Month: May 2015
The Invitation of the DACB Seminar
By Peter Mutasha
On 8th April, 2015, I attended a seminar on the Dictionary of African Christian Biography (DACB) at Justo Mwale University in Lusaka. The seminar was facilitated by the Director of the project (DACB) Professor Jonathan Bonk from Canada. The attendees were a variety of religious leaders from different Christian denominations, representatives of organisations, university Professors and students. The focus was mainly to present the Dictionary of African Christian Biography.
This dictionary, which is an international online database, is a biography of African Christian leaders (clergy, catechist and lay people) and Christians who have contributed to the laying of the Christian foundation, shaped the character and propagated for its growth in Africa. And the reason for doing this is to “advance a scholarly understanding of African Christianity” which in the paraphrased words of Professor Bonk is scarcely available in many universities in Africa but more especially in the western world.
The biographies of these African Christians are categorised according to their country of origin. And according to the database presentation of Zambia, few stories of those committed Christians were reflected and moreover little about Catholic African Christians has been written. The Professor appealed to the Catholic community that more should be written about those people who significantly participated in the evangelisation of Christianity in Zambia. For me the appear was sincere and besides the Catholic Church has been a mainline Christian church in Zambia since 1891; during this epoch there have been significant figures who have enhanced the expansion of Catholicism. Such are the people the seminar encouraged that we write about them.
We concluded our seminar with wonderful sneaks and though the group of attendees was small (at least 20), the presentation and participation from the audience created an enthralling intellectual discursive atmosphere.
For those who would like to contribute to this biography or want more information; you can visit: www.DACB.org
It is available in Français, Português and Kiswahili.
Together in the eradication of modern slavery – Day of recollection
The Missionaries of Africa in Lusaka, Sisters, Brothers and Priests, gathered for a day recollection on Monday the 25th May 2015 under the theme: together in the eradication of modern slavery. Prayers, sharing from the Word of God of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10: 30-33) and the inspiring presentation of todays’ slavery in the world given by Jacek Rakowski, gave us the opportunity to remind ourselves that modern slavery is widespread all over the world. This form of abuse is incompatible with our dignity as children of God. The root causes are many; poverty, lack of education, corruption, conflicts, violence and criminality. The global scale of slavery is calling for a global answer whereby governments, business people, international organisations and so on have a crucial role to play in the fight against modern slavery. As Christians, we fight also for our common fraternity.
The recollection took place at Retreat and Renewal Centre of Assisi House situated on the compound of St. Bonaventure University College in Lusaka. This College offers Diploma in Psycho-Spirituality and Religious Studies under the care of the Franciscan Spiritual Family.
Our New SAP Provincial – Stanley Lubungo
Dear Confreres,
Greetings from Woodlands.
I bring you good news! We have a new Provincial Superior for our dear Province! The Superior General has appointed Stanley Lubungo as our new Provincial from 1st July 2015 to 30th June 2018.
I would like to say a big CONGRATULATION to all of you for your voice and participation in this appointment. Congratulations also to Stan for accepting the appointment, indeed the wish of the confreres in the province.
One of the values we have maintained in our mega province is that of our closeness to Christ and the good will to do his mission together as confreres. During the recent consultation this was clearly expressed through your patience, respect and the fraternal advices you shared.
As we move into the next era of our beloved province my wish is that we continue in this same spirit especially during the period that the new leadership will be getting into place and settling down. Christ never fails, as long as we remain united with him, our province will also continue to excel.
Congratulations to all and God bless you.
Fraternally,
Christopher Chileshe
Missionaries of Africa - SAP Province 