Circular Letter of the Archdiocese of Windhoek/Namibia

 

                                  KM325/10/2007                                    April-October  2007 =.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=. =.  

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

 

INTRODUCTION:

 

Dear Co-workers

 

It gives me pleasure to be able to share with you again, some information about what had transpired in the recent past and what is happening around the Archdiocese. At the same time, let this be an expression of my gratitude to you for all the good works you are doing in our parish communities, Missions, Health institutions and educational institutions.

 

When one observes the situation in the country, one can easily notice two elements which we have to work on as a nation, in general and as a local church, in particular. Firstly, the violent attitude and tendency  developing  in our society – murders, rape, theft, striking increase in road accidents due to recklessness…these are the contents of the daily newspapers (media). 

 

Secondly, moral degradation is another major area of concern for us. The people seem not to be so much interested in spiritual things, in Godly things.  Through those two elements, what does God want to communicate to us as his stewards? How can we double our efforts to give our people continuous spiritual formation, in order for them to experience spiritual transformation? This is, indeed, a challenge for us to see how we can help people through our pastoral ministry, trusting in God’s wisdom and guidance.

May God bless you all in your endeavours.


Episcopal Ordination

            Rev. Fr. Philipp Pöllitzer, OMI, was appointed as the Bishop of Keetmanshoop on the 31st May 2007 by the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI and was consecrated and installed on the 14th July 2007, in Keetmanshoop. He was ordained by His Excellency Archbishop James Patrick Green, the Apostolic Nuncio, assisted by Archbishop Jabulani Nxumalo of Bloemfontein and myself. The celebration was indeed, well-prepared and was attended by a large crowd of lay people, Religious, eight (8) bishops, forty-nine (49)

Priests and five (5) Permanent Married Deacons. On behalf of the Archdiocese, I would like to thank Bishop Philipp for all his contribution  in building up our local church and I wish him good health, strength and wisdom in the new Episcopal ministry of shepherding God’s flock in that particular church.

 


Priestly  Ordination

 

 


Diaconate Ordination

Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary; at the Good Shepherd Parish – Kuisebmund, Walvis Bay. Who is he?  Dcc Joseph W. Damaseb is the son of Jephta Kleofas Eigowab (deceased) and Elizabeth Damases – born on 12 October 1961 at Grootfontein. He obtained his education at Mariabronn Primary School, St. Joseph’s High School (Döbra), and Windhoek College of Education. He got married to Mrs. Moimbo Sam, on 9 February 1991.

He started his Diaconate Formation programme in 1999.   Currently, he is holding the position of Principal.

We wish Joseph a good spiritual preparation for this milestone in his life.

           


Silver Jubilee Celebration

 

 

 

Sr. Helena Mwapiti Amwaandangi, MSC (General Councillor) and Sr. Susanna Fudheni Endjala MSC. The celebration took place at Mary Immaculate Parish – Mariental, coinciding with the MSC International Course for Young Final Professed Sisters.   Sr. Mechtilde Schnieder, MSC – the Superior General, graced this significant occasion with her presence.

May God bless you all, our dear Jubilarians and may he give you many more productive years in his vineyard.

 


First Vows – Profession

 

On the 9th September 2007, Sr. Eveline Ndatilifa, HC took her first vows as a Holy Cross Sister in Holy Redeemer Parish – Katutura. It was definitely a joyous celebration and a cause for celebration, not only for the Holy Cross Congregation but also for our local church in Namibia.

May God give you a spirit of perseverance in your religious profession.


Centenary Celebration of R.C. Hospital – Windhoek

 

            The festivities which would conclude the centenary celebration of the Roman Catholic Hospital-Windhoek, will take place during the weekend of 26–28 October 2007. The closing Solemn Eucharistic Celebration will be on 27 October 2007 at St. Mary’s Cathedral, at 09h00.

            I hereby invite all the Catholic members around Windhoek to come and join in the Eucharistic celebration, as a sign of our gratitude to God for what the hospital has contributed towards the health care in our society. Don’t miss this event.

 


Confirmation

            During the last few months, I have been fortunate enough to visit the following parishes and had the privilege of conferring the Sacrament of Confirmation:

 

1. St. Mary’s Cathedral    = 23

13. Okapopo                         = 79

25. Okatope                            = 25

2. Oshipeto                         = 18

14. Ipanda                             = 67

26. Ongha                               = 86

3. Olupaka                          = 74

15. Omuulukila                     = 98

27. Aminuis                            = 13

4. Iilyateko                         = 16

16. Ondombehethindi         = 38

28. Okahandja                       = 48

5. Osisiya                            = 119

17. Oukwatelo                        = 29

29. St. Michael/ Otjikondo = 39

6. Oneeya                            = 46

18. Olufa                                 = 73

30. Outjo                                 = 24

7. Olwaango                        = 28

19. Ruacana                           = 58

31. Arandis                              = 46

8. Ouma                               = 31

20. Anamulenge                   = 119

32. Modesa                             = 46

9. Oshikulufitu                   = 69

21. Karibib                             = 19

33. Tsumeb                             = 43

10. Onelago                         = 55

22. Onangama                       = 52

 

11. Omafa                             = 53

23. Onengali                          = 11

 

12. Omalungwandjamba  = 48

24. Oshikango                       = 56

 

 

 

A special thanks to all Parish Priests

and Councillors

for all the efforts you have invested

in all the preparations.

Thanks a million to all our dear Catechists!

 


Church Blessing

I conducted the blessing of the following churches:

St.  Peter and Paul, the apostles.

 


Transfers and New Appointment

Ø      Fr. Teddy Lennon, OFM – has been appointed as the administrator of Khomasdal Parish. They will work as a team with Fr. Bernard Hall, OFM.           

Ø    Fr. Augusto Ndaitavela has been transferred from St. Augustine Parish (Soweto) to the Pastoral District of Khorixas and St. Michael’s, he will be assisted by Fr. Adalbert Nemeyimana.  Thanks for the service rendered in Soweto!

Ø      Fr. Joseph Kunjaparambil, MSFS,  has been transferred from Lüderitz to St.

Augustine Parish (Soweto) and St. Peter Claver – Okahandja. In the near future, he will get an assistant in the person of Fr. Joseph Illichal, MSFS.

Ø      The Vicar General, Fr. Werner Afunde, will be relieved of his office as Parish Priest of St. Peter Claver – Okahandja, on 28 October 2007.  Hearty thanks for the fruitful years spent in making the Okahandja Parish flourish, along with your military chaplaincy!

Ø      Fr. Paul Dotaomai, MSFS has been transferred from Ongha Mission to

Anamulenge and will be an assistant to Fr. Jose Thomas, MSFS. He will be replaced by Fr. Philip Kurisumootil in Ongha.

Ø      Fr. Willem Eita has been appointed as the Acting-Parish Priest of Oshikuku Pastoral Region and is accountable to the Vicar General, Fr. Werner Afunde (who is the overall overseer);  he will be assisted by Fr. Veranus Shiimi.

Ø    Fr. Erastus Kapenambili Shimbome, OMI has been appointed both as Parish Priest and Dean of the Omaheke Pastoral District, effective 14 October 2007.  This district includes: Gobabis Parishes, Aminuis, Epukiro and the Farms. He succeeds Fr. Adolf Volk, OMI who will continue to assist him, together with Fr.  G. Geiger, OMI.

 

 

 

Ø      Fr. Varghese Pulikkiyil, OFM Cap. has been recalled by the Order, from

Khorixas/St. Michael’s and will be assigned elsewhere, effective o4 November 2007. We thank you very much for the contribution you have rendered to our Archdiocese,

     both as a Parish Priest and as a Dean.

 

Ø      Sr. Clara Oaës, SMIC, with the permission of the Provincial Co-ordinator, Rev. Sr. Lucy Bekeur, has been appointed by me as the Youth/Vocations Chaplain of Omaheke  Pastoral District.

 


General Information

 

Ø      Official Visits of Superiors / Superior Generals:

 

·        CMM General Br. Broer Huitema, CMM (23 June -08 July 2007) came for visitation of both the Windhoek and Shambyu communities.

·        Sr. Thresiamma Pallikunel, SH, the Superior General of the Sacred

                  Heart Sisters came for Visitationa and she conducted the retreat for

                  the Sisters.

·              Sr. Frances Grogan, HC- The Provincial of the Holy Cross Sisters (from South Africa) came to attend the First Profession of Sr. Eveline Ndatilifa, HC, held At the Holy Redeemer Parish Church, in Katutura.

·        Sr. Mechtilde  Schnieder   MSC – came for a visit as well as to participate

      in the MSC International Meeting of the Young Finally Professed Sisters in

      Mariental.

 

To all distinguished   visitors to our Archdiocese,

we thank you very much!

 

Ø      Omuthiya Mission has officially been completed, was opened and inaugurated by me, on the 18th May 2007.  The Mission is entrusted to the Missionaries of Our Lady of La Sallette.

Ø      Okalongo Mission Project is progressing well and is expected to be completed

             before December, with the official inauguration/opening projected for early next

             year, 2008.

 

 

Ø      The late Bishop Rodulf Maria Koppmann, OMI the former Apostolic Vicar of Windhoek celebrated his Episcopal Golden Jubilee on 28 May 2007, in Hünfeld, Germany. Unfortunately, he died shortly afterwards on the 24th June 2007.  He was buried in Hünfeld on 02 July 2007. In Namibia, the memorial mass was held on 04 July 2007 at St. Mary’s Cathedral, Windhoek.

Bishop Rudolf was born on 18 January 1913, in Essen-Germany, and was ordained as Bishop on 11 May 1957, in Hünfeld. He had spent 42 years of his life as a Missionary in Namibia.

            We thank him very much for his priceless legacy in building up our local Church.

May his soul rest in God’s eternal peace.

 

Ø      R.C.M. Okatana celebrated her 75th Jubilee over the weekend of

       24 – 26 August 2007.  It was reported that the celebration was well-organized

       and was attended by many  former students and colleagues. We commend Fr. Lukas

       and his Staff for making this historic event a success.

 

Ø      Rev. Bernard Nordkamp, OMI -  the former Vicar General, visited Namibia

recently, from 17 August  - 01 September 2007 with 26 parishioners in order to expose them  to the missionary efforts or reality of our local church. For him, it was also an opportunity to recall old memories of his missionary activities in Namibia.         Incidentally, Fr. Bernard celebrated his 70th birthday on 03 July 2007 and is currently working in the Parish of Schemmerhofen – Germany.

 

Ø      LUMKO Institute has organized an International Pastoral Ministry Course

      (29 October – 24 November 2007) in Germiston, Johannesburg,  South Africa.    Two

      of our retired Permanent Married Deacons: Dc. Ambrosius Shalumbu and

      Dc. Franz Mishawka are going to participate as part of their on-going spiritual

      Renewal/formation and catechetical upgrading. They will leave for South Africa

      on the 28th October 2007 and will return on 25 November 2007. We wish them a

      fruitful and  nourishing pastoral/spiritual experience.

 

 

Ø      Rev. Kasimir Wröbel and Mrs. Theophilia Shaanika attended the   “Fidei

       Donum” International Congress, held in Rome, Italy on 8 – 11 may 2007. This

       was to mark  the 50th Encyclical Fidei Donum under the theme: “All the Churches

       for all the World.”  The Congress had 144 participants.

       Both of them have written reports of the tremendous experience they had.

       Welcome back!

Ø      Fr. Werner Afunde, the Vicar General,  will be on his well-deserved vacation

       from 2 November – 3 December 2007. 

Ø      October is the month of the Rosary, the powerful means of conscientizing our

       faithful to love prayer. I invite you all to organize prayer session in our parishes /

       communities to pray the rosary,  together. Besides praying for parochial needs,

       I specifically invite you to pray for the prevalent violence being permeated against

       women and children, with special reference to the recent events of dismembering

       of women in Windhoek and Grootfontein.

Ø     
Reminders:           

-  Presbyteral Council            (14 November 2007)     -Finance Committee          (15 November 2007)

 - Deans’ Meeting       (14 November 2007)     - All Priests’ Meeting(04 – 05 December 2007)

 -  College of Consultors   15 November 2007)


Our Sick

Once again, I invite you to pray for our fellow co-workers who are sick or recovering from operations:

v     Let us continue to pray for our Vicar General, Fr. Franz Houben,  OMI who is undergoing treatment in Aachen. He really needs our prayer.

v     Other members of our Church personnel who are either sick or recovering are:

o       Sr. Rosa Maria Munkwetele, SMIC;          Bro. Gottlied Sheimi, OMI

o       Sr. Christel Adams, MSC                             Sr. Marie Jenesch, MSC     

o       Fr. Nicolous Mokhatu                                  Sr. Novata Endjala, OSB-Osh.       

o       Sr. Severina Jakobus, OSB -Osh.              Sr. Brigitta Egumbo, OSB-Osh.

o       Sr. Theophilia Aule, OSB-Osh.                   Sr. Clara  Nambwandja, OSB-T

o       Sr. Pelagia Emvula, OSB-T                         Sr. Maria Fatima Fillipus, OSB-T

o       Sr. Elizabeth Akapeke, OSB-T                   Sr. Leoni  Hasler, OSB –T

o       Sr. Bernolda Reidl, OSB-T                          Sr. Walburgis Brokly

o       Sr. Godwina Himmelschbach, OSB-T         

 

 


Conclusion

Let me take this opportunity to thank all of you for your tireless effort in ministering to the people of God.  A  special thanks to our staff, providing health care in our health facilities (including CAA) and those ministering to our youth through our educational institutions (schools, hostels.) May the Lord grant you the courage to fight (endure) and the strength to care. During this month of the Rosary, let us entrust to Mary, Most Holy the fruits borne during the past few months of reflection and prayer. From this moment, we likewise entrust to her all our joys and sorrows experienced in the challenging ministry, in the context of our globalized society.

 

May Mary, who lived in intimate and constant communion with Jesus, the Word made Flesh, help every Christian to recognize in the Eucharist - the living presence of her Divine Son, to receive him with Faith and to call upon him with Love.

 

Invigorated by the Eucharistic Bread, no Christian will hesitate to serve his brothers and sisters, in order to build a new, more just and fraternal humanity. SHALOM!

 

Wishing you all God’s abundant blessing.

 

Sincerely  yours in God’s vineyard,

 


+Most Rev. Archbishop Liborius N. Nashenda, OMI

            ARCHDIOCESE OF WINDHOEK