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KM328/05/2008 October – December 2008

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“Glorify the Lord with me; together, let us praise his name.” (Ps. 34:4)

Dear Co-workers,

In the Spirit of Christmas, I would like to greet you by sending you the Christmas message which was written by the Conference:

From the Catholic Bishops Conference in Namibia (NCBC) -

Archbishop Liborius Ndumbukuti Nashenda, of the Metropolitan See of Windhoek

Bishop Philipp Pöllitzer of Keetmanshoop

Bishop Joseph S. Shikongo, Apostolic Vicar of Rundu

- to each and every Catholic faithful in Namibia and

to all people of good will in Namibia.

“Peace on earth” (Lk 2:14):

Considering all events around the birth of our Saviour Jesus Christ, it sounds like a summary echoing in our ears and hearts what the angels announced: Peace on earth! The history of humanity is a history of wars, conflicts and tragedies on the scale of nations and also in our societies, families, little neighbourhoods and personal feuds. It takes the intervention of God’s power to establish and to maintain peace on all levels. ‘Peace’ is a gift, a fruit, a task - for everybody!

1. Peace is God’s gift: God’s messengers have announced Peace as a present given to us by God Himself at the birth and with the birth of His Son Jesus Christ. And again, what was the message when the second Big Pang exploded, bringing new quality life to all humanity and indeed to all creation in the resurrection of Jesus Christ? His first word was: “Peace to you!”

2. Peace is the fruit of prayer:

If peace is God’s gift, then we should ask and intensively pray for this gift; “ask and you will be given”. Remember the promise made by Jesus: “Whatever you ask in my name, I shall give you.” Living in peace and harmony with each other is certainly in the line of God’s will. He will give what we intensely ask.

3. Peace is the task entrusted to our effort:

Peace for all levels of our concrete lives is the element which can be compared with what is water for the fish: Without peace we cannot live; we cannot be happy; we cannot develop our personal potential and the potential of the community or the state. Therefore, we must work for peace: In our homes, at the work place, in the political arena, in the encounter of the Churches. Creating a peaceful atmosphere is a task entrusted to you and me. ‘Happy the peace-makers’, Jesus encourages you and me!

Dear fellow Christians, if we don’t make a daily effort for a more peaceful atmosphere around us, if we don’t pray and ask the Lord, if we don’t open ourselves in readiness to receive God’s gift - how will we come to fuller Life in Namibia?

Peace be with you! Peace in these Christmas Days and peace in the year 2009.

The Bishops of the Catholic Church of Namibia.

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… NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS …

v Diaconate Ordination: The Diaconate Ordination of Rev. Dc. Albert Ndahalele and Rev. Dc. Herbert Thomas took place on the 29^th November 2008 at the Ongwediva Catholic Parish of Holy Redeemer. The celebration was attended by priests, several deacons and laity who remarkably put in “African flavour” to the liturgy. Incidentally, on the same occasion, Dc. Herbert and his wife celebrated their Silver Jubilee of marriage.

To our newly-ordained deacons, we wish both of you a very happy and fruitful ministry in the vineyard of the Lord.

v Church Blessing: On the 9^th November 2008, the new church extension of St. Martin de Porres was blessed by the Vicar General, Rev. Fr. Werner S. Afunde , where many people participated. We thank the parish for their wonderful input in preparing for this event.

May you continue building a meaningful community of worshippers which would do justice for the improved building you have put up. May God bless you and may you conscientiously look after your beautiful church.

v Administration of the Sacrament of Confirmation: I had the privilege to confer the Sacrament of Confirmation at the following places:

7 Our Lady of Fatima (Gobabis) – 97

v Appointment of the New Vicar General for the Diocese of Keetmanshoop:

Bishop Philipp Pöllitzer, OMI, appointed Rev. Fr. Willem Christiaans, OSFS as his Vicar General effective from 15 November 2008. He is currently the Parish priest of Sacred heart Parish in Rehoboth. Congratulations, Fr. Willem - and may the gracious God bless you in your new challenging responsibility.

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v NCBC – NEWS

· New NCBC Secretary General: The NCBC, at its August 2008 Plenary Session, has appointed Fr. Thomas Manninezhath, CMI as the new Secretary General, effective 01 January 2009. Fr. Thomas succeeds Brother Hermenegildus Beris, CMM who has, served the NCBC for the last 17 years, with dedication, fidelity and love.

Incidentally, Bro. Beris turns 80 on 24 August 2009. Thank you so much, Bro. Hermenegildus, for your remarkably unique contribution towards the growth of our local church.

To Fr. Thomas, thank you very much for accepting this new challenge, after having rendered ten years of your committed service to the formation of our young priests-to-be at the St. Charles Lwanga National Seminary –and for which you deserve another note of gratitude.

· National Representatives of Married Permanent Deacons: Rev. Deacon Fransiskus Tshikongo had been elected by the deacons as the new national (NCBC) representative of all the permanent married deacons in Namibia. Congratulations!

· Permanent Diaconate: Meanwhile, the NCBC has come up with the following decisions:

1. That normally, nobody should be ordained as Permanent Deacon beyond

the age of 60 years. Therefore, this is one factor to be considered when one is recommended for acceptance as candidate, since the Deacons’ course takes six (6) years.

2. The age of resignation for a deacon from his definitive responsibilities is 70.

This does not necessarily mean that the deacon may no longer give a helping hand in the community or parish. It simply means, ‘no more responsibilities.’

· Synod of Bishops in Rome (05 – 26 October 2008): Returning from this important event in the life of the universal church, Bishop Philipp Pöllitzer, OMI writes: “I am very sure many would like to know, how the …Synod of Bishops in Rome has been. Successful? Boring? Well, the theme of the Synod was certainly very essential for our life and mission: “The Word of God in the Life and Mission of the Church.” It was also a new experience to be in such meetings! On the other hand, it was demanding for the 250 bishops who were no longer used to sit at the school desk and to listen for weeks. Sometimes, we had group meetings which were very helpful.

Two items stick to my mind in the interventions:

o The preachers must better their homilies against a scriptural background.

o The reading of the word must not only be informative but also transformative/ performative.

Both would happen if we faithfully practice the Lectio Divina (in various forms), and not

only study according to the historical-critical method of interpretation.”

· Completed Seminary Studies: Our two seminarians have completed their Philosophical and Theological studies this year: Evaristus Hinanane and Josephino Gaby.

· NCBC February 2009 Session: The Opening Eucharistic Celebration of the NCBC February 2009 Session will take place at the St. Boniface Parish – Pionierspark on the 1^st February 2009, at 9h00. I encourage the neighboring parishes to attend. The Apostolic Nuncio, His Excellency Archbishop James Patrick Green will be presiding.

· Agreement of Partnership in Health: After a long time of negotiation, the abovementioned agreement was signed on 2 October 2008 between the Ministry of Health and Social Services and the Anglican Diocese of Namibia, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Namibia and the Roman Catholic Church – thus facilitating our relationship of co-operation in health in our mission health facilities (hospitals). The Ministry was represented by Hon. Minister Dr. Richard Kamwi and the churches by their respective Bishops, with their witnesses.

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v General Chapter of the Benedictine Sisters of Otshikuku:

As previously reported in the last Newsletter KM327/04/2008, the OSB-Oshikuku General Chapter took place from 09 – 30 November 2008 at Oshikuku Mission. The newly elected Leadership Team are as follows:

Ø Prioress General: Sr. Maria Magdalena Shetunyenga, OSB

Ø First Councillor: Sr. Cecilia Shikesho, OSB

Ø Second Councillor: Sr. Severina Jakobus, OSB

Ø Third Councillor: Sr. Scholastica Akwenye, OSB

Ø Fourth Councillor: Sr. Monika Kiinge, OSB

Meanwhile, the Prioress General has appointed Sr. Severina Jakobus, OSB as the Mother Vicaress. The new Leadership Team was officially installed by me on 30 November 2008 in St. Theresa of the Child Jesus Parish in Oshikuku. We would like to thank the out-going Prioress General, Sr. Irmgard Poroto, OSB and her team, for their contribution towards the development of the Congregation for the last six (6) years, and we wish them well in their new assignments. I would also like to thank our four sisters who have facilitated the General Chapter: 1) Sr. Cecilia Mkhonto, SSB – Superior General – Rustenburg – South Africa

2) Sr. Mary Tuck, OP – Provincial Councillor Johannesburg – South Africa

3) Sr. Mary Catherine Wenstrup, OSB – St. Walburg Monastery, Covington – Ky/ USA

4) Sr. Kathleen White, OSB – Emmanuel Monastery, Lutherville, MD - USA

I would like to thank you all for your prayers which made this General chapter a success; and I wish the new Leadership Team, courage and perseverance in their new responsibility of guiding the Congregation for the next six (6) years. The General Bursar and the Secretary will be appointed by the Prioress General in due course.

v Jubilee Celebrations: Sr. M. Clara Ôaes SMIC, celebrated her Silver Jubilee of Religious Profession on 04 October 2008 at Fatima Parish in Gobabis. Congratulations and may the Lord give you more years of good health and inner joy.

v First Profession/Vows: On 25 October 2008, the following five sisters had the First Profession of their Monastic Vows at the St. Benedict Monastery, Nubuamis:

1) Sr. Eva -Theresia Antsino, OSB; 2) Sr. Maria Paula Shiwaanhu, OSB; 3) Sr. Matilde Shikongo, OSB; 4) Sr. Theresia Ameya, OSB; 5). Sr. Victoria Ndapewoshali Talamondjila, OSB. I presided over the Eucharistic celebration. Congratulations!

v Centenary Celebration:

On 12 October 2008, the Swakopmund Mission Centre celebrated its 100^th year of existence since the first missionaries arrived in this area. Different activities - which ranged from Art work/exhibits, cultural input to visual history presentation - were organized. My gratitude goes to everybody whose input to this celebration has duly contributed to its being a success story. I presided over the Eucharistic Celebration which was the climax of all the festivities.

v Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice Medal: This is to inform you that Sr. Assumpta Shannon, HC has been awarded the abovementioned medal by the Congregation for Evangelization of Peoples, in recognition of her distinguished contribution towards the Pontifical Mission Society apostolate. Congratulations!

v Lay Leaders/ Ministers:

Please be reminded that one is appointed to these ministries for a period of three (3) years; after which the situation and the person concerned is evaluated upon consultation by the parish community and the parish priest – before re-appointment is considered. Moreover, it should be noted that one is appointed only for that particular parish or community. The Parish priest should see to it that the people are properly prepared and trained before they take up these various important ministries in the community, without stifling different talents among the people of God – for the spiritual development of the Body of Christ – the Church.

v Father Stens Thusanang Association: This is a Study Loan Scheme. Ms. Maria Hoffmann, the co-ordinator writes: “This scheme gives interest-free loans for students at UNAM and Polytechnic of Namibia. Primarily, this supports Catholic and First Year university students. All Grade 12 Certificate holders may request for an application form if they have a provisional admission letter from UNAM or Polytechnic of Namibia.” Hereunder follows all necessary contact details:

Father Stens Thusanang Association Namibia

Study Loan Scheme

P.O.Box 31056 Windhoek

FAX 061 242 835

www.Thusanang.com

After 2 November 2008: appointments by 081 392 4408

I herewith call upon all Parish Priests and pastoral workers or leaders to make this information known or available to all our Catholic parishes / communities and encourage our young people to make timely use of it. By the way, Ms. Maria Hoffmann turned 70 years of age on the 27^th October 2008.

Congratulations and Happy Birthday, Ms. Hoffmann!

· XUPIFA EEMWENYO (Save Lives) Project: This project calls us to be sensitive to the increasingly alarming cases of loss of lives due to inconsiderate driving, which includes: drunken driving, over-speeding, pedestrian safety and night driving. Let us take part in this national effort to conscientize our people in our respective Congregations, to be aware of their social concern, responsibility and accountability by exercising safe, considerate and preventive driving. Let us all join in praying for a new “driving attitude” among all those who drive – that they may ever consider the value of their own lives and those of others. Let us include this intention in our services during this festive season.

v Political Tolerance: There is a general concern in the country when one reads through the daily media, with regard to the political intolerance among different political groups which can certainly be a threat to national peace and security, to our democratic principles (fundamental freedoms) and policy of national reconciliation, thus, could lead to both political and economic instability. And this is indeed, simultaneously, the concern of the church, if she has to fulfill her prophetic role within our present context, especially in the light of the upcoming national elections 2009.

As Jesus, the Son of God came to bring peace through his birth, we too, should strive to promote peace, especially integrating it in our homilies during Christmas, by encouraging political tolerance among the different parties or peoples, as well as respecting and accepting others’ political viewpoint. Political tolerance is indeed a pointer towards mature democracy. Let us continue to pray for the spirit of unity and love to prevail in the lives of all citizens of Namibia.

v Transfers and Appointments:

· Deans re-appointed: This is to inform you that the following Deans have been re-appointed for a period of three years with immediate effect:

1) Fr. Josè Thomas, msfs ( Ovambo Deanery)

2) Fr. Linus Ngenomesho, omi (Windhoek Deanery)

3) Fr. Kasimir Wròbel (Swakopmund [West] Deanery)

v GENERAL INFORMATION:

· Dc. Ambrosius Shalumbu has been elected as the representative of the Permanent Married Deacons in the Archdiocese of Windhoek. We wish him well in his new portfolio.

· Professor Bernard has returned to England for good, after having rendered his generous service for fourteen (14) years to our Namibian local church, especially at St. Charles Lwanga National Seminary and the OSB-Oshikuku (Mariabronn), His immense contribution as well as his charm and his jolly disposition will definitely be missed. I hereby convey our sincere gratitude on behalf of the Namibian Church.

· The Chancery will be closed on 12 December 2008 and will re-open only on 12 January 2009. I thank my Vicar General, Fr. Werner S. Afunde (Lt Col) and the Head Office Staff for their dedication during the year 2008. May the Lord reward you for your contributed efforts…

v Our Sick: Let us remember our sick and those who are recovering in our prayers:

· Sr. Lucia Bekeur, SMI; Sr. Ceciliana Eusebius, OSB- T; Sr. Rosa Ôaes, SMIC; Sister Mary Francis Nambala, OSB-T; Sr. Hildegard Schwegmann, MSC; Fr. Avelino Sangameia, MS; Br. Gerhard Wiessenmüller, OMI and Postulant Maria Haindongo (OSB-T).

v Our Deceased: In the course of the past few months, two of our clergy have lost their beloved parents:

· Rev. Fr. Clemente Felix Mario, MS - the Assistant Parish Priest in the Omuthiya Mission, lost his mother, Eva Mbweta Mario on the 7^th October 2008.

· Rev. Venancio Kavako Soma, MS – lost his father, Faustino Soma Kavaku on 10 November 2008.

May the Lord of consolation wipe away your tears and give you inner strength during your time of bereavement. Be assured of our continuous prayer, as a sign of our being in solidarity with you.

v Conclusion:

As 2008 comes to its culminating phase, we could easily see the generous hand of God in all the things that have come our way. Ours is an undeniable opportunity of counting our blessings and being truly grateful for them. Prominent among these blessings is that of Peace…for although we are faced by the stark reality of crimes, corruption, violence, terrorism, injustice and other unfavorable elements in our society, we cannot but thank God for the comparatively peaceful situation we have in Namibia, in contrast to the miserable state of war and calamity –stricken countries. But this gift, we have to vigilantly guard and sustain, as it is explicitly stated in our introductory Christmas Message above.

Imparting my Christmas blessing and good wishes, I hereby conclude with an appropriate message from St. Paul as expressed in his first letter to the Thessalonians (5: 23-24): “May the God who gives us peace make you completely his, and keep your whole being, spirit, soul, and body, free from all faults, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you will do it, for he is faithful!

Sincerely yours in the Lord’s vineyard,

+ Most Rev. Archbishop Liborius N. Nashenda, OMI

Archdiocese of Windhoek