Vol. 8 Issue 02, August 2019
Shukran: Swahili/Arabic for Gratitude
1
2
3
A TIME FOR JOY! Dear Friends, Greetings! One of the most exciting moments for our Province is the time for ordinations. It is a time of joy and celebration as God blesses us with more men for our mission. During the months of July and August, the Province was blessed to receive six new Priests. The ordinations were celebrated across three countries: Tanzania, Uganda and Kenya. The six new priests have settled in their missions and are already making great contributions. In the same months, four of our companions pronounced their final vows: On the feast of the Assumption of Mary (August 15), Frs. Kizito Busobozi, SJ and Peter Otieno, SJ, took their final vows at Loyola House. Similarly, on the feast of St. Ignatius (July 31), Frs. Francis Njuguna, SJ and Stephen Nzyoki, SJ pronounced their final vows. Before that, Fr. Sosthenes Luyembe, SJ pronounced his final vows at St. Charles Lwanga Church in Malindi, on April 28. Let us pray for these companions as they continue carrying out God’s ministry. During the feast of St. Ignatius of Loyola, held at Mwangaza Spiritual Centre in Karen, Nairobi, the Province celebrated the recognition of Br. Vincent Soreng, SJ by Pope Francis for his tremendous work on the environment. Br. Vincent’s contribution brings to mind the Pope Francis’s Encyclical on the environment, Laudato Si. In the encyclical, Pope Francis calls us to “…be protectors of creation, protectors of God’s plan inscribed in nature, protectors of one another and of the environment.” Br. Vincent is a true testimony of living out this call to action. In May and June, a total of 13 novices took their first vows: 11 at Gonzaga Gonza Novitiate in Arusha, Tanzania on May 24th, and two on June 15 at Xavier House Novitiate in Lusaka, Zambia. We pray in thanksgiving for these companions that God may continue guiding them in His mission. In the same month, the AOR Province started an initiative of honoring mothers for their contribution to the church. On the morning of May 12th, over fifty women from various backgrounds and professions gathered at Mwangaza Centre in Karen for the special Mothers’ Day Mass. The connection between mothers and the Society of Jesus dates back to 1541, when St. Ignatius and our first companions made their solemn vows before the image of Mary in the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, in Rome. It is this connection that the Province plans to strengthen through collaboration with Mothers in our mission. From 18th to 22nd August, the Province held its ongoing workshop on Child Safeguarding for all Child Protection Officers in AOR Parishes and schools. The first phase of the construction of additional retreat facilities with a capacity of 12 rooms at Galilee Centre in Debre Zeit is completed. The construction of a Jesuit residence in Malindi at St. Charles Lwanga Parish in Malindi, is ongoing; similarly, construction of a building for the Tertianship Program as well as the expansion of the kitchen and dining area at Mwangaza Centre is advancing as expected. As the year progresses, let us continue to pray for one another and our various commitments. We thank you for your continued generosity, support and prayers. May the Lord God Bless you abundantly! Fr. Joseph Afulo, SJ Provincial
1. Bishop Isaac Amani Massawe, of Arusha Diocese presents Fr. Didmus Shirima, SJ, with his ordination certificate 2. Fr. John Baptiste Musiitwa, SJ (center) celebrates after his ordination 3. Newly ordained Frs. Nathaniel Lubanga, SJ, Marcellas Ocholla, SAC, Francis Wambua, SJ, Emmanuel Mutambo, SJ, and Cyrus Gichuhi, SJ, wave to the congregation
Priesthood; A Sacrifice of Love! July and August are customarily considered ordination months in AOR. This year, the Province celebrated the ordination of six new priests! The first ordination took place on 11th July, 2019, at the Epiphany Parish, Burka in the Archdiocese of Arusha. A much awaited day for newly ordained Fr. Didmus Shirima, SJ, who came from being a simple altar boy raised on the holy slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro in Rombo District, Moshi, to a Jesuit Priest. On that day, Fr. Shirima joined eight other priests (five diocesans and three Spiritans) as they celebrated their first day of priesthood. In his homily, the ordaining prelate, Bishop Isaac Amani Massawe stated that, “the priesthood is the biggest sacrifice that requires prayer, patience, humility, faith and love.” He added that being a priest is a respectable calling because it emanates from God. He encouraged the new priests that they had made an everlasting covenant with God and the Church. “Let the daily celebration of the Eucharist remind you of this promise and the word of God to strengthen you in time of difficulties.” The second ordinations took place on 20th July, 2019 at St. Joseph the Worker Parish in Kangemi, Nairobi. At 10.00 am, four Jesuits: Cyrus Gichuhi, Emmanuel Mutambo, Francis Wambua, and Nathaniel Lubanga, alongside one Pallotine, Marcellas Ocholla, SAC, were in the procession for their ordination to the Priesthood. Both the inner and outer parts of
the Church were overflowing with friends and family of the ordinands and Jesuits and other religious as well. In his homily, the ordaining prelate, Bishop John Oballa Owaa, of Ngong’ Diocese, urged the newly ordained to “be of loving and unreserved service to the people of God wherever you are sent.” Dancing and ululations broke out when the new priests were finally presented to the Church. On 3rd August, 2019, the last ordination of the year took place at the Cathedral of Masaka Diocese. Newly ordained Fr. John Baptiste Musiitwa, SJ, joined 18 other new priests as they took the Sacrament of Holy Orders given by Bishop Severus Jjumba of Masaka Diocese. What was notable to Fr. Musiitwa on that day was that he prostrated at the exact spot his elder brother lay on his ordination to the priesthood as a member of the Apostles of Jesus, exactly 40 years ago. It was indeed a full day of celebrations as Musiitwa was joined by relatives, friends and Jesuits from different parts of the world. The Eastern Africa Province is proud to have received six new men to work in the vineyard of the Lord. All glory to God for blessing the Society with a “hexad.” We wish them abundant graces in their priestly journey!
For the Joy of Mother-Nature! The 31st of July, 2019, feast day of St. Ignatius saw Frs. Francis Njuguna, SJ and Stephen Nzyoki, SJ, pronounce their final vows at Mwangaza Jesuit Centre in Nairobi. On the same day, Brother Vincent Soreng, SJ who was recently recognized by the Holy Pontiff for his contribution to the conservation of our common home, was officially recognized for his great work. Being the day to celebrate the life of St. Ignatius of Loyola, the homilist reminded the congregation to be constantly aware of the desire for that indepth knowledge of Christ which makes our following him and self-giving meaningful.
Left: Br Soreng, SJ, (left) presents a tree to one of his guests. Right: Fr. Joseph Afulo, SJ, AOR Provincial, presents Br. Soreng, SJ, with a rosary from Pope Francis Perhaps what stood out on the day was the exceptional work of Br. Soreng; a quiet old man who only makes noise with his tools, always seeming in deep conversation with God. As the celebrations went on, he watched quietly, along with the congregation, a short clip on his work at St. Peter Claver High School, a shy smile playing on his lips. After the short clip, the Pope’s letter to Br. Soreng dated 10th March, 2019, was read and presented to him by Bishop Emeritus of the Apostolic Vicariate of Soddo, Ethiopia, Rt. Rev. Rodrigo Mejia, S.J. “For almost fifty years, you are working as a missionary in Africa, first in Sudan, then Zambia, finally in Tanzania and Kenya, with a keen eye on environmental conservation
through the promotion of horticulture and forestry. You have quietly done these tasks with great dedication, consistency, commitment and amazing diligence,’’ the Pope’s letter read in part. Fr. Afulo, SJ, AOR Provincial, then presented Br. Soreng with a medal of honor from Pope Francis. Looking back on his mission at St. Peter Claver High School in Dodoma where he worked for 11 years, Br. Soreng was engaged in transforming the environment into a beautiful, green piece of land. Due to his work, students at the school continue with tree planting activities and continuously engage
When the news of Pope Francis recognizing the contribution of Br. Soreng to the environment broke, he was busy working in the orchard at Mwangaza Jesuit Centre in Karen, where he currently resides. The news was not only a celebration for him, it was also widely applauded by the collaborators and Jesuits alike, both within and beyond the Province. In his speech, the Fr. Afulo, SJ, described him as an old man who puts to shame the lazy young generation and someone who finds joy in what others disdain. He is an example of Jesuits who find joy in low and humble tasks. He gave and still gives life to all by giving up the pomp and vanities of this world and instead interacting with mother-nature. Those who have interacted with Br. Soreng describe him as an epitome of humility, hard work, and a living example of a pure contemplative in action, someone who is ever searching for the magis because he is never satisfied by the status quo, the known, the tried, and the already existing. Br. Soreng is indeed a true Jesuit without duplicity. He is living proof of the commitment that AOR has made to care for ‘our common home.’
By Diana Karua, AOR Communications Coordinator
About the The Society of Jesus was founded by St. Ignatius of Loyola in 1540 and is today the largest religious order of men in the Catholic Church. We serve in 127 nations on six continents and are organized in administrative regions called Provinces. The Eastern Africa Province consists of Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Sudan and South Sudan. Though the province was established in 1986, the earliest missions date back to the times of St. Ignatius in 1557 in Ethiopia. 2 - Shukran Newsletter | Vol. 8 Issue 02 | August 2019
in environmental sustainability practices. The school has a biogas system for the provision of alternate energy from decomposed organic waste. Another school that is making great strides toward environmental sustainability is the Ocer Campion Jesuit College located in Gulu, Uganda. The school also has a wellfunctioning biogas system for provision of environmentally friendly source of energy. Students are also taught how to protect and sustain the environment around them. Other apostolates and Jesuit communities in the Province have also been engaged in recycling activities and proper waste management.
Our works in Eastern Africa include: • Education - through our educational institutions we form well rounded and competent persons committed to a faith that does justice. We train ‘men and women for others.’ • Retreats - for more than 470 years, Jesuit spirituality has led countless women and men to a greater intimacy with Jesus Christ and to a dedication to serve those most in need. We maintain retreat houses in Kenya, Sudan and Ethiopia. In addition, we run mobile retreats in all countries of our province. • Parish ministry - we run 6 vibrant parishes with a variety of pastoral, formation and service programmes. All our parishes give emphasis to ‘community’ and have dynamic Small Christian Communities. • Social Justice and Communication - we aim to transform unjust structures and offer hope to the marginalized in society. We reach out especially to refugees, those affected or infected with HIV/AIDS, poverty and violence. Visit www.easternafricajesuits.org for more information on our work
Mothers - Truly Ignatian! According to history.com, celebrations of mothers and motherhood has its roots in the ancient Greek and Roman celebrations held in honor of the mother goddess Rhea and Cybele. The modern precedent for Mother’s Day, however, is in the early Christian festival, “Mothering Sunday,” a major tradition in the United Kingdom and parts of Europe. This was a time when the faithful returned to their “mother church” for a special service. Over time, this tradition became a more secular holiday where children would appreciate their mothers with flowers and other gifts. This practice eventually faded in popularity before merging with the American Mother’s Day in the 1930s and 40s. Its origins in America can be traced to Ann Reeves Jarvis of West Virginia, who initiated “Mothers’ Day Work Clubs” to teach local women how to properly care for their children. In 1870, Julia Howe wrote the “Mother’s Day Proclamation,” as a call to mothers to unite for world peace. In the 1900s the official Mother’s Day holiday arose as a result of Anna Jarvis, daughter of Ann Reeves Jarvis; arguing that American holidays were biased toward male achievements, she started a massive letter campaign to newsletters and prominent politicians urging the adoption of a special day honoring motherhood. In 1914, President Woodrow Wilson signed a measure officially establishing the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day. Mother’s Day has since become an internationally recognized celebration marked all over the world.
On Sunday, May 12th, 2019, the Jesuit Curia organized a special Mass to honor mothers in an exceptional way. The guest list - all mothers - included friends of Jesuits, Mothers and sisters of Jesuit Priests, representatives of partner institutions and collaborators. All the ladies were beautifully dressed in African attire - the theme of the day. The Eucharistic Mass, celebrated by the Provincial, Fr. Joseph Afulo, SJ, and concelebrated by more than seven other Priests, started at 10.00 am. Fr. Dominic Tomuseni, SJ, a Professor of Theology at Hekima College from Zimbabwe-Mozambique Province (ZIM) gave the homily.
mother would bathe him when he was younger and how she would inspect him after bath to ensure that he was clean enough. He recalled how, during parents’
day at school, his mother would jump up in joy, ululating, when he was recognized for performing well in school. He then gave the mothers a chance to share their own embarrassing moments with each other. After Holy Communion, each mother received a candle, which was blessed by the Provincial. After the blessings, the candles were lit and the congregation sang thanksgiving song. Before the conclusion of Mass, the choir, Novices from the Dimesse Sisters, who did the liturgy exceptionally well, were each rewarded with a rose flower as a way of thanking them for the beautiful liturgy. The Mass ended a few minutes after noon, followed by a heavy luncheon. The celebration brought together women from different backgrounds and social status allowing them to network and share different ideas. Various testimonies were given by women who have had a long-standing relationship with the Jesuits in Eastern Africa. All the mothers were encouraged to join hands with the Jesuits to bring positive change in Society. In his speech, Fr. Provincial noted that mothers are truly Ignatian as they give without counting the cost. “… you take all sorts of risks on behalf of the family…You remain faithful to the mission with your eyes cast on the greater goal.” He invited the mothers to be part of the Jesuit family encouraging them to take leadership in continuing the mothers’ day celebration annually. The Province plans to make this an annual celebration as a way of recognizing the special role of Mothers in the Church and in Society.
By Diana Karua, AOR Communications Coordinator
Fr. Tomuseni recalled moments growing up and some of his embarrassing moments with his mother. He talked about how his
Shukran Newsletter | Vol. 8 Issue 02 | August 2019 - 3
The Things Baba God Has Done for Me One of my favorite musicians is Nigerian Tiwatope Savage. In one of her works titled, ‘If I Start to Talk,’ she narrates the blessings that Baba God has given her and says in her Nigerian-Pidgin English that, if she continues talking, “she no go end.” This is a short narration of what Baba God has done for me; guiding, inviting, and journeying with me in my pilgrimage towards Him in my Jesuit vocation. I, like Tiwa, cannot talk about everything Baba God has done for me because “I no go end.” I started having the desire to be a priest when I was in primary school. I would look at the altar boys and the priest on the altar and I would say to myself “I think I like what I see.” I went to a Catholic-sponsored high school in my home town of Kitale, Western Kenya. While there, I met priests of the St. Patrick Missionary Society (SPS), also known as the Kiltegan Fathers, who were chaplains at the school, and one of them my English teacher. I was really attracted to the fact that Fr. Willie Walshe, SPS, was both a teacher and a priest. I decided that I would like to be like him. And so in my third year in high school, I became an aspirant for the Kiltegan Fathers. Fast forward, I got admitted to Moi University in Eldoret, where I was enrolled to take a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry. Some of my family members thought that university studies would erase my desire to be a priest. While at Moi University, I got attracted to the Christian Life Community (CLC). While in CLC I came to discover Ignatian Spirituality and St. Ignatius of Loyola. Each morning we would
have thirty minutes of mediations following a book of mediation by Mark Link, SJ, titled Challenge 2000. We would end each meditation with: Take Lord and receive... (The Ignatian Sucipe). On Saturdays, for about an hour and a half, we would have faith sharing. That spirituality captivated me and in 2003 I did my first retreat under the direction of Fr. Terry Charlton, SJ who was our CLC Ecclesiastical Assistant. That retreat facilitated my divorce from the Kiltegan Fathers and I began to think seriously about becoming a Jesuit. Upon graduation, I worked, as part of my candidacy to the Society of Jesus, at the Mukuru Slums Development Project in the Mukuru slum in Nairobi. That was a very formative one year. I was a village boy up to the time I got into the slums of Nairobi. I was moved by the difficult lives the slum dwellers experienced. I then went to Gonzaga Gonza Novitiate in Arusha Tanzania for my initial spiritual formation. Afterward, I was sent to Arrupe College in Harare Zimbabwe for Philosophy at Mount Pleasant. It was a pleasant three years
of intellectual delight! I then spent two years in South Sudan at Loyola Secondary School in Wau. While at Wau, I discovered a personal vocation: to be at the frontiers where the need is greatest. Subsequently, I spent four years in Berkeley, California, studying theology which I enjoyed so much. It is in theology that I continued to deepen the love for the poor and to reflect theologically on God’s love for humanity. So far, the journey has been quite interesting but also very challenging. In Tiwa’s song, mentioned above, there is a line in Pidgin in which she says, “I’ve been through the fire I can talk on it.” Yes, there have been fires in my Jesuit journey, but what kept me going every day is the focus on Christ that my former rector in Berkeley, Fr. John McGarry, SJ, kept reminding me: “keep your eyes focused on Jesus.” These are some of the blessings Baba God has given me… and I agree with Tiwa: “If I start to count all the blessings, the blessings Baba God e give me, e no go end.” By Fr. Oscar Momanyi, SJ. Director, Jesuit Hakimani Centre
To Subscribe to our newsletter, send your email/feedback to shukran.aor@gmail.com
Contacts: Kenya: Jesuit Development Office Loyola House P.O. Box 21399, 00505, Ngong’ Road, Nairobi (+254 20) 2444 78/1/3/5/6 Info.aor@gmail.com www.easternafricajesuits.org Tanzania: Jesuit Development Office P.O. Box 1140, Dar-es Salaam (+255) 22 244 3600 Info.aor@gmail.com www.easternafricajesuits.org
Uganda: Jesuit Development Office Xavier House P.O. Box 7310, Kampala, Uganda (+256) 414 510 340 Info.aor@gmail.com www.easternafricajesuits.org
Republic of Sudan: Jesuit Development Office Ignatian Spiritual Centre P.O. Box 1629, Khartoum, Republic of Sudan (+249)85 341855 Info.aor@gmail.com www.easternafricajesuits.org
Ethiopia: Jesuit Development Office Xavier House P.O. Box 30105, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (+251)11 123 6650 Info.aor@gmail.com www.easternafricajesuits.org
South Sudan: Jesuit Development Office St. Peter Claver, Jesuit Community C/o Bethany House P.O. Box 211023, 00505, Nairobi, Kenya (+249)944 286 719 Info.aor@gmail.com www.easternafricajesuits.org
Follow us on Facebook
@ Eastern Africa Jesuits and Twitter
@ AORjesuits