SMA Chosen to Be Bishop in Benin

No.25 l Spring/Summer 2015 SMA chosen to be bishop in Benin

Archbishop Michel Cartatéguy SMA of Niamey, Niger lays hands on the head SMA Superior General, Fr Fachtna O’Driscoll, Bight of Benin Superior, Fr of Bishop Gnonhossou during the Ordination ceremony. Reginald Nwachukwu SMA and Bishop Gnonhossou SMA.

On 12 February, Pope Francis appointed Fr François studies in Paris, he was appointed as the Vice Superior [and Gnonhossou SMA as the 2nd Bishop of Dassa-Zoumé in the later Superior] of the SMA African Foundation, which was Republic of Benin. the SMA unit responsible for training Africans who wanted to be SMA missionaries. From 2009 to 2013 he ministered in Bishop François was born in 1961 in Dassa-Zoumé. Having a French-speaking parish in Canada. In 2013 he was elected completed his primary and secondary education in Cotonou as a Councillor to the SMA Superior General and moved to he studied Politics and Law in the University of Abomey- Rome from where he was appointed Bishop by Pope Francis. Calavi. At the same time he was involved with the Emmanuel Community in the local parish which eventually Speaking of his appointment, he recalled the historic links of led to his joining the SMA. As part of his training he spent the SMA and modern-day Benin [formerly Dahomey]: “We one year working with Fr Eddie Hartnett SMA (from Cork) in have to give what we have received, to serve where his parish in Badagry, Nigeria. He then completed his the need is felt, and where God needs us. I see myself theological studies at the Ss Peter & Paul Major seminary in first as heir to Bishop de Brésillac [SMA Founder] but Ibadan, Nigeria and, in 1997, he was ordained as the first also as heir to Fr. Francesco Borghero” [who founded SMA priest from the Republic of Benin. the Church in Benin]. Borghero landed in Ouidah in 1861, the first Italian SMA in Africa. The new bishop sees himself His first appointment as a priest was to the Vicariate of as a link in this chain that continues to spread, so that the Kontagora in Nigeria, under the leadership of Bishop Tim Kingdom of God, the good news of the Gospel is always Carroll SMA (from Millstreet, Co Cork). Six years later, after announced in Africa.

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“How long more will this go on? That is the great worry tormenting many people in the Central African Republic [CAR]. We are weary from a crisis that has lasted for more than three years.”

With these words SMA Bishop Nestor Nongo-Aziagbia sums up the feeling in the country which is still suffering the effects of civil unrest and interference from foreign mercenaries intent on gaining access to the country’s vast mineral wealth [with the active cooperation of politicians etc]. While the number of innocent victims grows longer every day there are increasing doubts about the political will to address the underlying issues. Human rights violations are regular occurrences, particularly summary executions and the total destruction of houses and entire villages. Fields and barns have been razed so that crops are destroyed which will lead to increased hunger in the coming months. Healthcare facilities and schools remain closed in many areas due to fears about security. The country is locked Distribution of rice, cooking oil and other essential goods for the IDPs. into a deep humanitarian and institutional crisis alongside their villages. Effectively, this money came from the Irish taxpayer, military and political deadlock. The UN Office for the Coordination of many of whom are SMA supporters. For this Bishop Nestor and the Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) estimates that 2.5 million people are in pastoral team in Bossangoa, as well as the wider SMA, are eternally need of humanitarian aid and that 501,980 people are at risk. grateful. Justice cannot be evaded Misean Cara members are committed to working with and for the marginalised and most vulnerable people in the developing world, in solidarity with the poor in ways that transform lives while respecting Even though there has been inter-religious conflict, with terrible the integrity of local cultures. atrocities occurring on all sides, there is no doubt that the underlying problem in CAR is fuelled by politico-economic ambitions. And those Misean Cara was established to support the marginalised and most who are fuelling the violence need to know that their crimes will not vulnerable through the work of its member organisations and their go unpunished. Amnesty International states, “One of the main partners by accessing funds and distributing them fairly and effectively challenges that the transitional authorities in the Central according to agreed criteria and based on development effectiveness. African Republic, as well as the international community as a For further information www.miseancara.ie whole, are facing is the need to put an end to the current impunity for war crimes, crimes against humanity and other serious breaches of human rights.” Bossangoa diocese

Despite the above, Bossangoa diocese strives to provide solidarity, help and support to those affected by the crisis. For example, various diocesan groups [Caritas, Justice & Peace and the Catholic Education Commissions], in partnership with various UN and other foreign agencies, are supporting various programmes in the areas of health, education, nutrition, food security, emergency shelter... One such programme helped internally displaced persons [IDPs] in Some of the new tricycles ready to be sent to Bangassou. the diocese, irrespective of their religion. The Emergency Response Scheme of Misean cara (an Irish company gathering together the Speaking of the ongoing situation in CAR, Bishop Nestor says, “As different missionary societies [including the SMA and OLA Sisters] can clearly be seen, the crisis has not deprived us of our capacity to and lay groups to distribute money provided by Irish Aid, the official mobilise effort and witness to the Gospel. On the contrary, it has government agency distributing the Irish Foreign Aid budget) gave a affirmed us in our faith and determination to commit ourselves to the grant of €15,000. This sum helped provide food and hygiene items for service of our brothers and sisters. This endeavour is all the more about 3,500 IDPs. Most notably twenty physically handicapped people praiseworthy because hope keeps you alive. As the saying goes, no in the two IDP camps in Bossangoa were provided with hand-pedalled matter how long the night may be, dawn will surely come. Such are tricycles. Most of them were Polio victims who either had no tricycles the convictions that keep us on our feet and help keep us going.” or whose tricycles had been lost or damaged during the attacks on

SMA Archbishop calls for action on human trafficking in Ireland

On 8 February last the country here. We have a responsibility to effectively challenge Archdiocese of Cashel and and tackle trafficking which exists here in Europe. Wealthy Emly welcomed its new countries are a source of demand for human trafficking. You may Archbishop – Most Rev ask: “what can we do about it?” The first step is to open our eyes Kieran O’Reilly SMA. to the reality that trafficking may be happening around us in our Ordained an SMA priest in local communities. Irish people are directly or indirectly 1978, the new Archbishop encountering the victims of trafficking. Victims have been found served in Liberia and Nigeria. in different sectors of society. Very often those trapped in this He was later a member of world are bound by what Pope Francis calls “invisible chains.” the SMA Irish Provincial We need to stay alert to this reality and work in our local Council in Rome. Six years communities to eradicate it.” later he was elected as the SMA Superior General, a Archbishop O’Reilly concluded his homily with the words of Pope Francis post he held until his saying that it will be the blueprint for his ministry as bishop. In his Archbishop Kieran O’Reilly SMA appointment by Pope Apostolic Letter Pope Francis said “Each local Church makes its Benedict XVI as bishop of missionary impulse ever more focused, generous and fruitful. I Killaloe in 2010. Less than encourage each particular Church to undertake a resolute five years later Bishop O’Reilly was appointed by Pope Francis to process of discernment, purification and reform. The bishop must succeed Archbishop Dermot Clifford in Cashel and Emly. always foster…missionary communion in his diocesan Church, following the ideal of the first Christian communities, in which As the new Archbishop was already a bishop the ceremony in the the believers were of one heart and one soul (cf. Acts 4:32). To do Cathedral of the Assumption in Thurles was to formally install him as the so, he will sometimes go before his people, pointing the way and Archbishop. At the entrance to the Cathedral he was greeted by the keeping their hope vibrant. At other times, he will simply be in Dean of the Diocesan Chapter, Monsignor Christy O’Dwyer, and twelve their midst with his unassuming and merciful presence. At yet men and women representing the Deaneries of the Diocese. other times, he will have to walk after them, helping those who lag behind and – above all – allowing the flock to strike out on The Principal concelebrants were the Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop new paths. In his mission of fostering a dynamic, open and Charles Brown, and the Archbishop Emeritus, Most Rev Dermot Clifford. missionary communion, he will have to encourage and develop Also present at the ceremony were his mother, Theresa, his brother the means of participation…..with the missionary aspiration of Joseph, sisters Therese and Deirdre, other family members and SMA reaching everyone as the objective.” (#30-31 The Joy of the Gospel) priests. It was heartening to see so many priests and people from the diocese of Killaloe where Bishop Kieran served since 2010. Speaking of After the ceremony all were invited to St Patrick’s College where Fr Tom how they felt ‘losing’ him to Cashel and Emly, one priest said to an SMA, Fogarty and a large team of volunteers had prepared refreshments for “now we know how the SMA felt in 2010 when he was appointed to all. It gave the new Archbishop the opportunity to meet some of his us.” flock who represented all 46 parishes of the Archdiocese. The ceremony was a tribute to the Organising Committee under the guidance of Fr After the Entrance Procession into the Cathedral the Apostolic Mandate Martin Hayes, Cathedral Administrator. was read by the Apostolic Nuncio and then the new Archbishop took ‘possession’ of the Chair [in Latin, ‘cathedra’]. Archbishop Clifford presented the Book of the Gospels and the pastoral staff [crozier], symbols of the office of the new Archbishop. On behalf of the Irish Province of the Society of African Missions (SMA), I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Bishop Kieran O’Reilly SMA on In a sign of the unity of the Archdiocese, every parish brought water his appointment as the new Archbishop of Cashel and Emly. We feel from their local Holy Wells and Archbishop O’Reilly blessed it before deeply honoured that Pope Francis has chosen him for this important going through the Cathedral blessing the people for whom he is now office of Leadership in the Irish Church. Pastor. Along with his many personal gifts, Bishop Kieran brings a wealth of missionary, pastoral and administrative experience to his new role. As In January the Archbishop visited the Holy Land and spoke about how SMA Superior General for nine years, he guided the Society during a “the terrible conditions in which tens of thousands of families in Gaza time of unprecedented change and development. For the past four are living are an assault on human dignity.” During his homily at the years, as Bishop of Killaloe Diocese, he has become familiar with the Installation Mass, which took place on the international Day of Prayer particular challenges facing the Irish Church at the present time. and Awareness against human trafficking, Archbishop O’Reilly spoke of those suffering exploitation, many of whom are here in our own country. I take this opportunity to wish Bishop Kieran abundant blessings as he undertakes this new responsibility in the service of the Irish Church and assure him of the prayers and support of the members of the Province He reminded the congregation that “remembering the tragedy that and the wider family of SMA supporters.” is human trafficking does not just relate to what is happening in Fr Michael McCabe, SMA Provincial Leader distant countries far away; it also concerns us, and our own Fr. Daly celebrates 50 years unbroken service in Nigeria

St Benedict’s Catholic Church, the latest church which Fr Daly is building in St Leo’s parish. Since the floor went in it has been used every Sunday for Mass and catechism classes.

The Parishioners of St. Leo’s, In spite of the economic recession, corruption, mortality and Challenge, Ibadan are rejoicing with violence that Nigeria has been faced with Fr Daly thinks that “in their Parish Priest, Fr Fintan Daly spite of the difficulties, you must have hope. If we have [Mullagh, Co Galway], on the hope it will inspire us to improve the situation in every way occasion of his 77th birthday and 50th that we can. We must strive to be the salt of the earth and anniversary as a priest. In an interview the light of the world. We must strive to do our work with the local Catholic paper – The efficiently. One of the best ways for showing love for our Independent – he expressed his neighbour is to do our work well.” gratitude to the people for all their kindness and generosity since he For the future Fr. Daly would like to continue the missionary work came to the parish. He also spoke of he is doing with the SMA for as long as he possibly can. He says his experience in Nigeria, being an that he leaves the future of his work in the hands of God. SMA priest and offered some advice. Fr Fintan Daly SMA In the interview he advised the parishioners to “be united and look on yourselves as a real 25 more SMA priests Christian family”. He also reiterated the words of Pope Francis in his message of helping the poor and having genuine love and 2015 will see the ordination of twenty-five more respect for them. A message which is close to Fr Daly is the joy of priests for the Society of African Missions. India evangelization. He stresses that many people still do not know the and Nigeria have five each, Togo [4], Benin love, mercy and the wonder of Jesus Christ. Fr Daly feels we have Republic [2], Kenya [2], Ivory Coast [2] and the a duty to bring the good news to all whom we can. Philippines [2] (see article on back page) and one each from the Central African Republic, Ghana and He continued saying that, “SMA priests are doing missionary work DR Congo. in 16 African countries. They are doing well but are facing severe difficulties especially because of the violence in the Central African Our Irish supporters, members of the Family Republic. They also face the serious danger of the Ebola virus, in Vocations Crusade [FVC] are hugely instrumental Sierra Leone and in Liberia. Fr. Daly’s fifty years in Ibadan can be in the training of the 2015 Ordination class. They divided into two areas: teaching in St Theresa’s Minor seminary pray for vocations and contribute to the huge and then pastoral work in several parishes. As a Parish Priest he financial costs of training 300+ seminarians in 16 has established several parishes and built a huge number of seminaries throughout Africa, India, Philippines churches all over the city. Upon reflection he feels Nigerian and Poland. To find out how you can support the Catholics are doing a lot but hope they will try to do more so that education of our seminarians contact the nearest the good news of Christ can be effectively brought to those who SMA House [addresses on back page]. do not yet know it. Philippines celebrates two new deacons

After an interval of eight years the SMA community in the Philippines celebrated the ordination of two new deacons – Rev Wilmer Cacao and Rev Cristopher Lumagbas. The ordinations took place in the magnificent SMA Good Shepherd Parish church at Las Pinas where SMA priests have ministered since 1985. Since then many of the parishioners have become SMA Mission Partners, supporting the work of the SMA through their prayer and financial contributions. Hosting the Diaconate Ordination of two more SMA Rev Wilmer and Christopher express their thanks to all following their members was a great joy for those Mission Partners Ordination. Ad Multos Annos! who have supported the missionary work for so long. Parishioners gathered from the seven chapels of the parish creating great excitement and prayerful energy Please remember our deceased supporters and – all so grateful to God for the blessing of these two newly ordained missionaries for Africa. our SMA and OLA missionaries in your prayers. Fr Sexton Doran (Loughinisland, Co Down), served in Nigeria, Zambia and The other twelve students were inspired to continue Ireland, aged 81 years on 9 September 2014. on their journey of discernment – encouraged that Sr Mary Columban Enright (Feohanagh, Co Limerick), served in Ireland, perhaps one day they too will commit their lives to aged 92 years on 16 September 2014. Sr Nora Culleton (Newtown, Co Offaly), served in Nigeria and Ireland, the work of God’s mission through the SMA. They will aged 91 years on 3 October 2014. be ordained priests this May and will leave for Africa Fr Thomas Furlong (Ballybricken, Co Waterford), served in Nigeria, England after their holidays to join the Filipino SMA team in and Ireland, aged 90 years on 6 October 2014. either Ghana or Tanzania. Miss Bridget Feeley (Cork), an Honorary Member, who died on 10 October 2014. One of our Filipino seminarians, Mariel Somalo, will Fr Anthony J Butler (Dublin), served in Nigeria, England and Ireland, aged also be going to Africa for his Pastoral [Stage] 73 years on 16 October 2014. progamme in Tanzania. Sr Imelda Hurley (Counkilla, Co Cork), served in Nigeria, Ghana, USA and Ireland, aged 89 years on 18 October 2014. It was a breath of new life and encouragement for the Fr Daniel V Murphy (Cork), served in Nigeria and Ireland, aged 82 years on 19 October 2014. work of mission and the life of the SMA in the Sr Mary Vincent Buckley (Kinsale, Co Cork), served in Nigeria, Ghana and Philippines District-in-formation which was founded Ireland, aged 88 years on 9 November 2014. thirty years ago by SMA Fathers John McCormack and Sr Roisin Cox (Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh), served in England, Nigeria and Pat Kelly. Ireland, aged 82 years on 1 January 2015. Sr Mary Rosarii Kelly (Woodford, Co Galway), served in USA, Nigeria and Ireland, aged 82 years on 8 January Sr Kathleen Sweeney (Knocknagree, Co Cork), served in Nigeria, Ghana and Ireland, aged 87 years on 26 January 2015. Fr John Casey (Cork), served in Nigeria and Ireland, aged 84 years on 2 March 2015. Sr Rosalie Bowles (Cork), served in England, Nigeria and Ireland, aged 77 years on 16 March 2015.

Lord God, welcome our deceased SMA supporters, benefactors and missionaries, into the peace of your Kingdom. Reward the good they have done; forgive their faults. May they pray for us and, one day, may we all be reunited in our eternal home. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. The deacons-elect await the Call to Ordination with their families in the background.

African Missions (SMA) African Missions (SMA) African Missions (SMA) African Missions (SMA) African Missions (SMA) Blackrock Road Wilton Dromantine Claregalway 81 Ranelagh Road Cork Cork Newry Co Galway Dublin 6 021 429 2871 021 454 1069 028 3082 1224 091 798 880 01 496 8162 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]