In the light of the theme of the Synod of Africa, the Church calls us to reflect on how we, the Church here in our Archdiocese can be at the service of reconciliation, justice and peace. This theme challenges us during Advent to see how we can prepare ourselves interiorly, meaning, our spiritual life, how to meet the Lord, and how to prepare for His coming with a reconciled, just, and peaceful heart. And in this context we ask ourselves continuously, are we really living as lights to the world or salt of the earth by the way we live and interact with one another in our parochial community or religious community from day to day?
Seasons come and go in our lives. The first rain showers poured down on our Namibian soil in this cool November month heralds a new hope to our fields, homes and surrounding. The downpour of rain refreshes our minds and hearts to better our society confronted by escalating violence, trafficking and exploitation of children, women and the impoverished of our society. The wonderful thing that happens is when we, families, churches, and communities take initiative to seek the face of God in a concerted prayer for the healing of Namibia. Let us continue to be watchful and pray our vigils while waiting for the Lord to come in our lives. Grace and peace have already come to us through the good works of our priests, religious and laity in the Church. Our faithful God sustained us with his loving graces in the past and forthcoming Priestly Ordinations, Religious Professions, Jubilees, Marriages, Confirmations, First Communions and Baptisms this year. He has truly increased our number as laborers and harvesters of his vineyard here in Namibia. Therefore, we should continually pray for perseverance to patiently wait for the Lord’s coming in our lives as our hearts would desire to say, Maranatha, come Lord Jesus! May I wish you, all, a fruitful preparation for the coming of the Lord! And may He find a place in our heart and transform it into a compassionate heart which is acting justly and fully reconciled with God and with others. Will you pause for a while and listen attentively to these inspiring lines? “Advent is like a door that opens, the door of my heart which I open to let God, my Redeemer, enter into my heart.
Because God loved us first, he knocks continuously and calls us:
Say to the downcast: have courage, do not be afraid! See, your God is here. He himself will come to redeem you. (Is. 35:4)”
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… NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS ….
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1. Diaconate Ordination
On 24/07/2010, I have ordained Br. Josef Alweendo Mutumbulwa, OMI and Br. Peter Sindimba Ntjamba, OMI to the Sacred Ministry of Diaconate at Christ the King Parish-Okatana Mission- Hearty Congratulations!
2. Priestly Ordinations
2.1 I have ordained Br. Dc. Raymund Shikesho, OMI to the Sacred Priesthood at Christ the King Parish at Okatana on 24/07 /2010. May God enrich you with his love in your priestly ministry.
2.2 Dc. Apolinarius Ndemufa Martin and Dc. Johannes Shawana –Epandulo Omwene Eshiyandja Paulus Nghikevali, are scheduled to be ordained to the Sacred Priesthood on 04/12/2010 at St. Theresa of the Child Jesus Parish-Oshikuku. Both are diocesan priests. They will celebrate their thanksgiving mass in their home parishes at Eparara and Okambebe respectively.
The last few months I have conducted Confirmation at the following parishes in our Archdiocese of Windhoek. The number of Confirmed is indicated in brackets.
Osire Refugee Camp (42) by Vicar General; Maria Assumpta Parish (166) by Vicar General, Sancta Familia (Mondesa) (26), Tamariskia Parish (25), Emono (100), Oshakati (116), Iwiyongo (72), Amutanga (96), Ongwediva (114), Ondjodjo (59), Ohakweenyanga(92), Ehafo-Johannes (30), Otshinyadhila (56), Oniimwandi (70), Omeege (94), Omagongati (89), Otshaaneko (28), Otshihenge (30), Omusimboti(87), Okatana (90), St. Boniface- Pioneerspark (46), St. Mary’s Khomasdal (28), St. Joseph’s Parish and School, Döbra (39), Holy Redeemer-Katutura (25), St. Augustine-Soweto(222), Christ the King-Otavi (20), St. Francis-Tsumeb (43), St. Michael’s (55), Holy Spirit Parish-Khorixas(83), St. Peter Claver -Okahandja (36) by Vicar General, St. Mary’s Cathedral (87), and Corpus Christi-Wanaheda(76). My gratitude to all the parish priests, catechists, secretaries and entire staff who made these events a success. May the good Lord reward you hundredfold.
4. Jubilee Celebrations
4.1 Sr. Gertrud Akundungila, OSB and Sr. Anna Maria Franziskus, OSB celebrated their Golden Jubilee of Religious Profession at St. Benedict Priory House, Windhoek on 14/08/2010.
4.2 St. Peter Claver, Okahandja celebrated the Golden Jubilee of their existence, having been founded in 1960. The people were joyful and they praised the Lord unimaginably well. I presided over the concluding Eucharistic celebration on 23/10/2010. Well-done, Okahandja Parishioners!
4.3 Rt. Rev. Bishop Philipp Pöllitzer, OMI, the Bishop of Keetmanshoop, celebrated his Golden Jubilee as an oblate on 2/11/2010 in Keetmanshoop. We wish him continuous health in his challenging ministry as a shepherd of his flock. Bishop Phillipp, OMI pronounced his first vows in 1960. Congratulations.
4.4 Rev. Dc. Mauritius Niipare of Okatana celebrates his Silver Jubilee of Diaconate on 11/12/2010, and his retirement as teacher at Okatana Mission. He was born on 05/08/1950, and was ordained a deacon on 15/09/1985.
Also Dc. Severin Shilongo (ordained 01.09.1985), Dc. Adelgott Fransiskus (ordained 01/09/1985), and Deacon Desiderius Hamayulu (ordained 15/09/1985) celebrate their Diaconate Silver Jubilee during the next months. May God bless you abundantly.
5. Vows (Religious Pofession)
-Br. Joseph Aelweendo Mutumbulwa, OMI made his final vows in Okatana on 23/07/2010.
-Novice Patricia Ananias and Novice Aina Maria Stefanus, belonging to the Benedictine Sisters of Oshikuku, will make their first profession at Mariabronn Mission on 08/12/2010.
-Final Vows:
The following Sisters will make their perpetual consecration in the Congregation of the Benedictine Sisters of Oshikuku at Oshikuku Mission on 06/01/2011: Sr. Roswitha Shimbome, OSB, Sr. Leonora Shipena, OSB, Sr. Wilhelmine Uushona, OSB, Sr. Asteria Ndjekela, OSB, Sr. Sabina Kanyengo, OSB, Sr. Ottilie Shiyambi, OSB and Sr. Martha Iipwakena, OSB. This was made known by the Prioress General, Sr. Maria Magdalena Shetunyenga, OSB.
The MSC Sisters have announced the religious profession of the following Sisters:
-Sr. Permena Nghihepa, MSC, Sr. Letitia Shaningwa, MSC and Sr. Christine Mathews, MSC will make their first profession at 9:00 A.M. in Christ the King Parish, Okatana on 08/01/2011.
-Also on the same day, three Sisters will make their final commitment to the Lord: Sr. Merciana Mushisheni Tamuti, MSC, Sr. Theresia Nepolo, MSC and Sr. Elfriede Nakale, MSC.
May the Lord give you, all a spirit of perseverance in your commitment. “Vasbyt.”
6. Blessings:
-I blessed the Okando Parish church in Oshikuku Pastoral Region on 25/07/2010.
-St. Mary’s Cathedral Parish Hall was blessed on 23/10/2010.
-I shall preside over the proceedings of the blessing of the new building (extension) of the Roman Catholic Hospital in Windhoek at 16:00 on 29/11/2010. The Minister of Health and Social Services, Honorable Dr. Richard Kamwi is expected to attend the inaugural ceremony.
7. Transfers and Appointment
7.1 Having listened and consulted the priests of the Deanery, I have appointed Fr. Edward (Teddy) Lennon, OFM as the Dean of Windhoek Deanery, succeeding Fr. Linus Ngenomesho, OMI, the newly appointed Provincial Superior of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate, Namibia Province.
7.2 Fr. Kasimir Wrobel is being transferred from Walvis Bay Parishes to Usakos and Karibib Pastoral District.
7.3 Fr. Erastus Kapena Shimbome, OMI and Fr. B. Heller, OMI are transferred to take over Walvis Bay parishes.
7.4 Fr. Joseph Hatutale, OMI is transferred from St. Boniface, Pionierspark, to Tsumeb Parish District.
7.5 The Archdiocese welcomes Fr. Davis Vadakkumpadan, CMI, from India. He has taken up the responsibility as a chaplain of St. Paul’s College, inter alia, he is also teaching Religion, giving conferences to learners, and rendering services to the school in order to revive its character of being a Church school. Thank you, Fr. Davis for accepting this important appointment.
7.6 Fr. Evaristus Hinanane has been appointed as chaplain of the “Universal Living Rosary”Spiritual Programme, which is headed by Sr. Margareth Uutoni, MSC. His appointment is effective 01/01/2011. The main purpose of this program is the
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promotion of the love of praying the rosary in the families and communities
according to the spirit of St. Philomena.
7.7 Fr. Anthony Spencer, OFM and Br. Sydney Daniels, OFM currently serving the Holy Redeemer Parish of Katutura; have been transferred to Swakopmund. Fr. Anthony will be the acting Parish Priest, thus, taking over from Fr. Reinhold Menghin, MSC, who has officially retired last month. Thank you very much, Fr. Reinhold for your contribution.
7.7. The following persons have been appointed by the NCBC as members of the “Media Team” whose main task is to act as a link between the Roman Catholic Church and the Media (public). Please don’t hesitate to supply them with needed information from the regions, parishes and religious communities. They are: Fr. Werner Afunde, Fr. Lukas Mosemedi, OMI, Fr. Maurus Kantana, OMI, Fr. Conradie Golley, Sr. Margareth Uutoni, MSC, Fr. Erastus Kapena Shimbome, OMI and Fr. Willem Christiaans, OSFS (Vicar General).
* Archdiocesan Pastoral Council Meeting (2-5 September 2010) concluded well and the result will be forwarded to us as soon as it is ready for implementation. Thanks to all our facilitators and participants.
*Fr. Aloys Terliesner, OMI, Procurator of the OMI, visited our conference area from the 17- 29/09/2010, to see how the different projects which are funded from Missions-Prokur are doing and at the same time to familiarize himself with the needs of the local Church. Fr. Aloys also coordinates the sending and delivery of the container in assisting the mission works and donation from our benefactors. Thank you for your continuous support.
*Handing over the Children’s Education Centre– Usakos to the CMM Congregation:
The Superior- General of the CMM Brothers, Brother Broer Huitema, CMM, arrived in Namibia, on 16/10/2010, to oversee the CMM Brothers taking over the Children’s Education Centre (CEC) in Usakos. The CEC was established in Usakos by Dutch couple, Fritz and Hanneke Koopmans with Br. Emericus Goosens in 1991 in an attempt to provide a home of “love and discipline” for about 40 orphans. The couple returned to Netherlands last week having witnessed the handing over of the facility to ensure that there is always a home for the homeless children. The CMM General Board accepted the request of Frits and Hanneke Koopmans to manage the centre. During the actual handing over on 23/10/2010, Principal Stephanus led the opening prayer. The guest speakers were Br. Broer, a representative of the Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare, Mr. Leonard Diergaard in the name of CEC Trust, Br. Hermenegildus, CMM, regional superior and Frits Koopmans. Frits and Hanneke exchanged a ceremonial key with Br. Broer. To the Koopmanns Family, thanks a million for your valuable contribution.
Br. Richard Rumangun, CMM will be superior of the community and director of CEC. Br. Johannes Matheus, CMM has been appointed as bursar and bookkeeper and Br. Gerard Mopeli Sehlabo, CMM will take care of some pastoral tasks in Usakos and Karibib and organize the youth movements in both towns. Thank you to the CMM Congregation for having willingly accepted to head this valuable ministry in our Archdiocese, in helping the orphans and less-privileged.
*Anti-Corruption Commission has organized a workshop for Churches personnel in leadership (Priests, Pastors, Deacons, Parish leaders and Sisters) at Ongwediva on 22/10/2010, in order to exchange views of how to combat corruption both in the Church and public(society). Emphasis was put on how the Church can be involved in instilling moral value in our people. The workshop was directed by the Prince Minister, the Right Honorable Nahas Angula and Mr. Noa Paulus, director of ACC. It was reported that the workshop was indeed a great success. Many of our Church personnel participated. Thanks.
* Regional and local authority election would take place on 26-27/11/2010. Let us encourage our faithful to participate fully in this democratic exercise in order to elect leaders of their choice who would have their interest and needs at heart. Encourage a spirit of tolerance and mature politicking to prevail during election campaign. Above all, let us pray for the smooth running of the elections-so that the result can lead us towards unity, prosperity, and nation-building.
*Safety on our national roads: With a lot of car accidents increasing on our roads, let us encourage the road users to be vigilant and sober in order to make this festive season safe. Let us all participate in these efforts of saving lives.
*IMBISA’s 9th Plenary Conference will take place in Pretoria, South Africa, as from the 6-13 December 2010. The theme is: “Fostering good work ethics for the promotion of self-reliance, good governance, and sustainable development in Southern Africa.” All the bishops from Southern Africa are expected to attend. Keep our meeting in your prayer intentions.
*World Youth Day 2011-Madrid, Spain (11-21 August 2011): All the parishes and religious Congregations are expected to submit their candidates by the end of December 2010, and we can start with all necessary preparation. For more details, please consult the letter by NCBC dated 18/08/2010. We request you to make prudent selections; don’t choose holiday makers or tourists?
9. “Ministry of Prayer for the Sick”
May the healing power of our Great Physician touch our sick members in the Archdiocese for their speedy recovery and good health:
In July: Sr. Oranna Franke, OSB
In August: Br. Gerhard Wiesenmuller, OMI, Sr. Patricia Tuukondjele, OSB, Sr. Theresia Irmburga Wellerdieck, MSC, Sr. Dorothea Hudert, MM, Sr. Jadwiga Lasocka, SNJ
In September: Sr. Juliana Lunebrink, Fr. Joseph Kunjaparambil, MSFS, Fr. Willem Christiaans, OSFS (Vicar General)
In October: Fr. Martinus Van der Avoird, OSFS
10. In Memoriam (+)
11. Conclusion
As we know advent is about “waiting” for someone or something to happen. It is desiring something so much that you keep your mind on that thing till it happens with hopeful expectation. As St. Paul says about real hope- “to wait with patience” (Rom. 8:25). This is what I wish you all during this time of advent, to wait with faith for the coming of our Lord-waiting actively for Him to be reborn everyday in our lives. May the Lord grant you his unconditional and unwavering hope as you try to respond to the daily pastoral challenges. Shalom and a Blessed Advent to all!
Sincerely yours in Christ,
+ Most Rev. Archbishop Liborius N. Nashenda, OMI ARCHDIOCESE OF WINDHOEK