Declaration of Intent of Thierry Uyirwoth

By Thierry Uyirwoth/ Stagiaire at St. Lawrence Parish

I renewed my declaration of intent to continue my journey with the Missionaries of Africa on Sunday, 11^th March 2018. I freely made the decision after the fulfilment I am gaining in my pastoral training at St. Lawrence Parish. The ceremony itself was simple but prayerful, meaningful and well prepared. Father Babaine Venerato, the Provincial Delegate of Zambia Sector was the main celebrant and received my declaration of intent in the presence of Father Frédéric Ajaruva, my Parish Priest, and Father Antoon, the Superior of my community. Father Michel Meunier the Southern African Province (SAP) secretary was also present. Many of our parishioners witnessed the event and were very pleased to see that I am making a step ahead in my formation.

May I take this opportunity to thank God for helping me to continue finding joy in my training toward missionary life. Thanks also to my community for the support and good preparation of the event. Thanks to the Provincial Delegate who came to receive it. Thanks to all my parishioners and to you all for your prayers. May God continue helping me to discern his will.

Zambia sector stagiaires meeting, 2018

By Hilario Villaver (1^st year) and Emile Baguma (2^nd year)

The stagiaires meeting is a way of being together, of strengthening our relationship from different corners of Zambia. We were six stagiaires (five in their second year and one first year), and our coordinator: Emile Baguma, from Kasamba Parish/Mansa Diocese; Thierry Uyirwoth, from Saint Lawrence Parish/Lusaka Archdiocese; Jean-Marie Chishugi, from Namushakende Parish/Mongu Diocese; Emmanuel Kokpe, from St Annes’ parish/Kasama Archdiocese; Chandan Nayak, from Good Shepherd-Kabwata Parish/Lusaka Archdiocese and Hilario Villaver Jr., St John the Baptist-New Kaloko Parish/Ndola Diocese; and Fr. Camillo Konkobo, stagiaires’ coordinator.

We held our meeting in our M.Afr community of Ndola, from the 26^th February to the 3^rd March 2018 with the assistance of our coordinator Fr. Camillo. We started with a recollection lead by Fr. Camillo on the theme “gratefulness” through meditating upon Luke 17, 11-19. We enjoyed having Masses and prayers together as stagiaires. We also joined the congregation at the Cathedral for the way of the cross on Friday. We consecrated this moment to know, deepen and share about our experiences on the apostolic training, with its joys and challenges. We had a good time of recreating and chatting together, with social colourful evening with the entire community of Ndola. We were privileged to welcome our provincial, Fr. Felix Phiri. He came to visit and hear from us. His words of encouragements were well received, and it gave us more flavour for the mission. We had time to relax and discover the Copperbelt especially some designated areas. Wherever we were going together, we were keeping our good spirit of concern for each other with a good atmosphere among us. We were not only united but one, “Esprit de corps”. We visited our parish and the training centre called “Bupe Mulenga”. The few Christians who were at the parish appreciated our visit talking to us in the local language with their hospitality and generosity.

We are grateful to the Almighty God for bringing us together as one family. Moreover, we acknowledge the efforts made by the sector for supporting us in any kind of needs, and we thank the hosting community (Frs. Piet and Franciszek) for their hospitality and kindness towards us.