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults in Kenya.

The last day of the conference will take place at Tangaza University College Grounds, beginning with a prayer service in commemorations of persons considered “Saints” and “Martyrs” among the consecrated in the Church of Kenya, followed by the concluding Eucharistic celebration, to be presided over by Cardinal Bráz de Aviz.

Nuncio in Ghana Urges Youth to be Committed to Catholic Ideals

CANAA || By Angela Ofosu Boateng and Damian Avevor || 02 September 2015

The Apostolic Nuncio in Ghana, Archbishop Jean-Marie Speich, has called upon the youth in Ghana to show commitment to the Catholic ideals in spite of enticements that might lure them into other ways.

The Archbishop stressed that despite difficulties, the youth needed not be discouraged and give up their Catholic ideals but instead let their hard work and commitment to their human, intellectual and spiritual formation remain the priority.

He said this in his homily at the conclusion of the third Ghana version of the World Youth Day celebration held at Cape Coast on August 30, 2015 under the theme: Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God the.

He highlighted aspects like sects, money, drugs, casual sex, violence, power, selfishness, malice, among others as possible enticements that tempt the youth.

“In order to grow in discernment, along with the strength and the freedom needed to resist these pressures, I encourage you to place Jesus Christ at the centre of your lives through prayer, but also through reading and study of sacred Scripture, frequent recourse to the sacraments, formation in the Church’s social teaching, and your active and enthusiastic participation in ecclesial groups and movements,” Archbishop Speich further advised.

Meanwhile, in his keynote address at the same event, the President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference (GCBC) stressed the need for the Church in Ghana to take formation of the youth seriously, encouraging the use the formative period of catechism to teach Catholic youth the basic tenets of the faith to enable them have a solid understanding of the word of God, Catholic orthodoxy and practice.

The message was delivered on his behalf by GCBC Vice President, Bishop Anthony Kwame Adanuty of Keta-Akatsi Diocese.

The message emphasized the need for dioceses and Archdioceses to establish youth counselling centres with requisite resources to offer counselling services to the youth and help equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge to develop both physically and spiritually.

The need to build the capacity of diocesan and Archdiocesan Youth Chaplains was also underlined.

The weeklong youth event concluded on Sunday, August 30.

Below is the full text of the homily by the Apostolic Nuncio in Ghana

3^RD GHANA VERSION OF THE WORLD YOUTH DAY CELEBRATION

CAPE COAST, 30^TH AUGUST, 2015, 22^nd Sunday in Ordinary Time -Homily

Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 6-8; St. James 1:17-18, 21-22; Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23

“BLESSED ARE THE PURE IN HEART, FOR THEY SHALL SEE GOD” (Matthew 5:8)

Brothers in the bishopric and the priesthood, dear sisters and brothers in Jesus Christ, I bring you the Apostolic Blessings and Greetings of our Holy Father, Pope Francis. Warm greetings to the parents, sponsors, well-wishers and collaborators! I am indeed very happy to be with you today here in Cape Coast as you are concluding the 3^rd Ghana version of the World Youth Day Celebration.

For starting few words about today’s readings! This may be a bit far-fetched, but suppose you gave a big feast, rented a banquet room in a very fancy restaurant and all your invited guests just happened to work in a pig farm, tending hogs, mucking pens and generally getting themselves filthy dirty. Now suppose they all arrived at your party totally honored and delighted to be invited, but without having washed up in the least, so used to being dirty, and ready to dig and eat without so much as washing their hands. It doesn’t sound like a very appetizing scenario. We’d probably be rather put off by such guests.

Jesus and his disciples are chided today for being something like the hog tenders who don’t wash up according to accepted customs of cleanliness and etiquette. Jesus turns the tables on the accusing scribes and Pharisees, by telling them they are much worse off because they have unclean hearts, internal impurity. Which is more important to God, Jesus asks: clean hands and body or a clean mind and heart? The scribes and Pharisees accuse Jesus’ disciples of breaking ritual traditions of purity. Jesus deals with the matter by going to the heart of the problem: looking at what God desires, rather than humans. God looks into the heart, Jesus says, while humans only see what is external: external purity. What is the purpose of all the commandments, Jesus is indirectly asking? Is it not to free oneself to love more, be nearer to God and more available to serve God and others? It is not to free ourselves from norms built up only to become chains of slavery loosing the spiritual meaning of the rules, rules only created to deepen the relations with God and our neighbor?

That doesn’t seem to be a preoccupation of the scribes and Pharisees, though. Jesus is unafraid to call these reli-gious authorities hypocrites, literally people who wear masks, who are only acting. Like actors, they put on a show, making people think they are obeying God’s law, while in fact they are harboring evil desires and intentions.

Now who of us, we may ask, is completely free of such bias? Probably few or none of us, but we should recognize that acting (hypocrisy) is a problem and seek to eradicate it in our life by the help of God’s grace. Jesus is telling the scribes and Pharisees that they are not even aware of, let alone striving to change, their hypocritical ways.

Secondly, after telling them of their hypocrisy, Jesus says his accusers are abandoning God’s word and substi-tuting their narrow interpretations for what God is actually asking: a clean heart, free of malice, judging, covetousness, deceit, etc. Jesus refers them to a prophecy of Isaiah (29: 13), where the prophet accuses his hearers of paying God lip service but with hearts a million kilometers away from their Maker. There is only one way to reverse such trends and that is to be open to God’s ways, walking in love and not judging others. Such a stance, which is also called openness to God’s grace, will gradually purify intentions, set one on fire for God’s ways, in the love of the Holy Spirit.

So we may ask: am I committed to eliminating from my life that which is other than God? Does the sacrifice I offer to God each day in prayer, ritual and good works flow from a willing heart, albeit imperfect, but striving to have the right motives? Or am I stuffed up with self, judgment of others, and really leaving no place for God to get into my life? No one can answer that question for me nor I for anyone else. It is very personal and individual and we are lovingly invited by God today to choose God’s ways above all else. At the end what mean purity for me, in my behavior, in my life?

Dear young friends, the Theme of this 3^rd Ghana Version of the World Youth Day is: “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” Indeed, each one of us wants to see God! St. John said in the beginning of his Gospel: “No one has ever seen God; it is the only Son, who is nearest to the Father’s heart, who has made him known” (Jn 1:18). So, if we know the Son, if we become sons and daughters in him, we will be able to see Him. Various ways are proposed. We can imitate Jesus, this can be a first step. We can follow him, that can be another step. Then, we can live in him, that is the last step in the spiritual life.

Dear people of God, enticements of all kinds may tempt you: ideologies, sects, money, drugs, casual sex, violence, power, selfishness, malice… Be vigilant: those who propose these things to you want to destroy your future! In spite of difficulties, do not be discouraged and do not give up your catholic ideals, your hard work and your commitment to your human, intellectual and spiritual formation! In order to grow in discernment, along with the strength and the freedom needed to resist these pressures, I encourage you to place Jesus Christ at the centre of your lives through prayer, but also through reading and study of sacred Scripture, frequent recourse to the sacraments, formation in the Church’s social teaching, and your active and enthusiastic participation in ecclesial groups and movements. Cultivate a yearning for fraternity, justice and peace. The future is in the hands of those who find powerful reasons to live and to hope today. If you want it, the future is in your hands, because the gifts that the Lord has bestowed upon each one of you, strengthened by the encounter with Christ, can bring genuine hope to the world and to your country!

When it comes to making life choices, when you find yourselves considering the question of a total consecration to Christ – in the ministerial priesthood, in the consecrated life or in a different way, in marriage – turn to him, take him as your model, and listen to his word by meditating on it regularly. If we let Christ into our lives, we lose nothing, nothing, absolutely nothing of what makes life free, beautiful and great. No! Only in this friendship is the great potential of human existence truly revealed… Dear young people: Do not be afraid of Christ! He takes nothing away from you, but he gives you everything. When we give ourselves to him, we receive a hundredfold in return. Yes, open, open wide your doors to Christ – and you will find true life.

Dear friends in Christ, I find it very suitable to share with you some thoughts and ideas from the address of His Holiness Pope Francis to the young people a few months ago[1]. Answering to the questions that were put to him by se-veral young people, the Pope said that the first question, on love, questions us on the profound meaning of God’s love, offered to us by the Lord Jesus. He shows us to what point love goes: to the total gift of oneself, to giving one’s own life. However, this gift of ourselves must not be imagined as a rare heroic gesture or reserved to some exceptional occasion. In fact, we could run the risk of singing of love, of dreaming of love, of applauding love ... without letting ourselves be tou-ched and involved in it! The grandeur of love is revealed in taking care of those in needs, with devotion and patience; therefore, great of love is the one who is able to become small for others, like Jesus, who became a servant. To love is to become neighbour, to touch the flesh of Christ in the poor and the least, to open to God’s grace the needs, the appeals, the loneliness of the people around us. Then the love of God enters, transforms and renders little things great, it makes them the sign of his presence.

In the light of this transformation, Pope Francis answer-red the second question on mistrust in life. The lack of work and of prospects for the future certainly contributes to halting the very movement of life, putting many on the defen-sive: to think of themselves, to manage time and resources for their own good, to limit the risks of any generosity.... They are all symptoms of a life held back, preserved at all costs and which, in the end, can also lead to resignation and cynicism. Instead, Jesus teaches us to go the other way: “whoever would save his life will lose it; and whoever loses his life for my sake, he will save it” (Lk 9:24). This means that we must not wait for favourable external circumstances to really get involved but that, on the contrary, only by com-mitting our life — aware of losing it! — we create for others and for ourselves the conditions of new trust in the future. … This is the way to experience fully the strength and joy of the Gospel. In this way, not only will you find trust in the future, but you will succeed in generating hope among your friends and in the environments in which you live.

The third question putted to Pope Francis stated: how can friendship be lived in an open way, capable of passing on the joy of the Gospel? The Pope answered that he learned that the square in which they were gathered is very popular among young people on Friday and Saturday evenings. It happens the same way in all our cities and towns. I think that even some of you meet here or in other squares with your friends. And so I ask you a question — each one think and answer it to himself — in those moments, when you are with others, are you able to let your friendship with Jesus “shine through” in your attitudes, in your way of behaving? Do you sometimes think, too, in your free time, when relaxing, that you are little shoots attached to the Vine that is Jesus? I assure you that thinking about this reality with faith, you will feel flowing within you the “lymph” of the Holy Spirit, and you will bear fruit, almost without realizing it: you will be able to be courageous, patient, humble, capable of sharing but also of differentiating yourselves, to rejoice with those who rejoice, and to weep with those who weep; you will be able to love those who do not love you, respond to evil with good. And thus you will proclaim the Gospel!

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” We need to protect the purity of what is most precious for all of us Christians: our heart and our relationships. Pope Fran-cis uses the words, the concept used by Saint John Paul II and after by Pope Emeritus Benedict, who spoke about “hu-man ecology”… this means purity whished by God for the good of humanity. This purity or human ecology “will help each one of us to breathe the pure fresh air that comes from beauty, from true love, and from holiness”. That comes from God! Let the Holy Spirit breath in all of us!

Let the Holy Spirit purify all of us! Let the Holy Spirit help and guide all of us! Amen.

H.E. Mons. Jean Marie Speich,

Apostolic Nuncio to Ghana

Catholic Women in Africa Encouraged to Make a Difference in the World

CANAA || By Benedict Assorow, SECAM || 02 September 2015

His Eminence, John Cardinal Njue of Nairobi, Kenya has exhorted Catholic women in Africa to go out and make a difference in their communities and society in general by expressing their faith openly in all activities that promote the culture of justice, peace and reconciliation and development in Africa.

Addressing the closing session of the Pan-African meeting of Catholic Women in Nairobi on Wednesday, September 2, Cardinal Njue also asked the women to be vigilant and strive to defend the Church in the face of new forms of ideologies and attacks that are being used by some organisations and individuals with the aim of destroying the Catholic Church.

The theme of the meeting was: The African Woman Moving Towards the African Year of Reconciliation.

“I encourage you to uphold your dignity as women, as mothers and as wives to use your persuasive power to defend the Church at all times and for the  promotion of peaceful co-existence on our dear continent-Africa,”  the Cardinal  appealed.

He urged the women to return to their countries and families more renewed and more reconciled with their husbands and children.

“A woman is the image of God’s love like man is the image of God’s paternity,” Cardinal Njue reminded the dozens of women from eighteen African countries, inviting them to live the sacraments of their faith and to remain close to the Church “through prayer, the observance of the Word of God and in [their] daily endeavours.”

He assured the women of his prayer and that of the bishops of Africa in their lay apostolate.

An explanation on a SECAM poster for the celebration of the African Year of Reconciliation from July 29, 2015 to July 29, 2016 was presented to the Cardinal by Father Edouard Mombili, Secretary General of the Episcopal Conferences of Central Africa (ACEAC).

Afterwards, a copy of the poster was given to Cardinal Njue by Father Samuel de Jesus Paquete, Second Deputy Secretary General of SECAM.

The three-day meeting was organised by SECAM with the support of MISSIO, Aachen, Germany, and the Solidarity Fund of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), two of the Partner Agencies of SECAM.

The conference was hosted by the Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa (AMECEA).

Paulines Publications Africa Releases New Books on Family in Africa ahead of the Synod on the Family

CANAA || By Fr. Don Bosco Onyalla, Nairobi || 03 September 2015

Paulines Publications Africa has released three new books offering reflections on the family in Africa, ahead of the Synod of on the Family scheduled to take place at the Vatican next month, October 4-25, 2015.

Two of the books focus on the family while one discusses the Church as Family.

The three books include:

1. Christ’s New Homeland: Africa
2. The Church we Want: Foundations, Theology and Mission of the Church in Africa
3. African Family Today

In the book, Christ’s New Homeland: Africa, ten African Cardinals and Bishops have written about the attitudes of Africans towards marriage and the family.

These Church leaders discuss the culture and traditions of the people within their pastoral contexts. They also draw inspiration from the teaching of the Church on marriage and the family.

At a cost of US$ 4.50, the book offers unique insights into the way African look at the marriage and family institutions.

The book, The Church we Want: Foundations, Theology and Mission of the Church in Africa, is the third volume of the recently concluded three-year theological colloquium on Church, religion and society in Africa (TCCRSA), which brought together selected African Catholic Scholars from different linguistic and geographical regions of the continent as well as gender, generational, and ecclesial diversity have been gathering in Nairobi.

The discussions during the colloquium were aimed at developing, modeling, and sustaining a new and innovative methodology and process of theological reflection, research, and study at the service of the African Church and the World Church.”

At a cost of US$10.00, the book presents analyses, models, and portraits of the Church in Africa from a variety of perspectives, among them, historical, theological, ecumenical, cultural, as well as contemporary.

In the book, African Family Today, scholars and practitioners in the pastoral context of accompanying families offer their reflections on the family in Africa.

The book is an initiative of Tangaza University College. The editors of the book have put together various reflections on the reality of the family in Africa as a contribution towards the forthcoming Synod of Bishops on the family.

According to the Director of Paulines Publications Africa, Sr. Teresa Marcazzan, the books can be purchased from any of their main outlets in Africa, namely, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, South Sudan, Malawi, Zambia, South Africa, and Nigeria.

Sr. Marcazzan told CANAA that the books can also be purchased online using information available on the Paulines Africa website: www.paulinesafrica.org

“These books and in particular CHRIST’S NEW HOMELAND: AFRICA (can be of) very special interest (for anyone who wants) to understand and follow the works of the Synod on the Family,” Sr. Marcazzan told CANAA, clarifying that the books are quite comprehensive and include “topics and issues that will stand also after the Synod.”

“The African Church wants to make their voice heard in the Universal Church! And the African Church has a lot to say about Family life,” she also said, adding, “We shall post (the books) at once after the payment is done.”

Paulines Publications Africa is a communication project of the Daughters of St Paul, an international religious congregation using the communication media to evangelize and to promote the dignity of all people.

Bishops in Kenya Announce Pope Francis’ Visit, Catholic MPs want the Pope to Address Parliament

CANAA || By Fr. Don Bosco Onyalla, Nairobi || 03 September 2015

The Catholic Bishops of Kenya have officially announced the visit to the country by the Holy Father, attributing the pastoral visit to the invitation they extended to the Pope during their Ad Limina visit in April.

The announcement was contained in a letter signed by the Chairman of the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB), Bishop Philip Anyolo, addressed to “Christians, fellow Kenyans and the family of God.”

“On behalf of all Bishops, I am glad to inform you that The Holy Father has accepted our invitation and will visit Kenya in November 2015,” Bishop Anyolo stated in the letter, making reference to the April 13-17, 2015 visit of the Kenyan Bishops to Rome.

Bishop Anyolo went on to say that the Church leaders were collaborating with the government of Kenya on logistics around the visit, describing the Pope’s pastoral trip as “a State Visit.”

“We will inform you dear Christians on the fine details of the visit and the different preparations for receiving the Holy Father,” Bishop Anyolo assured, calling for support and prayers ahead of the Pope’s first visit in Africa and “for justice and peace founded on the love of God” in Kenya.

The Nuncio in Kenya and South Sudan, Archbishop Charles Daniel Balvo, told CANAA in an interview that the Holy Father’s maiden visit to Africa would involve three capital cities, beginning with Nairobi, then Kampala, and finally Bangui in the Central African Republic.

The Nuncio revealed, during the interview, that the Pope will arrive in Nairobi on November 25 and that visiting State House, presiding over Holy Eucharist at a Nairobi ground, meeting with clergy and religious, visiting the United Nations offices and a Nairobi slum will among the activities during the two-day pastoral trip, before leaving for Uganda’s capital, Kampala on November 27.

Meanwhile, Kenyan Catholic Members of Parliament (MPs) have requested the Holy Father to address parliament when he visits Kenya.

According to a report, the MPs made known their wish at the Vatican where they were attending the international conference of Catholic legislators at the weekend, an annual event “brings together all Catholic MPs from Europe, America, Asia and Africa.”

"I hope that he (Pope Francis) will not snub Parliament like [US President Barack] Obama did in July," Kiminini MP Chris Wamalwa, who is the vice chairman of the association of Kenya Catholic MPs, was quoted as saying.

According the Nuncio in Kenya, the Kenyan Bishops have chosen “To stay strong in the faith” as the theme that will guide the Holy Father’s pastoral visit to their country and that the full itinerary of the Pope’s first pastoral visit to Africa will be published sometime in October.