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KM326/03/2008 November 2007 – February 2008

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

Dear Co-Workers

The Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI has declared June 2008 – June 2009 as a Pauline Year. I have no doubt that the priests who were present at our annual meeting in early December for spiritual renewal and reflection, were greatly moved (as ministers of the Gospel) by the presentation of the Rector, Fr. Thomas Manninezhath, CMI on the life of St. Paul, the Apostle of the Gentiles. I wish to thank Fr. Thomas for his wonderful presentation.

In this context, the Church is presenting to us a unique opportunity to grow in wisdom and grace by dedicating 2008-2009 to St. Paul. It is my intention to urge us all to reflect pastorally on the Pauline experience for our own Christian journey and of course, for the sake of people we serve.

The life of St. Paul, as witnessed in the Acts of the Apostles, and his letters to the various Christian communities, can serve as a unifying theme for our reflection and meditation with our people, and at the same time, it can be a powerful incentive for the communities’ apostolic activities. We should use this golden opportunity or kairos to encourage our people to study and read the relevant passages of the Holy Bible and become more familiar with the life of St. Paul. Our own homilies and pastoral teachings (letters) could also more fully emphasize his teachings and his life. In a special way, Pauline themes aptly lend themselves to inspire and deepen our contact with the youth. Special retreats, youth forum, discovery week-ends, and study guides can be organized locally, in parishes, to maximize the impact of St. Paul on the young and the old alike.

The life of St. Paul and his writings can serve as a guide to our pastoral work and the building up of our Christian communities. To this effect, Fr. Thomas gave us a picture of his multi-faceted approach in terms of Church teachings, prayer, community building and apostolic action. Thus, the life and writings of St. Paul is a gold mine for reflection and action.

During the holy Christmas season, the life of St. Paul and his writings helped us to serve in meditating on the Incarnation of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. “Now, you are Christ’s Body, and individually, parts of it.” (1Cor. 12; 27). We are to be formed in his image and likeness, working to form Christ in our people. Paul’s life is nothing more, nothing less than an extension of the work of Incarnation – This, undeniably, is a powerful food for thought for us today.

Finally, as we journey through the Lenten season, we are reminded that lent is a time of traveling through the desert of purification through prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Now, we begin Lent as a time to prepare ourselves for the great feast of Easter. During this time, we ask ourselves where we are in our lives and we discover God’s presence anew. We are challenged to make time, in our daily living, to listen to his nourishing Word. We are invited to let Him get close to who we are and how we truly are. Thus, we are being called to change which can be a very painful and challenging process. Let us, my dear Co-workers, in the vineyard of the Lord, give it a sincere try, hoping in God’s ever-purifying presence.

NEWS ))) NEWS ))) NEWS ))) NEWS )))

Priestly Ordination

Dc. Mathias Ndemutshiwa Tshithigona, OMI was ordained to the Sacred Priesthood on the 20^th of October 2007 at Christ the King Parish in Okatana with the good participation of Priests, Deacons, Religious and Laity. The celebration was festive and well-prepared. Congratulations!

Deaconate Ordination

Dcc. Joseph Willem Damaseb was ordained as a permanent married Deacon at his home parish: Good Shepherd Parish- Kuisebmund, Walvis Bay on the 08^th December 2007 – the Solemnity of our Lady of Immaculate Conception. It was a grand celebration with a well-prepared liturgy. I wish him God’s blessings in his new ministry. Since Deacon Joseph has been assigned to work with Fr. Kasimir in the three parishes in Walvis Bay, I do wish them a good team work.

Deacons’ Conference

A conference of all married Deacons in NCBC ecclesiastical province was held at Otjiwarongo Pastoral Centre from the 26^th – 30^th of September 2007. All together, 29 deacons from the archdiocese of Windhoek, the Diocese of Keetmanshoop and from the Vicariate of Rundu were present. The course was organized by NCBC as part of their on-going formation programme. It was facilitated by Dc. R. Mascini from the Netherlands.

Dc. Fransiskus Tshikongo was elected as the national representative while Dc. Ambrosius Shalumbu was elected as their Archdiocesan representative. The Diocesan representative for Rundu is Dc Nicolaus Shikumba while Dc. Fritz Goraseb represents the Diocese of Keetmanshoop. The Deacons have reported the workshop to have been constructive and fruitful. This year, the same event has been organized with the dates yet to be announced in due course.

Archdiocesan Pastoral Council Meeting

The Archdiocesan Pastoral Council Meeting was held at the Döbra Mission from 23 – 26 August 2007, in the spirit of brotherhood and sisterhood. The minutes have been forwarded to the participants via the Deans. The next APCM is scheduled for 21-24 August 2008, at RCM-Okatana. Please prepare well by studying and implementing your resolutions and recommendations. Thanks to all who have contributed to the success of APCM 2007.

IMBISA Conference in Luanda, Angola

Imbisa Conference, under the theme: “Good Governance for Development” took place on 20-26 August 2007. Once more, it stressed on certain elements needed to make our efforts of self-reliance feasible and successful. They are: accountability, transparency, servant-leadership and utilization of available resources (human and financial) and responsibility. The Bishops encouraged the implementation of the above-mentioned elements in our respective dioceses on all levels of ecclesiastical structures. We have discussed these aspects already during the Pastoral Council Meeting. I strongly enjoin you to concretize these elements in our parishes or communities.

Confirmation Tour

Confirmation has been conferred to some Catholic faithful at the following parishes:

PLACES / PARISHES	NUMBER OF CONFIRMED FAI THFUL
Khomasdal		44
Holy Redeemer		103
Kamajab		16
Khorixas		33
Waldfrieden		26
St. Mary’s Cathedral		77
St. Boniface Parish – Pioneerspark		29
Epukiro		32
Stella Maris-Walvis Bay		6
Kuisebmund – Good Shepherd Parish /Narravil St. Peter		71
Otshuungu		68
Otshuudhi		38
Okashipu		17
Otshikutshatshipya		34
Omuthitugwonyama		67
Onampira		98
Otshikuku		181

I hereby would like to thank all those who participated in preparing them and I wish

all the newly confirmed Catholics the gift of courage in testifying to the Risen Christ.

church Blessings:

So far, I have conducted the blessing of the following churches:

• Okakekete Church – on the 21 October 2007 in Anamulenge Pastoral Region
• St. Boniface Community – Five Dollar on 16 December 2007 in Okahandja Parish District
• Onamunjarara Church on 01 January 2008 in Otshikuku Pastoral Region
• Etayi Parish Church – on 11 January 2008 in Otshikuku Pastoral Region

Silver Jubilee Celebration

· Sr. Cecilia Asser, OSB and Sr. Laurentia Nangolo, OSB (Tutzing) celebrated their thanksgiving for 25 years of religious life, on the 5 January 2008, at the Ongha Mission.

· Sr. Perpetua Petrus, OSB likewise celebrated her Silver Jubilee thanksgiving on the 06 January at St. theresa parish, Otshikuku.

I presided over the two above-mentioned celebrations.

Congratulations to all our Silver Jubilarians!

Final Vows

· Sr. Monika Manete Sheehama msc pronounced her Final Vows on the 05 January 2008 at christ the King Parish – Okatana. The Vicar General Fr. Werner Afunde presided.

· Sr. Anna Rosa Kanyanga, OSB, a member of the Benedictine Sisters of Oshikuku, made her perpetual commitment to the Lord on the 06 January 2008, at the St. Therese of the Child Jesus Parish at Otshikuku. I had the privilege to preside in this event.

Congratulations and may you persevere in the service of the Lord!

First Profession /vows

· On the 08 December 2007, six novices of the Benedictine Sisters of Oshikuku pronounced their First Vows at Mariabronn Mission near Grootfontein. They are: Sr. Klaudia Vaile, OSB, Sr. Horasia Akwenye, OSB, Sr. Wilhelmine Edward, OSB, Sr.Lucia Shetunyenga, OSB, Sr. Mansueta Mundukuta, OSB, Sr. Elberta amesho, OSB.

· On 5 January 2008 was the First Vows of: Sr. Krispina Shilulu msc, Franselina Agnes Kakololo msc, Sr. Helena Lugondo msc, Sr. Regina Khiba msc at Christ the King Parish-Okatana Mission with the Vicar General, Fr. Werner Afunde presiding.

· On the 31 January 2008, eight Novices of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate took their First Vows at the St. Joseph’s Parish (Döbra) in the presence of their respective Provincials:

* Br. Simon Kefuwe Mphana omi (R.S.A.) * Br. Ben Phiri omi (Zambia)

* Br. Themba Chipembere omi (Zimbabwe) * Tafadzwa Maramwdze, omi

(Zimbabwe)

*Br. Benson Bwalya Chilese Omi (Zambia)

* Br. George Litiya, OMI (Zambia) * Br. Pius Thabiso van Roos,

omi (R.S.A.)

* Br. David Mambo Chumya, omi (Zambia)

I presided over the celebration which was graced with the presence of representatives from other Congregations and students.

· Sr. Christina Velskoen, a novice belonging to the SMIC Congregation, took her First Vows on the 11 February 2008 at Dornfeld (Gunichas) – Gobabis.

May the Lord of Peace give our newly professed young men and women a spirit of joy and fulfillment in their vocation. Let us all keep them in our prayers.

The Pauline Year (28 June 2008 – 29 June 2009)

On the 28 June 2007, the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI had proclaimed the above-mentioned inclusive period, as the Pauline year, so as to commemorate the symbolic bimillenium of the birth of the Apostle to the Gentiles, 2000 years ago.

Some materials, containing salient ideas, have been sent to you via the Deans, in order to help you “fall in love” with the teachings of St. Paul, and hopefully this would nourish our faith. The document offers practical ways of how we could meaningfully celebrate this Pauline year. I hereby call upon all parish priests and Parish Councils to facilitate the process. Re-viewing St. Paul’s journey will undoubtedly help us to grow in our own personal lives.

Archdiocesan Projects

Let me take this opportunity to share with you some of the projects taking place or (recently completed), as we continue to build up the Archdiocesan infrastructure so as to effect and facilitate the work of evangelization:

PLACE/PARISH	PROJECT	PLACE/PARISH	PROJECT
Blouberg	Renovation	St. Konrad -Gobabis	Renovation
St. Mary’s Cathedral	Parish hall	Aminuis	Parish Hall
R.C. Hospital	ICU extension +Parking area	St. Boniface Parish – Pioneerspark	New church/extension
Holy Redeemer – Katutura	Fencing/interlocking	St. Joseph High School (Döbra)	School/hostel renovation
Corpus Christi	Kindergarten extension	Anamulenge Parish Church	ren. /new Church
St. Paul’s College	upgrading	Etayi church	New
Gunichas	Hall / classrooms	Iilyateko mission	electrification
Khorixas	Repair	Bergsig	Parish hall
Okahandja (five dollar)	New Church	Okathitu	Repair
Okando	New church	Olupaka	Parish hall
Onampira	Parish hall	Ombugahamunyoko	New church
Itananga	New church	Ongha	New church
Opuwo District: at Otutati Okovasyona,Otjimuhaka,Ombazu	New churches	Onelago	Parish Hall
Oshakati	Floor tiling	Oshikwiyu-maode	New church
Okaleke	New church	Oshitundu	New church
Otjiwarongo	Hostel rehabilitation	Walfrieden	Hostel rehabilitation
Tamariskia	Hostel rehabilitation	Outjo	New church rehabilitation
Arandis	rehabilitation	Modesa	Church extension
Henties Bay	rehabilitation	Uukwanatshikare	Parish hall+classrooms
Onamunyarara	New church	Good Shepherd- Kuisebmund	rehabilitation

NB:Some projects have been completed, some are under construction and some are at

fund-raising stage. Let me thank each one of you for your input in this regard.

Over and above all these material projects, we have on-going formation/renewal programmes for our priests, deacons, religious and laity in order to be spiritually renewed, and to effectively fulfill the mission which god has entrusted to us.

Transfers and New Appointments

· Fr. Baiju Kurian Mundachal MSFS, had been transferred from Anamulenge to Cape Town, RSA.

· Fr. Paulinus Uzomah (Fidei Donum) – had completed his contract and has returned to his home Diocese of Nnewi in Nigeria.

· Fr. Ethelbert Ifenatuorah (Fidei Donum) –had also completed his contract in Oshikuku and had recently returned to his home Diocese of Nnewi – Nigeria on the 29 February 2008.

· Fr. Mike Chiagorom (Fidei Donum) had completed his contract in Corpus Christi (Wanaheda) and had returned on the 12 February 2008, to his home Diocese Owerri – Nigeria.

· Fr. Emmanuel Ayamkudy, CMI, who arrived in Namibia on the 31 March 2005 – to teach at our National Seminary of St. charles Lwanga, had returned to India on the 24 November 2007 due to health reasons.

· Fr. Marek Fischer has returned from his studies in South Africa, where he was successfully awarded with a Doctorate degree- “Doctor of Philosophy in Theology” at St. Augustine College of South Africa, on the 9 November 2007.Congratulations!

Be informed, likewise, that fr. Marek has been apointed as a Parish Priest of Corpus Christi – Wanaheda – thus, succeeding Fr. Mike chiagorom.

Aside from the above-mentioned parochial assignment, he is part of the teaching Staff in the Charles Lwanga National Seminary, even as he serves as the Director of the Diaconate Formation Programme. Moreover, he is responsible for the canonical matters both on the NCBC and Archdiocesan level. Thank you. Fr. Marek, for accepting these challenging tasks.

· Fr. Lukas Mosemedi, OMI and Fr. Willem Eita have been conjunctively appointed as Youth Chaplains for the Ovambo Deanery, effective 1^st of October 2007.

General Information

Ø Chrism Mass will be on 18 March 2008 at St. Mary’s Cathedral. All priests are expected to attend. The faithful around Windhoek should be encouraged to do likewise.

Ø CCN- Annual General Meeting will commence on the 07 April – 10 April 2008 at the CCN headquarters in Windhoek. All our three Dioceses will be represented. Keep our ecumenical efforts in your prayers.

Ø Sr. Stanistawa Murawska – Mother General of the Congregation of the Sisters of the Most Sacred Name of Jesus – and her interpreter, Sr. Krystyna Oruch, both from Poland, visited our Conference area from 30 December 2007 until 26 January 2008. The purpose was to do visitation of their sisters’ community in Katima Mulilo.

Ø Sr. Cecilia Shikeso, OSB and Sr. Petronilla Shetunjenga OSB, left on the 21 January 2008 for Eldoret, Kenya to participate in a nine-month renewal course. they are expected back by the end of October 2008.

Ø Fr. Veranus Shiimi and Dc. Dominikus Ipinge and his wife; Deacon Andreas Ausiku and Dc. John Shivoro are expected to leave for Europe, to participate in the pilgrimage to Lourdes (France), joining the Oblate pilgrims, and then, they will proceed to Rome. They depart mid-April and will return by mid-May 2008. Let us accompany them with our prayers.

Ø The following people from our various parishes have attended the international Dei Verbum Course, in Zimbabwe from 2 January – 09February 2008: Ms. Genovefa Mokaleng, (omaheke) Ms. Felicitas Moshosho, (omaheke) Mr. Augustine /Howexab, (omaheke) Ms. German Shilula, (Opuwo) Ms. Wilhelmine Nashihwa, (Opuwo) Mrs. Maria Kaputa (Chancery) and Sr. Anna Paula Ndume, MSC (congregation).

Ø Sr. Hedwig Angula, MSC, has been appointed to work in the Chancery, replacing Sr. Cecilia Shikeso, OSB. Also, Ms. Eliane Leoni, A DCC volunteer from France has been seconded to us to train our local staff in General Administration and Accounting for a period of two years. She is stationed at the Bishop’s House. Welcome, Eliane and feel at home in our midst.

Ø PMS collections: Let us encourage our Catholic faithful in our parishes to give generously for the good of the universal church. Your animation/ your enthusiasm will definitely speak louder than words.

FROM THE OFFICE OF THE VICAR GENERAL: Rev. Fr. Werner S. Afunde (Lt Col rtd)

Ø Let it be known to all Priests, Deans, Superiors of Religious Communities, Missionaries, NCBC Staff, Seminary Staff, Personnel of Catholic Health Facilities/CAA, Educational Facilities, regarding the Application for Work Permit, Renewals, Student’s Permit or Visa that:

1. We have received the instruction from the Ministry of Home Affairs and Immigration regarding the abovementioned documents/subject.

2. In order to have your papers approved, all your applications to the Home Affairs regarding such documents as Work Permit, Visa, Passports and other church-related matters, should be processed through the head office secretariate.

3. No application will be considered or attended to, unless it carries the authority of the Archbishop or the Vicar General.

4. The office of the Archbishop or the Vicar General will not take responsibility for handling applications which are channeled through other agents. The Home Affairs personnel will not honor them, either.

5. Any application taken directly to Home Affairs without our approval, will not warrant our/nor their attention.

· In cases of emergency/urgency: individual letter of motivation may come along with our motivation letter from the head office. Application for renewal of work permits, normally takes three months while the visa normally takes seven days.

· Please also take note that you are not allowed to enquire about the processing of your legal papers (e.g., visas) directly to the Home Affairs personnel, but rather, via my office.

I thank you in anticipation for your kind co-operation.

Ø Archbishop Liborius Ndumbukuti Nashenda, OMI, commemorated his Silver Jubilee as an Oblate on the 17 February 2008 and will be celebrated only later since the event falls on the Lenten time.

Ø Be reminded to hand in your Financial reports, statistics, PMS- collections, Refund of your workers’ Pension dues – on time.

Ø Retreat Opportunities: as arranged by CORLIN:

· Oshiwambo Retreat – Retreat Director: to be arranged

- 04 – 10 May 2008 – Mariabronn

- 17 – 22 August 2008 – r.c.m. Oshikuku

· English Retreat : Retreat Director: Fr. Dominic Hession, OFM

- 20 – 25 April 2008 – Otjiwarongo

- 27 April – 2 May 2008 – Döbra

· English Retreat with Oshiwambo Translation:

Retreat Director: Abbot Justin, OSB

- 01 – 07 August 2008 – St. Benedict Priory – Windhoek

- 19 – 26 August 2008 -. St. Benedict Priory – Windhoek

· Diocesan Priests’ Retreat ONLY: to be communicated to those

concerned in due course.

Our Sick

Let us ever include in our prayers all our sick who are recovering:

* Sr. Lydia Risto, OSB[T] * Sr. Brigitte Selvatius, OSB [Osh]

* Sr. Elizabeth Phemelo, MSC * Sr. Maria Naunyango, MSC

* Sr. Jutta Nöthen, SMI * Sr. Klara Nambwandja, OSB [T]

Our Deceased

It was with great sadness that we all took the news about the passing away of our beloved Vicar General, Fr. Franz Houben OMI, on the 26 November 2007 at 2h30 in Aachen – University Clinic at the age of 63. I spent the last days with him at the hospital. Those precious moments with him simply manifested to me how much a man of great faith he was. The great fortitude he showed - through the pain he endured - was beyond words. Fr. Kafula, as he was fondly known by many, was a good pastor, a truly open and generous-hearted man. And he shall remain that way, in many hearts, for a long time. He was laid to rest at Oblateskloster in Engelport –Germany, on the 30 November 2007. May his soul rest in God’s eternal peace. Fr. Franz, intercede for us.

Conclusion

As we continue to conscientize our people to take ownership of the Church, through active involvement and facilitation, I hereby encourage all of us in leadership positions, to adapt servant-leadership style in our Parishes or institutions. In this way, no one should feel estranged from the responsibility within the ecclesial community. As St. Paul says, “We have received different gifts from the Holy Spirit in order to develop the body of Christ, the Church, (1Cor 12:5 ff.)

Let us enable each one of us to contribute to the building up of our local Church by utilizing our personal/congregational charisms to the fullest.

May God bless you in your pastoral endeavours he showed.

Sincerely yours,

+Most Rev. Archbishop Liborius N. Nashenda, OMI

ARCHDIOCESE OF WINDHOEK