DOCSLIB.ORG

PERAMIHO NEWSLETTER January – April 2019

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
PERAMIHO NEWSLETTER January – April 2019 PERAMIHO NEWSLETTER January – April 2019 SISTERS PREPARE FOR THE 18TH PRIORY CHAPTER The Peramiho Priory had a taste of the fruit of the 13th General Chapter when our prioress, Mother Ruth Bartonico, scheduled an assembly for all the Sisters last December 27-28, 2018 for a feed- back on the highlights and message of the General Chapter. She was assisted by our delegates Sr. Gloria Haule and Sr. Katharina Mtitu (who was elected general councilor). On February 20-22, all Sisters from the three communities gathered again for a workshop, orga- nized by the Ongoing Formation Team with the theme “Unity In Diversity”, facilitated by Sr. Marga- ret, who is a member of the Congregation of the Assumption Sisters of Nairobi. She led the sisters to reflect on the different aspects of the SELF. A short video about knowing oneself better, entitled “River Me,” was shown to them. She also talked about spirituality and charism which helped the sis- ters’ discussion on the Message of the 18th General Chapter. On the 23rd, Mo. Prioress and the Sisters in charge of the priory’s ministries gave an update on the status of the Priory and of its vari- ous ministries, respectively. Five Sisters were appointed by Mother Ruth to plan the preparations for the 18th Priory Chapter scheduled on May 17-23, 2019. The members of this Preparatory Commission (PrepCom) imme- diately discussed plans to help all the Sisters understand more deeply the message of the chapter so that they can participate well in the implementation of the General Chapter mandates though their proposals. The chapter prayer which they helped together to compose was disseminated to the sisters. This is prayed everyday at lauds before the Lord’s Prayer. The PrepCom came up with guide questions, based on the General Chapter message, that gave direction to the sisters’ discussion in small groups scheduled for four Mondays in March. Though these discussions, the sisters were able to for- mulate group proposals. The results of these discussions were shared during the Community Weekend for all the sisters last April 5-6 at the Priory House. A separate session was held for the Final Professed sisters where their willingness to thresh out conflicts in order to build a peaceful, harmonious and commit- ted intercultural community led to a more profound sharing of experiences. Two church documents were read at table during supper. All these preparations made our Lenten season truly a time of prayer and reflection not only on the passion and death of Jesus but also on the message of the recent General Chapter. 1 SEND - OFF EVENING FOR SR. KATHARINA The Priory House community held a short and simple program for our newly elected General Councilor, Sr. Katharina Mtitu, OSB on the even- ing before her departure for Dar es Salaam. She left for Rome on the 17th of January. The Sisters felt sad that she will be away for some years from our mission here in Peramiho, but also proud and happy that Sr. Katharina can share her talents, skills, and wisdom for the needs of the entire congregation. We thank Sr. Katharina for her witness of ora et labora and for her dedi- cation and hard work as headmistress of Peramiho Girls Secondary School (PGSS). She was able to maintain the Benedictine brand of quality education during her three years assignment as head of school. Our students maintained their good performance in national examina- tions which makes PGSS one of the best performing schools in the re- gion. We also thank her for giving her best in improving the school facili- ties. Hongera Sr. Katharina! Safari njema! (Congratulations Sr. Katharina! Have a safe trip!) On February 10, feast of St. Scholastica, the Priory House community invited priests and monks from our nearby St. Benedict Abbey to join us for vespers and dinner. In return, on the commemo- ration of the death of St. Benedict on March 21, the Abbey community invited the sisters including some sisters from the African Benedictines Sisters of St. Agnes Chipole who are assigned in the mission area to join them for the same activities - vespers and dinner. We missed the presence of the Prior in both occasions due to previously scheduled mission. The two communities found joy in sharing together the feasts of our twin saints. Praying the divine office in Latin and in Gregorian chant at the Abbey was an uplifting experience for most of the sisters, especially the younger ones. The agape was an opportunity to get to know our neighbors better through the casual talks, jokes and laughter. We hope to start and to continue a tradition of celebrating together the feasts of significant icons in our common history and in our goal of SEEKING GOD. May this coming together strengthen our bond as brothers and sisters in Christ and to witness unity in diversity especially during these times of chaos and confusion in many parts of our world. We are (not so) different yet ONE! 2 CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR NEW GRADUATE After three years of student life at the Arusha Technical College, our new graduate, Sr. Deogratia Mauki, OSB, is now back to the priory house and to her work at the St. Benedict Abbey Electrical Workshop. She received her Diploma in Electrical Engineering last January 19, 2019 during the college’s commencement exercises. How did Sr. Deogratias end up in this male-dominated career? She said that even before joining the congregation she was already fascinated with work related with electricity or mechanics. She was able to express this to her Postulant directress. As a Junior professed sister she was given the opportunity to take a four- year electrical training course here at the St. Benedict Abbey’s Training School so that she could be of help to the mission hospital. Soon after finishing the course in 2004, she was sent to Germany to learn about Biomedical equipment. However, when she came back, the then Abbot of St. Benedict Abbey, Fr. Anastasius Reiser, OSB, requested former prioress Sr. Pia Portmann, OSB for Sr. Deogratias to help in her former school. Sr. Deogratias was allowed to teach and, at the same time, to supervise the workers at the at the Abbey’s electrical workshop. In 2015, when Sr. Rossann Ocken was the prioress, she was sent for further studies at the Arusha Technical Colleges so that she will be more qualified to teach and to be updated on developments in her field. She admitted that she is now more confident in her work because of added knowledge and skills. She also gives advise and suggestions to the community on how to properly use electrical gadgets and equipment to economize and to help our environment. WORK OF MERCY IN ACTION One of the features of our Lenten activities was our visit to the elderly people in the nearby villages. The sisters consider them as neglected members of the society. Four villages were recommended for this Saturday afternoon activity; four groups of sisters signed up for this Lenten apostolate. An- other group visited the families of our employees. In one group, Mother Prioress gave blankets for giving away. (Thanks to Sr. Dorothy Pilkington who sends boxes of donations from Massachusetts.) The sisters also brought loaves of bread to the four elderly folks they visited. These were very much appreciated. But the sisters felt that the real reason for the joy that the elderly had expressed to them during their visit was the sisters’ presence and the time they spent chatting with them. One of those visited was our former employee who is now blind. He mentioned the names of the German sisters and monks he knew since he was a young boy. Another mother visited was a regular Mass goer but is now hindered by her inability to walk. The visits always ended with the sisters praying with and for them. 3 NOVITIATE UPDATE by the Novices Seminars On the 7th to the 10th of January 2019, we had a seminar on Self-Reliance and Entrepreneurship to- gether with our Postulants and Aspirants and those from the St. Benedict and Hanga Abbey. It was held at the St. Albertus room of our priory house and facili- tated by Brother Theodory Mwenda, OSB from the Hanga Abbey. The content of our seminar was the essentials of work according to the Rule of St. Benedict and the Scriptures. Bro. Theodory talked about balance of Ora et Labora. He emphasized that it is not labora et ora because too much work can result in a shallow prayer life. “Idleness is the workshop of the devil,” therefore, we need to work in order to avoid sinning. Unfortunately, many religious men and women are too absorbed in work that their prayer life is neglect- ed. He said that as religious our priority should be prayer. Our facilitator also said that if we want to build our spiritual life we have to sit down and plan like an entrepreneur. He cited from the gospel one requirement to be a disciple of Jesus - to “give up eve- rything you have”. Last April 2 to 4, we attended another seminar on Monastic Vows facilitated by Fr. Thadeus Mwaga- ma, OSB, the former abbot of Hanga Abbey. We were together with twenty two other novices from St. Agnes - Chipole and St. Benedict Abbey - Peramiho, Hanga, and Zambia. It was held at the Em- maus Spiritual Center in Peramiho. We gained a better understanding of the three Benedictine vows of obedience, stability and conversatio morum and of poverty and celibacy. Fr. Thadeus men- tioned that as religious we need to support each other.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Oblate-News-Winter2014.Pdf
    Left to right, Oblate Novices Daniel Pierce Sr. and Georgiana Sullivan, who were invested, and Oblate Carol Devine, who renewed her 50th anniversary oblation, receive the sign of peace from Oblate Jane Mossimino during the New York Oblate Retreat, August 30-September 1, 2013. The Eucharist, Confession and the Rule The Rule of St. Benedict beyond monasteries, and in both contexts mentions the Eucharist the stability achieved is not static. (as “Holy Communion”) in only two places. In Within an abbey, particularly, stability is the Chapter 38, the context product of a living communion in which is providing food for the the monks provide “consolation” for each reader of the week to other (Chapter 1). They are to serve as sustain his strength after mutually supportive companions on their the Eucharistic fast. And spiritual journeys through life. William Hemrick in Chapter 63, it is mentioned only in This picture discloses a cluster of cognate passing with respect to order in the meanings of a life lived in common: community. community, communion and communication. They are closely related in Also, the Rule does not specifically mention the notion of companionship. The word the sacrament of Penance. Nevertheless, in the “companion” comes from the Latin cum way that the Rule provides a blueprint for a panis, “with bread,” and the most important comprehensive way of life, it furnishes a rich bread in the community is Holy context for appreciating both sacraments. Communion received at Mass each morning. Participation in that Communion Consider first the Eucharist. The monastic both anchors and supports community life.
    [Show full text]
  • Celebrating 90 Years of Monastic Life. 1927-2017
    LENSTAL ABBEY CHRONICLE Celebrating 90 years of GLENSTAL ABBEY monastic life. Murroe, Co Limerick www.glenstal.org 1927-2017 www.glenstal.com (061)621000 S T A Y I N TOUCH WITH G L E N S T A L ABBEY If you would like to receive emails from Glenstal about events and other goings on please join our email list on our website. You can decide what type of emails you will receive and can change this at any stage. Your data will not be used for any other purpose. 1 | P a g e CELEBRATING 90 YEARS OF MONASTIC LIFE 1 9 2 7 - 2 0 1 7 Welcome Contents On the 90th anniversary of our foundation it is our pleasure to share Where in the World…… page 3 with you, friends, benefactors, Oblates at Glenstal….. page 6 parents, students, colleagues and School Choir…………… page 8 visitors, something of the variety and richness of life here in Glenstal Out of Africa…………… page 10 Abbey. In the pages of this My Year in Glenstal Chronicle we hope to bring alive and UL…………………… page 13 the place which we are privileged Glenstal Abbey Farm… page 14 to call home. Thinking of Monastic Life……………………….. page 15 We have come a very long Life as a Novice……….. page 15 way from those early days when the first Belgian monks arrived here Malartú Daltaí le back in 1927. What has been Scoileanna thar Lear…. page 18 achieved is thanks in no small Guest House……………. page 19 measure to the kindness and Retreat Days…………….
    [Show full text]
  • Southeastern Tanzanian Benedictine Monasteries: Filling a Void of Governmental Services for the Poorest Regions
    The University of Southern Mississippi The Aquila Digital Community Dissertations Spring 5-1-2018 Southeastern Tanzanian Benedictine Monasteries: Filling a Void of Governmental Services for the Poorest Regions John Christie-Searles University of Southern Mississippi Follow this and additional works at: https://aquila.usm.edu/dissertations Part of the African Studies Commons, and the Religion Commons Recommended Citation Christie-Searles, John, "Southeastern Tanzanian Benedictine Monasteries: Filling a Void of Governmental Services for the Poorest Regions" (2018). Dissertations. 1502. https://aquila.usm.edu/dissertations/1502 This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by The Aquila Digital Community. It has been accepted for inclusion in Dissertations by an authorized administrator of The Aquila Digital Community. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Southeastern Tanzanian Benedictine Monasteries: Filling a Void of Governmental Services for the Poorest Regions by John Brigance Christie-Searles A Dissertation Submitted to the Graduate School, the College of Arts & Sciences and the Department of Political Science, International Development & International Affairs at The University of Southern Mississippi in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Approved by: Dr. Joseph J. St. Marie, Committee Chair Dr. Bruce Venarde Dr. Robert Pauly Dr. Tom Lansford ____________________ ____________________ ____________________ Dr. Joseph J. St. Marie Dr. Edward Sayre Dr. Karen S. Coats Committee Chair Department Chair Dean of the Graduate School May 2018 COPYRIGHT BY John Brigance Christie-Searles 2018 Published by the Graduate School ABSTRACT This research illuminates the partnership of a particular civil society actor, Benedictine monasteries, in achieving developmental goals and delivery outcomes for education and health in Tanzania.
    [Show full text]
  • Fr. Robert Koopmann '68
    MAGAZINE AUTUMN 2009 Fr. Robert Koopmann ’68, OSB An interview with the 12th President of Saint John’s F E A T U R E S 10 Meet the Prez 14 Serving with Spirit 22 SJU Culinary Institute? He’s on a mission to “bring people Four graduates span the globe—and Th ese Johnnies have degrees like philos- together.” Meet SJU’s new president learn some surprising lessons—as ophy and botany. And one is a former in an exclusive Q&A with Fr. Robert members of the growing Saint John’s doctor. So what are they doing winning Koopmann ’68, OSB. Benedictine Volunteer Corps. awards for food and drink? DEPARTMENTS 2 From the President 3 Behind the Pines 18 Service to the Church 20 Arts & Culture 30 Advancing the Mission 34 Johnnie Sports 36 Alumni Connection 40 Milestones 48 Inspiring Lives 1 FROM THE PRESIDENT The Magazine of Saint John’s University AUTUMN 2009 Dear friends, EDITOR Jean Scoon It is an honor and a pleasure as the new EDITORIAL TEAM president of Saint John’s University to wel- Glenda Isaacs Burgeson Rob Culligan ’82 come you to the autumn issue of the Saint Troy Fritz ’88 Greg Hoye John’s Magazine. Jon McGee ’84 On behalf of the Saint John’s community, John Young ’83 I would like to thank Dan Whalen ’70 for his CONTRIBUTORS contributions in the transition. Dan stepped John Biasi Rob Culligan ’82 in as interim president during a difficult time Brendon Duffy and has served us well since last October. Jennifer Mathews Emery Troy Fritz ’88 I know you all join me in thanking him for Michael Halverson ’01 his guidance and leadership.
    [Show full text]
  • Return of Private Foundation Or Section 4947(A)(1) Nonexempt Charitable Trust
    OMS No. 1545-0052 Form 990-PF Return of Private Foundation or Section 4947(a)(1) Nonexempt Charitable Trust Department of the Treasury Treated as a Private Foundation Internal Revenue Service Note. The foundation may be able to use a copy of this return to satisfy state reporting requirements. 2010 For calendar year 2010, or tax year beginning , and ending G Check all that apply: D Initial return D Initial return of a former public charity D Final return D Amended return D Address change D Name change Name of foundation A Employer identification number RASKOB FOUNDATION FOR CATHOLIC ACTIVITIES INC. 51-0070060 Number and street (or P.O. box number if mail is not delivered to street address) Room/suite P . 0 . BOX 40 19 City or town, state, and zip code C If exemption application is pending, check here. .... 0 WILMINGTON DE 19807 D 1. Foreign organizations, check here ..........0 2. Foreign organizations meeting the 85% test, ... 0 H Check type of organization: EXJ Section 501(c)(3) exempt private foundation check here and attach computation ............ o Section 4947 a 1 nonexem t charitable trust D Other taxable rivate foundation E If private foundation status was terminated 0 I Fair market value of all assets at end of year J Accounting method: D Cash EXJ Accrual under section 507(b)(1)(A), check here ...... (from Part ", col. (c), line 16) D Other (specify) F If the foundation is in a 60-month terminationo ... $ 14 3 8 0 2 443. (Part i, column (d) must be on cash basis.) under section 507(b) 1 (8), check here ..
    [Show full text]
  • Catholic-Directory-2020-Edition.Pdf
    2020 EDITION TANZANIA EPISCOPAL CONFERENCE (TEC) www.tec.or.tz TANZANIA CATHOLIC DIRECTORY 2020 Edition Tanzania Episcopal Conference (TEC) P.O. Box 2133, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania Phone: +255 222 928 341/5 Fax: 2851133/2850427 Email: [email protected] www.tec.or.tz Tanzania Catholic Directory, 2020 1 2 Tanzania Catholic Directory, 2020 CONTENTS INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................................. 4 1. ARCHDIOCESE OF ARUSHA ........................................................................................................ 13 2. DIOCESE OF BUKOBA .................................................................................................................... 29 3. DIOCESE OF BUNDA ...................................................................................................................... 39 4. ARCHDIOCESE OF DAR ES SALAAM ....................................................................................... 51 5. ARCHDIOCESE OF DODOMA ...................................................................................................... 71 6. DIOCESE OF GEITA ......................................................................................................................... 81 7. DIOCESE OF IFAKARA ................................................................................................................... 85 8. DIOCESE OF IRINGA .....................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Habari Nairobi – Priory June 2016
    HABARI NAIROBI – PRIORY JUNE 2016 I want to say thank you to all Sisters of Nairobi Priory for the beautiful welcome when I arrived in Karen. It was good to hear the words: ‘ We are your home’. Once more I heard the Lord telling me: “ Get up, stand and go out.(1Kings 19:15)”. Pope Francis says: “The Christian is standing, so as to welcome God in patient “silence”, in order to hear his voice and “go out” to proclaim Him to others, knowing that faith is always “an encounter”. These three attitudes, encourage and revive the lives of all those who feel overwhelmed by fear in the most difficult moments. We know that faith is neither a theory nor a science: it is an encounter. Faith is “an encounter with the living God, with God who lives, the Creator, the Lord Jesus, with the Holy Spirit, it is an encounter”. I hope that we are standing together to hear and welcome His voice in order to go out to proclaim Him to others. Sr.Rosa Maria WELCOMING SR.ROSA MARIA OSB We Nairobi priory has been looking forward for the arrival of our newly elected Prioress Sr. Rosa Maria OSB since the closer of the election chapter on 13th March. On 3rd May 2016 our dreams were realized, this the day when our new prioress stepped on the Kenyan soil though not for the first time. The plain which Sr. Rosa Maria boarded landed at 3:30 pm at The Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. The entire community waited patiently for her arrival at the priory house, Karen.
    [Show full text]
  • Caritas Award Recognizes Commitment to Service and Justice
    APRIL/MAY 2008 communityA newsletter for the faculty and staff of the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University Caritas Award Recognizes Commitment to Service and Justice CSB and SJU presented the Caritas Award to Maya Main, CSB class of 2008; Ben DeMarais, SJU class of 2008; Christine Kustelski, CSB class of 1996; and Paul Conroy, SJU class of 2005, on April 14 at SJU. The award recognizes their commitment to service and justice. Bernie Evans, a CSB/SJU faculty member in the theology department, gave remarks. The Caritas Award was established in 1995 with support from an anonymous donor. Two students (one from each campus) each receive $500, and the alumna and alumnus each receive $1,500 to donate in support of an organization’s service. Main, a CSB peace studies and psychology double major, pledged her donation to the Southside Boys and Girls Club in St. Cloud. Throughout her college experience, Main has worked with the youth at the Southside Club. While studying abroad in Guatemala as a junior, she facilitated a women’s self-esteem group in Cantel, a Mayan pueblo. In her final year at CSB, Main has volunteered with Casa Guadalupe, Fast Forward Youth Program and the St. Cloud Correctional Facility. DeMarais, an SJU physics major, pledged his donation to the Winona Catholic Worker. He has been involved in various campus ministry activities throughout his college years. He plans to volunteer internationally through the Saint John’s Benedictine Volunteer Corps in the coming year. Kustelski directed her donation to the Boys and Girls Club of Central Minnesota.
    [Show full text]
  • Return of Private Foundation OMS No
    FOrm 990-PF Return of Private Foundation OMS No. 1545-DD52 or Section 4947(a)(1) Nonexempt Charitable Trust Department of the Treasury Treated as a Private Foundation Internal Revenue Service Note. The foundation may be able to use a copy of this return to satisfy state reporting requirements. 2009 For calendar year 2009, or tax year beginning , and ending G Check all that apply: D Initial return D Initial return of a former public charity D Final return D Amended return D Address change D Name change Use the IRS Name of foundation A Employer identification number labeL. SKOB FOUNDATION FOR CATHOLIC Otherwise, CTIVITIES INC. 51-0070060 print Number and street (or P.O. box number if mail is not delivered to street address) Room/suite B Telephone number or type. .0. BOX 4019 302 655-4440 See SP:cific City or town, state, and zip code Instructions. I LMINGTON DE 19807 C If exemption application Is pending, check here ...~D o 1. Foreign organizations, check here . ... ..~D 2. Foreign organizations meeting the 85% test, Iiiiiiiii...-D H Check type of organization: LXJ Section 501(c)(3) exempt private foundation check here and attach computation ............~ D Section 4947 a 1 nonexem t charitable trust D Other taxable rivate foundation E I Fair market value of all assets at end of year J Accounting method: D Cash LXJ Accrual (from Part ", col. (c), line 16) D Other (specify) F $ 1 3 0 6 2 6 8 3 2 . (Part i, column (d) must be on cash basis.) Analysis of Revenue and Expenses (a) Revenue and (b) Net investment (The total.
    [Show full text]
  • Dissertation
    DISSERTATION Titel der Dissertation The Gospel of Prosperity in African Pentecostalism: A Theological and Pastoral Challenge to the Catholic Church – With Reference to the Archdiocese of Songea, Tanzania Verfasser Liz. Castor Michael Goliama angestrebter akademischer Grad Doktor der Theologie ( Dr. Theol.) Wien, 2013 Studienkennzahl It. A080011 Studienrichtung It. Studienblatt: Katholische Theologie Betreuer: em.O.Univ.-Prof. DDr Paul M. Zulehner “So when you come to the house of God and you put money, you are demonstrating how big or small your faith is... When we were here on the other day, God spoke to me that he has come to bless this land. Economically, financially, in every area he has come to bless you. You must respond to him. Now before I came, God said to me, ‘make sure that they give in dollars!’ You can give a hundred dollars, come forward. Ok. you can give fifty dollars, come out quickly! I command, I command doors of financial breakthrough to be opened to you. And I rebuke every devourer, every devourer... I rebuke it in the name of Jesus... Thank you mighty God; I bless you forever and ever in Jesus’ mighty name. Amen. God bless you.” (Part of a sermon by an African Prosperity Gospel pastor. See video at URL: http://www.christianitytoday.com/globalconversation/november2009/(accessed 20th March, 2013). i ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I am highly grateful to my bishop Dr. Norbert W. Mtega who offered me an opportunity to pursue doctoral studies. It would not be possible for this work to come to completion without the kind supervision, encouragement and insights of Prof.
    [Show full text]
  • Peramiho Newsletter
    Peramiho Newsletter January – April 2020 Our Pandemic Situation While hospitals in other parts of the world were overflowing with patients infected with the coro- na virus in the early part of year 2020, life in Tanzania was basically as it was—peaceful and laid back. Many citizens were aware of the pan- demic but did not have clear picture of its effect on the patients, the frontliners, and the society as a whole. Priory Election Chapter Postponed In the priory house, the initial virus scare came when the government reported the first infected case last March 15th. Around that time Sr. Grace Mujuni, subprioress and priory treasurer, was in Dar Es Salaam which is 1,085 kilometers from Peramiho. She was there to purchase com- munity and school needs, and to welcome Sr. Lumen Gloria Dunca and Sr. Katharina Mtitu at the airport. They were scheduled to facilitate the election chapter on March 20-21. Due to the travel ban, the Generalate decided to postpone the election. Schools Closed Sisters Working in Hospital Quarantined After the first reported case of COVID-19 pa- The real scare came when Fr. Alcuin Nyerenda, tient, the government ordered all schools closed OSB, former abbot of Hanga Abbey, died at St. last March 17. At Peramiho Girls’ Secondary Joseph Hospital where two of our sisters who School, the students were just given enough are nurses, attended to him before and after his time to prepare their things and were sent home death. Fr. Alcuin arrived from South Korea on on the following day. The headmistress, Sr.
    [Show full text]