By Prudentia Mumbi and Theresa Sikateyo
It was wonderful to see Missionaries of Africa (M.Afr), Missionaries Sisters of Our Lady of Africa (MSOLA), and Missionaries with Missionaries of Africa (MIMSAF) at one corner explaining to the many Catholic Priests and Religious and the Laity what our charism, vision and mission is. The exhibit side of MIMSAF was placed between M.Afr and MSOLA. Prudentia Mumbia, Theresa Sikateyo, Phillip Chimponda and our Chaplain Fr. Vitalis Dero Owino represented all members of MIMSAF.
“If we will not document it, it will be difficult to show that we participated in the launch of the year’s theme: The Year of Consecrated Life and Integral Development Held at Marian Shrine”.
It sounded like impossible when the Provincial Fr. Christopher Chileshe challenged MIMSAF to position itself in the works of the Missionaries of Africa especially during the launch of the year’s theme where all congregations were expected to participate and show case their charisms.
The day was characterized by talks from Priests, Religious and the Laity. In addition to the talk’s there were exhibitions of what each congregation is involved in trying to explain their charism and how they translated their charism to the theme of the year. One could pick a number of touching phrases to learn from as each speaker spoke: * Origin of Consecrated Life; bear witness, put lives at the service, rooted in the Trinity. * Like Christ in the Kingdom of God “for to me to live is Christ” Phil 1. * Jesus example of obedience – Doing the will of God. * Look at the past with gratitude. * Live the present with passion. * Embrace the future with hope. * Translate the gospel into a particular way of life. * Reflect on our charisms; look at the difficulties, challenges and learn from them; confess to the Church, ourselves and the people we serve. * Examine our fidelity to the Mission entrusted to us. * As ministers be in tuned to what our founders had. * Passion for Humanity and Christ * listening to what the Spirit is saying to us today.
Challenges were outlined: * Openness to be challenged by the gospel. * Live radically and sincerity. * Jesus our first and only love. * Decreasing vocation; economic and globalization. Let’s not blame one another but we have to be together and dialogue.
What is the source of our joy?
God is enough for me (St. Teresa of Avila). * Authenticity; another source of our joy. * What am I supposed to do?
The exhibitions were colorful and very educative.
Link: Launching of the year dedicated to consecrated life – Marian Shrine – Lusaka, February 07, 2015
Missionaries of Africa - SAP Province 