Temporary Oath and Silver Jubilee Booklet

Here am Lord, 1stI May 2019Send Me

Here I am Lord, Send Me

JULIUS

JEREMIE

WILSON

CHRISTOPHER

EMMANUEL

PAUL

FRANCOIS

VICTOR JOSE

MICHAEL

Program of the Day 8:00am- 9:55am -----------Arrival of the Guests 10:00am-12:45pm---------Mass 12:45 pm-1:00 pm———Planting of the jubilee tree 1:00pm- 2:00pm-----------Lunch 2:00pm- 4:00pm-----------Speeches Cutting of the cake Presentation of Gifts 4:30pm-------------------—-Visitors leave at leisure

MILL HILL FORMATION HOUSE JINJA, OPENING DAY 21st March 1994 16

From Left:Fr. P. Spanjers, unknown, Fr. C. Fox, Fr. M. McGill, Fr. M. Faulkner & Otto, student

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In one of our “Come and See” seminars one of the facilitators posed to us a question: “Would you put your eggs in a single basket?” The answer, like many people would like to think, is obviously a bold and underlined ‘No.’ To our amazement; he found our answer unsatisfactory. We were surely disturbed by his reaction. However, his explanation was not only surprising but also full of wisdom. “I would surely put all my eggs in one basket” he began. “But it depends on the person to whom you entrust the basket. In my case, I would give that basket to Jesus so that he could hold it safely. After having done that, all my worries and all that I am attached to will have gone, freeing me to say ‘Thy will be done’ and to focus whole-

heartedly on my ultimate goal.” This is something that cannot be expressed by a soul of little faith but by someone with a strong conviction and faith in God. As third years, we have tried to emulate this since. However, we could not have made it without the loving hands and support of our various formators from Basic Formation up to now. We also thank our fellow stu-

dents, not forgetting the benevolent hearts outside the formation gates, our families, relatives and sincere friends. We continue to be grateful to God for every stage of our life. May His name be hallowed forever!

Third years 2019

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Msamaha wako Bwana, na upole wako (wewe) Umenitendea wema usiopimika, nitakushukuru nitawainua wote wakusifu wewe.

2. Kina mama simameni, piga vigelegele…

Kina baba nyanyukeni mkapige makofi…

3. Watu wote nesanesa chezeni kwa furaha…

Inua mikono juu, mshangilieni Bwana…

4. Watawa washangilie, makasisi waimbe …

Walei warukeruke, waseme aleluya…

5. Vitambaa mikononi, vipeperushwe juu…

Na vichwa viyumbeyumbe kwa mwendo wa kuringa Nitakushukuru mimi, na nyumba yangu yote - Nitayatangaza haya, maisha yangu yote EXIT: IN THE SHELTER OF HIS HAND 1. With Saint Joseph ever near to guide us we are safe, whatever may betide us; From the storm and tempest he will hide us in the shelter of his hand.

Chorus: In the shelter... of his hand... (2x) We are safe whatever may betide us, in the shelter of his hand.

2. In his arms of love he does enfold us, words of love his voice sublime has told us; We are safe for God Himself does hold us in the shelter of his hand.

3. He will guard our souls and leave us never, from his love no power on earth shall sever; And we know he’ll keep us now and ever in the shelter of his hand....

4. May God ever bless our land and nation, May His light and strength be our salvation; May He keep us as His own creation in the shelter of His hand.…

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COMMUNINION Ekidd:Wanjagala nnyo Mukama wange, Wambiita Lugaba nze atalina bwendi mu maaso go,n’okkiriza mbe o’mwana.

1. Nze ani gwe walonda, nze ani gwe waganza?

Nze ani gwe wabiita, nze omwonoonyi bwe nti, Lugaba!

2. Yesu ekisa kyo, kingi nze nkitenda, Anti ggwe wasiima, okunfuula omwana Lugaba!

3. Bye nkolanze Taata, bingi bye bikyamu, Mu maasogo nze ne nswala, ate ggwe n’onganza Lugaba!

4. Bwentyo nga nkunyomye, bwentyo nga nkugaanyi tewandeka kuwaba kubula, wajja era on’onye, Lugaba!

5. Okwagala kwoYezu, gyendi nze kusuffu,Wasaasira nze n’ombiita, n’ojja okubeeranze, Lugaba!

O LORD MY GOD 1. O Lord my God , when I am in awesome wonder, consider all the works your hands have made, I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder, your power throughout the universe displayed Then sings my soul, my savior God to you.

How great you are, how great you are x2 2. And when I think that God his son not sparing, sent him to die , I scarce can take it in, That on the cross my burden gladly bearing, He bled and died to take away my sin.

3. When Christ shall come, with shouts of acclamation, And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart.

Then shall I bow in humble adoration, And there proclaim my God, how great you are.

THANKS GIVING NIMEONJA PENDO 1. Nimeonja pendo lako, nimejua u mwema Nitakushukuru nitawainua wote wakusifu wewe Nitawaongoza vyema waimbe kwa furaha Nitakushukuru nitawainua wote wakusifu wewe.

Ukarimu wako Bwana, na huruma yako wewe 14

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this Formation House since 1994, many of whom are now in the field all over the world as Mill Hill missionaries and others who are no longer with us, many of whom have responsible positions, appreciating the formation they received at this Mill Hill Formation House.

I also like to recognize the contribution of all the support staff who served this House since its beginning. Allow me to single out one of them Mathias Kaira who has served this place faithfully for 25 years as a compound worker and is still very active. Thank you and may St. Joseph the Worker intercede for you and your family.

A heartfelt word of thanks goes to all our benefactors, living and dead, for their prayers, moral and financial support.

I like to make special mention of the Jinja/ Luanda Support Group in the Netherlands which was originally founded for the single purpose of supporting our two formation houses in Jinja and Luanda.

They have been ever ready to come to our aid for whatever need we had. Thank you so much!

I also like to congratulate my fellow formators, one of whom was a student here for three years!

Congratulations also to the present students, especially the 10 students who will commit themselves today as

The word that surfaces strongly when reflecting on the Silver Jubilee of our Mill Hill Formation House in Jinja is gratitude.

As present rector and the last European Mill Hill missionary left in Uganda, I recall with deep gratitude the pioneers of this Formation House, missionaries with vision and zeal: Fr. Pierre Spanjers-the first rector, Fr. Chris Fox-the local society superior, the late Br. Brian Thorpe-the technical man; the three of them made the plans, oversaw the construction but also laid the foundation of the formation program.

I also recall with gratitude the late Joseph Willigers MHM, the first bishop of Jinja, who availed us with the ground and blessed and supported the initiative wholeheartedly and Fr. Maurice McGill , the general superior at that time, who came all the way from Britain to open and bless the Formation House.

Since 21 March 1994 many Mill Hill missionaries have given loving service to the Formation House, as rector, formator or bursar; others as visitors who shared with us their stories, their dreams their passion and zeal but also their challenges as missionaries.

We also remember with gratitude all the students who passed through 3

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Temporary Members of the Mill Hill society. As the last representative of the old generation of Mill Hill missionaries in Uganda I hope soon to hand over the leadership of this Formation House to the young generation of Mill Hill missionaries.

May the Lord continue to bless and inspire them to lead Mill Hill into a promising but also challenging future.

Happy feast of St Joseph the Worker.

who have emerged from this Formation House, enlightened and empowered, a light shining for all to see. They have gone out well aware that they are agents of Christ’s mission to proclaim the Good News to all peoples.

As I visit the many Local churches where our missionaries have worked since our foundation in 1866, I see the strong communities that have been built on the sacrifices of those first missionaries and the generous service of those who followed to the present day.

The grace of God has accomplished great things to foresee the future development of the Church in the years, centuries and millennia to come.

To those present today here who take their Temporary Oath in our Mill Hill Society, know that you will join the ranks of men and women, priests and lay people, young and old from every continent witnessing across the huge spectrum of human diversity to the beauty and power of the Gospel. This is the great story emerging in our Society over the past few decades. Stand ready to continue our missionary tradition to go out and pro-

Fr. Wijnand Huijs Rector

As I look back on the past 25yrs and having been present for the opening of our Formation House at Jinja, I thank God that this place of formation has served the fundamental purpose of all who have passed through here providing programmes for all those destined to be part of the great work of evangelisation – a future which is ultimately in God’s hands.

From this place here in Jinja, God has sent out many. Follow the sound of their footsteps and you will see the wondrous deeds God has done, is doing and will continue to do in the lives of all 4

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THANKSGIVING SONG FOR CANDIDATES A MILL HILL MAN Refrain: A Mill Hill man, God has sent you to the world, to proclaim the Gospel x2 1.To love and serve God’s people x2 2.To reach out to the poor and the most abandoned x2 3.We are guided by the Holy Spirit, obedience and reading the signs of time X2 4.Let simple life be our attitude and avoid clericalism x2

Na he this we dibring’am so (2x) 3.Na the mimbo whe you give we Papa Na he this we dibring’am so (2x)

SANCTUS : MUHIKIRIRE Muhikirire x3 Mukama x2 1.Eiguru ne nsi bijwire ekitinisa kyawe Mukama x2 (hosanna x2 hosanna )x3 Haiguru muno 2.Owomugisha noriikwija omwibara ryawe Mukama x2 MYSTERY OF FAITH: Lord by your cross…

PEACE: OFFERTORY 1.Engima Lomba – ewan watiyo YAMBA YAMBA Engima Lomba – nikech ahero Yesu All: Ewan watiyo ne ngima x2 Refrain: Yamba yamba yamba Yahwe ee 2. Osiepe ringa – ewan watiyo Yahwe yamba yamba Yahwe ee X2 Osiepe ringa nikech ahero Yesu Tenor: Yamba yamba Yahwe ee All: Ewan watiyo ne ngima.

1. Yamba x3 mapa ma biso x2 LAMB OF GOD 2. Yamba x3 vino ma biso x2 3. Yamba x3 mabota ma biso x2 1+2.Lamb of God you take away the sins 4. Yamba x3 ekolo ya biso x2 of the world x2 5. Yamba x3 misala ya biso x2 Have mercy on us oh lord oh lord X2 Oh NA THE THING WHE Lord Have mercy x4 3. Lamb of God you take away the sins of 1.Na the thing whe you give we papa, Na he this we dibring’am so (2x) the world x2 Cantor: Papa ee, Grant to us your peace oh lord, oh lord…

All: Eee Papa ee (papa ee) make you take’am with all your heart x2 2.Na the bread whe you give we Papa, 13

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To experience your love all my life 4. You are the light of the world Let your light shine upon all Through the people, the people You have called from your heart

Gospel Matthew 13:54-58

CALLING OF CANDIDATES May the Spirit of the Lord…

HOMILY FOLLOWS

3. I SAY YES 1. To the mystery that calls me, I say yes To the longing that beckons, I say yes To the truth that disturbs me, I say yes I say yes to the one within all, I say yes to the one that is all.

2. For the suffering and broken, I say yes For the lost and forsaken, I say yes For the voiceless and ravaged, I say yes I say yes to the one within all, I say yes 2. THERE IS A VOICE CALLING 1. There comes a time, when we heed to to the one that is all.

3. For the exiled and homeless, I say yes a certain call For the poisoned and dying, I say yes When we hear Jesus calling, For those pushed to extinction, I say yes It is the time to respond to Jesus I say yes to the one within all, I say yes to That Lord, Here I am Chrs. There’s a voice calling, Calling! the one that is all.

4. For the healing of the body, I say yes Calling from high above For the sake of the future, I say yes It’s the time to say, to say For the life of the planet, I say yes That Lord “I’m here, send me” I say yes to the one within all, I say yes 2. My God, here I am to the one that is all.

I have come to do your will Guide me with your Holy Spirit Franciscan Blessing by Little Sisters To lead your people to you of St. Francis 3. There is only one thing I long One thing, for this I long To stay in your house all my days SIGNING BY CANDIDATES 1. LIKE A SUN FLOWER Refrain: Like the sun flower that follows ev’ry movement of the sun, So I turn towards You to follow You, my God 1. In simplicity, Charity, I follow. X2 2. In simplicity, honesty, I follow.x2 3. In simplicity, fidelity, I follow. X2

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claim the Good News of God’s Kingdom to those in greatest need. What greater gift from God can we ask for than to have these young missionaries as our future, with many more to follow by the grace of God. You will face hardships, difficulties and challenges but with all our support and encouragement, you will overcome.

In celebrating this Silver Jubilee of our Formation House in Jinja, I give thanks to God for His goodness to us and thank you, Rector, Staff, Students and God’s people, for all you have done and continue to do in support of us and Christ’s mission.

Amare et Servire. To Love and to Serve – As in the past, so in the present, into the future.

May God bless you abundantly at this special time.

Rev. Fr. Michael Corcoran MHM Superior General London

in Jinja, we referred to it as: Mill Hill Students Hostel. It took some discussion to change that name. We wanted to stress that the house was not simply a place to stay in order to follow courses at the PCJ, but that the house itself was in many ways a place of formation. I am confident that during these 25 years the house has been exactly that: a true place of formation for the future missionary. I wish to congratulate everyone who has contributed to this during these 25 years.

Fr. Pierre Spanjers MHM The Netherlands MESSAGE FROM ONE OF THE FIRST STUDENTS I can’t believe that twenty five year have already gone since I began my formation life as a MHM student. The initial beginning of the formation program had no proper structure the way it is today. So everything including the program was by trying what works best. This doesn’t mean that the formators did not know what they were doing, but it meant that the formation program had no stable domicile, there were limited materials in almost everything.

Looking back I see an interesting journey which was sometimes interrupted by challenges. When we came to the current formation house the construction

A few days before the opening of the Mill Hill Formation House in 1994 we put up its name in big characters on the students’ block, for everyone to see. I hope it is still there.

When we first started formation 5

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work was still on going. Only four buildings were ready. The common room, refectory, house of formators and the two houses at the gate. We had to share rooms with double decker beds. Sometimes we were four or six per room depending on the size of the room. T h e space was tight but we kept on and didn’t complain. We were a mixed batch of students from Kenya, Congo, Cameroon, Uganda both training for missionary priesthood and brotherhood before the brother program was stopped. People from different backgrounds came with different stories, cultures and lots of jokes. Everything was simple than and the social media world was still nonexistent. The compound was bare and muddy so we planted the grass and the trees in the compound and there was joy doing that, as formation staff and students were all engaged. One thing I recall very well was discipline.

There was great discipline in the formation program. We were encouraged to dress well, be clean, and keep time.

The formators always challenged us by saying if one desires to become a missionary one must be ready to leave his family, language, food and friends to go to others places and environment. I am proud to have been among the beginners of the MHM formation program and I

would like to encourage those who are now in the formation program to be focused and to know why they are in the formation program and I pray for the formators to form them well.

Fr. Michael Ochwo, MHM. Message from Fr. Maurice McGill, former General Superior who opened and blessed the Formation House on 21st March 1994.

I have one clear memory of the day the Formation House in Jinja was opened; at the end of Mass, I asked Bishop Joseph Willigers, the Bishop of Jinja, to bless the buildings. He declined! He told me: ‘It is a Mill Hill place, and it is your duty as General Superior of Mill Hill to bless it... and don't spare the holy water'. Bishop Joseph Willigers did however walk along with me as did the local superior, Fr. Chris Fox, and the Rector, Fr.Pierre Spanjers, for the blessing of the newly constructed buildings and the grounds which were still something of a building site. There was a smell of fresh paint. It was a joyous occasion. The three MHMs mentioned above together with others, including Br. Jos Boerkamp and the contractor, had worked for months to plan and complete the project. We owe these 'pioneers' and our benefactors words of sincere gratitude.

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Tenor: kembo kembo kembo o 1.Tokokumisa yo, tokoyembela yo e, tokokumbamelayo, tokotondo yo e Nzambe kembo, kembo, kembo 2. Mokonzi Nzambe kumu wa likolo e, Tata e wa bokasi bonso wa kembo, kembo, kembo, kembo o 3. Mokonzi yezu Kristu mwana se moko ya Nzambe yo nde mwana ya Tata aaa kembo 4. Yo moto okolongola masumu ma bato (x2) Mwa mpata yokela biso mawa, mwa mpata ondima losambo la biso 5. Yo moko mokonzi, yo mokonzi yo moko oleki banso 6. Sop: Elongo n’Elimo Santu, o kembo, kembo na Tata, o kembo, kembo na Mwana, o kembo, kembo n’Elimo (x2) All: aaaah kembo amen (x2) aaa aaa kembo amen (x2) BIBLE PROCESSION NATIN’GO MUMA 1.Natin’go Muma, nalemo x2 (Natin’ga n’goo?)

Tin’go Muma x2 Natin’ga ngoo?............

Tin’go Muma nalemo!

2. Naweyo mag’piny nalemo x2 Natin’ga n’goooo?......

3. Naweyo riambo, nalemo x2 Natin’ga n’goooo?............

4. Naweyo chode, nalemo x2 Natin’ga ngooo?...............

First Reading Genesis 1:26-2:3 Responsorial Psalm Ps 90: 2,3-4,12-13,14 and 16.

Response. Give success to the work of our hands, O Lord Second Reading: Col 3:14-15, 17, 23-24 GOSPEL ACCLAMATION: Alleluia X7 11

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ENTRANCE: TWENDE SOTE: Twende sote nyumbani mwake (Bwana mungu), (A-e-e), Twende sote nyumba ni mwake aliyetu-umba} 2x 1. Yeye ndiye Kinga yetu –Bwana Mungu,a-e-e…..

2. Yeye ndiye nguvu yetu-Bwana mungu, a-e-e…..

3. Yeye Bwana wa majeshi...

4. Ni mfalme wa wafalme –Bwana Mungu, a-e-e….

5. Jina Lake litukuzwe-Bwana Mungu, a-e-e…., 2. NALIFURAHI SANA Nalifurahi sana waliponiambia- na twende Furahi sana waliponiambia- na twende (Nyumbani mwa baba twende, nyumbani mwa baba twende) x2 1.Nitakushukuru kwa moyo wangu wote-nitakushukuru Mbele ya miungu kuimbia zaburi-nitakushukuru 2.Nitakusujudu katika nyumba yako………

Nitalishukuru jina lako ee baba…………

3.Kwa fadhili zako na uaminifu wako……

Kwa maana wewe umetupa ahadi……

KYRIE: NZAMBE 1.Nzambe, Nzambe Tata yokela bana mawa, Tondimi tosalaki mabe (2x) E Kyrie, Kyrie, e Nzambe Kyrie Kyrie, e Nzambe Kyrie (2x) 2. Nzambe, Nzambe Mwana yokela bana mawa....

3. Nzambe, Nzamb’elimo yokela bana mawa...

GLORIA: Ooo kembo o Kembo o likolo (x2) o nse boboto na bato balamu O nse boboto na bato ba motema molamu (x2) 10

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And now a quarter of a century has passed. A generation of Mill Hill Missionaries have spent part of their formation years in Jinja; they received MHM 'training' and have laid foundations and set traditions for the present and future students to imbibe, follow, and build on.

Thank God for the first groups of students and members of the Formation staff who worked, prayed and studied to make the undertaking begun in faith and trust a remarkable success. A sign of the success is that a former student is now a member of the Formation Staff.!

I wish all of you, students and staff a happy Silver Jubilee celebration; welcome to the new temporary members.

Fr. Maurice McGill MHM

influence but there was great cooperation from all involved. We prayed then that it would be a good Centre for the training of future missionaries who would preach to the world the unsearchable riches of Jesus Christ. This Jubilee proves that our prayers are being answered and we give God thanks for that. Again I wish both staff and students every blessing and success.

Fr. Christopher Fox MHM Ireland INTERVIEW WITH MATHIAS KAIRA, THE LONGEST SERVING WORKER IN JINJA FORMATION HOUSE.

We usually search beyond the mountains for heroes forgetting that some dwell among us. This time we have not gone far Message from Fr. Christopher Fox but got one of our own. The students’ MHM, the local Society Superior body represented by Christopher Mukaain1994: janga had a little chat with the man who On the occasion of the Silver Jubilee of lived in this place before many of us. the Formation House I send my heartiest Chris: congratulations and best wishes to both G o o d staff and students. Yes, I remember all morning the planning and the organisation resir! quired at the beginning and I felt priviMatthias: leged to be part of the team that helped G o o d its successful opening. Bishop Joseph morning Willigers and Fr. Pierre Spanjers played Christokey roles. The Celtic Cross over the pher.

Chapel is a small reminder of the Irish 7

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Chris: How long have you served in this place?

Mathias. It is now 25 years since 1994 however, I signed the contract on 1.November.1996.

Chris. How did you find yourself in Mill Hill and what has motivated you to continue working with the Mill Hill for the past 25 years?

Mathias: I was among the builders of this place helping with sending the sand and bricks to the main builders. I was working with Excel Constructions Company by that time. That was when Fr. Pierre Spanjers the first rector, saw the good work I was doing and talked with my manager concerning retaining me. The manager referred him to me saying that he discusses the issue with me (which he did) and the following morning, I came and began my work as a temporary worker. Concerning my motivation, I follow my will and I like to work. Secondly, I am in good relationship with both formators and students.

That keeps me going.

Chris: What has been your greatest challenge since you began working with Mill Hill?

Mathias: (Trying to recall the past he says;) My greatest challenge was clearing the bush. I got really a difficult time when this place was beginning. I used to get so tired. One day I felt like running away but

by God’s grace and through the formator’s advise and support, I managed to stay.

Chris: If you had a wish what would it be?

Mathias: (He laughs, a wish!!!) It is a tough question. I would have wished to become a priest in the Mill Hill society.

Chris: What was your happiest moment in life?

Mathias: When God gave me a faithful wife.

Chris. What has been your most disappointing moment in life?

Mathias: When my nephew killed a man because he had found him with his wife.

The relatives of the deceased got angry, took away all my animals, burnt my mother’s house and put my brother and nephew into prison up to now. And all my other relatives fled.

Chris: I am sorry to hear about that but we hope that things will become better; Mr. Kaira what do you think makes you have a good rapport with your bosses, students and fellow workers?

Mathias: First of all, I am happy that the formators have created a venue for airing out our views as workers through meetings. My workmates also encourage me and advise me whenever I go wrong. And with the students, I relate to them as a 8

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parent.

Chris: How big is your family?

Mathias: I take care of 13 people, 6 children are mine, 5 for my imprisoned brother, my wife and I. Chris: Who are some of the people you are grateful for in your life?

Mathias: The three Formators, Mr. Roy my workmate and of course my wife.

Chris: Now Mr. Jubilarian, do you have anything else to say to those listening, watching or even reading about you?

Mathias: Well, what I need to say is that they bring up their ideas to help me live a better life and I encourage young men especially students in priestly formation to do what brought them and not to disappoint the society.

Chris: Thank you for your time, words of wisdom, love and commitment to this place. May God continue to grant you your heart’s desires.

Mathias: Welcome.

Standing from left: Wilson, Jose, Michael, Victor, Emmanuel, Thomas, Christopher Sitting from left: Julius, Jeremy, Francois and Paul 9