While our country, Namibia was experiencing the overwhelming heavy rains, we entered the New Year with our resolutions contributing constructively to the spiritual growth of our Parish communities and society. In our yearning for the sun to come during those days of heavy downpours, our hearts would desire for the gift of “a spring of water within, welling up for eternal life” (Jn. 4: 14): ... the gift of the Holy Spirit, who transforms Christians into “true worshippers,” capable of praying to the Father “in spirit and truth” (Jn. 4: 23). Journeying on the roads of our modern world, we face the social ‘evils’ of materialism, unjust distribution of wealth, poverty, homelessness. breakdown of families and communities, global abortion, euthanasia, prostitution, human trafficking, same-sex marriage, domestic violence, substance abuse and addiction, lack of proper parenting, peer pressure, global warming, and many more. They blind our vision towards wholeness and fidelity to love. They leave us seated by the roadside like Bartimaeus waiting for Jesus to pass by, shouting out and saying when He comes, “Have mercy on us, Son of David” until He calls us to go closer to Him. These current challenges call the Church to constant change and new ways of evangelization.

With the above panorama of the modern world, we enter the Season of Lent with open hearts to re-evaluate our lives and relationship with the Lord. Being a time of sacrifice, Lent prepares us for the celebration of the Paschal Mystery of our Lord through fasting, prayer, almsgiving and conversion. Communion with Christ’s passion, death and resurrection in this life makes us ready to overcome the barrier of death, so that we may live eternally with him... God created us, men and women for resurrection and life, and this truth gives an authentic and definitive meaning to human history, to our personal and social lives, to culture, politics and the economy. Without the light of faith, the entire universe finishes shut within a tomb devoid of any future, any hope. Above all, our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI reminds us that the immersion into the death and resurrection of Christ through Baptism free(s) our hearts every day from the burden of material things, from a self-centered relationship with the “world” that impoverishes us and prevents us from being available and open to God and our neighbor. May we all remain faithful to our baptismal vows and continue to live as “Children of Light.” A Blessed Lenten Season to all! HAPPY EASTER – Alleluia, Jesus Lives!

NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS

1. Diaconate Ordination

On 05/03/2011, I have ordained Br. Albertus Sheehama, OMI to sacred Diaconate at St. Boniface Parish (Pionierspark). Congratulations! Dc Albertus OMI is currently working at Maria Assumpta Parish, Otjiwarongo.

2. Priestly Ordination

Dc Joseph Alweendo Mutumbulwa, OMI was ordained to the Sacred Priesthood at St. Petrus Canisius Parish Anamulenge, in Omusati Region on 1st January 2011, Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God. I would like to thank all the Priests, Religious and Laity who attended the celebration. This is really a good sign of solidarity in the Spirit. We wish you God`s blessing in your new ministry. Fr. Joseph OMI has been assigned to R.C. Okatana.

3. Jubilee Celebration

3.1 Sr. Adelheidis OSB celebrated her Golden Jubilee (50) of Religious Profession and Sr. Maria Franziska Kashuupulwa, OSB and Sr. Erwina Franz, OSB their Ruby Jubilee (40) of Religious Profession at St. Benedict Priory House, Windhoek on 05/02/2011. You are indeed an example of perseverance to “us,” the young generation, Congratulations!

3.2 Fr. Linus Ngenomesho OMI – the Oblates’ Provincial Superior, has announced that Fr. Heinz Ernst, OMI is scheduled to celebrate his forthcoming Golden Jubilee (50) of Religious Profession on 21/05/2011 (also 71st Birthday) on the feast of the death of St. Eugene de Mazenod, at St. Michael`s Mission, Outjo. All of you are invited to this thanksgiving event. Congratulations, Fr. Heinz, OMI.

3.3 The Missionary Benedictine Sisters of Tutzing celebrated their Thanksgiving Mass for the 90th anniversary of the Foundation of Windhoek Priory (1920 – 2010) at their St. Benedict Priory House Chapel on 28th December 2010. Most of the Sisters from the different communities around the country came together to give thanks to God in a “Benedictine style”. The event was preceded by different activities, amongst others: Solemn Vespers, Drama, Cultural dances and Testimonial speeches. It was indeed marked by an atmosphere of prayer, love and unity. We continue to appreciate the OSB – Tutzing’s presence in our local Church. The OSB-Tutzing has currently 11 communities in Namibia.

    1. Transfers and Appointments

    2. 4.1 Rev. Fr. Maurus Kakuru Kantana, OMI has been transferred from Bunja to St. Boniface - Pionierspark, Windhoek. He is appointed as the Parish Priest (including – quasi Parish of St. Joseph`s – Döbra) and Director of the OMI-Pre-Novitiate Formation House. I have installed him as a Parish Priest, succeeding Fr. Joseph Hatutale OMI – on 06/02/2011. Thanks, Fr. Maurus, for accepting these responsibilities.
    3. 4.2 School Chaplain: Fr. Frans Van Wyk, OMI, in consultation with his Provincial Superior, has been appointed as the school chaplain of St. Joseph`s R. C. High School- Dobra. He will be available for the spiritual needs of the learners as well as teaching of Moral Education (Bible- Study). His appointment is effective as from 15 April 2011, retrospectively. Fr. Franz was working in the district of Grootfontein in the last three years.
    4. 4.3 Windhoek Deanery Youth Chaplain: Upon the recommendation of the Deanery, and in consultation with the Provincial Superior (Fr. Linus Ngenomesho OMI); I have appointed Fr. Lukas Mosemedi, OMI as the Deanery Youth Chaplain for a period of three years, effective 1st April 2011. The following persons will form part of the Team: Fr. Appolinarius Martin, Sr. Agrippina Nandjaa SNJ; Ms Bernadette E. Tjombe, Sr. Sieglunde Cheron Tjavanga, HC and Sr. Hyacintha Nepela, OSB. I am convinced that this team will organize very well the youth in our Deanery. Fr. Lukas and your team, we wish you well and courage in your ministry to the future generation.
  1. General Information

5.1 R. C Hospital: The historical first open – heart surgery was performed by Doctor Professor Johan Rossouw and Dr. Henning du Toit on 04/04/2011. This is indeed a plus point for our hospital. This is one of our major contributions towards our society/ nation in the Health Sector. I would like to thank our Hospital Staff and doctors for this great achievement. Other dignitaries and I had the privilege to witness this historic event. Let us pray for the success of the future operations.

5.2 Walk with Christ: As part of Lenten Observance, the youth in Windhoek Deanery usually organize a walk from the Cathedral to the Poor Clares’ Sisters Monastery. On the way we prayed the rosary and the station of the cross, journeying with Jesus on his way to Calvary – to suffer and die for our sins. In his Resurrection, we have become a pilgrim people proclaiming hope to the world by this public act. The walk with Christ took place on 02/04/2011. I participated also in this walk of about more or less

12 km., joined by some Priests, Religious, Seminarians and Laity. We concluded the walk with the Eucharistic Celebration. Thanks to each one who contributed to the success of this religious event and encouraged the other Deaneries to follow suit.

5.3 Pilgrimage to Lourdes (France), Germany, Rome (25/04/ – 26/05/2011): As part of their ongoing formation and a sign of the gratitude for what our permanent married deacons are doing in the Archdiocese-; the following Deacons will be sent to this Spiritual experience: Dc. Frans Gabriel Naimhwaka; Dc. Albert Ndahalele (and his wife: Beatrix Ndahalele); Dc. Bentu Paulus Kaupu; Dc. Mauritius Niipare and Deacon

Thadeus Erastus. We wish you a wonderful experience.

5.4 St. Charles Lwanga National Seminary: The Seminary was awarded a Certificate of Accreditation by the Namibia Qualifications Authority extending from the 18 Nov. 2010 to 18 Nov. 2013. The scope extends to issuing Diploma in Philosophy and Bachelor Degree in Theology. The Roman Catholic Church in Namibia should be proud of this great academic achievement. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude towards the hard work of our Formators and lecturers (academic staff). Moreover I would like to inform you that this year 2011, we have 36 students at our Seminary: Archdiocese of Windhoek = 12; Keetmanshoop Diocese = 3, Apostolic Vicariate of Rundu = 2; OMI = 11; MSFS = 3; CMM = 2 and MSC = 3. Two of our Archdiocesan Seminarians completed last year (Br. Johannes Kanana and Br. Benjamin Sheelongo) while Br. Erasmus Amushembe will be completing at the end of June 2011. Let us continue to pray for our students to persevere.

5.5 Sr. Regi Jose, SH from Thalasserya Province, India, was seconded to our Archdiocese by her Congregation to teach at St Joseph`s High School, Döbra, since 2004. She has been recalled since 17 April 2011. We thank her and the Congregation for the contribution towards our local Church. May God bless you, Sr. Regi, SH in your new assignment – Thanks a million.

5.6 NCBC – Pastoral Letter on Alcohol Abuse (see enclosure).

5.7 Announcement of the Poor Clares Sisters of their celebration of the 800th Anniversary (1212 – 2012) of a Spiritual Conversion in the life of St. Clare of Assisi and the beginning of Contemplative Community life for St. Clare and her Sisters (see enclosure).

6. Our Sick

We remember in our prayers the following members of our Church personnel who are sick or currently recovering: Sr. Dorothea Emanuel, OSB, Sr. Ceciliana Eusebio, OSB, Sr. Remedios de los Reyes OSB, Sr. Susanna Endjala, MSC, Sr. Elfriede Nakale, MSC; Sr. Christiana Velskoen, SMIC, Sr. Mary Innocentia Mbati, OSB; Sr. Grace Nambela, OSB Fr. Johann Leu , Br. Gerhard Wiesenmüller, OMI.

7. In Memoriam ( + )

7.1 Fr. Raymund Shikesho OMI has announced the passing on of his beloved mother, Mrs. Bernadette Patrick Shoopala- born 02/05/1947, died 26/02/2011 and buried at R.C. M. Okatana Cemetery on 05/03/2011. May her soul rest in God’s eternal peace. Be assured of our prayers.

7.2 The OSB – Tutzing has also announced the death of Sr. Andrea Haver OSB in Windhoek on 20/01/2011. She was born in Oelde – Keitlinghous, Germany on 01/01/1930 – made her first vows in 1959, and perpetual profession in Tutzing in 1962. We shall never forget her contribution towards the local church especially in the health sector. She was laid to rest in Döbra on 27/01/2011.

7.3 Moreover, Sr. Jakobina Kweenda, OSB announced the untimely death of her grandmother, Mrs Veronika Kondjeinasho Haimbodi on 10/04/2011. She was 72 years of age (06/06/1939). Her burial took place at her home village of Uushakeneno in Ohangwena Region on 14/04/2011.

Our condolence to all the bereaved families.

8. Conclusion:

As we enter this Holy Week, let it be an experience of inner renewal; that of journeying with our Lord to Jerusalem the place of his Glorification. As we carry our different crosses that of pain, anxiety, or fear let us not forget that the Lord is always with us. The cross, for us Christians, is not a sign of failure but of victory over death or sin.

May God give you a Grace- filled Holy Week and a blessed Easter Season.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

+ Most Rev. Archbishop Liborius N. Nashenda, OMI

ARCHDIOCESE OF WINDHOEK