NEW LIFE, NEW CREATION

Transcription

1 St. B e n e d i c t P r i o r y Windhoek, Namibia WPN 57 January 2013 to April 2013 NEW LIFE, NEW CREATION PAX is the Risen Lord s greeting of peace that shines. The months of January to April 2013 were indeed shining with peace and joy with the Silver Jubilee of Profession of our Sr. Thekla Haita, and Sr. Margareta Mary Shintango, the First Monastic Profession of Sr. Gabriella Pangeni and Sr. Isabella Petrus, the Perpetual Profession of Monastic Vows of Sr. Marie Louise Munambabi, Sr. Sylvia Shingwanda, and Sr. Mary John Sakeus, the Renewal of Temporary Vows of Sr. Sabina Zolonimu, Sr. Beatrix Aitana, Sr. Martha Matheus and Sr. Evelyn Onyegbule, the Graduation of Sr. Mary Innocentia Mbati with a Bachelor of Education Honors Degree major in Geography and Afrikaans from the University of Namibia, the return of our senior novices from formative activity and the completion of the constructions and renovations of the Sisters houses in Kavango supervised by Sr. Beate Schroeter. All these are fruits of the transforming graces showered on us during the first six months of the Year of Faith. They, too, are events of new life and new creation in our priory. The door of faith (Acts 14:27) is always open for us, ushering us into the life of communion with God and offering entry into his Church. It is possible to cross that threshold when the word of God is proclaimed and the heart allows itself to be shaped by transforming grace. -Pope Benedict XVI Apostolic Letter Most of all, as the Holy Spirit brings us to Resurrection, we discover a new spiritual disposition in our hearts. The Season of Easter brings its message of new life, new creation in our day to day experiences. For our Jubilarians and Sisters who pronounced their temporary and perpetual monastic vows and renewed their vows, the Holy Spirit has empowered and enriched them to offer again their gift of a renewed life to the Risen Lord. Sadly, rain has been scarce in Namibia these past months and surely, most of our people who depend on farming and livestock will suffer from hunger this year. May we remain trusting in God s providence without losing hope. On the other hand, new life begins again in the Church in the person of our Holy Father Pope Francis I. The message of our 12 th General Chapter is new life and new creation of our Congregation, too. As our faith grows, God s grace will move us to be more constant in our love for our Bridegroom and all creations. Let us continue to utter and live our PAX each new day. Looking forward with excitement to more pleasant surprises which the next six months of the Year of Faith will bring! 1

2 Feast of Saints Maur and Placid By Novice Generosa Aitana Sts. Maur and Placid were the disciples of St. Benedict, models of perfection and virtue of obedience. On 15 January, the sounds of drumbeat and hymns were heard everywhere in Nubuamis, when we were rejoicing from sunrise to sunset. The day began with the joyful Holy Mass. In his homily, Vicar-General Fr. Werner Afunde told us about obedience and self-reliance. Whatever we are told to do either by a Prioress or anybody, we do it with obedience and love for God and not out for fear of human beings. He told us that when Jesus was preaching in the synagogue, he impressed people and astonished them because he stood by himself. He urged us to do the same. We must not talk and do something for ourselves, but for the sake of the Kingdom of God. What we say must be what we say and we must stand by it. Sts. Maur and Placid were men of obedience and self-reliance. We must take an example from their biography. The Sisters cheered us up with good wishes and some special presents for us. By their help, we will be strengthened and our vocation will grow. The feast ended after supper with delicious food and Mother Maria Ignatius blessings and words of thanks to the Formandees for their presence. Silver Jubilee of Profession By Aspirants Maria Maliti and Ndapewa Ndinelao Ngesheya We were practicing the songs for the Eucharistic Celebration of the Silver Jubilee of Profession of Sr. Thekla Haita, OSB and Sr. Margareta Mary Shintango, OSB in Tondoro Mission for one and a half week. Among the three choirs who sang in the Mass, we joined the Youth Mission Choir. Saturday, 12 January 2013, the Jubilee Mass began at 9:00 A.M., officiated by Bishop Joseph Shikongo, OMI and concelebrant Fr. Simon, OMI, Parish Priest of Tondoro, assisted by Deacon Kandjimi. The choirs led the procession, followed by the flower girls, the Brides and their families. On behalf of Mother Maria Ignatius, Sr. Angela Bock, Priory Councilor, introduced the Jubilarians. Sr. Maria Sikindo translated the text to Kwangali. After the Mass, the family of the Brides took photos of the Jubilarians together with the Bishop, Sisters, family and guests. The clergy, religious and families of the Brides were served at the hall. After the festive lunch, the 2 Jubilarians received the greetings and gifts of guests outside the hall. The Nkarapamwe Group sang while the guests were giving their gifts, while the other guests were dancing. The youth groups were the Bloukring, Sunday school and NACAYUL. After the celebration, at around 4:00 P.M., the guests from Tondoro, Kahenge and Nkurenkuru left. For us who stayed behind, we continued dancing until suppertime and still continued dancing after supper until around 9:30 P.M. We slept at the Mission station. We felt so happy that the Jubilarians have reached 25 years of their religious life. They are good examples of faithfulness and commitment, not only to younger Religious but to everybody, especially the teachers and nurses who were present. It shows us that one must be strong in order to reach one s goal. With the grace of God, Sr. Thekla and Sr. Margareta Mary never lost courage to persevere in their religious vocation and they are our inspiration. 2

3 Heavy Hail Day by Sr. Scholastica and Sr. Joyce Iipakwa Hailstones (frozen rain) and wind unexpectedly hit our gardens, fruit trees and destroyed our crops and fruits around 2:00 P.M., on 23 January Before the hail, there was no rain the previous days and weeks. We had been longing for rain and all of a sudden, the sky opened. To our surprise, it was not an ordinary rain, but hail and a strong storm were sharply hitting our roofs and strongly breaking the trees and plants. The nets covering our gardens were sinking to the ground due to the heavy load of hailstones. The concrete walls around the gardens broke because of its strong weight pressure.the camel thorn tree pods and leaves fell and scattered on the ground. Even a big snake swam along with the water. This 57 mm rain with hail lasted for more or less an hour. Then, it just stopped as if nothing happened. From then on, we did not get rain anymore, except on the last days of Holy Week and during Easter Vigil Night. If ever there was, only drops of rain fell on the soil of Namibia this year, The Day of our First Monastic Profession by Sr. Gabriella Pangeni, OSB On the evening of 15 th March 2013, the Priory House community gathered in the chapter room for the vigil meditation dedicated to us, Sr. Isabella and Sr. Gabriella. Mother Prioress 3 Maria Ignatius encouraged us, the Brides and the sisters as well. She said, In washing the feet, Jesus is making you part of Him and thus, making you also part of us because we share now with you our own life and charism. Thus, we become his shareholders and grow into a community wherein HE is the centre and we are his blood brothers and sisters. This is what our new community really means. These were some of the words that led to the washing of our feet by Mother Prioress and all the sisters. The washing of the feet has truly a deep meaning and this is what Jesus commands his disciples to do after he himself washed their feet as an expression of love. At 10h00 the next day, 16 th March, our Archbishop Liborius Nashenda, OMI, presided with concelebrating priests the big joyful ceremony of First Profession. In his homily, the Archbishop focused at prayer life by saying, Remain connected in prayer. Like MTC (Make the Connection)(= this is the leading Namibian Phone company!); we too should remain in connection with God because without prayer, our life is cut off from Him. During the Rite of Profession, we received our new religious names. Novice Susana Petrus is now called Sister Isabella and I am now Sr. Gabriella (before: Nov. Johanna). After the Eucharistic Celebration, the guests proceeded to the Hall for a festive lunch. Having been prepared by our sisters, lunch was delicious and each one ate to the full that day. The Formandees delighted the guests with traditional dances and other beautiful songs. Our deepest gratitude to you all who accompanied us; we continually ask you to include us in your daily prayer. May we remain faithful to our commitment and may God bless you all. Easter Vigil Celebration 2013 by Sr. Scholastica Kaliki, OSB Unlike the Easter Vigils of the previous years, which started always at the parking place in front of the reception, this years Celebration brought the assembly form the beginning in church, due to the rain fall that had already started

4 two days past. The Easter Fire was prepared inside a covered place on a plate-like container. Nevertheless, this did not dampen the spirit of waiting for the Risen Christ to warm our hearts and bodies. The Easter candle was lit and the fire was distributed to each. The Exultet, beautifully sung by Fr. Abbot Justin Dzikowicz, OSB, our chaplain, resounded in the stillness of the evening. The choir and the whole chapel joined in the singing of the responses to the seven readings. The dramatization of the second reading brought laughter and joy, as Sr. Theophilia Iipumbu and some formandees portrayed the supposed sacrifice of Isaac by his father Abraham. Finally, the Gloria brought creation to life as the bells, drums and instruments enhanced the singing and all the candles and lights in the chapel brought light to the world. Professor David San (flute) and Sr. Marie Johann (keyboard) played a beautiful meditative music for Holy Communion. A HAPPY, GLORIOUS EASTER TO ALL! Senior Novices Mission Experience By Novice Emma Aindongo I was sent to St. Michael Community, Outjo, in Kunene Region. It was my first time to be there. I left the Priory House on the 12 th ofdecember 2012, and my journey was good because I arrived at Otjiwarongo safely. I found the Sisters of St. Michael Community happily waiting for me, when Sr. Angela dropped me at the Olwetoveni bus station. I was glad to see a nice and clean place at St. Michael. My place in the refectory was well-prepared with beautiful flowers and a nice card. The 4 Sisters welcomed me with their faces full of joy and love. After a day of settling down, Sr. Felicitas Mufenda, Superior of St. Michael Community, oriented and toured me in the house, church and hostels for boys and girls. My assignment was cleaning the house, chapel and helping in the garden, kitchen and hostel kitchen. I experienced how the Sisters worked with the children. They teach Catechism to prepare them for Confession and Confirmation. They also teach the Bloukring and Jongwag groups. The Sisters practiced with the children to read at Holy Mass and helped them prepare the Mass songs. One of the fruits of their teaching of Catechism was the Baptism and Confirmation of one teacher (a catechumen) of St. Michael Primary School at Easter Vigil. I learned many things from the Sisters. Thanks to them and please continue to welcome everyone in St. Michael Community. Novice Letisia Kakweno I tried my best to experience our missionary work, praying and staying together with the Sisters at Ongha Community for five months. It was a good opportunity to discern my vocation as well as to integrate myself with the Sisters. As a novice at Ongha, I experienced a lot of life either from the Sisters or the parishioners. I mostly enjoyed the season of Lent because I got a chance to pray with the surrounding people by visiting them in their houses especially the elders who want to hear the Word of God but cannot reach the Church due to old age. It was a wonderful day when we visited a family in a far place where we found a woman and her daughter and some grandchildren living a tough life. The grandmother and her daughter (around 30 years old) had no legs and both walked on their knees and hands. The grandmother told us that her legs were amputated due to

5 sickness but her daughter was born without legs. If they have no water in the house, they walk to the tap (faucet) far away from their house, carrying a five liter container with their teeth in order to fetch water. It was a new experience for me. Unfortunately, only the grandmother was a Catholic, therefore, the daughter and her children were not interested to pray with us. They said that they believed in the teachings of their church and refused the rosaries which we offered them. I thank Mother Maria Ignatius and the Formators for granting me the opportunity to live with our Sisters in a small community. Thanks to Sr. Agrippina and the Ongha Community for their help and support. I appreciate all what they have done for me. Novice Marina Gabriel I travelled to Shambyu for my mission experience on the 12 th of December It was good for me to be there to experience December 2012, the driver of our vehicle, who was still a learner, lost control of the vehicle and it speedily ran into the bush jumping over the shrubs. The children kept on screaming while I was calmly praying. Luckily before the vehicle could bump into a big tree, it stopped with only two wheels on the ground and the other two wheels were slightly up. The children quickly left the vehicle and I stayed inside still praying fervently. It was terrible and I thanked God for saving us and I shall not stop thanking and praising his holy name for his love for me and for those who were in the vehicle. Above all, I thank Sr. Gregentia and the Sisters in Shambyu Community for their hard work and for journeying with me. Thank you, too, for the insight and growth and God bless you with more years and strengthen you in your service for the Church. The insert photo shows Sr. Evelyn and Novice Marina (rear right) with the children of Shambyu Mission hostel after Sunday Mass. The children would ask questions on the Bible, religious and priestly vocation and others. challenges of missionary life. On the 14 th of December, the Sisters sent me to Nyangana Mission to represent our Congregation in a three day-vocation workshop. We were eight facilitators from different religious congregations with 53 boys and girls present at the workshop. Though I was the last speaker, the youth showed interest in my talk about Fr. Amrhein and our Congregation, our charism, the stages of initial formation and our requirements for candidates. On our way back to Shambyu on the 17 th of 5 Christian Living Group in Nubuamis by Novice Marina Gabriel 21 April 2013, Fourth Sunday of Easter and Good Shepherd Sunday, we welcomed in the Priory House 15 girls, 20 boys and two teachers from Nuujoma Senior Secondary school in Oshikuku, Owamboland - Omusati Region. They are the CLG (Christian Living Group) that visits us in Windhoek every year. Their visit is a good sign because this is an opportunity for the girls to come, see and meet the Sisters. The majority of the youth are in Grade 12. Sr. Joyce Iipakwa and I were standing near the chapel welcoming them when they arrived in the Priory House. I was very happy to see them and greeted them one by one. We joined them into the Chapel while thanking

6 God for their safe journey and singing a song for Mother Mary, Pray for us to God, Mother Mary, for we are here searching for God. The youth proceeded to our hall and sang wonderful songs and it was good. Sr. Joyce welcomed them on behalf of the Sisters. They introduced themselves to us and we, too, introduced ourselves to them. After introducing herself, one novice said, I am always happy to see you every year and it will be good for those who want to serve God in the future to give your names and address that the Sisters can in turn send you more information about religious life. Indeed, three girls and two boys gave their names, address and cell numbers to her. I want to congratulate Mr Kristof Iipinge, the teacher and leader of this group, for his good will to escort the learners to our Priory House so that they can come and see and decide which way of life they are to follow. May God bless him so that he may continue to lead the flock entrusted to him. It was really good to have a big number of youth in our hall. Sr. Marie Johann and Sr. Bernhardine from the Procurator s Office gave sweets and biscuits which made the youth very happy. May God bless them all. Our Perpetual Profession Day by Sr. Marie Louise Munambabi, OSB, Sr. Sylvia Shingwanda,OSB and Sr. Mary John Sakeus, OSB Prior to the day of our Perpetual Profession, we spent three months in Kenya and three months in Tanzania in intense spiritual preparation for the total gift of ourselves to God. Our hearts express a sincere appreciation and gratitude to Mother 6 Michael Marie and Nairobi Priory, Mother Raphaela and Ndanda Priory and Mother Rosann and Peramiho Priory for our intensification period. We returned to our home priory enriched and blessed with spiritual growth and fond memories on 02 April The homecoming to our Windhoek Priory was a memorable experience of warm welcome from our Sisters and formandees. ( Please see insert photo of our arrival.) Together with the Community, we began to prepare for the Liturgy and plans for our Perpetual Profession Day. We have been touched and thankful to them for their full support and cooperation. We remember with heart felt happiness the day (27 April 2013) of our Perpetual Profession of Monastic Vows! Our retreat before the ceremony was facilitated by Fr. Abbot Justin from the evening of 20 April to 26 April Many emotions radiated through our whole being. We were longing to give ourselves to God forever but nervous about doing the right thing at the Rite of Profession. We were sure it was like a bride who was anticipating to be united to her bridegroom. Our bridegroom would be the Risen Lord. What a gift of unconditional love! The day arrived. Sisters, family and friends joined us in rejoicing as we would pronounce for life our Monastic Vows of Obedience, Conversatio Morum and Stability to God, to the Church and to our Missionary Benedictine Sisters of Tutzing Community forever. The Eucharistic Celebration began with an entrance procession and hymn, Servant song (What do you want of me, Lord) at our Priory House Chapel. After the homily at Mass, we pronounced our monastic vows and sang our Suscipe. There was a response that came from our lips for all to hear. However, in the silence of our hearts the response was beyond words. Mother Maria Ignatius, OSB, our Prioress, placed the ring on our finger.

7 After receiving the ring, we sang Listen, the voice of the Lord is calling Our whole life now would be lived for God alone. In the silence of our hearts, we heard God say, I have called you by name; you are mine (Is. 43:1) The years will come by from the day of our Perpetual Profession, we hope and pray to live out this commitment to God, a commitment of love filled with many challenges that need to be lived day by day. Our life is a journey of faith and trust in God s providence. It is a life of growing closer to God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The Divine Family of Love whose mercy endures forever. May we share our Vote of Thanks before the Final Blessing of the Eucharistic Celebration with you. Vote of thanks Reverend Fr. Abbot Justin, Mother Prioress Maria Ignatius Glaser, Vicar General Rev. Fr. Werner Afunde, Reverend Fathers, Sisters, Brothers, Dear Family Members and Friends from far and near. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to each one of you. Psalm 103:2 says, My soul, give thanks to the Lord and never forget all the goodness he has done for you. On this day, we give thanks to our Heavenly Father for all the blessings and graces, for sustaining and carrying us in the palm of His hands throughout our life journey and making this day possible for each one of us. Our special thanks go to our beloved parents, living and deceased, and to all our 7 family members for granting us their permission and freely dedicating us to this life of following in the footsteps of Jesus. Our dear parents, we are very grateful for the seed of faith which you have planted in us and have watered. Thank you for your coming to grace this occasion with your presence and prayers. Our special thanks go to all those who have supported us in one way or another, physically and spiritually, particularly during our formation life. We won t finish counting you or mentioning your names, but we can only assure you our prayers. We will treasure you all in our hearts. Indeed, our hearts are filled with joy for everything you had contributed to make this day very special for us. Thank you for all the efforts that you spent in the liturgy which is the peak of our Profession Day. It was so wonderful and beautifully sung. To all our dear co-workers in the Lord s vineyard, we owe you our thanks that you have come to witness and partake in this solemn celebration of the Eucharist on the occasion of our perpetual commitment to Christ, our Bridegroom. Your presence is highly appreciated and it will be forever remembered. Our lips proclaim the words of St. Paul to the Philippians 3:12 which says, I have not yet reached the goal, and I am not perfect. But Christ has taken hold of me. So I keep on running and struggling to take hold of the prize.

8 All we ask of you is forever to remember us in your prayers. Be assured of ours, too. We wish you a safe and blessed journey as you return to your respective places. But before you do those, please join us in our hall over there for a cup of cold water. May God bless each one of you and reward you. Thank you very much. Hearty Congratulations, dear Sr. Mary Innocentia! Our Sr. Mary Innocentia Mbati, OSB graduated with a Bachelor of Education Honours Degree major in Geography and Afrikaans from the University of Namibia, Winhoek. The Graduation Ceremony took place at Safari Court and Hotel in Windhoek at 8:00 A.M. on 26 April Thank you and so long, Sr. Beate! by Sr. Remedios de los Reyes and Sr. Joyce Iipakwa Having been with us for almost a year (she arrived in Namibia on 13 May 2012), our dear Sr. Beate Schroeter flew back to Germany on 02 May Million thanks to you, dear Sr. Beate for supervising the following constructions of our priory: the renovation of the kitchen and the Sisters House making seven self-contained rooms in Shambyu, a new garage and renovation of the whole house of the Sisters in Tondoro and adding a new kitchen and a kitchen storeroom so that they could really separate from the kitchen of the Fathers, and the big renovation and replacement of the whole roof of the Sisters House in Namuntuntu, the three new self-contained rooms and enlarged kitchen and kitchen storeroom, a new sacristy and a guestroom and the renovation and painting of the whole house in Namuntuntu. (Please see insert photo.) She also helped cultivate the field of Namuntuntu which produces a good harvest of mahangu, ground nuts and beans because of the rain which miraculously came during the time of planting. Sr. Beate shared that she has been very grateful to Mother Maria Ignatius for these plans and constructions in Kavango communities, the good builders and the Sisters with whom she lived in the communities. She enjoyed staying with the Sisters, sharing everything and integrating with them. It was for her a very enriching experience when she felt one with the Sisters. She thanks all the Sisters for making this possible. Our heartfelt appreciation, best wishes and God s blessing to you, Sr. Beate and may the Risen Lord abundantly reward you! Thank you to all our Contributors. God bless! Editorial Team Sr. Remedios de los Reyes, OSB Sr. Joyce Iipakwa, OSB Postulant Reginalda Kamari Sr. Maria Ignatius Glaser, OSB 8