Fr. Dr. Ruffino Ezama is unmistakable. His kind approach, a great sense of humor, and an easily loveable personality makes him stand out from the largest of crowds. When this Comboni missionary made 25 years as a priest, USA was one of the countries to host part of a series of his celebrations. On July 13th, 2019, as a homilist for Mass for his silver jubilee, I shared with the congregation how the priest fits almost perfectly the day’s gospel of the Good Samaritan. A man for whom color, race, or social status are but only inconsequential accidents that never prevent him from making friends.

Full of impacting life stories, whether of child, adult, woman or man, Ruffino enjoys to share the positives about people he encounters from around the world. With his personable disposition, it is little wonder that his conferees recently elected Ruffino for the top leadership of the Comboni Missionaries in the United States of America and Canada. He is the first African to hold the office of provincial superior for the North American Province (NAP) since inception in 1975.

Many who know the generously selfless Ruffino can attest it was just a matter of time for him to ascend to the helm. He is a people person, one friend describes his character. “Be it the poor or rich, the lowly or the elite, Ruffino has no discrimination when it comes to making friends.” Ruffino’s immediate predecessor Fr. John Converset alluded to the same in his speech, at the reception for the silver jubilee. He said: “If it required simply my decision, I already have handed office (NAP provincial) to Ruffino. He has what it requires to lead. But, let’s wait for our elections, which are coming soon.”

When they did come, the close to 30 Comboni priests of diverse nationalities settled for Fr. Ruffino as their leader for a 3-year term that began January 2020. In his tenure, which is renewable only once, Fr. Ruffino Ezama promises to continue Comboni’s theology of the regeneration of Africa. He plans to enkindle the good in the people whom society has marginalized. “I would like to see more poor people be own agents of transformation toward their full potential,” he says.

Ruffino transferred to the NAP from the Ugandan Province in 2009. As one in mission education, and vocations promotions, he also coordinates mission appeals. In this task, he is responsible for organizing for some conferees serving in less advantaged communities around the world to visit the US and/or Canada for financial appeals for their projects back home. The NAP continues to support hundreds of projects for uplifting Hispanic, African American, Appalachians, and Native American communities living on the fringes of society. Fr. Ruffino intends to make it a priority to continue identifying benefactors to partner with local agents of change for situations like these. Such was the dream founder Daniel Comboni had, to save Africa with Africa – a rejuvenation of peoples.

Born and raised in Maracha District, in West Nile, Ruffino got attracted to joining the Comboni missionaries from some of the members who served in his home parish. One of them, Fr. Jack Rafael Dellagiacoma, with whom he would later serve in the same community, baptized Ruffino as a child. Another inspiration was Msgr. Angelo Tarantino, the first bishop of Arua, who had conferred on him the Sacrament of Confirmation. Others who attracted this youth to the Institute of the Comboni Missionaries of the Heart of Jesus, are Frs. Salvano, and Tonino Pasolini. Ruffino loved to serve at Mass at his local church in Oluvo. He encountered a great tragedy at the age of 9, when he lost his father Simeo Ariga Onya.

The family trudged under the loving care of their dedicated mother, Ursla Draleru Ekaa, whose devotion Ruffino credits for his strong love for the Church, and all peoples. In 2018, however, tragedy struck once more, when his mother also passed on. She had celebrated her 86th birthday. Ruffino is a 1985 graduate of a diploma in Religious Studies at Alokulum Seminary in Gulu. He also attended Katigondo Major Seminary, where in 1988 he graduated with honors for BA in Philosophy. In 1993, he completed his Theology at the Gregorian Pontifical University in Rome. In 1993, Ruffino graduated with a Theology degree with honors. Then, did a Master’s in Philosophy at the same university, where he graduated in 1995.

Msgr. Enzo Dieci, who was Auxiliary Bishop Rome, ordained him a deacon on January 16th, 1994. Ruffino then returned to Arua, where Bishop Frederick Drandua would ordain him a priest of Jesus Christ, on July 16th, the same year. His first assignment was as assistant parish priest at St. Francios d’Assise, in Cotonou, in the Republic of Benin. Later between 2004 and 2008, he served as vocations promotor for the Comboni Missionaries in Uganda.

He was also a councilor on the provincial board, and as well helped out as chaplain for the Prisons facility at Luzira. Ruffino, a fluent speaker of English, Italian, and French, got assigned to the NAP, where he also served as a provincial councilor, secretary to the provincial council, and procurator. At the same time, he was pursuing a PhD in Philosophy, which he attained from Makerere University in Kampala, January 19th, 2018.

Comboni Missionaries Moyo relocated and settled in Moyo, they were resident in Lomin in South Sudan. When the civil war broke out in 2017, they left Lomin and settled in Moyo. While in South Sudan, they run a number of projects to help the people in Lomin improve their livelihood. Not even the war was going to stop these missionaries from helping people around. Soon, they found out that many of the people they were helping in Kajo Keji had settled in the refugee Camps in Palorinya in Moyo district.

This was the best timing for them. They acquired a piece of land in Palorinya close to their people. Their projects have kicked off again and this time unlike before in Lomin, they are making the refugees’ lives a little more comfortable. The projects are transforming the livelihood of the refugees in the nearby camps.The missionaries are running many projects at their property including; carpentry workshop, fabrication and welding workshop, Bakery, cooking oil refinery and a farm.

They employ a number of refugees. Bro Fafa Ayih who is the coordinator of the farm said he pays wages to forty-two people every month. While the carpentry and welding workshops provide employment to the refuges, the bakery, cooking oil refinery and farm subsidies on the refugees’ diet. This is in form of cooking oil and bread which is sold to the refugees. Products like milk and meat vegetables are also sold to the refugees to subsidise on their diet.

Comboni missionaries Moyo farm prides in animal husbandry like; cows, pigs, sheep, rabbits, goats, chicken, ducks and geese, and vegetables. Bro.Fafa explained that the reason behind having the rabbits in the farm is to introduce rabbit rearing to the refugees. While his farm will be used as a model farm for rabbit rearing, Bro. Fafa wants the refugees to begin this project in their homes so that they can earn some money from it and supplement on their income and diet

The spirit of missionary life is displayed by the deeds around the community. The team decided to build a cattle dip next to the road side so that the whole community can benefit from it. Bro. Fafa added that he wants people with cattle from the neighbourhood to bring their cows to the dip. This he added will help reduce diseases among the cows in the neighbourhood.
He said he employs refugees because he wants to teach them to be independent and in the end help them decline from waiting for handouts. He noted that much as the refugees who work at the farm are entitled to lunch every day, they earn little money to supplement on the food they receive from United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). William Lomena is a South Sudanese refuge who lives in Budi Settlement Camp and works at the farm taking care of the rabbits. Lomena said that he was informed about the job by his brother. He added that he begun working at the farm in 2018, and it has enabled him to take care of his family.

Chaplain Uji is another refugee from Kajo Keji living in Budi Refugee settlement camp. He said he started working with Bro. Fafa while in Kajo Keji. He added that he asked for a job because he was idle at the camp and the situation was very dire for him. But with the money he gets from the farm at the moment, he is able to satisfy his family’s needs and supplement on the food they receive from UNHCR.Unlike his colleagues, Opira Matata said he has worked with Comboni missionaries in South Sudan for 15 years. He revealed that his brother was an employee of the missionaries before him.

He joined through the construction team and works as an engineer with the Comboni missionary Moyo. Matata added that he has never had any complaint about his employers as they help him anytime he has a personal problem. He added that he feels like he is part of the family of Comboni missionaries.

He also prided that he earns good allowance from the missionaries and he is able to take care of his family. Bro. Fafa said that the project in Moyo, Uganda is part of what used to be in South Sudan. He also revealed that most of the employees at the projects were the former workers in South Sudan.

The story of the good samaritan is only reported by the Evangelist Luke (Lk 10:25-37). It is, thus, a “lucan Sondgut” that corresponds to the portrait of Jesus that Luke paints in his gopsel. Jesus is presented as a friend of those at the margins. Out of love, Jesus took on the story of a wounded and wounding humanity. He never watched it from afar but He became part of it. In fact, we can say that Jesus is the Good Samaritan par excellence who binds the wounds of humanity in order to heal them. He pays the price with His blood on the cross.

This story invites us to go beyond what we theoretically know about love in order to love with deeds. The scholar of the law knew quiet well what he had to do in order to inherit eternal life:“You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your being, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbour as yourself.”

That was a very correct answer, but Jesus encouraged him to do what he knew (Lk 10: 28). What the lawyer was missing could be an invitation to leave the comfort of the theories about love in order to reach out to those that have fallen into the hands of robbers. What you know about love is not love until you love with a concrete deed.

It is interesting to note that the man who saw and had compassion on the wounded (most probably a jew) was a foreigner, a samaritan whom Jews despised. The contrast is that “a certain priest and a levite (these are both pure Jews) who considered the purity laws to be paramount saw the wounded man but passed on the other side in order not to defile themselves with blood. They were probably going for a “holy ritual service forgetting that God was waiting for them at the roadside in the person of the wounded. This makes us remember what Jesus says about the last judgement: “Whatsoever you do to the least of my brothers, you do unto me” (Mt 25:40).

Apart from awakening the sensitivity to the needs of our neighbours, the story of the good samaritan confronts us with a bitter truth that there are many robbers on the roads of life. They leave many half-dead. Let us not think about only those who have been physically beaten up to the point of death, but also those who have been robbed of their dignity when their names have been tarnished by blackmailing and all forms of calumny.

All these are groaning under pain and are waiting for those who see and dare to come closer so as to raise them up. Our love of neighbour should begin with a prayer so that through the conversion of heart, we may dream of robber-free environments.
Since this may take some time, then we ought to be agents of healing for those who have been wounded. May we not become robbers ourselves!

Fr. Anthony Kibira MCCJ

Letting the mystery of the Most Holy Trinity impact our relationships

It is almost becoming the order of the day that, at the beginning of their homilies, preachers engage their congregations in a short dialogue: “The Lord is good – all the time. And all the time- the Lord is good and that is his nature – Wow!” This may be intended to capture the attention of the listeners, but a lot is said here. The only danger would be to end with “wow” as an expression of admiration. If God is good, then those who worship Him should also be good. Some research in religious sciences points to the fact that people try to imitate the kind of “god” they worship.

If the main characteristic of God is that of a warrior, people who worship such a god will be inclined to war, since they believe in the divine ordinance to see war everywhere; if it is a god of peace, they will look for all means to have peace. What about the Christian God and the Christians? The nature of the God that Christians worship is Trinitarian. It should be our attempt to explain this nature which God Himself has revealed, but to look for ways of imitating God in our lives, for we are part of this mystery.

God is one in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. God’s nature is relational. In God, there is an eternal flow of mutuality. The mystery of the Trinity shows us that God’s power is not to be seen in terms of domination, threat or coercion. In the Trinitarian nature of God, we see power that is shared, handed over to the Other. One reality is shared among three distinct persons without exterminating each other, for they are in perfect communion. This is the nature of God which we shouldn’t only marvel at but which we ought to imitate in our human relationships.

In God, power is shared and shareable. Jesus affirms this when He says: “Everything that the Father has is mine.” (Jn 16: 15) It is strange to note that many Christian nations who ought to have understood the nature of God they worship, find it hard to let the Trinitarian notion of power have a slight influence on societal organization, politics and authority. The Trinity shouldn’t remain a theological notion about God but a challenge with regard to the use of power; thus, no power over but power with! Whoever has ears to hear, let him/her hear! The imitation of the Trinity will surely change all Christian relationships in marriage, in churches, in culture and all aspects of life.

The Trinity shouldn’t remain a theological notion about God but a challenge with regard to the use of power; thus, no power over but power with!

The Russian iconographer Andrei Rublev (ca. 1400-1410) attempted an artistic presentation of the Trinity in which three persons share a meal. It is here that giving and receiving is at their best. This seems to be the relational reality that sustains the whole of creation, because it emanates from the very nature of the Creator. There is no hierarchy (from top to bottom) but rather a circular flow of life and love. At the beginning of our liturgies, an invitation is spoken out to accept an all-inclusive mystery: “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the communion of the Holy Spirit.” (Paul’s style of greeting) There is an infinite hospitality portrayed in Andrei’s icon. A careful look at the icon indicates that one of the three persons at table is pointing at the empty place at that table. Theologically speaking, that is the Holy Spirit inviting a fourth partaker. Whose place is it? Yours, ours and for the rest of creation. Humanity and the whole of creation are invited at the divine table in order to participate in the divine nature of mutual friendship and love.

No one will ever claim to comprehend and explain the mystery of the Trinity but through different similes (likeness) and metaphors in order to enable the searching human being reclaim his/her being created in the image and likeness of God. Are you searching for what reminds you of your true identity, then listen to the Trinitarian truth: You are different and yet connected to all and everything. Don’t close yourself up! Disconnection makes you lifeless; therefore, be like the God you worship and stay connected!

By Fr. Anthony Kibira MCCJ

Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord

Readings:
Is 60: 1-6; Eph 3: 2-3; Mt 2: 1-12

The word of God offered to us at the solemnity of the Epiphany invites us to contemplate on the universality of God’s plan of salvation. God attracts all to Himself. Whether we refer to the three men from the Orient (East) as kings or wise men, the fact remains that they left a space in their hearts for something new. In their wisdom, they recognize the star of the newly born king. He attracts them to Himself through a star. They come from the Orient and find orientation. When they find the one who is able to satisfy the deepest desire of their hearts, they offer precious gifts. His light shines into our darkness so that we may know what we are lacking. He is the treasure we are looking for in life. The word of God invites us to search for a meaningful life. We ought to try our best and let

You are a beloved child of God Feast of the Lord’s Baptism

Readings:
Is 42:1-4.6-7; Acts 10:34-38; Lk 3:15-16.21-22

At His baptism, Jesus manifests His solidarity with humanity. He descends into human brokenness so that He may initiate a journey of healing of all brokenness. It is a moment of revelation of Jesus’ identity: He is the beloved son of God. The voice that proclaims this identity must be heard by all who are baptized, for in baptism, we all become God’s beloved children. Whoever is baptized becomes a new creature and, as St. Paul says, clothed in Christ (Gal 3:26). In baptism, we start a journey of conversion. On this journey, we strive to give up all the other small “loves“ in order to let true Love embrace us. Christians receive light at their baptism and, thus, a mission to be light-bearers in the darkness of the world. We ought to ask ourselves; Are we Christians? Then let our light shine!

Two indispensable guests

Second Sunday of year C

Readings:
Is 62:1-5; 1Cor 12:4-11; John 2:1-12

A great embarrassment was to happen at the wedding at Cana. Two guests saved the situation. Mary, the mother of Jesus turned to her son because she believed in His power and goodness. What she told the attendants is what she tells us today: “Do whatever He tells you!” Obeying the Lord brings about a change of our sappy life (mere water) into a tasteful one (wine). The Lord enters into our human troubles and transforms our scarcity into a bounty so rich that everyone can have ones fill.

Filling the jars with water is an indication that Jesus seeks the cooperation of all His followers in order to transform and save the world. If Christians carry out their duties wherever they are, they can transform the face of the earth and the world will become a place for feasting for all. However, this feast is doomed to flop if we miss the indispensable guests. Have we sent out the invitations for our guests? Let’s not forget the one for Mary and her Son, Jesus!

Announce the Gospel and not “Gossip”

Third Sunday of year C

Readings:
Neh 8:2-6.8-10; 1Cor 12:12-30; Lk 1:1-4. 4, 14-21

The The time Jesus spent in the desert helped Him to be rooted in His relationship with the Father. It was this relationship that guaranteed the purpose of His life. At Nazareth, he was able to present this purpose: to preach the good news to the poor; to set the oppressed free and to proclaim the Lord’s time of salvation. It is interesting to note that Jesus came to bring good news (Gospel). In our time, many people are used to “fake news” which is the result of gossiping. Many seem to be replacing “Gospel” with “Gossip”.

It must be clearly said that great things happen when God enters people’s lives. The oppressed gain freedom and those who are liberated will liberate others. Do you realize that you are caught up in any prison because of sin? Here is the good news: The one to set you free is knocking at the door. Allow Him in and become free!knocking at the door. Allow Him in and become free!

By Fr. Jean-Marie Nsambu

To many, it does not matter how long you spend away from home; the attachment on return is always exciting. It has been the same for me whenever I take a vacation in Uganda, from mission work abroad. The dusty potholed roads, the crazy vehicular and human traffic on the roads and streets in the city are welcoming. It is home again! Now and then, you still have to grope around in the dark, with our load shedding or sporadic blackouts. And pipe-water still runs dry in the house for one or more days. This is something we should tell tourists to brace for as they visit.

But Uganda is still the number one destination I would rather be for my holidays. The friendly people, in spite of the depressing politics and pitiable economics, do afford to smile the country’s fate away. You will notice their desolation, however, when they engage you! Many of those you will offer a ‘hi’ on the street or wherever, will want to vent out a frustration. And they will want to wind it up by asking for a favor.

A smiley nation turned into a bunch of begging citizens! A very hardworking people reduced to mainly street urchins, if not providers of cheap labor in the Arab world. Many elite energetic young people are gearing themselves for politics. Few of them because they want to change what’s going on. But, so they too can get a living; dishearteningly, grab what is left for poor Ugandans. That we have reduced our homeland to something so base, still boggles my mind. How much more should those with access to power and resources grab, before they feel for the millions alienated? What will it take to restore our country, if the leadership and Uganda’s natural resources are but additional unhelpful statistics? Moreover, it seems even that our prayer is so dry of intention and resultant content.

Is there room in our hearts to draw us to the basics? Do we have the strength to return to wherever we may have lost Him? It is sad for majority of us to believe we are for God. That we belong to the Father, through His Son, Jesus, by the grace of the Spirit. Yet, we disregard our own brothers and sisters. And indeed, we are part of collapsing our nation. The Catholic Church in her wisdom helps us to begin the New Year with celebrating the great mystery of Mary Mother of God, who helps us reflect on what we can do to make our homes and our country better.

I had the honor to celebrate Mass at Our Lady of Africa Mbuya parish, on January 1st, 2019. My reflection centered on the Blessed Virgin Mary and I challenged myself, as well as my fellow congregants, what our treasure is today. That, where our treasure is, then there as well, will our hearts be!

To have fruitful storing of any treasure to transform our lives, Mother Mary is our ‘model par excellence’. She can point us better to Jesus, our savior and redeemer, that we may render good to others and to Uganda as a whole. As the Holy Father, Pope Francis has reminded us, humanity, which is the love and care for fellow man, is built upon mothers. He articulated in his homily on the Solemnity of Mary Mother of God: “A world that looks to the future without a mother’s gaze is shortsighted. It may well increase in its profits, but it will no longer see others as children. It will make money, but not for everyone. We will all dwell in the same house, but not as brothers and sisters.”

His words couldn’t be more challenging for our country. Beneath the smiles on the streets are the bleeding hearts of hypocrisy and/or sheer misery of many Ugandans. Sometimes these manifest in the most cruel of ways. But the beauty of welcoming a new year is always to find opportunities to better ours and other people’s lives. If this be done in the most descent of ways! So, here again is a chance to make this home the best of places, ‘for God and our country’.

Don’t edge him out!
4th Sunday in Ordinary Time C
Jeremiah 1, 4-5.17-19; 1 Cor 12, 31-13,13; Lk 4,21-30

What happens to Jesus in His home village is what happens to every true prophet. Over-familiarization with the person of Jesus closes and forces His own people into indifference. They know Him too much to expect anything new from Him. Of course, His is a real prophetic message which enrages everyone. He cites examples from foreigners who were ready to give God a place in their lives and thus challenges the Jews in their indifference. In Ps. 95, the psalmist speaks out an invitation: “Oh that today you would listen to His voice; harden not your heart…!“ Don’t edge Him out of your life, for He is bringing you freedom out of your misery! If you only knew what would bring you peace! (Lk 19: 42)

Can I use your boat?
5th Sunday in Ordinary Time C
Isaiah 6,1-2a.3-8; 1 Cor 15,1-11; Lk 5,1-11

The word of God today presents to us three men whom God chose as instruments: Isaiah, Paul and Peter. It is interesting to note that all of them felt unworthy for the task that God was calling them to. At the beginning, there is an acknowledgement of unworthiness and sinfulness. They were not to rely on their human resources but on God’s grace. Peter’s response to Jesus deserves a deeper contemplation: “Go away from me, for I am a sinful man!” Jesus seems not to take this seriously and in fact He is saying: “In your boat, Peter, I am at the right address, for I have come for the sinners!” Jesus is calling each one of us to participate in His work of liberating others from the powers of evil. Do you feel inadequate for this call? Just believe in the grace of God which is going to transform you into Jesus’ authentic collaborator!

Blessed are the Poor
6th Sunday in Ordinary Time C
Jeremiah 17, 5-8; 1 Cor 15, 12.16-20; Lk 6, 17.20-26

How is it possible to be poor and happy at the same time? In our time, many will measure happiness by the quantity of money and the material things they possess. The danger in this attitude is that with time, those who possess end up being possessed by the material things. Worse still is that those who put their trust in riches and leave no place for God in their lives are the poorest. We do well when we try by all means to eradicate poverty but we are better positioned if we strive to avoid the tendency of putting our trust in self, money, possessions, power and popularity. Try to resist the temptation of managing your life without God and when your riches increase and perhaps are able to help the poor, don’t play god in their lives. Being poor means trusting God and being aware of one’s weakness and thus, counting on God’s help.

The true Christian identity is love of all
7th Sunday in Ordinary Time C
1 Sam 26, 7-9.12-13.22-23; 1 Cor 15,45-49; Lk 6,27-38

People always try to imitate the kind of God they worship. The characteristic mark of Christians is compassionate love as an imitation of God. Jesus presents to us the ideal of love by inviting us his followers to love our enemies. This is completely contrary to what all human beings are capable of: revenge and retaliation. To love one’s enemy is a Christian stamp. In order to love this way, we all need God or else we fall into the trap of loving so that we may be loved in return.

This would make our love conditional. God’s love of sinners transforms them into friends. If we want to live our true Christian identity, we can’t rely on our human efforts and strength. We need divine grace and God’s own sentiments and tastes. We can love our enemies when we insist on believing that even “the enemy” still has something good. Put this into practice by not clinging to grudges and resentments but let God increase our love-potential!

what roles can families, Christian communities play?

Janet Wambui (not real names) is a twenty three year old university student. Although Janet comes from a good practicing Roman Catholic family, her knowledge and idea of God is quite basic. Apart from going to Sunday mass, she still relies heavily on the catechesis she received while preparing for the sacraments of Eucharist and confirmation. She confesses that when she joined the university, she realised that she had a lot of catch-ups to do and she is glad that the Catholic chaplaincy at the university has been helpful.

And James Njoroge, 26, on the other hand, has had a better chance of deepening his knowledge and love of God. “From a very early age, our parents taught us what they believed and why they believed it. They taught us all manner of prayers, the sacraments and what it meant to be of service to the Church and to the others. They (our parents) created ample opportunities for us to practice what we learned from their teaching and examples.” And he went on to explain further: “My parents prayed for us; they lived the faith fully. All of us are involved in church more than just going to church and this has helped us a lot.”

Through his parents who were great models of the faith, James and his siblings grew close to the Church both in words and in deeds. They are not simply Sunday church goers but are active members. Each of their family members is active in one Church association or the other. Thus, James confessed that his family and friends who are devout Catholics have given him a model and accountability system.

From the above examples, it is clear that today more than ever, religion needs to offer young people something that will keep them wishing to know more or else they will look for alternatives. And if that were the case, the question that immediately comes to mind is, are our churches, temples, mosques and other places of worship and institutions that exist to support and manage the practice of each of these religious beliefs playing their role?

It’s not uncommon that many of our parish or chapel communities lack activities and programmes to engage Christians, let alone the youth outside of mass or church service time. Yet, experience has shown that there is beauty and strength to be found within the Christian Community. And parishes and Christian communities that engage their Christians in various association activities are more vibrant than where the Christians are simply Sunday church goers. Not surprisingly, vibrant church communities tend to grow and develop faster.

One clear example of a vibrant Christian community is Our Lady of Mount Carmel and St. Charles Lwanga, Parish Nkoroi in Ngong Catholic Diocese, Kenya. The Parish has a strong and vibrant Christian Community with different associations ranging from Catholic Men’s Association and Young Christian Workers to Pontifical Missionary Society. There is even a strong and active youth group in the Parish.

The Parish which is run by the Order of Carmelites was founded 10 years ago and today it has three masses that are fully packed, with the second mass being animated by the youth choir. And if there is any celebration in the Parish that requires catering services, it is often handled by the youth group and the funds are used to run the youth activities.
But most importantly, the parish offers the youth various services like retreats and other formation programmes. They also participate in exchange visits to other youth groups both within and outside the country, all of which have kept them active is church activities.

And what about the parents – do they have the time and the opportunity to instil the love of God in their children? It is during such moments that parents can teach their children on the love and place of God in their lives. Moreover, parents’ day to day encounters with the children and others will help to further strengthen the children’s idea of the love of God and one’s neighbour being put into practice. But not many people have this opportunity to be together and pray as a family, let alone go to church together. And what is more, some parents under the guise of freedom of worship decide not to baptise their children arguing that the children would choose which religion to belong to.

It is therefore not surprising that many young people find going to church and participating in Church activities as a waste of time. This is because they were not introduced to church and prayer early in life. Parents have a responsibility to introduce their children to the love of God. That responsibility officially starts at baptism.

When children are baptised, it is done on the basis of the faith of their parents and it is they (the parents) who are to introduce these children to the love of God. And parents on their part are to be supported in this responsibility by God-parents or sponsors as they are commonly known. That’s why the choice of a god-parent must be carefully made so that they can support the child on their journey of faith.

With today’s hustle and bustle, one wonders if parents are able to create time to sit down and share with their children. Whereas it’s praiseworthy for parents to financially sustain their families, I dare say it is equally important for them to create quality time to be with their children.

Sr. Grace Candiru, MSMMC

By Fr. Anthony Kibira MCCJ

When we celebrate the assumption of Mary into heaven, we look at God who took her in His extraordinary care. Her assumption is one of the “privileges” granted exclusively to her. We believe that God preserved her from the stain of Original sin. As mother of the Saviour, she remained a virgin and thus ever receptive of God’s abundant grace. It is right for us to say that Mary is full of grace. She understood her littleness and let the Almighty work for her and in her. At the end of her earthly life, Mary was assumed body and soul into heaven.

God was at work in Mary to preserve her from the corruption of the grave. The body that bore God and participated in the battle of life has been granted the privilege of participating in the victory of the God of life. The whole person (body and soul) matters for God. This should encourage us to give diligent care to our bodies, for, though frail and perishable, they are, temples of God’s Holy Spirit.

We should not submit the body to the corruption of alcohol and other substances. If we say that Mary was full of grace, we should also ask ourselves: “What am I full of?” This motivates us to implore the Lord to fill us with His grace: “Pour forth we beseech you, oh Lord, your grace into our hearts…!” (Angelus prayer). In this way, we recognize our need of and dependence on God.

Mary is a mirror of the Church and the whole of humanity. What God did in and with her is what God wishes to do with the Church, the body of her son and with the rest of humanity. In our veneration of Mary as Mother of God, we ought not to put her only on a podium, and thus, create a distance between her and us. Yes. She was full of grace, but she allowed herself to be filled. Our veneration of her shouldn’t end with admiration, but rather with imitation.

The Church has an elaborated litany of our lady in which many attributes are mentioned about Mary. For us Christians, these attributes should be points of connection with Mary. Due to our human fraility, we may not live all the attributes, but our veneration will have some impact if we try to appropriate at least one attribute of Mary to our own style of life. It is up to each one of us to choose where to start. An example can be: “Mary, the Virgin most prudent”.

Each one of us can imitate Mary in the practice of prudence which involves seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit in our daily choices. This will help us to discern the traps of the evil one who often leads us into the corruption of sin. Mary’s assumption into heaven encourages us not to be too much attached to earthly treasures. Many times, humans want to establish themselves on earth as if they have reached their destination. The goal of our pilgrimage as disciples is heaven where we hope to enjoy the eternal union with God. Jesus Christ allows his mother to partake of His life of the resurrection.

God, who preserved Mary from all corruption, wants to preserve an “immaculate space” in each one of us, so that sin may never have control over us. This is what has been promised to all who yield their lives to Him. We ought to allow God to be in charge of our lives. In her hymn of the magnificat, Mary invites us to vacate the throne for God, or else the Almighty will cast us (who think we are mighty) away from the thrones (see Lk 1: 52). Mary lived her humility and God exalted her. What about me? Which throne in my life am I clinging to? Can I let it go so that God may take control of my earthly life and at the end of this pilgrimage; He may give me the throne in heaven?

By Fr. Anthony Kibira MCCJ

In His mission of proclaiming the Kingdom of God, Jesus attracted many hearers. From them, He chose those that He wanted. Their identity was that of being disciples. The crowds were astonished at what He said and did but they, in a way, remained spectators and not followers. The radical message of Jesus is that He never wanted admirers like for celebrities but disciples (followers). On the journey of discipleship, the numbers kept on decreasing: crowds, then twelve, three and at the end two/one.

This seems to be pointing to the fact that, this journey leads to a personal relationship with Jesus. While all His “friends” deserted Him, only the disciple that Jesus loved stood under the cross. This is the disciple who really understood who Jesus was because His love enabled Him to persevere during the master-lesson which, Jesus delivered at the pulpit of the Cross. As we venerate the Cross of the Saviour, we ought to listen to Him as He speaks His last words:

Father, forgive them (Lk. 23, 34)

Jesus is consequent to His own teaching of loving one’s enemies. At the cross, He does it Himself. He prays for His persecutors because He knew that they did what they did out of ignorance. No bitter word comes from His mouth. Lord, help me not to become bitter amidst suffering!

This day you will be with me in paradise (Lk. 23, 43)

It is never too late. The disciples who wanted the places at His right and left have run away. Two criminals get them. Only the central cross has redemptive power. One criminal recognizes the King in a condemned man. Jesus’ hands are nailed to the Cross but they unlock paradise. Lord, remember me!

Behold your son (John 19, 26)

For Mary, it is a second giving birth in the labours of the Cross to millions who are her children. Lord, thank you for entrusting me/us to a mother!

My God, why have you forsaken me? (Mk. 15, 34)

All is darkness for the crucified Lord. He only has God to cry to. He atones for “those who abandon God, those who doubt God’s presence and those who are indifferent to God“ (Fulton J. Sheen). Lord, help me to always have God as the addressee of my cries and the cries of all the crucified of our time!

I thirst (John 19, 28)

Jesus speaks from the depth of His Heart, His thirst for a drink of love. The creator longs for the creatures’ response. He has given the true definition of love by giving His life for His friends. He now expects a love-response. Lord, draw me to yourself and awaken in me a thirst for you!

It is finished (John 19, 30)

Mission is fulfilled. Jesus has brought His work of restoring the broken relationship between God and humanity to its completion. The fountain has been laid open, but the drinkers must draw the water. Jesus has finished the foundation, but we must build further. Lord, help me do away with sin in my life so that there may be no obstacle for you to accomplish your mission in and through me!

Father, into your hands I commend my spirit (Lk. 23, 46)

Jesus has spent Himself and life with an “infinite prodigality” (Fulton J. Sheen) and has been fed with human indifference and ingratitude. He surrenders Himself into the hands of the Father whose will He has always done. He returns home where He eternally belongs. Lord, help me to surrender myself completely to God’s will!

When the body of the Saviour was laid into the tomb, the hopes and dreams of His friends were also buried. Risen from the dead, He goes to look for them and speaks a word that creates them anew: “Receive the Holy Spirit!” (John 20, 22) Filled with the Holy Spirit, the disciples recognize the Cross as God’s wisdom and center of their proclamation.
Lord, send forth your Spirit and renew the face of the earth!