ZAM MISSION IN MAP

 

“His life is our life, and His mission is our mission”

Dear confreres, 

It is during this time of the year that, once again, we remind ourselves about our common vision rooted in Christ himself, that is, “His life is our life, and His mission is our mission”. Let us also remind ourselves that, as an intercultural religious missionary community we strive to share in the daily dreams and struggles of our people. Despite our different ministries and communities, let it remain in unity and communion, of which we are called for, to live with the Father and the Son.

 

It is this unity that brings fulfilment to our religious life and in our communities. This is what we are called for, to seek the mind and the will of God in all things, and our whole being will be drawn into greater unity and communion with God. The indivisible unity of the Trinity is the source and pattern of our oneness as followers of Christ. Just as he prayed for us, “that, indeed we may be one..." This is a prayer for the salvation of believers, and a testimony for others who see how we live our Christian life, and how we live in our communities. 

We are equally called to share in the very unity and “communion of love” which is found in the life of the Most Holy Trinity. Each person of the Holy Trinity has perfect respect for the other, giving selflessly to each other without reserve, and receiving each person in their totality. In the same way, we are also called to respect one another, to give ourselves selflessly to one another, and to be receptive to others. It is their love as Holy Trinity that makes them one and enables them to act together in perfect harmony as a communion of Divine Persons. Even for us Christ’s followers, when we work and act together, supporting one another, perfect harmony will always accompany us. And when we love one another, we become true witnesses to this communion of unity. 

God wants us to share in a communion of life, not only with the Most Holy Trinity, but also with those around us. By being one and in relationship with God, we also enter into that relationship with those people put into our lives, our community members, and those whom we are called to serve. Our oneness in relationship with God and with one another is the model of how we love others. The year 2022 will soon pass and remain in memory. 

A lot has happened. Struggles and achievements have been experienced, and in all these, let us take a moment to reflect on how this might have shaped our lives. May this Advent Season, in which we prepare ourselves to commemorate the birth of Jesus, the preparation for Christ’s second coming, remind us of our need to continuous welcoming God into our lives. Wishing you all a nourishing Advent Season. 

By: Fr. Kawana Martin, SVD

VOCATION PROMOTION OFFICE

Six candidates were accepted by the Zambia Mission council to begin their Pre-Philosophy Formation program in Ndolowane, Zimbabwe (two from Kasama, one from Kitwe, Ndola, Chingola and Kapiri Mposhi). However, due to challenges regarding acquisition of Passports at present in the country, only four candidates reported in Ndolowane after a long wait. Others are still on their ‘advent’ of waiting for the release of their passports. 

There will be a ‘Come and See’ Vocation workshop for our aspirants who wish to come and learn our way of life Six candidates were accepted by the Zambia Mission council to begin their Pre-Philosophy Formation program in Ndolowane, Zimbabwe (two from Kasama, one from Kitwe, Ndola, Chingola and Kapiri Mposhi). However, due to challenges regarding acquisition of Passports at present in the country, only four candidates reported in Ndolowane after a long wait. 

Others are still on their ‘advent’ of waiting for the as Divine Word Missionaries from 19th to 22nd December 2022 at St. Charles Lwanga Parish, Chindwin in Kabwe. We are therefore kindly entreated to encourage the young men in our parishes who have completed Grade 12 and those attending Senior Secondary School to participate in the program. Interested aspirants can contact the office of the Vocation Director on 0977927562.

By: Fr. Kangwa Bwalya

JPIC PROGRAMME AT PILOSOPHY HOUSE

 We had a privilege of meeting Fr. Lawrence, who is the coordinator for Justice peace and integrity of creation (JPIC) which is one of the important dimensions of the Society of the Divine Word SVD. As hinted in the tittle above, the three times we met within the month of November 2022, the meetings were centered on the Encyclical of Pope Francis on nature famously called in Italian LAUDATO SI which was published in 2015. 

 LAUDATO SI is structured after the famous canticle of St. Francis of Assisi on nature in which he exalts the Lord for putting nature at the disposal of human beings. As such, all phenomena in the universe are intrinsically connected to us human beings as we all move and have our being in him (Acts 17:28), Who is the ONE and the UNMOVABLE MOVER. Therefore, in referring to natural phenomenon, Francis of Assisi used names such as brother fire and sister water to express this intimate connection nature has with human beings.

Further, the pope in this encyclical raises a number of issues regarding the way nature, that is, the surroundings or environment, (which I have referred to earlier on as intimately connected to us) has been treated. The fundamental argument in this encyclical can be summed up in the following syllogism. 1. Nature is our brother and sister 2. No one would like to do harm to his brother and sister 3. Therefore, we should not do harm to nature which is our brother and sister. From the SVD philosophy student’s understanding, the above presents the core of the encyclical. It calls all humanity to wake up from the slumber of the injustices done to nature. 

We found the meetings fruitful because, from a philosophical point of view following the thinking of Martin Heidegger, the world provides a platform upon which human beings can fully realize themselves. So, if we do harm to the world, we actually destroy ourselves for we are beings in the world. This line of thinking coincides with the belief that, when we do harm to nature, nature will do harm back to us. In conclusion, they say knowledge is power, this knowledge we have acquired will be a weapon for us to use to explain to our brothers and sisters who had no such opportunity to be enlightened as we were on the importance of nature. We indeed thank Fr. Lawrence for finding time from his busy schedule to impart this awareness of the need to regard nature as our brother and sister whom we cannot do away dispassionately. 

BLACK FRIDAY CELEBRATIONS AT HOLY FAMILY PARISH

 The last weekend of November which is referred to as Black Friday weekend is known for massive promotions and huge discounts on a number of items and products and services. In view of this, most shopping malls and stores were filled great multitudes of people. The young, youth, adults and the old all could be seen taking part in this mesmerizing activity. Holy Family Parish Linda was not left out in the Black Friday-weekend activities of the City of Lusaka as the Parish church ground was equally packed with hundreds of Parishioners who celebrated this day in spectacular fashion. While others in the city trooped to the stores for a number of purchases on discounted items, the Parishioners made for the parish to participate in the St. Cecilia annual Parish singing festivals which is looked forward to with great excitement. 

This is mainly because Holy Family Parish is known for singing. In fact, one would be justified to say that singing is in the DNA of the people of Linda Parish for this reason the entire day was filled with nothing but great euphoria from the young to the old who part in the celebrations. The singing festivals began with the Eucharistic Celebration at 8:00hrs which was presided over Fr. Kangwa Bwalya, SVD and were in attendance were Fr. Lawrence Likulano, SVD, the Parish Priest and Fr. Nchimunya Haakakata, OMI (from Mazabuka). 

 Immediately after the Eucharistic celebration, choirs from all the Small Christian Communities to take the stage one after to showcase their stylish and well-prepared presentations ranging from their outfit, dance moves as well as their composed songs dedicated to St. Cecilia. In addition, this weekend was especially important for the Parish as the youth hosted their counterparts from Our Lady of Assumption Parish, from the sweet town of Mazabuka, the home of Zambia Sugar. 

The long-awaited maiden interaction between the two parishes was characterized by a number of activities which included, drama, poetry and a number of cultural exhibitions. As the saying goes, whatever goes up comes down, at the end of this interaction, the host parish was left with a feeling of indebtedness to reciprocate the visit in the soonest time possible. By: Fr. Kangwa Bwalya

SHARING OF MISSION FR. ANTHONY MUSONDA AT PHILOSOPHY HOUSE

As Philosophy students, we had the honor of meeting Fr. Anthony Musonda, an SVD missionary from Zambia who is currently working in Paraguay. He had always wanted to be a missionary priest since he was a child. Fr. Autonomy began his SVD formation program in Kabwe in 2007. The program, known as the pre-philosophy stage, lasted one year. After that, he moved to Lusaka to study philosophy at St. Bonaventure University for three years. For him, philosophy should exist to assist individuals in broadening their understanding of God. 

It was encouraging for us because we are studying philosophy at St. Bonaventure University. In 2011, he went to Ghana for novitiate after finishing philosophy. His desire to explore different cultures grew stronger. Novitiate was a special year for him because it provided him with ample opportunity to reflect on himself and his vocation. He experienced the true nature of life in the congregation during his novitiate, and his mind and heart were formed in the spirit. He accomplished the following goals during his novitiate: 

 • He was initiated into the fundamentals of religious life. 

 • He was introduced to the practice of evangelical counsels. 

 •He was introduced to the charism of the SVD congregation. 

 •He was led to deeply commit himself to the congregation's apostolic activities. 

 •He was helped to gain a better understanding and appreciation for everything related to God's kingdom. 

He went to Kenya to study theology after taking temporal vows in the novitiate. After completing the first two years of theology, he applied for the two-year OTP (Overseas Training Program). He was given the opportunity to gain pastoral experience in Paraguay. His first year was spent learning a language, and his final year was spent gaining pastoral experience. Following the OTP, he returned to Kenya to complete his final two years of theology. 

In 2017, he made his final vows. He was ordained as a priest in 2018. When he returned to Paraguay for the second time as a missionary priest, he faced a language barrier. Some foods were unfamiliar to him due to the new cultural experience. In Paraguay, the official languages are Spanish and Guarani. Currently, the SVD is active in parishes and schools. Furthermore, they promote four distinct characteristic dimensions: Biblical Apostolate, Mission Animation, JPIC, and Communication. 

Fr. Anthony previously served as an assistant parish priest. He is, however, currently under by the school administration. We, the students, are overjoyed to hear about Fr. Anthony Musonda’s wonderful experience. He always encouraged us to study and read the Bible. He went on to say that what you learn at St. Bonaventure University today will help you make your way in the future. You won’t be able to apply everything you have learned, but you will have a solid foundation to work from.

CHRIST THE KING CELEBRATION IN ST. CHARLES LWANGA PARISH

 We celebrated Christ the King at St Charles Lwanga Parish in a very special way. We had one mass and it started at 08:00hrs. The procession started from the Parish house and we had three priests Fr. Silvio, Fr. George and Fr. Philip who were accompanied by the Buomba, Stella girls, altar boys and the two tribes which were chosen to represent all the tribes or cultures we have in Zambia. During the procession the two tribes danced according to them.

tradition while the Buomba were singing and beating the drums. The Lozis dressed according to their culture. Every year, as summer gives way to winter the Kuomboka procession is a flurry of vibrant colours, beating drums and chanting voices. Kuombaka is a word in the Lozi language which means to get out of water. All women were dressed in flamboyant traditional silozi dress known as misisi while men were men dressed in siziba. 

 During glory the Lozi people danced and demonstrated what they do in their culture. The Ngonis dressed in their attire according to their ceremony, the dress code for Ngoni people is animal skin of some sort of all ceremony is celebrated in February, and it is called N’cwala ceremony. N’Cwala means harvest it is an annual traditional ceremony where the Ngoni people of the Eastern Province of Zambia come together during the last weekend of February. It so happens to pay homage to their chief Mpezeni and God for Gift of the first fruits and food. During thanksgiving song, the Ngoni people danced and demonstrated what they do in their culture. 

AN INTERACTION WITH THE SSPS

The SVD Constitutions (no. 311) states, “Because of our common ties we seek to work closely with the Missionary Congregation of the sisters of the Holy Spirit (SSpS), who have the same father and founder as ourselves”. It was in this same spirit that, on the 1st of November, the Divine Word Novitiate Community, Kabwe, celebrated the end-of-month socials for October with our sisters from the newly established Masansa Community of Kabwe diocese: Srs. Nomsa Mbobo, Viera Klabnikova and Gasparina Benga with their CLT Visitator Sr. Jana Paula Tothova. Present were Fr. George Clement Angmor, SVD-the Novice Master, Br. Ferdi Selan, SVD-the Community Treasurer, Fr. George Biju Mappoore, SVD – the Parish Priest of Holy Rosary Parish, Mukobeko. 

It was at the occasion of their passing an overnight with us, enroute to their community after their Chapter in Lusaka. As Arnoldus family, our socializing was accompanied and fostered by a delicious meal, drinks and other refreshments. During this occasion the sisters shared some experiences and challenges in their respective Missions. Among some of the challenges shared, of special concern was the lack of corporation from some parish priests. Because of this, it becomes difficult for them to work effectively and fully engage themselves in their pastoral ministry. them for the time and experiences shared.

In addition, they expressed a challenge in the care of street children. They reiterated that there is need for special attention and care for young people. From their experiences, some of the kids leave their parents’ homes to live on the streets due to the lack of family attention, affection and care. That being the case, they then opt to go and stay on the streets where they assume and experience the spirit of community and accompaniment from other street kids. Also, they mentioned that whenever, and wherever in life, it is always necessary to request for help or assistance when one does not know. Lastly, the very striking point emphasized was about perseverance in prayer. Our persistence and perseverance in prayer really touch people’s lives. 

In a testimony shared by Sr. Vierra, her perseverance in prayer converted the heart of a patient whom she was praying for in a certain hospital. After some time, the patient asked for confession before his death, and later, the family thanked Sr. Vierra for her prayers. In conclusion, it must not be taken for granted that our experiences really shape our life and the way we approach and perceive the reality. Thus, our interaction with our sisters as a community has left a water mark, which would be difficult to forget. We are grateful to them for the time and experiences shared. 

 By: Frt. Oscar

MONTH OF ROSARY AT HOLY ROSARY PARISH

Catholic Church at Mukobeko is named after Our Lady of the Holy Rosary. This parish is over 60 years old. This year we observed October, the month of Rosary by praying Rosary every day in the Small Christian Communities and to conclude it with a Rosary rally and Holy Mass. 

The theme of this year was Mary Mother of our Families, aligning ourselves along the theme of Kabwe Diocese. John 19:27 was chosen as the Biblical verse, This is your mother. The Liturgy Committiee proposed 5 intentions to be prayed for and the SCC to add their own. The participation of the faithful were very good both in the SCC and rosary rally. 

The rosary rally started with lighted candle at 16:15 hours at Mukobeko Clinic. Different decades were prayed at different stations ending in the Church. The Holy Eucharist followed. We were blessed to conclude the month of the Rosary with a pilgrim walk. 

By: Fr. Biju

Profession of First Vows

 

        The five young men - Frt. DERY Augustine-Ghanian, Frt. APPIAH Samuel-Ghanian, Frt. OMBUNA Cosmas-Kenyan, Frt. LUNGA Busani-Zimbabwean, and Frt. MATIWAZA Hanani-Zimbabwean, had just finished their canonical year at the SVD Novitiate House, Kabwe-Dallas. They have been journeying together discerning their vocation for the past twelve months. They were aiming to mature and clarify their vocation, as stated in the SVD Constitutions [no. 512]. Indeed, it was a long and successful stage completed by these five young men. The Eucharistic celebration for the First Profession of vows took place at the St. Charles Lwanga Parish, Chindwin- Kabwe, on the 17th of July, 2022. The main celebrant was the Mission Superior of Zambia, Fr. Martin Kawana, concelebrated by Regional Superior of Zimbabwe, Fr. Vincent Mwiya, Director of Novices, Fr. George Clement Angmor, SVD, Philosophy House Formator-Fr. Titus (Prefect), Fr. Theophany Musengo, Fr. Theodore, Parish Priest of Chindwin-Fr. Silvio.

 

    A multitude of congregants were present to support this event; different religious congregations, parishioners from the hosting parish and from St. Monica Parish-Lukanga, Our Lady of Holy Rosary-Mukobeko, as well as the Friends of the SVD from Linda Parish-Lusaka. It was a blessing to witness this ceremony as the young men were taking their First vows in front of the congregation. The singing was melodious such that everyone could shake his/her body enjoying the music. In addition, the first group of SVD Friends in Kabwe was also inaugurated by the Mission Superior-Fr.Martin Kawana. The inaugurated members were from Chindwin Parish, Mukobeko Parish, and St Monica Parish.

Investiture Ceremony of 2022-23 Novices

         On the 14th of July, 2022, six (6) young men officially began their Canonical year (Novitiate) in Kabwe. The investiture ceremony was led by the Director of Novices-Fr. George Clement Angmor, SVD in the Novitiate Chapel. Present was the outgoing novices (Cosmas Ombuna, Hanani Matiwaza, Busani Lunga, Augustine Dery and Samuel Appiah), Fr. Kangwa, SVD and Fr. Titus, SVD. The Lord called these youngmen from different parts of Africa: West Africa (Ghana)-Felix BANGFO & Derek Kwasi Senam NUTSHUGAH, (Togo) - Larios KUNAKEY, Central Africa (Congo)-Hirlain SAWANA & Henoch MAKIADI and Southern Africa-Oscar SAIMON. They answered the call, and beginning their novitiate, were given cassocks which tends to remind them to always be another Christ (alter Christus), to be a symbol of hope to the people they encounter. They were also encouraged to imitate the simplicity of Christ who called them, and to be knowledgeable about Christ. Additionally, they were given the constitution of the Society of Divine Word (SVD), to discern, clarify and mature their vocation in accord with the SVD spirituality.

“MY VOWS TO THE LORD I WILL FULFILL…” (PSALM 116:14)

 

[PROFESSION OF RELIGIOUS VOWS, SVD ZAMBIA MISSION]

Before Jesus’ ministry, he fasted, he was tested and spent days at a lonely place in prayers (cf Matthew 4:1-11). Thus, at a certain point in time in the life of a religious, it is necessary to retreat from the crowd; ‘world’, reflect on your vocation, mission, the will of God, and to seek the ‘face’ of God more deeply and intimately. So it is in the formational life of an individual who desires to become a religious missionary.

There is a mandatory canonical (novitiate) year formational programme that an individual who has the zeal and desire to be a member of the Society of the Divine Word (SVD) ought to undertake.

This one year novitiate programme offers deep spiritual activities for the candidate to be able to come into close intimacy with God, reflect and mature in his vocation and to learn more and understand the religious missionary life of the SVDs. After a successful completion of this novitiate year programme, with a deep reflection to continue one’s formation with the SVDs, and been found worthy to join the Society by the Novice Master, the Superior and his Council, the candidate (novice) is given the chance to freely profess his first religious vows in the Society without been compelled by force, grave fear, or deceit. (cf SVD Const. 707).

Among the four (4) novices for the 2020/2021 canonical year for the Divine Word novitiate in Dallas-Kabwe, for Zambia Mission, two were Zimbabweans and the other two were Zambians. They are Frts. Chiorese Obvious, Mabwanda Timothy, Doolo Clarence, Mungole Jocy and respectively. Although culturally and nationalistically different, they accompanied each other throughout this spiritual year, and the love of Christ compelled them to become one as companions on a journey to reach this far.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic ravaging the whole world, the 2021 profession of the first religious vows for the SVD Zambia Mission was held in the Novitiate community in Dallas, Kabwe on the 18th day of July, 2021. It was a day of great joy for the SVD Confreres in Zambia to have new men who are well convinced to respond to the call of the Divine Word and been poised to vow and live according to the dictates of the Evangelical Counsels (Consecrated Chastity, Evangelical Poverty, and Apostolic Obedience) and to advance God’s mission for humanity.

In his homily, the Mission Superior of SVD Zambia Mission, Rev. Fr. Martin Kawana, SVD, reminded the newly professed of how they have been living the ‘vows’ outside the vows. Thus, loving others as yourself and been charitable without discrimination is a sign of been chaste. He jog their memory of how they have been modest and simple since their pre-philosophy days, through their philosophical studies and during their novitiate year. He added that, as religious we need to live a simple life for through that, others who are really in need can be helped. He made them understand that, their obedience to their formators and other confreres has brought them this far. The Mission Superior charged them to continue exhibiting these virtues and live the vows more dearly and deeply to be better religious missionaries wherever they will find themselves. Further, he charged the newly professed to hold onto the zealous and enthusiastic life of the SVDs. As part of his exhortation, he thanked the Novice Master, Rev. Fr. Theophan Misengo, SVD for journeying with the four young men successfully. He urged them to hold onto the spiritual life they encountered in the novitiate and allow themselves to be well formed as they continue to the next level of SVD formation.

This colourful and spirit-filled occasion was graced by Rev. Fr. Marcio Sanches, SVD, (Mission Admonitor), Rev. Fr. Natun Wendefredus, SVD, Rev. Fr. Madden Peter, SVD, Rev. Fr. George Clement Angmor, SVD (New Novice Master), Br. Selan Ferdi, SVD, Rev. Fr. Saco Alberto, SVD, Rev. Fr. Borges Silvio de Jesus, SVD, and Rev. Fr. Chibale Peter, SVD. The SVD Zambia Novices (2021/2022 batch), and some well-wishers were also present whiles the COVID-19 protocols were fully observed. 

 

BY: APPIAH SAMUEL

Investiture of 2021/2022 Zambia Novices

 

Investiture is basically a simple ceremony to canonically cloth/vest people in formation who are “canonically naked” in the Roman Catholic Church. In the religious sense, this ceremony marks the beginning of one’s novitiate year. The garment used by the Divine Word Missionaries (SVD) candidates for this ceremony is cassock.

Our investiture ceremony was preceded by a day of recollection on 16^th July, 2021 with reflection from John 1:35-42 on the theme, “What are you looking for? Come and see”. This was led by our novice director, Rev. Fr. George Clement Angmor, SVD. The reflection revealed that, the cassock symbolises a person being set apart, a sign of holiness, a sign of a call to duty and that which regulates our habits. An acronym for cassock was developed;

C – Christ; put on Christ

A – Alive; be alive at all times

S – Simplicity; be simple like Christ

S – Service; call to serve

O – Obedience; be obedient like Christ

C – Chaste; be chaste like Christ

K – Knowledgeable; a call to be knowledgeable of Christ.

The recollection which prepared us for the investiture pointed to us the aim of the novitiate. In reference to the SVD Constitution 512, the novitiate serves to mature and clarify a vocation. It provides a basic introduction to the following of Christ as outlined in the life and spirituality of the Society, and enables the novice to understand himself more clearly and to know the Society better in making a mature and responsible decision about his vocation.

On the 17^th day of July, 2021 a private simple ceremony according to the SVD Ceremonial Service in accordance with the SVD Constitution 512.4 took place for the five of us, namely; Busani Lunga (Zimbabwe), Hanani Matiwaza (Zimbabwe), Cosmas Ombuna (Kenya), Samuel Appiah (Ghana), and Augustine Dery (Ghana) to mark our investiture ceremony.

The cassocks were first of all blessed by Rev. Fr. George Clement Angmor, SVD. Each of us vested outside the chapel by the help of the then novices who were preparing to take their first religious vows, and we solemnly returned to the chapel. Senior confreres available congratulated us, notable among them was Bro. Ferdi Selan, SVD, Rev. Fr. Peter Chibale, and Rev. Fr. Martin Kawana, SVD, the Mission Superior for the Zambia Mission. He admonished us to reflect well on our vocation and to allow the will of God to lead us throughout the canonical year.

Furthermore, the investiture marked our official beginning of the novitiate, having in mind our journey on ‘Mount Carmel’. Rev. Fr. George made it known to us that, ‘Mount Carmel’ should remind us of Moses and Abraham on their various mountains seeking the face of God. The call of Moses in Exodus 3 did not end right there, but from time to time, he seeks the face of God up on a mountain, so are we. In these twelve months canonical period, he entreated us to seek the face of God more earnestly and to be detached from the world.

In all, the ceremony was indeed simple and came to an end within the shortest possible time. It was a great joy to be invested. It was like obtaining a precious pearl. To come this far is by grace and on that faithful day to obtain and permissibly be adorned with a cassock was a blessing. It was indeed a memorable day. To God be highest glory and praise forever.   

 

  By Dery Augustine