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KM326/04/2008 March – September 2008

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

Dear Co-workers,

In the preceeding issue of this Circcular Letter I had the chance to extensively reflect on the significance of St. Paul’s influence on our Christian life. Particularly, I have stated that “the life and writings of St. Paul is a gold mine for reflection and action,” considering the fact that ours is a church on its journey towards self-reliance.

This point on self-reliance might stand out as constantly repeated or reiterated theme to you but it is my deepest concern, as your Shepherd, that it is highest time we learn “to drink from our own wells.” But we can do this only if we are convinced of our calling, both as leaders and followers, and of our responsibility and accountability to the Lord who has called us and to the people we serve.

Specifically, I would like to call to mind one noteworthy emphasis during the August 2007 IMBISA Conference: “... 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.”

In the course of our daily carrying out of the mission entrusted to us, we cannot help but encounter difficulties along the line of those elements underscored above. As a servant-leader, mine is the anxiety and apprehension over the proper utilization of both the human and financial resources entrusted to us… truly putting them into use for the common good.

At times, I cannot help but reflect on such problems as integral crosses to our Christian vocation, if only to be in solidarity with the Cross of Christ. Ours might be experiences of failure, indecision, underachievement of our plans, which consequently bring us to a humbling realization of our inadequacy, but at the same time, they may serve as reminders that our real sufficiency is from God alone. Indeed, we can see our respective problems and difficulties in life meaningfully, only if viewed in the context of “embracing the Cross,” for only as we see and accept our weakness in all humility, can we draw upon God’s strength.

In our journey through the liturgical as well as the profane seasons of our lives, allow me to present a reminder: “ As we walk the way of Jesus Christ, we encounter darkness and the folly of the cross, but we also experience the mystery of His saving grace. (Eph. 1:3-11)

And as co-workers, let us ever take this text to heart:

“If you rely upon God’s strength

And live a life that’s true, then what you do in Jesus’ name

will be his work, through you.” – D. de Haan

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… NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS …

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DIACONATE ORDINATION

The College of Consultors has approved of the ordination of Dcc. Albert Ndahalele and Dcc Herbert Thomas which is schedule to take place on 29^th November 2008 at 10h00 at the Holy Redeemer Parish in Ongwediva – Okatana pastoral Region. Let us accompany them with our prayer in the journey of discernment.

ARCHDIOCESAN PASTORAL COUNCIL MEETING

The Archdiocesan Pastoral Council Meeting which took place from 21 – 24 August 2008 at the R.C. Mission – Okatana was a great success and this is attributed to each one of those who contributed in many ways, both through prayer or in kind.

We deliberated on the theme: “Towards Self-reliant Local Church: St. Paul and Christian Leadership” which is in line with our vision of working towards a self-reliant church – embarking upon the process/programme of conscientizing all the Catholic faithful to be generous with their talents and financial resources for the good of the Church…”for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2Cor 9:7) Let us continue to encourage them as leaders to embrace the ownership of the Church. During this Pauline Year, we can learn a lot from the inspiration of St. Paul in his epistles/letters to the different local churches.

Special acknowledgment goes to the priests, religious, lay leaders and some guests from the youth sector for having given their share of input into the sessions, if only to enlighten the participants on the demands of Christian leadership (from the gospel and Pauline perspectives) and how a self-reliant church can be concretized in the archdiocese. There was also the chance for the participants to be informed about the updating pastoral courses, like the Dei Verbum, the involvement of some delegates to the World Youth Day in Australia, Catechetics, etc.

Most importantly, we extend our gratitude to Fr. Lukas Mosemedi – OMI, and those of Okatana Pastoral Region who were involved in organizing and facilitating the entire set-up and accommodations for the participants.

Incidentally, the next venue for August 2009’s APC Meeting will be at St. Joseph’s Parish, Döbra.

CHURCH BLESSINGS

On the 28^th June 2008, I blessed the Otjimuhaka Church (Our Lady of La Salette) and on the 29^th October 2008, the Okavasiona Church (Christ the King). Both are in Opuwo Pastoral District. This shows how Opuwo district is growing gradually. Thanks to the missionaries of our Lady of La salette under the leadership of Fr. Avelino Sangameia, MS.

ADMINISTRATION OF THE SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION

The Sacrament of Confirmation had been conferred at the following parishes:

Parishes No. of

Candidates

1. St. Mary’s Cathedral - 17

+2 -Nubuamis

2. Oshikuyu (Oshikuku) - 66

3. Uutsima - 47

4. Oshali (Oshikuku) - 71

5. Onambome - 21

6. Okukukaumbi - 18

7. Omutaku - 65

8. Okando - 95

9. Ohakudu - 8

10. Eparara - 81

11. Etayi - 84

12.Ombwana - 41

13.Olyavahenge - 64

14. Enoleu - 45

15. Oshitutuma - 29

16. Onamunyarara - 19

17. Okjathitu - 98

NCBC EVENTS

* Bishop Philip Pöllitzer, OMI left for Rome to represent us at the XII Synod of Bishops which takes place from the 5^th- 26^th October 2008 in the Vatican City – under the theme: “The Word of God in the Life and Mission of the Church.” The Bishops from all over the world will gather to deliberate on the centrality of the Word of God in the life of the Church, if we are to be effective agents of Evangelization. Let us daily pray for its success in a especially, during this month of the Rosary.

Parishes No. of

Candidates

18. Uukwanatshikare - 108

19. Corpus Christi - _____

20. Ondodjo - 74

21. Omeege - 161

22. Emono - 119

23. Omagongati - 127

24. Omutanga - 142

25. Ohakweenyanga - 109

26. Oshinyadhira - 53

27. Oniimwandi - 159

28. Omusimboti - 138

29. Okatana - 84

30. Otsaaneko - 53

31. Oshakati - 92

32. Ongwediva - 107

33. St. Joseph’s School

(Döbra) - 43

34. St. Augustine (Soweto) - 167

* The next Bishops’ Conference -Plenary Session will take place from

1-5 February 2009, in which our Papal Nuncio normally participates.

* Visitation to Suffragan Sees – As you might know, one of the tasks of the Archbishop is to visit the suffragan diocese to familiarize himself with the pastoral situation of the Church without interfering in the administrative matters but rather to listen to the challenges and problems and to keep the Holy See informed on serious issues – if need be

(§ 436). It is in this context that I visited the Diocese of Keetmanshoop from 6 – 9 March 2008 and the Apostolic Vicariate of rundu, from 27 May – 4 June 2008.

It has been, indeed, an encouraging experience seeing how much the Church is doing and which is not normally reported. Thanks to all the clergy, Religious and Laity who dedicate themselves for the good of the people of God. I have observed, though, the need for the Catholic Church to pay more attention to her development in the Caprivi region, although slowly, we are no longer only confined to Katima Mulilo. I hereby call upon all of us to pray for this intention.

* Catholic Aids Action’s 10^thAnniversary Celebration: - It is now exactly 10 years – that is, since 1998 – when CAA was founded as a practical program and a concrete response of the Catholic Church to the HIV/AIDS pandemic. Since then, it has grown into a large structure of the Church in her effort at combating this devastating disease.

It is in this context that on 19 September 2008 and over that week-end, CAA had organized festivities in all the regions where it operates, in order to thank the Lord for all our achievements, so far, and despite our shortcomings. On behalf of the Bishops, I express our gratitude to Fr. Rick Bauer (CEO) and his CAA Team. Around Windhoek, the event was celebrateed at Fr. Bernard Nordkamp Social Centre with Dr. Richard Kamwi, hon. Minister of Health and Social Services giving the Key-note Address, among other speakers.

Thanks to our different donors who are making it possible for us to move on with this particular ministry, through their financial contributions.

Happy Birthday, Catholic Aids Action!

* Youth Chaplains’ Meeting: on the 25 September 2008 Sr. Maria Lena, HC and I held a meeting with the Youth Chaplains covering the conference area, to evaluate the work pertaining to the care of the young people on all levels within the structure of the Church. We deliberated on problems/challenges in our modern secularized society and the response of the Church, thereof. Lastly, we agreed that each Chaplain should see to it that in his/her district, an annual youth progrqamme is drawn up in collaboration with with all youth co-ordinators, leaders or animators. Thanks to all Chaplains for your wonderful work with the youth, who are the future of the local Church.

GENERAL CHAPTER of the BENEDICTINE SISTERS OF OTSHIKUKU

This is to inform you that the OSB OShikuku, which is a Congregation of Diocesan right, will hold its General Chapter from 9 November – 30 November 2008 at Oshikuku Mission. This General Chapter is usually held after every six years. Its purpose is three-fold: (1) to evaluate the life of the Congregationi at all levels; (2) to look into its future vision; (3) to elect a new leadership. This is indeed a very important Kairos in the life of the Congregation,. Therefore, this needs our prayers and support veryu much during this time of spiritual discernment. Facilitators will accompany them during their deliberations. I shall be presisding over the proceedings.

JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS

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The following celebrated their respective jubilees:

v Golden Jubilee: Sr. Katarina Ipetwa, OSB – Tutzing – on 16 August 2008 at

St. Benedict Priory, Nubuamis

v Silver Jubilee: - Sr. Majola Lee, OSB ( a Korean missionary serving at the

RC Hospital as Finance Officer) – 16 Aug. 2008

- Rev. Deacon Johannes Shivolo celebrated his 25^th year of

Diaconate Ordination on 04 September 2008

- Rev. fr. Nicolaus Mokhatu celebrated his Silver Jubilee of

priestly Ordination on 10 May 2008 at Aminuis Mission.

To all our Jubilarians, Hearty Congratulations!

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FINAL VOWS

Sr. Antonia Shilunga, OSB- Tutzing, made her perpetual commitment on 12 April 2008 at the Priory House of the Missionary Benedictine Sisters of tutzing in Nubuamis. I presided over the celebration. Congratulations and may you have more years of productive service.

FIRST PROFESSION / VOWS:

I hereby officially announce the Election of the New Parish Council which has to be conducted within the given time-frame: from the First Sunday of November - 14 December 2008. The procedure will be: 1. - Nominations 2. - Scrutiny of the Candidates 3. - Elections 4. – Induction 5. - Installation (from Dec. 2008 - until before Ash Wednesday 2009). The Parish Priests should make sure that the Statutes are observed in conducting the election.

I also encourage the new Parish Council to make sure that a decent/acceptable dress code is adhered to, during the liturgical assemblies and celebrations.

TRANSFER OF APPOINTMENTS

Ø I have appointed Fr. Erastus Kapenambili Shimbome, OMI as a new member of the College of Consultors for a period of five years, effective 1 June 2008.

Ø Sr. Anne O’Gorman, HC has been transferred to Belfast, Ireland, as from May 2008. She is well-known for her educational contribution at the Holy Cross Convent Primary School, where she has been teaching for twelve (12) years. Prior to her Namibian missionary stint, she worked in Zimbabwe for eighteen

(18)years; South Africa – twenty(20) years; and in Africa, 55 years. We thank the

Congregation of the Holy Cross sisters for having seconded her to us and for her contribution to the emancipation of the local church, particularly in the educational sphere.

Ø Sr. Alfrida Plückthun, OSB, popularly known as “Nakale” meaning “the tall one”- has been transferred to Germany, after 45 years of dedicated service in Namibia. Nakale arrived in Namibia on 25 April 1963 and worked at the following places, chronologically:

o Windhoek (April – October 1963)

o Oshikuku (October 1963 – February 1980)

o Windhoek ( February 1980 – February 1990)

o Oshikuku (February 1990 – December 1992)

o Windhoek (December 1992 – July 2000)

o Nubuamis (July 2000 – April 2008)

We thank Sr. Nakale very much for the committed service she rendered to our local church via her Congregation (first, as a dentist, as Sub- Prioress and then as a Procurator for many years.) We wish her many more years of productive ministry.

Ø Sr. Marie Janesch, MSC – has blessed the Catholic Church in Namibia with her fifteen (15) years of loving service, through her congregation, the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart -Hiltrup. Aside from administrative tasks linked with the Congregational government, she also took time to render her educational prowess with the Seminarians at Charles Lwanga Seminary, specifically teaching English.

Ø Retirement: Deacons: Desiderius Hamayulu of Ongwediva and Severino Shilongo retired on 16 September 2008 and 30 March 2008 respectively. Dc. Herman Klemens has also retired this year.

At the moment, we have 25 permanent Married Deacons of whom 14 have retired from their respective professional jobs, having attained 60 years of age.

Ø Fr. Benny Varkey Karuvelil, CMI - returned from his further studies at Catholic Universteit Leuven (Belgium) where he received his Doctorate Degree in Philosophy. He has been seconded to us by the Congregation to continue teaching at our St. Charles Lwanga Seminary.

Well done, Fr. Benny. Congratulations! We are proud of you!

GENERAL INFORMATION:

All Priests Meeting: this is for all priests working in the Archdiocese of Windhoek and it will be held on 2 – 3 December 2008 at Döbra, starting at 8h00.

· Presbyteral Council; Deans; Finance Committee and College of Consultors

meeting will take place from 12 – 13 November 2008. This is just a friendly

reminder.

· NCBC Diocesan Priests Retreat will take place from 06 – 11 October 2008 at Usakos Mission. All Diocesan priests are expected to attend. The retreat will be conducted by Fr. Trevor Petersen, a Diocesan priest from the Archdiocese of Cape town.

· “Liborifest” Paderborn, Germany: I was invited to this Paderborn Archdiocesan Feast by Archbishop Hans Joseph Becker, which took place from 25 - 30 July 2008. It was a truly memorable experience since it was not only a church feast but it has attached civil society as well. A week before that, I had my retreat under the accompaniment of Fr. Bernard Nordkamp, OMI who sends his many regards to all of you.

· The Holy Cross Congregation’s 125^th Anniversary: From the 12^th – 14^th September 2008, was a time of Jubilation at our Lady Selbone Convent in Pretoria as the holy Cross Congregation celebrated its 125^th year of existence in Africa. The highlight was the Eucharistic Celebration with Bishops, priests, Deacons and many religious; at which the Apostolic Nuncio, His Excellency Archbishop Patrick Green, presided. I represented the Namibian Catholic Bishops’ Conference. Let me take this opportunity to wish the entire Holy Cross Congregation God’s blessings, for the unique contribution they have nade towards our local church.

· Okalongo Mission Centre has been completed and the MSC Sisters are busy furnishing it; afterwhich, you will be duly informed regarding its official opening and inauguration. Hearty thanks to all our donors and local contributors.

· Vehicular Accidents: this year, a significant information has come from our Secretariate that a lot of accidents by our Church personnel have been reported; which means that this might push up the insurance premium in the next financial year. I therefore urge all of us to drive carefully and responsibly as a preventive measure to unnecessary loss of lives or damage to property. Furthermore, in view of the rising fuel prices, I strongly recommend that members from the same mission institution should endeavour to combine trips to the different local destinations for cost-cutting purposes.

· Archdiocesan Bursary Fund Policy: This policy has been worked out and approved. It has been briefly introduced at the Archdiocesan pastoral Council Meeting in Okatana. All the necessary information and document have been sent to all parishes via the Dean. No application will be considered without the recommendation from the parish Community (Parish Priests). This is an attempt to help our needy Catholic students from our parishes.

I have appointed the following persons to the Allotment Committee:

Fr. Werner S. Afunde – Vicar General; Sr. M. Bernadette Asuncion, OSB, Mr. Ambrosius Agapitus and Ms. Emily Andreas. Thank you for your acceptance.

OUR SICK

Let us continue to pray for our sick who are on the road to recovery:

Sr. Andrea Hover, OSB- T; Sr. Rhabana Hausiku, OSB-T; Sr. Lucia Daniel, MSC; Sr. Bernardine Nepolo, OSB-T; Sr. Elizabeth Phemelo, MSC; Sr. Irene Tshavuka, OSB-T; Sr. Walburga Amutenya, OSB-T; Sr. Perpetua Vaamwapeni, MSC; Br. Hermenigild Beris, CMM; Fr. Avelino Sangameia, MS; Fr. Walter Jüpner, OMIFr. Joseph Matheus, OMI; and Fr. Winfried Deing, OMI, who underwent a triple by-pass operation in Cape town and is presently recovering there.
Be also informed that Fr. Bernard Nordkamp, OMI has been diagnosed with cancer and is currently undergoing chemotherapy in Germany. He requests for our prayers.

I fervently wish our sick members the much-needed strength and speedy recovery by God’s grace.

OUR DECEASED:

v Fr. George Geiger, OMI – born - 23^RD April 1921; First Vows – 25 March 1947;

Final Vows - 25 March 1950; Ordination – 20 April 1952. Arrival in Namibia- 15 August 1953; He served in the following mission stations: Okombahe: Sept. 1953- may 1954; Gobabis: May 1954 – Sept. 1960; St. Michael: 14 Sept. 1960 - 16 Feb. 1995; Swakopmund, Döbra, Walfrieden: 1995 - 2005; Epukiro: March 2005 till his death on 16 May 2008. He was buried in Döbra on 24 May 2008.

v Br. Werner Köster, OMI – born: 23^rd November 1930; First Vows: 21 May 1951; Arrival in Windshoek, Namibia: 22 May 1952; Perpetual Vows: 21 May 1956; He served In the following mission stations: Windhoek – 1952 – 1968; Döbra: 1968 – 1986; Kavango: 1986 – 1993; Döbra: 1993 until his death on 21 August 2008 in Windhoek. He was buried on 30 August 2008 in ; Döbra:

v Br. Gotthardt Angelo Kavependurua Tjambari who has been of the Benedictine family, was born on the 18^th of Sept. 1967 and died on the 27^th of July 2008 in Katutura State Hospital. He was laid to rest on the 2^nd August 2008 at his home place of Otjimbingue. May his soul rest in peace.

We thank God for their life and service to the Church of Namibia. May the Lord reward them abundantly with eternal bliss in his kingdom.

CONCLUSION

Let me take this opportunity to reiterate my inner gratitude to you all – fellow collaborators (priests, deacons, religious and laity) for your tireless involvement in the missionary endeavour of preaching the Good News of the Kingdom to our people. May God give you guidance and Wisdom not to feel hopeless but rather “be hopeful.” During this year let us continue to use St. Paul’s writing in a special way, to activate our love for the Scripture and for our spiritual nourishment.

Sincerely yours in the Lord’s vineyard,

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+ Most Rev. Archbishop Liborius N. Nashenda, OMI

Archdiocese of Windhoek