JOY AT MUKOBEKO PARISH

          I came for Bible workshop to Mukobeko Parish just two days before Palm Sunday. The parishioners’ thoughts were quite a lot directed towards Jesus passion and suffering. Also my program there was delayed because of the death of my sister, who suffered a lot for almost 25 years of her sickness. At the end it was a joy during her funeral and we celebrated her life. 

           There were a number of expectations from me. With my broken chibemba and limited knowledge of the Bible we started the workshop. First it was quite small group. Fr. Dony and the chairman were quite disappointed. I consoled them to be happy, accept the reality and look towards better future. This small group was very alive, full of joy and zeal to know the Bible. Probably God’s words spread very quickly, that the group was growing all the time. In the afternoon a huge garage of Fr. Mukwai was filled. There was not space to park even one car. Maybe one bike still could fit there. Less and less parishioners were preoccupied with the coming of Passion Sunday, but so much concerned with God’s words.

         Generally the atmosphere during workshop was great. The parishioners asked lots of interesting and potential questions. Many questions came from various denominations, Small Christian Communities sharing and different liturgical celebrations. My little Bible knowledge was put to the test. With the help of the Holy Spirit all went well. In fact we were learning together. I believe such workshop is an open eye to all our pastoral activities.

          During the second day of our workshop more leaders attended, because it was a Saturday and they were free from their regular work. They contributed a lot towards the building of Parish Bible Team. Also they wanted me to come back soon with the other Bible workshop. Traditionally I gave them a positive answer. Probably my soon will be shorter than “Jesus soon coming back”.

Prepared by Fr. Romek SVD

OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE NEW NOVITIATE HOUSE KABWE – ZAMBIA

25TH JULY 2018: THE FEAST OF ST. JAMES, THE APOSTLE.

We are gathered together this afternoon to mark the official opening of the New SVD Novitiate House here in Kabwe, Zambia. It is the fourth existing Novitiate House in AFRAM. The three already existing ones are in Luanda – Angola (6 novices),Bandundu – D. R. Congo (9 novices) and Nkwatia-Kwahu – Ghana (13 novice); and this New Novitiate will also have 6 novices. That brings the total number of SVD novices in AFRAM for the 2018/2019 formation year to 34.

1.Joue

“A thousand miles of a journey start with one step”

I am Tovonoely Jean Joseph Hery Joue, from The Archdiocese of Antananarivo in Madagarikana (Madagascar). I was born on the 3^rd of January. I joined the Divine Word Missionaries on the 22^nd of September 2013. After completing philosophy, I was sent to Kenya to learn English for 10 months in preparation for my novitiate in Zambia. I arrived in Zambia on the 10^th of June 2018 and started novitiate on 25^th July 2018.

 

2. Benedict

I am Benedict Musyoki Mwainzia. I come from Machakos Diocese in Kenya. I did my philosophical and religious studies at Consolata Institute of Philosophy in Nairobi and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Philosophy on the 5^th of May 2017. I am now in Zambia for novitiate from 25^th of July 2018 to 25^th of July 2019.

 

3. Rolland

I am Rolland Andriamampionona, from The Diocese of Antsiranana in Madagascar. I did my philosophy in Fianarathoa in Madagascar and completed in 2017. Afterwards I was sent to Kenya to learn English. I comleted the English course in 2018. Currently I am in the novitiate in Zambia.

 

4. Franco

I am Franco TOMBO. I come from Madagascar. I was borne on 19th of December 1991 in Ambanja diocese. I have four brothers and two sisters; I am the third child in our family. In addition, I had done philosophy in Madagascar before I started my noviciate program with four others fraters on 25th of July 2018 in ZAMBIA (Kabwe).

 

5. Adrian

I am Adrian Mutandwa, from St DominicsMubaira in the Archdiocese of Harare in Zimbabwe. I was born on the 7^th of August 1993 in Harare. I joined the Society of the Divine Word on the 11^th of September 2014 and started my formation in Ndolwane, Zimbabwe. I studied philosophy, religious studies and psycho-spirituality at St Bonaventure University College in Lusaka, Zambia. I completed my studies in May 2018. Currently I am in the Novitiate in Kabwe, Zambia. We started the novitiate program on 25^th July 2018.

BLESSING OF ST. JOSEPH FREINADEMETZ

January is a blessed month for us sons and daughters of Arnold Janssen. Simply, it is because we celebrate feast day of two Saints, Arnold Janssen and Joseph Freinademetz.

Our Mission house community graced the feast of today with various activities within and with the people through the apostolates we are entrusted with. On outreach program, Fr. Romek in his sermon, he shared with Saint Theresa Parish and Prisoners about Life and mission of St. Joseph Freinademetz; while Fr. Theophan did the same with the parishioners of two Outstations belong to Dambwa Parish. Besides, there were two activities in the afternoon; a special talk on Joseph Freinademetz at 14.30 and the exposure of Blessed Sacrament at 17.30 in our Chapel, followed by an outing for supper together.

I was touched by the request of Fr. Romek to give a talk on St. Joseph Freinademetz to Vocation Club boys that was established here in Livingstone some time back. More than just sharing the facts about the life and mission of Freinademetz (simple catechesis), I reflected further on how I personally benefit from these two great saints in my 23 years missionary life undertakings here in Zambia. 

For me, Arnold Janssen and Joseph Freinademetz are more than founding fathers and models in life and mission. Personally I treasure them as saints and develop a special devotion to them ever since I came to know their journey of life. I plead God’s blessings through their intersession  for different purposes; may it be for spiritual welfare, or human development for better life of communities I live and work with, or pastoral plans and its implementations, more but a few to mention.

With gratitude I thank God for the many blessings I receive. As a respect and thanks giving, a Multipurpose Hall was built and dedicated to Blessed Joseph Freinademetz by then in Mukuni Parish; a Parish community was established and dedicated to Arnoldus Janssen protection also a Multipurpose Hall dedicated to St. Joseph Freinademetz, both of them in Mwandi Parish.

As we cherries Joseph Freinademetz and other SVD feasts, let us continue striving to share the gifts of our Founding Generations in our individual life, apostolates and parish ministries. We pray that Arnold Janssen, Joseph Freinademetz, SVD Blessed Martyrs and Patron Saints to intercede for blessings to the missions where we life and work.

By Klemens Amaunut, SVD

ZAMBIA MISSION JPIC ACTIVITIES

In our Justice and Peace and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) activities in the Zambia Mission, I coordinate and network with the following groups in the Archdiocese of Lusaka and I hope to collaborate with the Holy Spirit Sisters in Livingstone and other stakeholders in our parishes as soon as possible; Holy Family Parish Catholic Commission of Justice and Peace; Saint Matthias Deanery since I was appointed as a Deanery coordinator of Justice and Peace activities in all the parishes in the deanery; Jesuit Centre For Theological Reflection (JCTR), Lusaka Archdiocese Catholic Commission of Justice and Peace (CCJP), Women and Law In Southern Africa (WLSA) and also with a Christian Denomination Charity Group known as “House of Moses”.

In the year 2018, we manage to coordinate the following JPIC activities:

Firstly, we managed to hold a 5 days “Entrepreneurship and Creative Capacity Building Workshop” for the parishioners at the Holy Family Parish, Linda for both Youth and Adults. This workshop focused on learning various methods and skills on how to create wealth as an individual, family and a community in order to mitigate the effects of poverty since most of the households in Linda are poverty stricken. Ref# Photos

Secondly we organized a crime prevention programme for the residents of Linda Compound. Since Linda compound is poverty stricken, many residents resort to many an orthodox ways of surviving such as brewing illicit beer; bars are open from morning and till morning the following day as a result, crimes such as women battering, burglary, murder, infanticide and prostitution are rampant. For this reason, we invited the community stakeholders such as the area Member of Parliament (MP), the area Councilor, Medical Personnel, the Police, owners of bars, journalists among others. The deliberations during the meeting were televised in the Zambia National Broadcasting Cooperation (ZNBC) Television. A follow up meeting to the resolutions which were agreed upon during the first one on how to curb crime was organized and has taken place.

Thirdly, we continue holding training workshops for Linda Compound residents (Catholics and Non Catholics) on making charcoal from the remains of charcoal and maize cobs as an alternative source of energy. This method prevents people going into forests to cut down trees for charcoal.

Fourthly, are still continuing with our annual practice planting trees within and outside our parish compound and also distribute trees to parishioners to plant at the homes.

Fifthly, we have partnered with the “House of Moses” in the monthly distribution of medicines and food to Linda Compound residents who are chronically sick, malnourished and those who need food supplements especially those with HIV/AIDs.

Lastly, the CCJP commission at the Holy Family Parish twice in a week holds clinics for residents who are affected by vices such as Gender Based Violence (GBV), Child abuse and Property Grabbing from widows after demise of a spouse. These cases are thereafter resolved amicably and some are reported to the police for further action.

Fr Lawrence Likulano

CCJP Coordinator

 

SVD LAY ASSOCIATES

 

The SVD Lay Associates in Linda Parish Lusaka, Zambia was launched on the 29^th of April 2017 by the Parish Priest Fr. Lawrence Likulano, SVD. The group started with few members but as time went on, people started to show interest in coming to know more about what the group was all about. From the very beginning, members were encouraged to join the group out of their free will. In other words, members must be self- motivated and willing to live the charism of the Society of the Divine Word.

Since then, the members have committed themselves to the SVD Spirituality and there has been a lot of progress. First and foremost, members were introduced to the history of the Congregation, the founder, the SVD Family, the SVD Spirituality and Charism, different Devotions and Spiritual exercises and Bible sharings, and most importantly, how St. Arnold Janssen collaborated with the laity in the establishment of the Congregation, only to mention a few.

Moreover, different SVD Priests have being invited to give talks to the group. This has motivated the group, especially by hearing different experiences from priests working in different Missions. It has helped them to live a practical life, of helping the needy in their respective communities where they live, praying for the Congregation, not all but to mention a few.

Furthermore, seeing the progress and commitment shown by the group from the time it started; the group was ready to be commissioned. The group is capable of standing on its own in carrying out their duties. As a result, the commissioning was held on the 16^th of December 2018. The total of seventeen members was commissioned as shown above. It is our hope to work hand in hand with the group, in promoting vocations, and helping the Parish wherever there is a need. Whenever there is a gathering for the Congregation, some members of the group will be attending the gatherings as well.

 

ZAMBIA MISSION

ZAMBIA MISSION Zambia and Malawi Official Language: English

Vision Statement “May the Holy Triune God Live in Our Hearts and the Hearts of All”

Mission Statement We the members of the SVD Zambia Mission, as an intercultural religious missionary community, strive to share in the daily dreams and struggles of our people. We embark upon a new chapter of evangelization, engaging in respectful prophetic dialogue with our people, we build faith communities through our four characteristic dimensions: mission animation, biblical apostolate, justice, peace and integrity of creation (JPIC) and communication.

1. Societal Setting

Located in southern Africa, Zambia is a land locked country. The country was born when the British colony of Rhodesia became the independent nation of Zambia in 1964. After some years of one-party rule, recent elections have been deemed free and fair although the harassment of opposition parties and other political turmoil continues. 

The population of Zambia is 17 million, composed of more than 70 Bantu-speaking ethnic groups. Among these, 95.5% are Christians (Catholics being 20.2%), Muslims 1%, Hindus, Bahai, Buddhists 1.7%, and those who do not have any religious affiliation are 1.8% of the population. The majority of Zambians are subsistence farmers who hold a blend of traditional beliefs and Christianity. The literacy rate is 63% (male 70.9% and female 56%). Some 66% of the population is under the age of 25 years, with a median age of 16.8 years. Life expectancy is 52.7 years.

Zambia had one of the world’s fastest growing economies for the ten years up to 2014, with GDP growth averaging roughly 6.7% annually, though growth has slowed in the last few years.  Zambia’s lack of economic diversification and dependency on copper as its sole major export makes it vulnerable to fluctuations in the world commodities market and prices turned downward in 2015 due to declining demand from China. Zambia was overtaken by the Democratic Republic of Congo as Africa’s largest copper producer. Widespread and extreme rural poverty and high unemployment levels remain significant problems, with some 60.5% of the population living below the poverty line. It is estimated that HIV/AIDS affects 12.4% of the population.

2. Ecclesial Setting

After 120 years of Catholic faith in Zambia, all the 11 dioceses concentrate on primary evangelization. In urban areas, the Church is very active and alive. However, growth is much slower in rural areas. Missionary congregations concentrate on areas such as these.

Faith formation is the aim of the Church in Zambia in both urban and rural areas. Even the older dioceses still concentrate on this area. Faith formation is done at various levels: adults, youth and children. Family and youth need attention in our rural and urban areas due to the evils that have invaded the traditional African society. Lay organizations are very active within the Church. Their participation and activities give life to the Church.  Religious materials are hard to find in Zambia. Catholic editions of the Bible are not available.

Zambia is a very fertile place for vocations to religious and priestly life. The number of diocesan priests is very good in some of the dioceses. There are also many religious vocations in Zambia, both male and female. But the missionary participation is crucial to all the dioceses in Zambia.

Zambia, being a poor country, makes the financial viability of the Church a distant dream. The contributions the faithful make is not enough. As a result the Church still depends on foreign donations.

There are many denominations in Zambia. The Catholic Church does collaborate with other denominations’ leadership, especially addressing issues that concern the whole nation. In cancelling the international debt, the Catholic Church played a very important role. The interdenominational Church bodies spearhead dialogue among political parties. 

The main ministries of Zambia mission are parish pastoral, formation, education, social and prison. Though these are areas where other religious congregations are also involved, confreres carry out these ministries knowing that it is special to the SVD. 

Characteristic Dimensions

Biblical Apostolate: The biblical apostolate is being done in our parishes by training the lay faithful in the Bible. However, it is happening in isolation. The biblical apostolate is a pressing need. There are no centers where special biblical programs are given now. Procuring Bibles is an urgent need too. Catholic Bibles are provided by a printing press in Ndola diocese only. However as Divine Word missionaries, our specific contribution would be providing Bibles and evangelization through a biblical apostolate. Dioceses look to us to help in this matter. Except in our own parishes, so far the SVD has not done anything remarkable in this area. This is a huge possibility. The mission assembly proposed that we begin a more comprehensive biblical apostolate in the Lusaka archdiocese.

Mission Animation: In three parishes there are already SVD lay partners established. This is still in its  early stages. Vocation and Mission Sundays are celebrated together with the help of the seminarians. This is making an impact in the community about the SVD religious family.

JPIC: Deforestation, rampant mining, poor waste management, conservation of water and energy are some of the areas where JPIC is involved. Parishes run by SVDs are spearheading some of these areas with the involvement of the parishioners on the team. 

Communication: Through different means, the communication coordinator aims to make the SVD known to a wider range of people. A large section of people are users of social media like Facebook and Whatsapp. Efforts are being made to set these up together with a Web page. A newsletter is already in circulation. The challenge is to find the right tools to reach people. Access to the internet is expensive and service is inconsistent compared to other countries.

Collaboration with SSpS and Others

We had hoped to have combined council meetings with the SSpS to plan some programs, but this has not taken place due to problems beyond our control. The SSpS cover three countries as one region while the SVD is only in Zambia. So the combined meetings have not yet been realized. However, we do come together to celebrate family feast. Collaboration with other religious congregations is through participation in the Association of Religious Men Zambia (ARMZ).

Spirituality: The integral well-being of each confrere is the aim. The communities have managed to gather for regular Bible sharing. Common retreats were planned and most of the confreres participated. An Arnold Janssen spirituality coordinator was appointed. A confrere was sent to Nemi for the renewal course.

Community Life: A strong sense of unity and brotherhood in our community is the aim. Two districts were erected.  Responsibilities are shared in the community. However, the resolve to have an intercultural competence workshop could not  be fulfilled.

Leadership: A flexible, collaborative, sustainable leadership model for mission is the aim. Friendly visits of the confreres and an evaluation of the past two years have taken place. Relationships with other religious orders have been kept. Participatory leadership is the model we try to follow. However, we could not have a leadership workshop conducted for confreres. We could not have combined district meetings.

Finance: Accounting and reporting have improved. Confreres follow standard book keeping procedures, and accounting and reporting systems. However, we could not put in place a finance committee. An annual inventory is done only in the SVD institutions. A health care and old age fund has not been created due to the lack of money.

Formation: Integral formation is the aim. Our program for initial formation is in two stages, pre-philosophy and philosophy. Every year we are blessed to have some candidates for initial formation. All the areas of their growth are being attended to. A formation manual was completed. There has been planning for formation personnel and their training. However, we could not raise local benefactors for formation. We have not succeeded in organizing a talk by the women’s lay group to talk to the formandi so as to ensure their collaboration. We have not managed to make a manual for new arrivals. We have lagged behind organizing ongoing formation.