African Conference – Message
Below is the Message of the General Assembly of the African Conference held from May 30 to June 04, 2016. Since POLA includes the Ugandan community (East Africa), it automatically forms part of the African Conference. However, because of the language barrier, Fr. Provincial was represented by Fr. George Ssali.
One religious family:
Everywhere where we are found, we are called to promote a sense of our belonging to that same family, having a heart of living together the joys and sufferings of all our congregational realities. Endeavor is already seen, like our participation in having personnel in our common houses of formation and in the community of Cameroon. But we can do more to help our communities in Mozambique, Uganda and that of Cameroon if we appropriate and focus more on the sense of belonging to one same family, in moments of joy and suffering. Carrying to Jesus some bread and fish we have in our hands that their multiplication may be realised (cf. LK, 9:11b-17).
Be at work and make sacrifices:
We call upon each of us to be at work, for a worker deserves his salary. We are in a reality of growth, and our good proverb says, “the one who is bringing up children cannot ware well.” Meaning, we cannot take at heart our commitment of taking care of our communities without sacrifice. These sacrifices in our daily life, among others, are more of self-denial, renouncing our comfort zones, more lucidity with material things and their use, promotion of common good…
Rejoice with . . .
We rejoice in the promotion and creation, accompaniment and open collaboration with the aggregation of the Blessed Sacrament. We are also happy to notice the awareness of collaborating with the lay in our different realities, by formation, proximity and commitment. We are called to continue this journeying with more audacity and creativity.
The mission presses . . .
The mission presses us all and each. It’s good to notice the already realized attempts by each and every one. The parishes which were entrusted to us by the dioceses are always the most visited because of the quality of services which is given. But at the same time, it’s not rare to see from brother who can do something doing nothing or doing a minimum or again promoting his proper missions or parallel. And we all know that it is in each and every one carrying his brick for the construction that each one is constructed and solidified. Not forgetting that our consecration is always realized in the perspective of the total gift to God and His people. We invite each one to re-read regularly number three of our Rule of life to remind us of our identity and our specific mission in the church.
Young that see more the future
We are in the young state that sees more its future than its past because its past is even recent. We are invited to believe in this future, which will certainly cope with our sacrifices and our dreams of today. We invite each one of us to work for the promotion of Eucharistic vocations. But this work requires in the first place our witness to an authentic consecrated life without ambiguities. Subsequently, we need to give our time, our talents, our persevering commitment to guide happily and in truth those called by God to share our life. We notice a steady growth of effective youth in formation from our different foundations even though the means of taking care of them is to yet enough. Let us work for more quality vocations in discernment without submission.
Approved for Perpetual Profession of Vows
Br. MUYINGO John, SSS, born on October 5, 1981, is from Ssaza Parish, Masaka Catholic Diocese. He has just completed his theological studies at the Institute Saint Eugene de Mazenod in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo. Br. John was approved for Perpetual Profession during the Provincial Council’s March 14-17, 2016 meeting. He will have his Program of Preparation for Perpetual Profession in Congo Brazeville.
Approved for Renewal of Vows
We have three Ugandan scholastic brothers in different batches who were approved for renewal of vows. They are undergoing formation in the Democratic Republic of Congo, in the scholasticate Inter-African “Emmaus”. They are as follows:
- ZIKUSOOKA Simon Peter, SSS, born on February 9, 1990, is from Walukuba Parish, Jinja Catholic Diocese. He is in his second year of scholasticate and his first year of theological studies at the Catholic University of Congo.
- SSENKASI Denis, SSS, born on March 29, 1990, is from Nkoni Parish, Masaka Catholic Diocese. He is in his second year of scholasticate and his first year of theological studies at the Catholic University of Congo.
- NSAMBU Herbert, SSS, born on May 30, 1990, is in his first year of scholasticate and his first year of theological studies at the Catholic University of Congo.
Approved for First Profession of Vows
We have two Ugandan brothers who are about to finish with their novitiate formation in the SSS Inter-Novitiate program in Senegal. They have applied for First Religious Profession and were both approved. They are the following:
- MUTYABA Caesar, nSSS, Kampala Archdiocese
- KIGWANYE Emmanuel, nSSS, Masaka Diocese
Approved for Novitiate
These brothers have spent four years journeying with us for their aspirancy and postulancy programs. During this period of time, they have managed to go through the necessary formation programs, and as part of their postulancy program, they have finished their philosophical studies. They have all manifested their desire to continue to their next stage of formation as put in each individual’s letter of application. After consultation with other community members, they have been found suitable to continue to the next stage of formation, which is novitiate.
These candidates are as follows:
- BYARUHANGA Emmanuel, pSSS, 26 years of age, from Aboke Parish, Lira Diocese
- BUGEMBE Fred, pSSS, 24 years of age, from Narozali Parish, Masaka Diocese
Approved for Postulancy
There is one candidate who has been with us for two years completing Aspirancy I and II. He has finished his first year of Philosophy and passes to his second year. He has manifested his desire to continue with us to the next stage of formation through writing and, after consultation with other members of the community, he has been found suitable to continue to the next stage, which is Postulancy. He is Mr. OLIMI Paul, 22 years of age, from Aboke Parish, Lira District, Lira Diocese.
Approved for Aspirancy II
These young men have spent one year with the Uganda community for their Aspirancy I program. They have all manifested their desire to continue to the next stage of formation. After consultation with other members of the community, they have been found suitable to continue to the next stage, which is Aspirancy II.
They are as follows:
- KASOZI Lawrence, 23 years old, from Ssaza Parish, Masaka district, Masaka Diocese
- BWAMBALE Gidio, 21 years old. from Nsenyi Parish, Kassese district, Kasssese Diocese
- YIGA Brian, 21 years old, from Narozali Parish, Masaka district, Masaka Diocese
Mr. Kasozi Lawrence and Mr. Bwambale Gidio are religious candidates for priesthood whereas Mr. Yiga Brian is a religious candidate for brotherhood. Having been approved for the next stage, they will start their philosophical formation at the Queen of Apostle Philosophy Centre in Jinja.
Approved for Aspirancy I
Five young men have been approved to start their Aspirancy I program, which is the very first stage in the process of becoming a religious and priest of the SSS which initially they wanted to be a part of. They are the following:
- OBBO Samson, born on July 14, 1993, from Aber Parish, Lira Diocese
- OKELLO Justine, born on December 5, 1994, from Chelekura Parish, Tororo Diocese
- KANTUMBA Godfrey, born on January 15, 1996, from Kitaasa Parish, Masaka Diocese
- BAGUMA Vincent, born on July 27, 1994, from Nsenyi Parish, Kasese Diocese
- MUTEESAASIRA Henry, born on April 5, 1992, from Ssaza Parish, Masaka Diocese
Brs. Troy & Noman – Pastoral Exposure in Uganda
The Provincial Council during its meetings in January and June, 2016, decided to send Bros. Throy and Noman to Uganda to have their pastoral and community exposures. Br. Troy has just finished his second year Theology and will be working on his thesis on mission. Thus, his almost a year of pastoral exposure in Uganda will certainly enrich his reflection on his chosen topic. On the other hand, Br. Noman, since he had already finished his theological studies, is on the program of being exposed to the different SSS communities in order to really know whether SSS is really the congregation for him.
Celebrating Corpus Christi at Kimaanya Parish
Kimaanya Parish is located in the Catholic Diocese of Masaka, Uganda, in the Archdiocese of Kampala, East Africa. It is run by the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament.
Every year, the feast of the Corpus Christi, to which this parish is dedicated, is celebrated with pomp and color. The entire parish congregation spends that whole day at the parish.
EUCHARISTIC WEEK
In the week preceding the actual day, we arranged special activities intended to prepare the Christians at both the physical and spiritual levels. The highlights of the activities were:
Sunday, 22nd May:
The lay adorers of our parish, numbering over 60, held a one day retreat to reflect deeply on the importance of the Eucharist in their life as Christians and as lay adorers as well as to the entire church. The focus was mainly put on the worthy reception of the Blessed Sacrament and the importance of adoration, following in the footsteps of Fr. Eymard.
The retreat was guided by Rev. Fr. John Paul Ntambaazi, the Parish Priest of Bukoto Parish, located around 20 kilometers from our parish and was assisted by Rev. Fr. Joseph Matovu, sss, Parish priest of Kimaanya, and Dr. Kanoonya Paul, leader of the lay adorers. It took place from the parish canteen from 8 a.m. – 6.30 p.m. At the end of the retreat, we celebrated the Holy Eucharist, in which 25 lay adorers renewed their commitments of spending at least one hour per week before the Blessed Sacrament exposed, every Thursday.
Monday, 23rd and Tuesday, 24th May
The Parish Priest, assisted by another priest together with the Head Catechist moved through out the 6 sub-parishes, distributing sugar, soap, clothes, etc. to the needy. These goods were collected some few months ago from all the Christians in preparation for this event. They were distributed to the needy and the destitute such as widows and widowers, the physically handicapped, orphans and prisoners. (Oh! how can we forget how Fr. Eymard began with those poor and destitute around the streets of Paris and our ROL no. 37).
We used the same occasion to give communion to the sick and the elderly plus anointing those who were in need of the Sacrament; those who are no longer capable of coming to the church. Oh, it was a great moment of sharing with those people.
Wednesday, 25th May
Individual confession was conducted at the Parish for all who wished to take a spiritual bath. We were assisted by our neighbor priests to attend to this multitude of people who came from all the walks of life for the whole day from morning to evening, to get a spiritual bath. It was also in line with what the Holy Father encourages the Pastors to do during this Year of Mercy.
Thursday, 26th May
The entire day was devoted to Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in the Parish Church from 8.30 a.m. – 5 p.m. with solemn benediction and then the Eucharistic Celebration. A larger crowd attended, being led by the adorers.
Friday, 27th and Saturday, 28th May
We had nocturnal adoration at the Parish with animations from different groups at the Parish from 8 p.m. – 5 p.m. on these two days; and there were some sessions on the origin and importance of nocturnal adoration, but especially as guided by our founder (The four ends). Some sessions were arranged so as to enable the parishioners who, because of the nature of their work and employment, cannot spare time for the day-time adoration. Two visiting priests, Rev. Fr. Joseph Kikabi, and Rev. Fr. Stephen Ssenkubuge, were the animators.
On Saturday, 28th May, two couples, who had been previously cohabiting, made their marriage vows, as part of the culmination of the preparations for the parish day. A reception was held for the newlyweds, in the parish canteen, funded by the parish congregation.
The events of the actual day: Sunday, 29th May
The main celebrant was the ordinary of the diocese, Rt. Rev. John Baptist Kaggwa, assisted by eleven priests. The mass was celebrated outdoors at the Shrine of the Uganda Martyrs. Attendance was massive and the weather was hot and dry. The commentator during the mass was the Mayor of Masaka Municipality, Mr. Godfrey Kayemba. The two readings were taken by Honorables Kabanda Mary and Mathias Nsamba, respectively; both of them are Members of Parliament, representing the area. Towards the end of the mass, the Bishop commissioned the two newest sub-parishes, namely, Kijjabwemi and Mutuba Gardens. He blessed the members of the executive committees of these sub-parishes and wished them good leadership.
The Eucharistic procession
The Kimaanya Parish grounds are fairly large. The members of the congregation, in their respective Sub-Parishes and schools, took advantage of this factor to erect twelve “stations“: seven by the Sub-Parishes, four by schools and one by the lay adorers Group.
The Bishop, holding the Monstrance, led the entire congregation to each of the twelve stations amidst melodious singing which was animated by the joint choir. of the parish.
After the procession and the reposition of the Blessed Sacrament, there followed an interlude of brief speeches from the Parish Priest, the head of the Laity, the area Member of Parliament and lastly by the Bishop.
Immediately, after the speeches, we shared lunch as a fraternal meal, which was prepared by the different Sub-Parishes and the schools. So, the Christians spread out in their respective units. The Clergy and invited guests took their lunch at their table, located in the same premises.
Lunch was followed by an hour or so of entertainment, which included songs, short dramatic plays, poem recitation and a game between the Sub-Parishes.
The events of the day were concluded by a game of football between the Clergy and the Parish Executive Committee. Long live the Eymardian Family.
In Memoriam
Let us remember with thanks and praise the following religious from the Ugandan Foundation who have gone before us in the years since the Province of Our Lady of the Assumption involved herself in the affairs of the foundation, which was originally an American foundation.
Fr. Melchiades Ssemakula, SSS (December 1930 – January 2001):
He entered the Congregation in 1959. He made his novitiate in England in 1960-62. He was the first Ugandan priest ordained in the Masaka foundation. His ordination took place in Rome during the Second Vatican Council. He became the parish priest of the SSS-administered Kimaanya parish in 1994. He was also given the responsibility of restoring the property, which was badly neglected, during the SSS absence from Masaka. He died of a car accident.
Bro. Stephen Thompson, SSS (1924 – 2012):
He was born in Southern Queensland, Australia and was brought up in a strict Methodist family. In the beginning of 1979, when he was already 55 years old, he entered the Postulancy program of the Congregation. He was 67 when he first came to Uganda in 1994.
Fr. Fernand Beuret, SSS (1921- 2014):
He was born in French speaking Switzerland. He made his perpetual profession in 1946 and was ordained to the priesthood in 1948. He first came to the African missions in 1962, where he was given teaching and bursar responsibilities in Kitega, Burundi. In 1966 he was transferred to Uganda and stayed to serve the Ugandan Church even during the wars.
Fr. Stephen Kanyike, SSS (1949 – January 16, 2016):
He was born in Kiyinda, Mityana Diocese. He studied in Katigondo and Ggaba Major Seminaries and was ordained in 1975. He served in Tororo and Mityana Dioceses, both in Uganda. He also served Nakuru Diocese in Kenya. He joined the Congregation in July 1994 – postulancy in Kimaanaya, Uganda; novitiate in Melbourne, Australia; and perpetual profession in Sri Lanka. He made his profession in 2001. He served for a number of years as parish priest of Kimaanya.
Br. John Bourque, SSS (November 30, 1929- June 10, 2016):
He was born in Massachusetts, USA. He made his first profession on September 8, 1949 and final profession on September 8, 1952. He was assigned in Uganda in early 2000s.
Fr. Joseph Matitu, SSS
[JULY 15, 2016]