Uganda Catholic Secretariat

Uganda Catholic Secretariat Uganda Catholic Secretariat A publication of the Uganda Episcopal Conference A publication of the Uganda Episcopal Conference

ISSUE 1 VOL 6 PRICE: USHS 2,000 JANUARY–FEBRUARY 2018

Pope Francis’ prayer intention for February: Say “No” to Corruption » VATICAN Page 19

ARUA DIOCESE Inside

HOSTS 2018 PRAYER USCCB boosts UEC Social Communications Department with new media equipment Page 4 PEACE WEEK Hundreds of choir members begin rehearsal for 2018 Uganda Martyrs Day celebration Page 4 PRODUCTION AND SALE OF CLOTH IN ZAMBIA BEARING IMAGE OF A FAKE POPE Page 7

TRAVEL STORY

MASAAI MARA Page 8

MESSAGE OF HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS FOR LENT 2018 Page 18

Catholic faithful holding a banner during the Peace Week event at St. Mary Assumpta Parish in Moyo. PHOTO BY MAGADALENE KASUKU

Story on Page 2

New Contact is a publication of the Uganda Episcopal Conference Nsambya Hill, 672 Hanlon Road,New P.O.Contact Box is2886 a publication Kampala, ofUganda, the Uganda Tel: +256-414-510570/0414-10544/ Episcopal Conference 0414-510571/0414-510398, NsambyaMobile Hill, 672 Tel: Hanlon +256-782746812, Road, P.O. Box Fax: 2886 +256 Kampala, 414 510 Uganda,545, E-mail: Tel: +256-414-510570/0414-10544/[email protected], Website: 0414-510571/0414-510398, www.uecon.org Mobile Tel: +256-782746812, Fax: +256 414 510 545, E-mail: [email protected], Website: www.uecon.org 2 JANUARY–FEBRUARY 2018 ISSUE 1 VOL 6 DIOCESAN Editorial

Every year during the Season of Lent, the Holy Father gives us a message to guide us in our Lenten journey. The message for this year is titled, “Because of the increase of iniquity, the love of many will grow cold” (Mt. 24:12). As the Pope indicates, these words were spoken by Jesus while preaching about the end of time. He was foretelling Archbishop Odama (left) flanked by Bishop Odoki (right), gives a speech a situation when false prophets would lead people astray and cause the love in their hearts to Arua Diocese Hosts 2018 Prayer Peace Week weaken. The false prophets, the Holy By Gaetano Apamaku, Radio Pacis Father notes, are also active in were offered land in the settlement free our own time and they come Thousands of pilgrims, converged at of charge”, said Archbishop Odama. disguised in different forms. They Moyo Catholic Parish in the Diocese of The Archbishop further appreciated manipulate people and present Arua for the 13th Annual GANAL (Gulu, the South Sudanese for participating in evil as good, falsehood as truth. Arua, Nebbi and Lira) Ecclesiastical the prayer peace week urging them to This eventually destroys love and Prayer Peace Week. forgive Ugandans for any contributions leads to the rejection of God, The annual event, which was held to the war. “We owe you a debt of for- which in turn leads to emptiness from January 22-26, 2018, was cele- giveness. You need to forgive us, Ugan- and all forms of violence and brated under the theme: “Migrants and dans. We might have contributed some- destruction. Refugees; Men and Women in Search of how to your troubles. ”, he added. During this Season of Lent, Peace”. It was initiated in 2005 by the While addressing the pilgrims, Bishop the Pope invites us to look into Bishops of GANAL to provide room for Wanok of Nebbi Diocese disclosed our hearts “to see if we are fall- social interaction, prejudice reduction, Nebbi’s readiness to host the refugees, ing prey to the lies of these false healing and reconciliation amongst the should there be an over flow of refugees. prophets”. We need to be atten- communities of Northern Uganda who He said that two big places have been tive and critically understand became victims in the region following offered by the Alur community in the Dio- what is happening around us. In the past insurgencies in the region that cese waiting for refugees to be settled. social media, we have witnessed lasted for two decades. Bishop Odoki of Arua Diocese, in his the activities of the false proph- This year, the event emphasised remarks told the faithful to work for ets in the form of “fake news”, increased dialogue and solidarity peace; “to obtain peace, we need to which the Pope addresses in amongst the communities of Northern look firmly to the future with hope and his message for the World Com- Uganda, Southern Sudan and Eastern trust in God. When we lose hope, we munications Day 2018 entitled, Congo. It began with a peace march in lose everything.” He called on everyone “The truth will set you free (Jn Moyo town led by Most Rev. John Bap- to build a relationship of trust and tell 8:32): Fake news and Journal- tist Odama, the Archbishop of Gulu and stories that promote peace not hatred. ism for Peace”. Chairman of the Uganda Episcopal Con- Fr. Dr. Maximiano Ngambirano, the As we renew our spiritual life ference, Rt. Rev. Sabino Ocan Odoki, Associate Professor in the Department through repentance and the the Bishop of Arua Diocese, Rt. Rev. of Good Governance at Uganda Martyrs Lenten spiritual exercises of fast- Joseph Franzelli, Bishop of Lira Dio- University who was the lead facilitator ing, prayer and almsgiving, let us cese and Rt. Rev. Sanctus Lino, Bishop at the event noted that refugees and also examine ourselves to see if DDEMBE DESIGNED BY JOHN PAUL of Nebbi Diocese. Several cultural and migrants are a global reality adding “they we are victims or perpetuators of false prophecy. political leaders were also in attendance. are running away from wars and con- I wish you a spiritually enrich- In his speech, Archbishop Odama told flicts that are caused by greed for power, ing Lenten Season. the South Sudanese refugees who live greed for wealth.” He further urged the in the Northern region not to look at pilgrims to promote Peace as a positive Fr. Philip Odii themselves as foreigners. “Don’t take action. Editor/Executive Secretary of this idea of being a foreigner or refugee! Meanwhile, the community leaders in Social Communications You are not a refugee. That is why you Northern Uganda used the event to DIOCESAN JANUARY–FEBRUARY 2018 ISSUE 1 VOL 6 3 urge fellow community members to low level of women participation in whom are South Sudanese hosted in treat each other equally. The lead- political, cultural and religious orga- West Nile districts and Lamwo dis- ers highlighted the poor treatment of nizations and other activities. trict in Northern Uganda. The Dio- women in the traditional cultural set About 1.3 million refugees are cese of Lira will host the 2019 Prayer up that they say has contributed to being hosted in Uganda, majority of Peace Week Pictorial of the Prayer Peace Week in Arua

Pilgrims in the procession to mark the event Bishop Odoki (centre) of Arua DIocese and Bishop Wanok (left) of Nebbi Diocese during the Eucharistic celebration.

Liturgical dancers at the event Dancers perfom a cultural dance

The bishops pose for a group photo with the cultural leaders Archbishop Odama planting a tree in commemoration of the event

PHOTOS BY: MAGADALENE KASUKU 4 JANUARY–FEBRUARY 2018 ISSUE 1 VOL 6 UEC USCCB boosts UEC Social Communications Department with new media equipment

“We are grateful to the USCCB for their continued support to our department,” said Fr. Philip. “This is in line with the Department’s Strate- gic Direction 4, namely, promoting the use of digital technology in evan- gelization and development activities of the Catholic Church in Uganda.” He described the arrival of the items as timely noting that the Department is already using the media equipment to enhance the publication of the Online Magazine (New Contact) of Uganda Episcopal Conference and to improve informa- tion sharing for effective evangeliza- tion and development in Uganda. He also said that the desktop com- The UEC Secretary General, Msgr. John Baptist Kauta (right) inspects the new media puters and laptops are being used equipment upon delivery as the Executive Secretary, Fr. Philip Odii looks on. by the department staff for their INSET: The Executive Secretary of the UEC Social Communication Department, Rev. daily office work and media activi- Fr. Philip Odii (left), and the UEC Procurement Officer inspect the photocopier ties which include writing and editing By Jacinta W. Odongo news stories/articles for the Online Media Officer, UEC still photographs, one Video Cam- Magazine. era and one Printer. Others are: one Meanwhile, this is not the first time The United States Conference Photocopier, one LCD Projector, one for the USCCB through its Pasto- of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has Power Stabilizer and three APC Bat- ral Solidarity Fund for the Church in boosted the Social Communications tery Backup and Surge Protectors, Africa to donate grants to the SCD. Department of the Uganda Episco- all aimed at improving the efficiency In 2008, the USCCB donated funds pal Conference (UEC) with a grant of the SCD. for the purchase of two computers, worth $15,000 (UGX 54.4M) for the In an interview conducted recently, a photocopier, printer and projector, purchase of new media equipment. the Executive Secretary of the UEC which have now become old and are The department received the grant Social Communications Department not functioning properly. in 2017 from USCCB’s Pastoral Sol- (SCD), Rev. Fr. Philip Odii, lauded The SCD also received another idarity Fund for the Church in Africa. the USCCB for the grant adding that grant in 2009 to facilitate a work- The new media equipment procured the equipment will strengthen the shop for Catholic Communicators includes three Desktop Comput- capacity of the department to com- in Uganda on promoting Reconcilia- ers, two Laptops, one Camera for municate effectively. tion, Justice and Peace. Hundreds of choir members begin rehearsal for 2018 Uganda Martyrs Day celebration Media Officer, UEC 2018 UMD celebrations on behalf of Tororo Ecclesiastical Province which With three and a half months left to comprises of the Dioceses of Jinja, the 2018 Uganda Martyrs Day (UMD) Kotido, Moroto, Soroti and Tororo. celebration, over 250 choir members The Vice Chairperson of the Tororo have begun rehearsal in the Archdio- Central Organizing Committee for cese of Tororo. the 2018 UMD celebration, Rev. Fr. The choir members have been Godfrey Okello, has confirmed that drawn from all the 12 deaneries the rehearsal officially kicked-off on The choir during the Mass last year’s in Tororo Archdiocese. In addition January 10 in Tororo Archdiocese. Uganda Martyrs’ celebrations. to the 250, the Archdiocese has “The first phase of the rehearsal evaluation and identify a common selected other 100 members who kicked-off on January 10, 2018 for place where all the members from originally hail from Tororo Ecclesias- four consecutive days. The choir the 12 deaneries will be meeting tical Province but reside in Kampala. had great enthusiasm during the regularly for further training along- Tororo Archdiocese will animate the training thus, we now plan to do an side the additional choir members UEC JANUARY–FEBRUARY 2018 ISSUE 1 VOL 6 5 living outside Tororo,” he said in an interview during the second meet- Diocesan Youth Chaplains undergo ing of the National Central Organiz- ing Committee for the 2018 UMD leadership skills training celebration on February 6, 2018 at the Uganda Catholic Secretariat premises. He noted that for the hymns and readings, they took into consid- eration a number of things which includes the universality of the Church, the history of the Martyrdom of the Uganda Martyrs and cultural diversity of the pilgrims. “We have already chosen the hymns and readings but, have trans- lated them (hymns and readings) into various local and international languages to cater for everyone. Our aim is to sing better and put all the pilgrims into a pilgrimage mood,” he Fr. Benedict (in black) and other priests during the Diocesan Youth Chaplain explained. workshop Meanwhile, the Archdiocese has also pledged to put up an informa- Media Officer, UEC “THE OUTCOME tion desk at Entebbe International Airport to assist all international pil- In an effort to equip and empower OF THIS TRAINING grims who will fly in, upon arrival for Youth Chaplains with good evan- IN THE MEDIUM AND the 2018 UMD celebration. gelism skills in their ministries, over LONG TERM IS TO “We want to assist all the pilgrims 40 Diocesan Youth Chaplains from ASSIST CHAPLAINS in all possible ways, therefore we across the country have gathered IN THE MOULDING will put up an information desk at at Namugongo in the Archdiocese the airport to assist international pil- of Kampala, Uganda for a four-day OF YOUNG LEADERS grims upon arrival with information leadership and mentorship skills WHO ARE ABLE TO regarding visa application process training. SUSTAIN INSTITUTIONS and transportation to their respec- The training, which kicked off on THAT THEY LEAD AND tive hotels,” Fr. Okello stated. Wednesday 17th January 2017, was MORE IMPORTANTLY Several activities have also been held until Saturday 20th, January, lined up in a bid to raise US$198,029 2017 under the theme: “Empower- TO LEAD AMIDST (an equivalent of 720m Ugandan ment in the Youth Ministry Today.” INHERENT LEADERSHIP shillings) that is required for the Fr. Benedict Mugerwa, the National CHALLENGES,” preparations and actual celebra- Youth Chaplain said the training tions. The Archdiocese has so far aimed at inculcating leadership skills lenges and Struggles of Today’s raised $53760 (UShs 192m) as of to the Chaplains to assist them to Youth, How badly the Youth need the yesterday, February 6. nurture future leaders. Church today, Jesus Youth a Joyful The 2018 celebration coincides “The outcome of this training in the Reality and Ugandan Context Youth with the centenary anniversary of medium and long term is to assist - job for everyone, rural youth, unem- the martyrdom of the two Cate- chaplains in the moulding of young ployment, open society and migra- chists from Paimol: Blessed Daudi leaders who are able to sustain tion to cities among other topics. Okello and Blessed Jildo Irwa, who institutions that they lead and more The event attracted Diocesan Youth were killed in 1918. The two Blessed importantly to lead amidst inherent Chaplains from all the 19 Dioceses in Martyrs are usually commemorated leadership challenges,” he said add- the country and other participants on 20th of October but they will be ing that, “we are in a changing world including youth leaders in charge of remembered in a special way on where the behavior of young people universities and schools. June 3, 2018. keeps changing so we need some Representatives from Jesus Youth The annual UMD celebration com- expertise on how to deal and handle India, an international Catholic youth memorates the 22 Catholic Mar- youth affairs.” movement with a charismatic spiri- tyrs who were killed on the orders The four-day training featured a tuality, facilitated the training. Jesus of Mwanga II the Kabaka (King) of range of activities such as techni- Youth is a network of small but Buganda between 1885 and 1887. cal presentations and case studies vibrant groups of young people who Millions of pilgrims from across the (experience sharing) through inter- try to reach out to other youth. In globe usually throng Namugongo action with the participants and the their own life situations, they strive to Catholic Shrine to celebrate this day. facilitators. Some of the topics cov- give time to the Lord, responding to Tororo Archdiocese last presided ered include: Working with Today’s the challenges of today’s world in the over the UMD celebrations in 1998 Youth, Youth Ministry Trends, Chal- power of the Holy Spirit. 6 JANUARY–FEBRUARY 2018 ISSUE 1 VOL 6 UEC Catholic Church honors Church of Uganda Archbishop Nkoyoyo Media Officer, Uganda Episcopal Conference website, after serving as a Suffra- gan (Assistant) Bishop in Namirembe The Catholic Church has honored Diocese, Nkoyoyo was elected and the life and work of former Archbishop enthroned as the first Bishop of of the Church of Uganda, Livingstone Mukono Diocese in 1983. Then, in Mpalanyi Nkoyoyo. 1995 he was elected by the House of Archbishop Nkoyoyo succumbed to Bishops to be the 6th Archbishop of pneumonia on Friday, January 5, 2018, the Church of Uganda. He served as at Kampala Hospital. He had been Archbishop of the Church of Uganda undergoing cancer of the throat treat- The Late Archbishop Nkoyoyo (Daily from 1995 to 2004. During his leader- ment in London, United Kingdom (UK) Monitor) ship, he pioneered many visionary ini- since December 2016 and returned to tiatives, including upgrading the Bishop the country on June 29, 2017. How- struggled for human rights. Tucker Theological College in Mukono ever, on January 1, 2018 his health “His love for the Uganda Martyrs and into Uganda Christian University, the deteriorated significantly and he was his participation in the preparations of first university in Uganda to be privately admitted at Kampala Hospital where the Holy Father’s visit to Uganda is still chartered. The university has grown he passed on. vivid in our memory,” read the state- from the original 120 students to more In a press statement that was issued ment “We shall surely miss him, may than 12,000 students on the main on January 5, the Catholic Bishops the Lord grant him a reward-eternal campus, at two constituent colleges, described Nkoyoyo as a great Church rest and forgiveness for his human and a number of study centres around leader and a simple man of the people. failures.” the country. “On this sad occasion, the Confer- Born in 1938, Archbishop Nkoyoyo Upon his retirement, Nkoyoyo was ence extends its condolences and was one of 25 children to Erisa Wamala able to combine his entrepreneurial sympathy to you, the Bishops, Clergy, Nkoyoyo, a sub-county Chief in gifts and ministry passions into such family, relatives of the deceased, and Busimbi, Mityana. He attended Mpenja projects as building the Rest Gardens the Faithful of the Church of Uganda,” Primary School, in Gomba, and later Retreat Centre in Bweyogerere, estab- reads a section of the statement that moved to Aggrey Memorial School and lishing the Words of Hope Radio Min- was signed by the Chairman of the Mityana Junior Secondary. His father’s istry, and spearheading the fundraising Uganda Episcopal Conference, Most. work caused the family to move often, and construction of the Uganda Mar- Rev. John Baptist Odama, also the so Nkoyoyo dropped out of school after tyrs Museum in Namugongo. Archbishop of Gulu Archdiocese. completing Junior Secondary School In 2015 he received the Bible Lead- He added: “Our Clergy, Religious and became an auto mechanic, some- ership Excellence Award from the Bible and the lay faithful, join their bishops thing that has been a lifelong interest. Society of Uganda for outstanding in prayer for the repose of the soul of On May 1, 1965 Nkoyoyo married and faithful leadership and for retiring retired Archbishop Nkoyoyo. The great Ruth Nalweyiso at St. Paul’s Cathe- “scandal-free.” contribution of the retired Archbishop dral, Namirembe. Together, they have Nkoyoyo was buried on January 9, at to the Church cannot be forgotten. He five children and, over the years, have the Uganda Martyrs Museum in Namu- has been a great Church leader and a supported hundreds of other orphans gongo. His burial ceremony attracted simple man of the people.” and disadvantaged children. In 2015, hundreds of mourners including reli- They further hailed the late former Nkoyoyo and Mama Ruth celebrated gious leaders, political leaders and Archbishop as an ecumenist who 50 years of marriage. other top dignitaries in the country. supported inter-religious dialogue and According to the Church of Uganda May his soul rest in eternal peace WISE QUOTES FOR REFLECTION

“Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, “Anybody can sympathise with the sufferings of a while loving someone deeply gives you courage.” – friend, but it requires a very fine nature to sympathise Lao Tzu with a friend’s success.” – Oscar Wilde God gave us the gift of life; it is up to us to give “When one door closes, another opens; but we often ourselves the gift of living well.”– Voltaire look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the one that has opened for us.” – “Nothing is a waste of time if you use the experience Alexander Graham Bell wisely.” – Auguste Rodin “...talent means nothing, while experience, acquired You come to love not by finding the perfect person, in humility and with hard work, means everything.” – but by seeing an imperfect person perfectly.” – Sam Patrick Süskind Keen “The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be “Today is life--the only life you are sure of. Make the useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have most of today. Get interested in something. Shake it make some difference that you have lived and lived yourself awake. Develop a hobby. Let the winds well.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson of enthusiasm sweep through you. Live today with gusto.” – Dale Carnegie “True friendship comes when the silence between two people is comfortable.” – David Tyson AMECEA JANUARY–FEBRUARY 2018 ISSUE 1 VOL 6 7 Kenya Media shut Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops down over Odinga’s condemns production and sale of cloth Oath Event bearing image of a fake pope By AMECEA Online News Correspondent

The Zambia Conference of Catho- lic Bishops (ZCCB) has strongly con- demned the production and sale of a Chitenge, a cotton print clothing bearing the image of a fake Pope, Amecea 3)Raila Odinga (center) takes which is currently being sold to Oath of office as Kenya’s people’s unsuspecting Catholic Community. president According to a press statement sent to media houses by ZCCB Director of Communications Rev. Fr. SOURCE: Online News, Nairobi Winfield Kunda, unscrupulous peo- Three main television stations in ple have produced Chitenge bearing Kenya were switched off after airing the portrait of Pope “Francis Ben- live footage as the opposition prepared edict XVI”, who actually has never to swear-in Raila Odinga as the “peo- existed. material to withdraw it out of the mar- ple’s president” on Tuesday, January Fr. Kunda clarified that in the his- ket immediately,” the statement said. 30, 2018. tory of the Catholic Church, there The Catholic Church in Zambia fur- The Nation Media Group’s NTV, Royal has never been any Pope with the ther advised that anybody who wants Media’s Citizen, and Standard Group’s name Francis Benedict XVI. to buy genuine Chitenge carrying the KTN News went off air mid-morn- “This development is meant to current Pope’s image, should con- ing while showing live broadcasts of dupe people out of their hard earned tact the Pontifical Mission Society in National Super Alliance (Nasa) sup- cash. We further warn the producers all the dioceses in Zambia or Catholic porters who had gathered at the his- and all involved in the selling of such Secretariat in Lusaka. toric Uhuru Park from as early as 5am. The Kenyan government had on Monday January 29 2018 been AMECEA secretariat launches 19th AMECEA reported to have warned the media against airing Mr Odinga’s oath taking. Plenary Assembly Steering Committee According to reports the government previously had summoned some media By AMECEA Online News Reporter with communication with partici- representatives last week and were pants as well as itineraries; Content threatened with shutdown and revoca- AMECEA Secretariat on January Committee, which will deal with top- tion of licences should they broadcast 31, 2018, launched a steering com- ics to be presented and presenters, live the planned Nasa “swearing in”. mittee to spearhead preparations for Fundraising Committee to deal with Other reports stated that the Com- the 19th Plenary Assembly in a meet- financial aspects; Reports Commit- munications Authority of Kenya (CA) ing that was held at the Secretariat tee which will be dealing with Reports engineers had been told to be on premises in Nairobi, Kenya. to be presented during the Business standby on Tuesday 30th January Speaking during the launch, the session and finally the Documenta- 20111 at the country’s main transmis- AMECEA Secretary General, Rev. Fr. tion Committee that will be dealing sion station in Limuru, in central Kenya, Ferdinand Lugonzo said that the set- with the recording of proceedings should any local TV station broadcast ting of the committee was based on and production of the final acts of the live the event at Uhuru Park. the gaps experienced during the 18th Plenary Assembly. The “inauguration” has raised fears Plenary Assembly held four years ago Fr Lugonzo said that more commit- of violence as police had vowed not to in Malawi, in view of bridging them for tees will be unfolded as time goes on allow the event to go ahead. However, the smooth preparation and actual depending on the preparation activi- officers kept their distance as hundreds running of the 19th Plenary Assembly. ties. The AMECEA Steering commit- gathered at the Uhuru Park venue. The committee is comprised of tee will be working hand in hand with Government expected to restore the Management Staff and Program organising committee of the 19th signals after High Court suspended the Coordinators at the Secretariat and Plenary Assembly in the host confer- switch off for 14 days pending case Heads of AMECEA institutions. ence, Ethiopa. being heard. However, all the three TV The meeting also set up sub com- In his closing remarks Fr. Lugonzo stations remained off air despite a court mittees to take responsibility of var- asked the members of the Steering order on Thursday that they be allowed ious aspects of the preparations. Committee to play their due roles to to resume broadcasting, overturning a These include; Communication and make sure that the plenary becomes government-ordered shut down. Logistics Committee that will deal a success. 8 JANUARY–FEBRUARY 2018 ISSUE 1 VOL 6 TRAVEL JACINTA W. ODONGO W. JACINTA PHOTOS BY:

Zebras and wildebeests in Masaai Mara My first safari in Masaai Mara: the jewel of Kenya’s wildlife By Jacinta W. Odongo

I have always been an ardent fan of best of all the other options for us where we made a 10 minute stop- wildlife documentaries especially the to be able to see a lot of things on over to get a close-up view and take Big Cat Week on Nat Geo Wild channel. the way. At about 8am ,we were some photos. The view of the val- Watching how the lion ‘king of the picked from our apartment in Nairobi ley is breath-taking! It is bordered jungle’, hunts down other predators City, where we were residing, to join by escarpments to the east and effortlessly has always mesmerized a group of other tourists: two from west. The floor is broken by volca- me. Thus, for a long time, it has been France, one from Russia and two noes, some which are still active, my dream to go for a safari to see from Kenya. and contains a series of lakes. Our the famous ‘big five’ especially the After the pick-up, our tour guide tour guide was well-informed so he lion. Stanley briefed us about the whole gave us a very detailed background Last year in December, my friend trip and asked us to make brief intro- of the Great Rift Valley. Along the and I embarked on an exciting three- ductions before departing. We set- way, we also got a chance to see day road safari to the famous Maasai off from Nairobi at exactly 8.30am other interesting features including Mara Game Reserve in Kenya. We to the Reserve. Driving from Nai- the under-construction multi-billion opted for a group safari as we knew robi to Masaai Mara took us about railway set to extend to Uganda, the safari would be more adventur- seven hours but it was worth it. We Rwanda, South Sudan and Ethiopia. ous. Besides, we knew this is the passed through the Great Rift Valley At about 1.30pm, we arrived in TRAVEL JANUARY–FEBRUARY 2018 ISSUE 1 VOL 6 9

The multi-billion railway line that is underconstruction

A herd of buffaloes grazing at Masaai Mara.

Narok town where we had our lunch potamus, Nile crocodiles, and the break and, visited a Masaai souve- annual migration of over 1.5 million nir shop to buy some Masaai gifts. of wildebeests, zebras and Thom- Afterward, we continued with our son’s gazelle, to and from the Seren- trip to our destination but, the road geti every year from July to Octo- to Masaai Mara from Narok town is ber, known as the Great Migration. a bit too bumpy and dusty. At 4.00 Nowhere in Africa is wildlife more am we arrived at our camp, Len- abundant. A tower of giraffe in Masaai Mara. chada Tourist Camp Masaai Mara For our day one evening trip, we very exhausted. However, we were encountered our first wildlife sight- desperately. warmly welcomed by the hote- ing shortly after entering the main During the game drive, we also lier and a group of Maasai warriors entrance of Masaai Mara, Sekenani came across hundreds of buffaloes dressed in Masaai regalia, some- Gate. We came upon a large family which were busy grazing. But here thing that made us feel at home. We of wildebeests, Thompson gazelles something went wrong! One of the then checked into our tented camp and zebras gracing around. This male buffaloes came charging at for a 30 minute break before Stanley was incredible because never in my our van during our stop-over for a came to pick us for our day-one eve- life had I seen live wild animals apart photo-session. The look in its eyes ning safari. from baboons and snakes that are was more than enough to make us Located in Narok County, Masaai kept in the zoos. We made several all scream except Stanley. At this Mara Game Reserve is one of the stop-overs for a photo-session of point everybody was panicking wait- most popular tourism destinations the spectacular vast and scenic wil- ing to see what happens next. Stan- in Kenya. It is open grassland that derness and so many other animals ley immediately took out a red scarf covers about 1,510 km² (583 sq mi) including antelopes, giraffes, and from his pocket and waved it contin- and, is named in honor of the Maa- cheetahs. We used an open roof uously at the buffaloes making them sai people (the ancestral inhabitants safari van to take us for the safari so to take-off very fast. We then quietly of the area). Its southern boundary is this offered us a great opportunity to left the place to see more animals. adjacent to Serengeti National Park see the animals with a better view. For our next stop, we saw a tower in Tanzania. Masaai Mara is regarded Later at 6.45pm, Stanley drove us of giraffes eating shrubs and grass. as the jewel of Kenya’s wildlife view- back to our camp this was after sev- Unlike the buffaloes which charged ing areas and is rated as the world’s eral attempts in the hope of catching on us, giraffes are so calm, beauti- finest wildlife destination. This is not a glimpse of the big five. ful and graceful. So here, we made a just by chance; the reserve is a home The next morning, we woke up long stop-over to take as many pho- to 95 species of mammals, amphibi- quite early, had our breakfast and left tos as possible. ans and reptiles and over 400 birds’ for our full day-two safari. On barely A few meters down the road, we species among other animals and entering the park, we again saw a saw five majestic lions sleeping wild plantation. large family of wildebeests, Thomp- peacefully. It’s no wonder they are Moreover, it is globally famous son gazelles and zebras. However, called the ‘king of the jungle’. At this for its exceptional population of the this time round we didn’t make a point the vehicle went quiet and all big five (buffalo, elephant, leopard, stop-over since there were other ani- that could be heard was the subtle lion, and rhino), cheetahs, hippo- mals ahead that we wanted to see sounds of our cameras. Stanley as 10 JANUARY–FEBRUARY 2018 ISSUE 1 VOL 6 TRAVEL JACINTA W. ODONGO W. JACINTA PHOTOS BY:

The writer (left) at the Masaai village

A lion at Masaai Mara

Cheetahs feasting on a dead antelope. pleasure at our presence. We also spotted Nile crocodiles, the conti- nent’s largest reptile sunbathing on the riverbanks. After about one hour, we went to see the border point of Serengeti National Park and Masaai Mara, then drove-off in exhaustion back to the Camp. For our day-three safari, we didn’t Hippos in Mara River do much except visiting a Masaai vil- lage to interact with the Masaai com- usual gave us an interesting detailed very tall, fast and aggressive so we munities that live close to The Mara. back ground of lions. He told us that didn’t dare move closer to them. At The Masaai community welcomed male lions spend 18 to 20 hours a about 2pm, we gathered together us with a traditional dance and gave day sleeping, while females get 15 to under a tree in the Reserve and had us a brief background of their his- 18 hours. He said this is because the our packed lunch – for me this was tory, their tradition and experience lionesses spend more time hunting like a fairy tale. of living close to wild animals. They and taking care of cubs. The main Afterward, we went to the Mara also took us for a tour inside their danger the males face is fighting off River, home to the world’s Seventh manyatta before we departed back other males that want to take over Wonder. Every year, over 1.5 million to Nairobi. their pride and territory. Wildebeests migrate from Serengeti One thing that immediately fasci- We also managed to see ele- into the Maasai Mara by crossing nated me about Masaai Mara was phants, warthogs, baboons and two The Mara River. But, what makes it the sheer size of the Reserve, the cheetahs which were feasting on an more spectacular is the presence of diverse environments of grassland, antelope. We tried to look for leop- predators in the river, namely Nile woodland savanna, and the abun- ards and rhinos in vain but luck was Crocodiles and other animals wait- dant wildlife. The security at Maasai not on our side. Stanley told us that ing to hunt down the wildebeests Mara is also on point. Hardly will you leopards and rhinos always go in as they crossover. The Mara River travel a few miles without bump- hiding especially when they are sat- is very small compared to River Nile ing into security keepers on patrol DDEMBE DESIGNED BY JOHN PAUL isfied. Later in the plains, we came but, it is infested with big preda- checking on the safety of both wild- across birds such as ostriches, tors that will make you take-off. We life and tourists visiting the Reserve. crested cranes, guinea fowls, vul- saw a herd of huge hippos that kept This is a reason enuff(sic) for me tures and marabou stokes enjoying submerging only to surface sec- to come back to Masaai Mara for the beautiful sunshine. Ostriches are onds later to grunt loudly with dis- another safari! FEATURE JANUARY–FEBRUARY 2018 ISSUE 1 VOL 6 11 Bringing God to Unchurched People

FR. LAZAR ARASU, Priest And School Administrator

A rough estimation could put about 300 new births in Kampala city INTERNET PHOTO and its suburbs every day. Putting together various government health emergencies in conflict and war sit- a person to the right track. Most of facilities and other private health uations. Again he says, “We need to the unchurched people have a sense units, it is possible that there are take the Church to those who do not of God. Because today there are about 300 deliveries that take place come to the Church.” Church ought very few who vehemently deny the in Kampala daily. Let us also not for- to exist in the streets where people existence of God. So there is hope get that there are many new migrants are commonly found. in bringing them back to Church and to Kampala from the rural areas on Why are there so many unchurched God. daily basis. Given to this fact, every people than ever before? Perhaps, it Many of them are never given day a new church needs to be built in is the effect of secularism, material- proper instruction in faith and Church Kampala to accommodate 300 new ism and other post-modern trends matters. All that they learned about people. But that is not the reality and that down play the role of God and God is when they were in their early it is physically not possible. Then the religion in the society and in the lives teens. Now it is important to rethink question is ‘does the Church meet of individual people. What could be the methods of evangelization and the spiritual needs of her faithful or do its effect in the life of the society and re-evangelization. Many have tried they really need spiritual and pastoral individuals? Certainly there will be a God and have been in Church but assistance?’ decline in the sense of God, a decline the lures of the world has distracted Various surveys tell us that only in morals and other traditional val- them. Now faith ought to be pro- 13% to 23% of Christians (who offi- ues and ethos. Surely Church is an posed with more affirmation. cially call themselves Christians) esteemed institution in the world for Many of them are good in morals and attend church on Sundays. As a mat- over 2000 years. generous at heart. A good evangelizer ter of fact, if all the Christians, (who The Kenyan Christian scholar John needs to capitalize on their positive could be over 1.5 million) come to Mbiti famously said sometime in side. Surely many unchurched peo- various churches, they will be over- 1960s, “Africans are notoriously reli- ple sight Church scandals, hypocrisy whelmed and cannot contained all. gious.” Actually he meant, Africans and other worldly behaviour within The available priests and pastors will are ardent lovers of God and fervent Church as things that put them off. be exhausted in serving them. Now on religious values. Few decades Surely setting good examples is the the question is ‘how can the Church’s after he made this statement, the key in re-evangelization. ministers bring to God the unchurched word “notorious” has come to mean Finally making faith relevant to them, people?’ (By unchurched, I mean different from actually what he meant. appealing to their intellect and sensi- non-Church goers; ‘church’ with It has almost come to mean its usual bility is vital. As much as possible is small letter mean the church ‘build- meaning—dishonourable and ill also important to reduce legalism and ing’; Church with capital letter mean repute. make the faith lively and dynamic. It “People of God”) What could be the characteris- is also important to make the modern It is not an easy task at all. But it tics of unchurched people? Actually man and woman feel welcome and should be the primary task of all the these people do not have any big useful in the society. People are look- church workers to attend to all the problem with God or the institution ing for opportunity to serve, belong to unchurched people. After all Christ of the Church. They are just indif- and find a place and meaning in what wanted them more than the others ferent. If their indifference is tack- they do. Surely putting God into the who are good and faithful, for he led they will surely return to Church lives of people will make the society a said, “Only the sick need the doctor; and eventually to God. Having been better place to live in. not the healthy.” This is exactly what indifferent for a long time, they have Pope Francis says, “Church should stopped feeling guilty about it. One of [email protected] be like a field-hospital...” treating the positive value of guilt is bringing www.arasulazar.org 12 JANUARY–FEBRUARY 2018 ISSUE 1 VOL 6 FEATURE women.” Mother Church has given us many A renewal of my Faith 2018 opportunities to keep witnessing our faith for instance being chosen to be By ROSE KABABIKIRA god parents to children. Thus, we National Program Coordinator, should let the spiritual wellbeing of our Uganda Young Christian Students god sons and god daughters be the I would like to welcome you back Diaspora took charge of the Christ- first priority. from the Festive season and congrat- mas meal for three elderly members of Each one of us should ask ourselves ulate you upon successfully landing in the church. It was such a gesture! this question: Are you worthy of being 2018! The Lord is good! In this January One thing that I am quite sure of is; emulated in your community? Those issue, I will share with you my Christ- faith itself is a story to be told, a life who have witnessed to couples during mas Season experience and bring out to be lived, a story made up of many their marriage ceremony in the church, the best of how my faith was renewed. stories, stories of creation, of redemp- how often have you followed up to I was among the lucky people who tion, of new life, of love, of patience, of see how these couples are living their attended three Masses on Christmas hope and of courage all of which cen- marriage life? Recently, during one of Day hence, the experience I got from ters on Jesus Christ the eternal Son the chats with a friend called Brian, one sub parish to the other was very of God , who was born, suffered, died he revealed that he still holds the unique. and resurrected for our salvation. marriage certificate of a couple that I was touched by a number of things: Just like Jesus, let 2018 be a year he witnessed in November 2015 (the countless groups of people (mostly to focus on making our families more weekend of the Pope’s visit, but my families) moving together to places involved and engaged in church activ- question to him was does he follow up of worship, children eloquently and ities, but not leaving our children to check on them? confidently taking readings in Masses, behind much as it is contradictory to In conclusion, I would like to appre- parents looking out for their children the trends of our modern society. For ciate everyone that made an impact during offertory to give them money to example children watching cartoons in someone’s life during the festive put in the offertory box, associations rather than going for Missionary Holy season. Let us also continue to pray and movements like YCS, Legion of Childhood programs at Church. Fred- together with the Holy Father for Mary taking part in cleaning and dec- erick Douglass, an African-American Christians and other religious minority orating the church and constructing a social reformer, orator and writer, once groups living in different parts of the Symbolic Bethlehem etc. In fact, in one said “It is easier to build strong chil- world, that they may be able to prac- of the sub parishes, the youth living in dren than to repair broken men and tice their faith at ease.

LITURGICAL READINGS FOR Responsorial Psalm PS 132:6-7, 8-10 12-13, 14 AND 17 FEBRUARY 2018 Gospel MK 6:53-56 Reading 22 COR 5:20—6:2 Verse before the Gospel, SEE PS 95:8 FEBRUARY 6- Memorial of Saint Gospel MT 6:1-6, 16-18 Paul Miki and Companions, Martyrs Lectionary: 330 FEBRUARY 18- First Sunday of Lent Reading 1 1 KGS 8:22-23, 27-30 Lectionary: 23 Responsorial Psalm PS 84:3, 4, 5 AND Reading 1 GN 9:8-15 10, 11 Responsorial Psalm PS 25:4-5, 6-7, 8-9 FEBRUARY 2- Feast of the Gospel MK 7:1-13 Reading 2 1 PT 3:18-22 Presentation of the Lord in the Verse Before The Gospel MT 4:4B Temffple FEBRUARY 10- Memorial of Saint Gospel MK 1:12-15 Lectionary: 524 Scholastica, Virgin Reading 1MAL 3:1-4 Lectionary: 334 FEBRUARY 22- Feast of the Chair of Responsorial Psalm PS 24:7, 8, 9, 10 Reading 1 1 KGS12:26-32; 13:33-34 Saint Peter, Apostle Reading 2HEB 2:14-18 Responsorial Psalm PS 106:6-7AB, 19- Lectionary: 535 Gospel LK 2:22-40 OR 2:22-32 20, 21-22 Reading I 1 PT 5:1-4 Gospel MK 8:1-10 Responsorial Psalm PS 23:1-3A, 4, 5, 6 FEBRUARY 4- Fifth Sunday in Verse Before The Gospel MT 16:18 Ordinary Time FEBRUARY 11- Sixth Sunday in Gospel MT 16:13-19 Lectionary: 74 Ordinary Time Reading 1JB 7:1-4, 6-7 Lectionary: 77 FEBRUARY 25- Second Sunday of Responsorial Psalm PS 147:1-2, 3-4, Reading 1LV 13:1-2, 44-46 Lent 5-6 Responsorial Psalm PS 32:1-2, 5, 11 Lectionary: 26 Reading 21 COR 9:16-19, 22-23 Reading 21 COR 10:31—11:1 Reading 1 GN 22:1-2, 9A, 10-13, 15- Gospel MK 1:29-39 Gospel MK 1:40-45 18 Responsorial Psalm PS 116:10, 15, 16- FEBRUARY 5- Memorial of Saint FEBRUARY 14- Ash Wednesday 17, 18-19 Agatha, Virgin and Martyr Lectionary: 219 Reading 2 ROM 8:31B-34 Lectionary: 329 Reading 1JL 2:12-18 Verse Before the Gospel CF. MT 17:5 Reading 11 KGS 8:1-7, 9-13 Responsorial Psalm PS 51:3-4, 5-6AB, Gospel MK 9:2-10 FEATURE JANUARY–FEBRUARY 2018 ISSUE 1 VOL 6 13 How to keep the sacred covenant of marriage But let us not forget the three basic significant factors contributing to mar- truths about their commitment to each ital satisfaction and a lifetime of love. other: Forgiving yourself and others is about being willing to acknowledge that you 1. Marriage is a covenant between are capable of being wounded. It also three, not two. On our wedding day, I means that you are willing to step out entered into a covenant both with my from the role of victim and take charge husband and with God. Our marriage of your life. By Barbara Nabukenya is not a contract but a sacred cord of three strands that will not be easily 3. Marriage vows are enduring. A cord of three strands is broken. When the pressure becomes relent- less and intense—when the cultural not quickly torn apart. 2. Marriage vows require us to for- voices around us entice us to look out Ecclesiastes 4:12 give each other. No marriage is a per- only for ourselves and quit—our vows petual walk through the daisies. There shout, “DON’T!” (Or, as my kids say, As the year begins, let me first begin will be unmet expectations, unwise “Deal with it.”) by wishing you all a Happy New Year. decisions, troubles with schedules Quitting on your marriage may tem- Modern society is still suffering from and finances, and other unexpected porarily reduce the pressure you feel, the sickness of the “Me Generation,” pressures that will rattle our relation- but I promise you that a broken mar- which has contaminated the covenant ship until we think it’s about to fall riage and family will add truckloads of of marriage. The selfish Me-Gen per- apart. But when hurt and disappoint- new pressures over a lifetime. It takes son says in effect, “When marriage ment come, our vows demand that courage to do what you know is right. serves my purpose, I’m on board. But we forgive one another. This is not an Remaining devoted to your spouse when it ceases to make me happy, optional accessory. It is the life and becomes your living testimony to the when it’s too much effort, when the breath of our marriage. faithfulness of God and the strength of unexpected shows up and creates Forgiveness is an essential compo- your marriage covenant. additional pressure, I’m outta here.” nent of successful romantic relation- Let us pray that you will always love Some leave physically; others leave ships. In fact, the capacity to seek and as God loves, forgive as He forgives emotionally and withdraw. grant forgiveness is one of the most and endure as He endures.

THEME FOR WORLD COMMUNICATION DAY 2018 “The truth will set you free.” (Jn 8:32).

Fake News and journalism for Peace

- Pope Francis 14 JANUARY–FEBRUARY 2018 ISSUE 1 VOL 6 KEY EVENTS FOR FEBRUARY 2018

Friday, February 2- Feast of the Presentation of the Roman Canon. Lord in the Temple Patron: Breast cancer; breast disease; Catania, Italy; against fire; earthquakes; natural disasters; nurses; rape victims; single laywomen; sterility; torture victims and volcanic eruptions. Wednesday, February 14- Ash Wednesday This is a day that is an integral part of the Lenten season in many Christian religions including Catholic, Orthodox and some Protestant religions. In the INTERNET PHOTO Catholic religion, the ashes used on Ash Wednesday are remnants of the palm leaves distributed from the prior year on Palm Sunday. Catholics keep the palm leaves throughout the year and return them to the Church before Ash INTERNET PHOTO Wednesday of the next year. The leaves are then turned into ashes for use in the Ash Wednesday services. Known originally as the Feast of the Purification of the During the service, the parishioners proceed to the Blessed Virgin, the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord front of the church and the ashes are placed on each is a relatively ancient celebration. The feast celebrates person’s forehead in the shape of a cross. The ashes are the presentation of Christ in the temple at Jerusalem on not to be washed off but are to remain on the forehead the 40th day after His birth. throughout the day of Ash Wednesday. The Feast of the Presentation of Jesus at the Temple Sunday, February 18 – First Sunday of Lent is also known as the Feast of the Encounter: the Liturgy Lent is a religious time period of 40 days before Easter says at the beginning that Jesus goes to meet his Sunday focusing on prayer, penance, and a renewal people. Thus, this is the encounter between Jesus and of faith. Lenten season is a time to prepare for Jesus his people, when Mary and Joseph brought their child rising from the dead. The focus, beginning on Ash to the Temple in Jerusalem; the first encounter between Wednesday, is to seek penance for sins of the past and Jesus and his people, represented by Simeon and to renew the relationship with God through the three Anna, took place. It was also the first encounter within pillars of the Lenten season. The three pillars are prayer, the history of the people, a meeting between the young fasting and almsgiving. Prayer is to allow people to focus and the old: the young were Mary and Joseph with or meditate on many aspects of their personal lives and their infant son and the old were Simeon and Anna, two to also pray for others. Fasting is to assist in “developing people who often went to the Temple. self-control. It is often an aid to prayer, as the pangs of Monday, February 5- Memorial of Saint Agatha, hunger remind us of our hunger for God.” Fasting also Virgin and Martyr assists in the changing of behavior. “The prophet Isaiah St. Agatha, also known as Agatha of Sicily, is one of insists that fasting without changing our behavior is not the most highly venerated virgin martyrs of the Catholic pleasing to God.” When reading Isaiah 58:5-8, it states. Church. It is believed that she was born around 231 Almsgiving is a continuation of prayer and fasting. It is a in either Catania or Palermo, Sicily to a rich and noble time to be thankful for all that God has given us. It is also family. From her very early years, Agatha dedicated her a time to care for others as God cares for us. life to God. She became a consecrated virgin, a state in Thursday, February 22- Feast of the Chair of Saint life where young women choose to remain celibate and Peter, Apostle give themselves wholly to Jesus and the Church in a The feast of the Chair of Saint Peter at Rome has been life of prayer and service. St. Agatha died in defense of celebrated from the early days of the Christian era on 18 her purity, in Catania, Sicily, where she was born. After January, in commemoration of the day when Saint Peter Quintanus, the governor of Sicily, tried in vain to force held his first service in Rome. This feast brings to mind her to consent to sin, she was imprisoned for a month the mission of teacher and pastor conferred by Christ with an evil woman. He then turned from sensuality to on Peter, and continued in an unbroken line down to cruelty and had her breasts cut off; but that night Agatha the present Pope. We celebrate the unity of the Church, was healed by St. Peter. She was then rolled over sharp founded upon the Apostle, and renew our assent to the stones and burning coals, and finally taken to prison Magisterium of the Roman Pontiff. where she died while praying. Her name appears in the VATICAN JANUARY–FEBRUARY 2018 ISSUE 1 VOL 6 15 Pope Francis’ Pope calls for Day of Prayer and prayer intention Fasting for Peace on 23 February for February: Say “No” to Corruption

Pope Francis

Vatican Radio

Pope Francis has released a video message accompanying his monthly prayer intention for February 2018. This month’s intention “Say ‘No’ to Pope Francis addresses the crowds in St. Peter’s Square during Sunday Angelus Corruption” is that those who have (AFP or licensors) material, political or spiritual power By Linda Bordoni, Vatican Radio may resist any lure of corruption. and wreaked extensive damage” and The text of the video message prayed that they may be comforted reads: Pope Francis is asking all men and and the supported by the Lord. What is at the root of slavery, women of goodwill to join him in a unemployment, and disregard for special Day of Prayer and Fasting for New Blessed seed of hope and nature and goods held in common? Peace for the war-torn people of the fraternity for the young Corruption, a process of death that Democratic Republic of Congo and of During his address following the feeds the culture of death because, South Sudan, regardless of their reli- Angelus prayer, Pope Francis also the thirst for power and possessions gious denomination. mentioned the Beatification on Sat- knows no limits. Addressing the crowds gathered urday of a young man called Teresio Corruption is not countered with in St. Peter’s Square for the Sunday Olivelli who was killed for his Christian silence. Angelus on February 4, the Pope said faith in 1945 in Hersbruck concentra- We must speak about it, denounce that “Faced with the tragic protracted tion camp. its evils, and try to understand it situations of conflict in different parts “He gave witness to Christ in his love so as to show our resolve to make of the world, I invite all the faithful to for the weakest and he joins the long mercy reign over meanness, beauty take part in a special Day of Prayer and line of martyrs of the last century. His over nothingness. Fasting for Peace on February 23rd, heroic sacrifice is a seed of hope and Let us pray that those who have the Friday of the First Week of Lent”. fraternity especially for the young” he material, political or spiritual power said. may resist any lure of corruption. Day of Prayer and Fasting for The Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Net- Peace Day for Life in Italy work of the Apostleship of Prayer He said our prayers will be offered The Pope mentioned that in Italy developed the “Pope Video” initia- especially to those suffering violence today The Day for Life is marked on tive to assist in the worldwide dis- in the DRC and in South Sudan, and the theme “The gospel of life, joy for semination of monthly intentions he continued, as on other similar occa- the world” and said he joins the Italian of the Holy Father in relation to the sions “I also invite non-Catholic and Bishops in expressing appreciation and challenges facing humanity. non-Christian brothers and sisters to encouragement to the different eccle- join us this initiative in whatever ways sial realities that in many ways promote they deem most appropriate”. and sustain life.

“ Money has to Prayers for cyclone-struck Finally, amongst those whom he Madagascar greeted with a specific mention, was a serve, not rule ” Pope Francis also assured his close- delegation from the Sicilian city of Agri- ness to the populations of Madagascar, gento to whom he expressed gratitude ­—Pope Francis “recently hit by a strong cyclone, which for its commitment to welcome and has caused victims, displaced people integrate migrants. 16 JANUARY–FEBRUARY 2018 ISSUE 1 VOL 6 VATICAN

Pope Francis celebrates Mass at Casa Santa Marta (Vatican Media) Pope says there is no humility without humiliation By Linda Bordoni, Vatican Radio he was walking barefoot”. Turning humiliation into hope David lets himself be insulted The Pope pointed out that both Pope Francis has told believers Pope Francis noted that the great David and Jesus burden themselves that there is no true humility without David is humiliated not only by defeat with sins and said: “David is a saint, humiliation. and by flight, but also by insult. In and Jesus, with the sanctity of God, The Pope was speaking during fact, during his escape, a man named is really a saint” and they are both morning Mass at the Casa Santa Shimei “cursed and threw stones at humiliated. Marta on January 29 as he reflected David” telling him that the Lord had “There is always the temptation to on the first liturgical reading of the day requited him and put the kingdom in counter slander and oppose any- which speaks of the humiliation of the hands of his son Absalom. thing that humiliates us or makes us King David. Shimei, the Pope continued, tells feel ashamed - like Shimei. But David Pope Francis said David was indeed David that he is now suffering ruin says “No”; the Lord says “No”, that is a great man: he had overcome Goli- “because he is a murderer” and David not the right path. The path is the one ath, he had “a noble soul” because lets him continue to curse and insult taken by Jesus and prophesied by twice he could have killed Saul but him saying: “Perhaps the Lord will look David: bearing humiliation. ‘Perhaps he had not done so. But David, he upon my affliction and make it up to the Lord will look upon my affliction continued, was also a sinner: he had me with benefits for the curses he is and make it up to me with benefits committed the serious sins of adultery uttering this day.” for the curses he is uttering this day’: and had arranged the murder of Uriah, turning humiliation into hope. Bathsheba’s husband. “Ready-to-wear” humility is not “And yet, Francis noted, the Church salvific There is no humility without venerates him as a saint” because Pope Francis noted that David’s humiliation he let himself be transformed by the ascent up the Mount of Olives is pro- Pope Francis concluded warning Lord, he “accepted” forgiveness, he phetic of Jesus’ climb up the hill of that humility is not justifying oneself repented and recognized himself as a Calvary to give life: he too was insulted immediately in the face of an offense sinner. and discarded. This he explained refers and trying to look good: “if you are precisely to the humility of Jesus: unable to bear humiliation, you are not David is humiliated “Sometimes we think that humility humble” he warned: “this is the golden The First Reading, the Pope said, is to go quietly, perhaps head-down rule”. focuses on the humiliation of David: looking at the floor… but even pigs “Let us ask the Lord for the grace his son Absalom revolts against him walk with their heads down: this is not of humility, with humiliations. There but at that moment David does not humility. This is that fake, ready-to- was a nun who used to say: ‘yes, I think of “saving his own skin” but of wear humility, which neither saves nor am humble, but never humiliated!’ No, saving his people, the Temple and the guards the heart. We have to be aware no! There is no humility without humil- Ark of the Covenant. that there is no true humility without iation. We are asking for this grace. He flees, he explained, and his ges- humiliation, and if you are not able to And if someone is brave – just as as ture that appears cowardly is really tolerate, to carry humiliation on your St. Ignatius teaches us - he can even a courageous one: “he wept without shoulders, you are not truly humble: ask the Lord to send humiliations so ceasing, his head was covered, and you pretend you are, but you are not”. he can be more like the Lord VATICAN JANUARY–FEBRUARY 2018 ISSUE 1 VOL 6 17

How Can We Defend Ourselves From ‘Virus’ of Fake News? Pope Francis Gives Radical ‘Antidote’ Pope Criticizes ‘Fake News’ in Message for World “In today’s fast-changing world of experience it within ourselves in the communications and digital systems, loyalty and trustworthiness of the One Communications Day we are witnessing the spread of what who loves us. This alone, he said, can Published on Zenit.org on has come to be known as “fake news.” liberate us. January 24, 2018, This, the Pope said, calls for reflection. To discern the truth, we need to The Pope stressed his desire to con- discern everything that encourages By Deborah Castellano Lubov, tribute to “our shared commitment” to communion and promotes goodness Vatican Dicasteries/Diplomacy prevent the spread of fake news and to from whatever instead tends to isolate, rediscovering the dignity of journalism divide, and oppose. Pope Francis has given a radical and the personal responsibility of jour- Peace, the Pope said, is the true ‘antidote’ for the ‘virus’ of fake news, nalists to communicate the truth. news. The best antidotes to false- namely purification by the truth. Fake news, the Pontiff said, is a sign hoods, the Pontiff said, are not strat- The Holy Father did so when of intolerant and hypersensitive atti- egies, but people, people who wish to denouncing ‘fake news’ in his message tudes, and leads only to the spread of listen and are interested in sincere dia- for the 52nd World Communications arrogance and hatred, which he said, is logue to make the truth emerge. Day, titled ‘“The truth will set you free” the end result of untruth. “If responsibility is the answer to the (Jn 8:32). Fake news and journalism for “None of us can feel exempted from spread of fake news, then a weighty peace’. This year, the day will be cel- the duty of countering these false- responsibility rests on the shoulders ebrated on May 13, the Feast of the hoods,” he noted, while acknowledg- of those whose job is to provide infor- Ascension of the Lord. ing that this is no easy task. mation, namely, journalists, the protec- In the message, the Pope reminds “Yet preventing and identifying the tors of news. In today’s world, theirs that human communication is an way disinformation works,” he went on is, in every sense, not just a job; it is a essential and beautiful part of life, but to say, “also calls for a profound and mission.” warns that distorted communications careful process of discernment.” The Pope went on to invite everyone can cause much harm. “Constant contamination” by decep- to promote a journalism of peace, in Examining how to “recognize” such tive language, the Pope said, can end other words, a journalism “that is truth- false news, the Pontiff reminds that up darkening our interior life. ful and opposed to falsehoods, rhe- when the truth is manipulated, it is not “So how do we defend ourselves? torical slogans, and sensational head- just ‘the public’ or ‘an audience,’ that is The most radical antidote to the virus of lines. A journalism created by people affected, but real people. falsehood is purification by the truth.” for people, one that is at the service The Pope then posed the question, The Holy Father encouraged com- of all, especially those – and they are ‘How do we defend ourselves from municators to realize that we discover the majority in our world – who have this?’ Responding and rediscover the truth when we no voice.” 18 JANUARY–FEBRUARY 2018 ISSUE 1 VOL 6 VATICAN MESSAGE OF HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS FOR LENT 2018 “Because of the increase of inquity, the love of many will grow cold” (Mt 24:12)

Dear Brothers and Sisters, They can appear as “snake charm- devil, who is “a liar and the father of Once again, the Pasch of the Lord ers”, who manipulate human emotions lies” (Jn 8:44), has always presented draws near! In our preparation for in order to enslave others and lead evil as good, falsehood as truth. That Easter, God in his providence offers them where they would have them go. is why each of us is called to peer into us each year the season of Lent as a How many of God’s children are mes- our heart to see if we are falling prey “sacramental sign of our conversion” merized by momentary pleasures, mis- to the lies of these false prophets. We Lent summons us, and enables us, to taking them for true happiness! How must learn to look closely, beneath the come back to the Lord wholeheartedly many men and women live entranced surface, and to recognize what leaves and in every aspect of our life. by the dream of wealth, which only a good and lasting mark on our hearts, With this message, I would like again makes them slaves to profit and petty because it comes from God and is truly this year to help the entire Church interests! How many go through life for our benefit. experience this time of grace anew, believing that they are sufficient unto A cold heart with joy and in truth. I will take my cue themselves, and end up entrapped by In his description of hell, Dante from the words of Jesus in the Gospel loneliness! Alighieri pictures the devil seated on of Matthew: “Because of the increase False prophets can also be “charla- a throne of ice in frozen and loveless of iniquity, the love of many will grow tans”, who offer easy and immediate isolation. We might well ask ourselves cold” (24:12). solutions to suffering that soon prove how it happens that charity can turn These words appear in Christ’s utterly useless. How many young peo- cold within us. What are the signs that preaching about the end of time. They ple are taken in by the panacea of indicate that our love is beginning to were spoken in Jerusalem, on the drugs, of disposable relationships, of cool? Mount of Olives, where the Lord’s pas- easy but dishonest gains! How many More than anything else, what sion would begin. In reply to a question more are ensnared in a thoroughly “vir- destroys charity is greed for money, of the disciples, Jesus foretells a great tual” existence, in which relationships “the root of all evil” (1 Tim 6:10). The tribulation and describes a situation in appear quick and straightforward, only rejection of God and his peace soon which the community of believers might to prove meaningless! These swin- follows; we prefer our own desolation well find itself: amid great trials, false dlers, in peddling things that have rather than the comfort found in his prophets would lead people astray and no real value, rob people of all that is word and the sacraments. All this leads the love that is the core of the Gospel most precious: dignity, freedom and to violence against anyone we think is would grow cold in the hearts of many. the ability to love. They appeal to our a threat to our own “certainties”: the False prophets vanity, our trust in appearances, but unborn child, the elderly and infirm, Let us listen to the Gospel passage in the end they only make fools of us. the migrant, the alien among us, or our and try to understand the guise such Nor should we be surprised. In order neighbour who does not live up to our false prophets can assume. to confound the human heart, the expectations. VATICAN JANUARY–FEBRUARY 2018 ISSUE 1 VOL 6 19

Giving alms or contributing to charity is one of the three pillars of Lenten practice. Creation itself becomes a silent Paul’s exhortation to the Corinthians witness to this cooling of charity. The to take up a collection for the commu- earth is poisoned by refuse, discarded nity of Jerusalem as something from Prayer is one of the pillars for Lenten out of carelessness or for self-interest. which they themselves would benefit Season INTERNET PHOTOS The seas, themselves polluted, engulf (cf. 2 Cor 8:10). This is all the more fit- with enthusiasm, sustained by alms- the remains of countless shipwrecked ting during the Lenten season, when giving, fasting and prayer. If, at times, victims of forced migration. The heav- many groups take up collections to the flame of charity seems to die in our ens, which in God’s plan, were created assist Churches and peoples in need. own hearts, know that this is never the to sing his praises, are rent by engines Yet I would also hope that, even in our case in the heart of God! He constantly raining down implements of death. daily encounters with those who beg gives us a chance to begin loving anew. Love can also grow cold in our own for our assistance, we would see such One such moment of grace will be, communities. In the Apostolic Exhor- requests as coming from God him- again this year, the “24 Hours for the tation Evangelii Gaudium, I sought to self. When we give alms, we share Lord” initiative, which invites the entire describe the most evident signs of this in God’s providential care for each of Church community to celebrate the lack of love: selfishness and spiritual his children. If through me God helps sacrament of Reconciliation in the con- sloth, sterile pessimism, the tempta- someone today, will he not tomorrow text of Eucharistic adoration. In 2018, tion to self-absorption, constant war- provide for my own needs? For no one inspired by the words of Psalm 130:4, ring among ourselves, and the worldly is more generous than God. “With you is forgiveness”, this will take mentality that makes us concerned Fasting weakens our tendency to place from Friday, 9 March to Saturday, only for appearances, and thus lessens violence; it disarms us and becomes 10 March. In each diocese, at least one our missionary zeal. an important opportunity for growth. church will remain open for twenty-four What are we to do? On the one hand, it allows us to experi- consecutive hours, offering an oppor- Perhaps we see, deep within our- ence what the destitute and the starv- tunity for both Eucharistic adoration DDEMBE DESIGNED BY JOHN PAUL selves and all about us, the signs I ing have to endure. On the other hand, and sacramental confession. have just described. But the Church, it expresses our own spiritual hunger During the Easter Vigil, we will cele- our Mother and Teacher, along with the and thirst for life in God. Fasting wakes brate once more the moving rite of the often bitter medicine of the truth, offers us up. It makes us more attentive to lighting of the Easter candle. Drawn us in the Lenten season the sooth- God and our neighbour. It revives our from the “new fire”, this light will slowly ing remedy of prayer, almsgiving and desire to obey God, who alone is capa- overcome the darkness and illuminate fasting. ble of satisfying our hunger. the liturgical assembly. “May the light By devoting more time to prayer, we I would also like my invitation to of Christ rising in glory dispel the dark- enable our hearts to root out our secret extend beyond the bounds of the ness of our hearts and minds”, and lies and forms of self-deception, and Catholic Church, and to reach all of enable all of us to relive the experience then to find the consolation God offers. you, men and women of good will, who of the disciples on the way to Emmaus. He is our Father and he wants us to are open to hearing God’s voice. Per- By listening to God’s word and draw- live life well. haps, like ourselves, you are disturbed ing nourishment from the table of the Almsgiving sets us free from greed by the spread of iniquity in the world, Eucharist, may our hearts be ever more and helps us to regard our neighbour you are concerned about the chill that ardent in faith, hope and love. as a brother or sister. What I possess paralyzes hearts and actions, and you With affection and the promise of my is never mine alone. How I would like see a weakening in our sense of being prayers for all of you, I send you my almsgiving to become a genuine style members of the one human family. Join blessing. Please do not forget to pray of life for each of us! How I would like us, then, in raising our plea to God, in for me. us, as Christians, to follow the example fasting, and in offering whatever you of the Apostles and see in the sharing can to our brothers and sisters in need! From the Vatican, 1 November 2017 of our possessions a tangible witness The fire of Easter Solemnity of All Saints of the communion that is ours in the Above all, I urge the members of the Francis Church! For this reason, I echo Saint Church to take up the Lenten journey 20 JANUARY–FEBRUARY 2018 ISSUE 1 VOL 6

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