Catholic Communicators Commemorate 53Rd World Communications Day

Uganda Catholic Secretariat Salva Kiir: I trembled when A publication of the Uganda Episcopal Conference the Pope kissed our feet »VATICAN Page 16

Uganda Catholic Secretariat A publication of the Uganda Episcopal Conference

ISSUE 2 VOL 7 PRICE: USHS 2,000 MAY 2019

CATHOLIC COMMUNICATORS Inside COMMEMORATE 53RD WORLD Catholic media decry high broadcasting COMMUNICATIONS DAY license fees, call for urgent reform »Page 5

Archbishop Odama appeals for public support of shs900m towards 2019 Martyrs Day »Page 10

Christ is Alive: Calling youth to keep faith alive »Page 11

Catholic Church in Tanzania mourns the death of two Catholic bishops Sr. Euniah Moraa carrying the “Communication Drum” during the entrance procession of the Mass to commemorate the 53rd WCD at Our Lady of Lourdes Bujumbura Cathedral Parish, Hoima »Page 14 Diocese Story on Page 3 PHOTO BY JACINTA W. ODONGO

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DIVINE HOLY LAND SITES • Mt. of Temptation • Cana • Western wall • Mt Carmel • Mary’s Well • The shepherd’s ﬁeld • Garden of Gethemene • Uper Room • Church Of Holy Sepulchral • Mt Transﬁguration • Nazareth • River Jordan Baptism site • Church of All Nations • Garden Tomb • Banias, Caesarea Philipi • Mt of Olives • Sea Galilee Boat Ride • Jericho • Pyramids and sphinx of Giza • Pools Of Beatitudes • Church of Multiplication • Red Sea Close Over • Mt of Beatitudes • Plam Sunday Road • Virgin Mary church • Via Dolorosa • Dead sea • Mt Sinai • Mt Zion • Sycamore tree • Burning Bush

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DIOCESAN MAY 2019 ISSUE 2 VOL 7 3 Catholic communicators commemorate Editorial 53rd World Communications Day This year marks the 53rd By Jacinta W. Odongo Media Officer, Uganda Episcopal Conference World Communications Day (WCD) celebrated under the theme, “We are members one of On May 12, 2019, Catholic commu- society.” another” (Eph 4:25). From social nicators from across the country con- Bishop Franzelli in his speech, called for network communities to the verged at Our Lady of Lourdes-Bujum- unity and collaboration of different stake- human community”. The WCD bura Cathedral in the Diocese of Hoima, holders for the positive growth of the is always celebrated on the Sun- to commemorate at the national level the country. day before Pentecost (Ascen- 53rd World Communication Day (WCD). “Let us pray for one another, listen to sion Sunday) and this year it The WCD is annually celebrated world- each other and strive to be one without falls on 2nd June. It provides us wide in the Catholic Church on Sunday forgetting to support our own Catholic an opportunity to reflect on our before Pentecost, which this year falls on media houses. Communication is in the responsibilities in the communi- June 2. However, the communicators in DNA of the Church and the cation apostolate, to pray for its Uganda held their national celebration in church is there to communicate so success, and to make financial anticipation. let’s pray for our media,” Bishop Franzelli contribution to support it. It is This year’s celebration began at 9.30am added. also a day to appreciate and with a procession of bishops, priests and Speaking during the celebration, the honour all the people who are communicators who included journalists, Executive Secretary of the UEC Social committed to serving our society heads of various social communications Communications Department, Rev. Fr through the media. departments and commissions from the Philip Odii, appealed to the government The Holy Father Pope Francis 19 Dioceses in the country. Neither rain through the ministers present at the cel- in his message for us this year’s nor the chilly weather dampened the spirit ebration, to revise the high broadcasting WCD highlights the important of the faithful who came in large numbers license fees imposed on FM radio stations role of social networks in pro- to join in the celebration. The Bishop and televisions by the Uganda Communi- moting human interaction and Chairman of Social Communications cations Commission (UCC). solidarity while also noting the Commission of the Uganda Episcopal “As a representative of the Catholic risks entailed. There is no doubt Conference (UEC), Rt. Rev. Joseph Fran- media institutions in Uganda, I request that social networks, if well used zelli also the Bishop Emeritus of Lira and you to look into the issue of the broad- bring us together and help us Rt. Rev. Vincent Kirabo, Bishop of Hoima casting license fees for our radios which to know each other and share Diocese who was the main celebrant, have been raised by over 300% in 2017,” information among other things; were in attendance. Fr. Odii stated. yet they can also be instruments The celebration was held under the Some of the ministers in attendance of manipulation, division, hatred, theme of “We are Members One of were the Finance Minister, Hon. Matia isolation and individualism. Another” (Eph 4:25). From Social Network Kasaija and the Minister for Information The Pope calls upon us to use communities to the Human Community” and Communication Technology, Frank the Social networks for posi- as guided by the message of Pope Fran- Tumwebaze, who was represented by the tive encounters and to ensure cis for the occasion. Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Vincent that they are a true resource In his homily, Bishop Kirabo said WCD Bagiire, as the Guest of Honour. for humanity. Our interactions is an annual celebration that encourages As part of the WCD celebration, the in the social networks should believers to reflect on the opportunities day was marked with a range of activities indeed promote our oneness and challenges that the modern means including a fund-raising drive for the com- and should be characterized by of social communication, afford the munications apostolate and a hand-over mutual respect, truthfulness and Church to communicate the gospel of the ceremony of the communication drum to care for one another. message. the communicators of Kotido Diocese, As Catholic communicators, “This is a day when we pray for the who will host the 2020 WCD celebration. we are challenged to be at the Church in her mission to evangelize,” It wrapped up with a tree planting session forefront in promoting the posi- Bishop Kirabo said adding “The church and an exhibition of local products and tive aspects of social networks. also invites us to generously support services from Hoima Diocese. We should use them to connect Church media projects and more so The 53rd WCD celebration was one of people by sharing information financially for purposes of evangelization.” the activities that were held during the and experiences that build the Reflecting on the 2019 WCD message 2019 Annual Communication Week from person and the community, and of Pope Francis, the Bishop noted that May 7-13. Others are: the Social Com- this should be done in a spirit of Pope Francis invites us to reflect on the munications Annual General Meeting and dialogue and mutual respect. foundation and importance of community, workshop held under the theme of ‘Net- teamwork and unity. “The Holy Father working for Effective Communication and Fr. Philip Odii recognizes the desires of each one of us Resource Mobilization’. Editor/Executive Secretary of to be in communion with one another and The week-long event was organized by Social Communications not to be left isolated or alone. Therefore, the Social Communications Department in order to communicate effectively we of the UEC in collaboration with the Dio- need to work together and transform the cese of Hoima. 4 MAY 2019 ISSUE 2 VOL 7 DIOCESAN Pictorial: Catholic communicators commemorate 53rd World Communications Day

The communicators (standing left front row) alongside the faithful The Finance Minister, Hon. Matia Kasaija (left) and the State Miinister for including choir members during the 2019 WCD celebration Public Service David Karubanga (right) attending the WCD celebration

A participant from Kotido Diocese displays the communications drum Bishop Kirabo presents certificates of participation to the after receiving it from the communicators of Hoima Diocese. Kotido communicators Diocese was chosen to lead the 2020 WCD celebration

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry for Information and Communication Technology, Vincent Bagiire, planting a tree to mark A child with traditional dancers entertain guests during the exhibition the celebration. Bagiire represented the Minister for Informatioon at the WCD celebration and Communication Technology, Frank Tumwebaze as the Guest of Honour PHOTOS BY JACINTA W. ODONGO DIOCESAN MAY 2019 ISSUE 2 VOL 7 5 Catholic media decry high broadcasting license fees, call for urgent reform

Participants of the 2019 Communications Week pose for a group photo at Glory Summit hotel in Hoima Diocese

By Jacinta W. Odongo “Our proposal and appeal is that for the first year, the fees can be paid in The Catholic communicators in advance, but for the subsequent years, Uganda have expressed concern over time should be given to allow the sta- the high broadcasting license fees tions pay within some grace period,” imposed on FM radio stations and tele- he added. visions by the Uganda Communica- The Chairperson of the Social Com- tions Commission (UCC). munications Commission of the UEC, The communicators appealed to Rt. Rev. Joseph Franzelli, also Bishop the government and called for urgent Emeritus of Lira Diocese in his closing reform of the broadcasting license fees remarks stated that recently two Cath- during the 2019 World Communica- olic radio stations were shut down by tions Day celebration on May 12, at Our UCC after failing to clear their arrears Lady of Lourdes-Bujumbura Cathedral on time. He said that it is unfair for UCC in the Diocese of Hoima. Fr. Philip Odii addresses the to ask media houses to pay license The Executive Secretary of the communicators during the fees in advance especially the strug- Social Communications Department communications Week gling media houses. of Uganda Episcopal Conference, Rev. While addressing the communica- Fr. Philip Odii said that the license fees ernment through the ministers present tors, the Minister for Information and is costly, thus Catholic radios across at the celebration that included the Communication Technology through the country are financially constrained Finance Minister, Hon. Matia Kasaija his representative, Mr. Bagiire stated among other factors. and the Minister for Information and that the 2017 regulation that increased “These media institutions promote Communication Technology, Frank the license fees by over 300% is yet to the pastoral ministry of the Church Tumwebaze, who was represented be implemented. and strive to contribute towards the by the Ministry’s Permanent Secre- He said his ministry had tabled before socio-economic growth and transfor- tary, Vincent Bagiire, as the Guest of parliament amendments that will see mation of the country,” Fr. Odii said in Honour. broadcasters charged more friendly his speech. He also noted that some aspects fees adding that the requirement to pay “As a representative of the Catholic of the proposed new terms and con- in advance would be addressed in con- media institutions in Uganda, I request ditions of radio frequency spectrum sultation with UCC. you to look into the issue of the broad- authorization in Uganda are very Meanwhile, Hon. Kasaija challenged casting license fees for our radios challenging, particularly the issue of UCC that Church-owned radio stations which have been raised by over 300% pre-payment of license fees as a condi- should not be charged like commercial in 2017,” he added tion for continued possession and use radios since they do not operate for Fr. Odii made the appeal to the gov- of the spectrum. profit. 6 MAY 2019 ISSUE 2 VOL 7 DIOCESAN

Motivational talk “WHEN YOU OPEN YOUR MOUTH TO TELL THE WORLD WHO YOU ARE, challenges Catholic YOUR NETWORK IS EQUAL TO YOUR NET-WORTH AND GREAT COMMUNICATORS ARE GREAT INFLUENCERS Media Fraternity THUS LEADERSHIP. EFFEC- TIVE COMMUNICATION GETS PEOPLE TO THINK, FEEL AND ACT THE SAME WAY AS YOU WOULD WANT THEM TO THINK AND ACT”,

responsibility for effective communication. “Make use of all the social media platforms, go live with video if possible and make a presence in, LinkedIn, You tube, face book, Twitter. Develop a personal brand as great communi- cator”, he urged. From the Seven Habits he also quoted: Begin with the end in your mind, understand before you are understood. Have a basic formula of what, why and how. You lose nothing Ethan Musolini, a reknowned motivational speaker who was also the main facilitator of the in sharing information he added. workshop held in Hoima addresses the participants. Hang out with people above you who can also challenge you and in By Sr. Mary Lilly Driciru mobilizing resources look for potential partners and the type of resources On May 12, Success Africa drilled you need. positive signals to the Catholic media Musolini with lots of humour says fraternity in a one day workshop at he is there to comfort the afflicted Glory Summit Hotel in Hoima Dio- and afflict the comfortable with a kick cese, during the annual communica- on the back! According to him, the tion week last week. world belongs to the restless. With the topic: “Networking He accordingly comes from a for Effective Communication and humble background but remembers Resource Mobilization”, Ethan Muso- some dozes of values of life his dad lini with his team from Success gave him. He attributes his success Africa, a human resource training firm to them. Among others he was told gave a wake-up call to the Catholic to greet, respect and make friends. Communicators. When he scored 86% in exams his “When you open your mouth to tell dad congratulated him but asked the world who you are, your network him for the remaining 16% hence, we is equal to your net-worth and great should all operate at 100% capacity. communicators are great influencers He challenged the members of thus leadership. Effective communi- media fraternity and said, you cannot cation gets people to think, feel and solve today’s problems with the same act the same way as you would want mindset. New results need new think- them to think and act”, he said. ing with high esteem and motivation. Musolini who is a renowned moti- Ethan Musolini Some of the motivational themes vational speaker, trainer, mentor and were: Be the change you want in the a coach also quoted Dr. Albert Mah- He told the participants that there community, stay humble and hungry. rabian’s rule which holds that vocal is need to be congruent in that, He added that in building your net- communication scores 38%, visual is words should match the body lan- work, let people know what you do 55% and verbal communication only guage as well as the tone of the and find out how they can be of sup- scores 7%. voice. One should take 100% port to your cause. DIOCEAN MAY 2019 ISSUE 2 VOL 7 7

Bishop Franzelli during the 2019 communications week held in Hoima Diocese

ing and writing but also using words Bishop Franzelli urges to create a bond with the people you are talking to as networking can yield many benefits. catholic communicators While opening the workshop, the Bishop of Hoima Diocese, Rt. Rev. Vincent Kirabo said he was pleased to embrace networking to receive the communicators in his diocese for the 2019 World Com- By Irene Lamunu munications Day (WCD) celebration adding that their coming together The Bishop Chairman of Social both the communicators and the for the workshop is a willingness to Communications Commission, Rt. Church. transform the world. Rev. Joseph Franzelli, also Bishop “What we do here is not only for He also called upon the commu- Emeritus of Lira Diocese has urged business meeting, but also some- nicators to educate and inform the Catholic Communicators in Uganda thing vital to the church,” said public through the media the impor- to embrace networking for effective Bishop Franzelli adding “The topic tance of safeguarding the envi- communication. for this year’s Workshop is some- ronment and, how to heal Mother Speaking during the opening cer- thing that I have always urged our Nature, noting that communicators emony of the Annual Communica- communicators to embrace. So far are the best people to preach to the tion Week at Glory Summit Hotel in very little collaboration has been public about this topic. Hoima Diocese bishop Franzelli said reached amongst us. We must know The prelate urged them to put into he was convinced that the training that nothing can be achieved without practice the Pope Francis’ WCD held under the theme ‘Networking proper networking.” message which emphasizes unity, for Effective Communication and The bishop told them that com- collaboration and togetherness in Resource Mobilization’, was vital to municating is not just about speak- the society. 8 MAY 2019 ISSUE 2 VOL 7 UEC UEC MAY 2019 ISSUE 2 VOL 7 9 10 MAY 2019 ISSUE 2 VOL 7 UEC

Archbishop Odama (centre) during the press conference flanked by the secretary general of Uganda Episcopal Conference, Msgr. john Baptist Kauta and the Uganda Tourism Board through their new Deputy Executive Officer, Bradford Ochieng

others. Archbishop Odama During the same press conference the Uganda Tourism Board, through their new Deputy Chief Executive Offi- appeals for public support cer, Bradford Ochieng handed over a dummy cheque of US$25,644 (Ushs96m) to Archbishop Odama of shs900m towards 2019 towards the celebration. Meanwhile, foot pilgrims from various dioceses in the country including 680 Martyrs Day from Lira Diocese and 300 from Gulu, have embarked on a spiritual journey to Media Officer, Uganda Episcopal Conference Namugongo for the commemoration of the 2019 UMD celebration. Most of the With less than a week to the 2019 success of the occasion.” pilgrims are women, making their show Uganda Martyrs Day (UMD) celebra- The archbishop also appealed to all of commitment to the faith. tion, the Archdiocese of Gulu is still those who had pledged to contribute The archdiocese has also organized constrained in a financial crisis of about towards the celebration to honor them a special novena to the Martyrs to start US$133,568 (Uganda Shillings 500 to enable proper planning. on Saturday May 25 until June 2, just a million) required to meet approximately “There are so many pledges that day before the actual celebration slated US$245,000 (UShs900 million) that have not been honored. We need the for June 3. The faithful are encouraged was initially budgeted for the celebra- money to realize the essential items to observe this novena by reciting Our tion, the Archbishop of Gulu, Most Rev. budgeted for the success of this Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be to the John Baptist Odama said. important National event. Our success Father prayers and invoke the Uganda “As we draw closer to the great day, is your success and the success of the Martyrs. we are still faced with some challenges. nation,” he noted. This year’s celebration, which will be So far we have realized only about 40% Having been chosen by the Uganda celebrated under the theme, “Obey of our budget of Ushs900m,” Arch- Episcopal Conference in June 2018 to God Always and Everywhere” (Acts bishop Odama told journalists during organize and animate this year’s UMD 4:19), is expected to attract over four a press conference Thursday, May 23 celebrations due June 3rd at Namu- million pilgrims worldwide. at the Uganda Catholic Secretariat in gongo Catholic Shrine, Gulu Archdi- Special contributions toward the cel- Nsambya, Kampala. ocese aims at raising these funds to ebration can be made through Cente- He added, “I would like to make a cater for all the preparation activities nary Bank, Gulu Main Branch, under final appeal to all men and women of and actual celebration including litur- the following account details: Account good will to support the Archdiocese of gical preparations, health prepared- name: Archdiocese of Gulu Namu- Gulu to realize the shortfall in the bud- ness, accommodation and transport, gongo Martyrs celebrations: Account get which is very much needed for the communication and publicity among Number: 3100059093. FEATURE MAY 2019 ISSUE 2 VOL 7 11 Christ is Alive: Calling youth to keep faith alive

as presented in the Gospels, for he was truly one of you, and shares many of the features of your young hearts” (CV. 31). And Jesus’ mother, Mary, “is the supreme model for a youthful Church that seeks to follow Christ with enthusiasm and docility. … With open heart and soul, she replied, ‘Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord’ (Lk 1:38)” (CV. 43). Pope Francis also highlights several young saints, including St. Sebastian who was martyred for faith in the early Fr. Lazar Arasu Priest and School Administrator Church, St. Francis of Assisi who gave us comforts of life to live the gospel as Pope Francis has given to the youth ral experience of a tender pastor who authentic as possible, St. Joan of Arc and the Church an Exhortation, Chris- tendered his flock faithfully for all his who courageously defended her faith tus Vivit—Christ is Alive! Alive, the word life. In the last six years of his pontifi- and nation, St. Kateri Tekakwitha who can be easily related to youth. The cate, whenever Pope Francis spoke to lived her faith within the realms of her synonyms say it all: Thriving, Active, young people, he asked them to listen traditional culture, St. Dominic Savio Flourishing, Booming, Successful and to the elderly and draw wisdom from who maintained became a teenage Buzzing. When we describe youth, them. He also told the pastors and saint following the steps of St. John these are the words we normally use. elders of the Church and family to lis- Bosco, St. Thérèse of Lisieux who Yes, this is what the youth want to ten to the youth and their aspirations. became a great missionary within the be! When we say Jesus is alive, we It is a call to all of us to listen. four walls of her monastery, Blessed often refer to his resurrection and his “Dear young people, make the most Laura Vicuna who even challenged enduring presence, which is a matter of these years of your youth. Don’t her mother who lived a sinful life and of our faith. But it is also right to say observe life from a balcony. Don’t others. that Jesus was youth(ful) throughout confuse happiness with an armchair, Pope Francis reminds the young his life. When he began his ministry in or live your life behind a screen. … people that while these are models of Galilee he was only 30 and when he Give yourselves over to the best of holiness, each young person is differ- laid down his life on the cross he was life!” (CV. 143). He does not forget to ent and called to his or her own path 33. He brought for us our salvation at be humourous, as typical of him. ‘Bal- to holiness. He encourages young the prime of his youth. cony’ meaning aloofness or keeping people to aspire to great things, to The Synod of Youth said, “Youth is distance, ‘armchair’ meaning easy life become themselves actors in their an original and stimulating stage of or lousy life and ‘screen’ meaning life own stories, to speak to the Church, life, which Jesus himself experienced, lost in digital world or escapism. even when they have doubts, and be thereby sanctifying it.” Jesus’ young open to answers they may receive from life was youthfully spent! Now He is Models for Youth older relatives and trusted authority inviting the youth, and indeed the Young people look for models and figures in the Church. And above all to whole Church to live life youthfully. demonstrations rather than lectures. be open to the reality of Jesus Christ. Christus Vivit (CV) is the conclusion Fortunately numerous models are of the recently ended Synod of Bish- available for young people to emulate. Today’s Challenges of Youth ops for youth, which was originally They are available in the scriptures, Young people are faced with numer- titled: Youth, Vocation and Discern- lives of the saints and courageous men ous challenges today. Pope Fran- ment. CV is addressed “to young peo- and women who live their faith within cis summarizes them as “violence ple and to the entire people of God,” the Church today. “A wise young per- in countless different forms.” They is broken into nine chapters: young son is open to the future, yet still capa- are ideological colonization, the dis- people in Scripture, Jesus as a youth, ble of learning something from the ordered desires, hurts and longings the experiences of young people, a experience of others,” Pope Francis of today’s world. In particular, he great message for young people, the writes. First and foremost among the highlights the dangers of the “digital paths for youth, the roots of young examples is the young Jesus himself. environment,” migration and abuse, people, youth ministry, vocation and “Jesus does not teach you, young including clergy sexual abuse. He discernment. people, from afar or from without, but also notes that those who commit CV is the wisdom of a grandfather from within your very youth, a youth he crimes are not the majority, but there affectionately imparted to children. shares with you. It is very important for are numerous others who live of ser- In 299 articles it contains the pasto- you to contemplate the young Jesus vice with fidelity and generosity. The 12 MAY 2019 ISSUE 2 VOL 7 FEATURE Pope continues, “I ask young people pours out on us, we can love him in life, in volunteer service or in the work- to let themselves be inspired by this turn and share his love with others, in place. Wherever we are, we always vast majority.” And he added some the hope that they too will take their have an opportunity to share the joy of encouragement: “Ask for the help of place in the community of friendship the Gospel” (CV. 177). the Holy Spirit and confidently aim for he established,” he writes. “… Friend- the great goal of holiness” (CV. 107), ship with Jesus cannot be broken. He Being Fruitful in Life adding: “If you are young in years, but never leaves us, even though at times Young people want results; they feel weak, weary or disillusioned, ask it appears that he keeps silent” (CV. want meaning in life and what they Jesus to renew you. With him, hope 153-154). do. They are eager to find vocation never fails” (CV. 109). Friendship with the Lord is main- and a path to follow. When discerning At the same time, Pope Francis tained and through regular prayer a vocation, the pope suggests young highlights “three great truths that all of which is both a challenge and people consider the following ques- us need constantly to keep hearing”: adventure; because all friendships tions: Do I know myself, quite apart that God loves you; that Christ sac- are adventurous needing time and from my illusions and emotions? Do rificed himself to save mankind; and patience to sustain. “Gradually Jesus I know what brings joy or sorrow to that, echoing the title of the exhorta- makes us appreciate his grandeur my heart? What are my strengths and tion, “Christ is alive!” He continues: and draw nearer to him,” Pope writes. weaknesses? How can I serve people “Because he lives, there can be no “Prayer enables us to share with him better and prove most helpful to our doubt that goodness will have the every aspect of our lives and to rest world and to the Church? What is my upper hand in your life and that all our confidently in his embrace. At the real place in this world? What can I struggles will prove worthwhile. If this same time, it gives us a share in his offer to society? Do I have the abilities is the case, we can stop complaining own life and love” (CV. 155). needed to offer this kind of service? and look to the future, for with him this This adventure matures in holiness Could I develop those abilities? is always possible” (CV. 127). and being a missionary. “Becoming “In the end,” Holy Father writes, a saint means becoming more fully “good discernment is a path of free- Jesus as Enduring Friend yourself, becoming what the Lord dom that brings to full fruit what is Friendship with the Lord is the wished to dream and create, and not unique in each person, something so antidote to all our challenges, strug- a photocopy” (CV. 162). Holiness is a personal that only God knows it.” gles and temptations, Pope Fran- personal affair of an individual with the cis affirms. This friendship should be Lord. In practical terms, “Lord invites experienced early in years, “encounter us to be fearless missionaries wher- FR. LAZAR ARASU SDB each day your best friend, the friend ever we are and in whatever company CHAPLAIN, PALABEK REFUGEE who is Jesus” (CV. 150). we find ourselves: in our neighbor- SETTLEMENT “With the same love that Christ hoods, in school or sports or social MAY 2019 ISSUE 2 VOL 7 13 KEY LITURGICAL EVENTS FOR JUNE 2019

June 1- Memorial of Saint Justin, Martyr St. Anthony was born at Lisbon, Portugal. He became a St. Justin, apologist and martyr, was one of the most canon regular and then a Franciscan preaching the Gospel important Christian writers of the second century. He everywhere in Portugal and Italy. Both as a theologian and himself tells how his study of all the schools of philosophy as a popular preacher he fought vigorously against heresy. led him to Christianity, and how he dedicated his life to the His preaching was inspired by the love of God and of souls defense of the Christian faith as “the one certain and profit- and had an extraordinary power of conviction; it was filled able philosophy.” with the penetrating power of the Bible. Pope Gregory IX, He was sentenced to death and some of the faithful stole who heard him preach, called him during his lifetime the away his body and buried it in a fitting place. Arca Testamenti, meaning “the living repository of the Holy Scriptures” and Pope Pius XII, when he proclaimed him June 3- Uganda Martyrs Day celebration (Memo- a Doctor of the Church, declared that he based all that rial of Saint Charles Lwanga and Companions, he said on the texts of the Gospels, and could justly be Martyrs) called the Evangelical Doctor. St. Anthony lived for a time in Today, together with the whole Church, we honor France, but chiefly in Italy, and died at Padua in 1231 at age twenty-two Ugandan martyrs. They are the first martyrs 36, with the reputation of great sanctity. From the day of his of Sub-Saharan Africa and true witnesses of the Christian death innumerable miracles caused the faithful to invoke faith. Charles Lwanga, a catechist and a young leader, was him as a wonderworker of untiring benevolence. martyred in 1886 with a group of Catholic and Anglican royal pages, some of whom were not yet baptized. King June 16- The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity Mwanga, who despised the Christian religion, gave orders The fundamental dogma, on which everything in Christi- that all the Christian pages in his service be laid upon a anity is based, is that of the Blessed Trinity in whose name mat, bound, placed onto a pyre and burnt. This took place all Christians are baptized. The feast of the Blessed Trinity at Namugongo, a place just outside Kampala. needs to be understood and celebrated as a prolongation On the third of June each year, pilgrims from across the of the mysteries of Christ and as the solemn expression of world throng Namugongo to celebrate the Feast of St. our faith in this triune life of the Divine Persons, to which we Charles Lwanga and Companions which is also known as have been given access by Baptism and by the Redemp- Martyrs’ Day. tion won for us by Christ. Only in heaven shall we properly understand what it means, in union with Christ, to share as June 5- Memorial of Saint Boniface, Bishop and sons in the very life of God. Martyr The feast of the Blessed Trinity was introduced in the St. Boniface, a monk of Exeter in England, is one of the ninth century and was only inserted in the general calendar great figures of the Benedictine Order and of the monas- of the Church in the fourteenth century by Pope John XXII. tic apostolate in the Middle Ages. Gregory II sent him to preach the Gospel in Germany. He evangelized Hesse, June 21- Memorial of Saint Aloysius Gonzaga, Saxony and Thuringia and became Archbishop of Mainz. Religious He well earned the title of Apostle of Germany, and Catholic St. Aloysius Gonzaga’s outstanding quality was his radi- Germany in our own times still venerates him as its father in ant purity and the Church praises this perfect innocence the faith. He was put to death by the Frisians at Dokkum in with the words, “Thou has made him little less than the 754 during the last of his missionary journeys. The famous angels.” He was baptized in the womb, because his life was abbey of Fulda, where his body lies, has remained the in danger, and he made a vow of chastity at the age of nine. national shrine of Catholic Germany. When he was sixteen he joined the Society of Jesus and died at the age of twenty-three in 1591 as a result of his June 10- Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, devoted nursing of the plague-stricken. Mother of the Church Pope Francis has decreed that the ancient devotion to June 23- The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body the Blessed Virgin Mary, under the title of Mother of the and Blood of Christ Church, be inserted into the Roman Calendar. The liturgical Corpus Christi (Body and Blood of Christ) is a Eucharis- celebration, B. Mariæ Virginis, Ecclesiæ Matris, will be cele- tic solemnity, or better, the solemn commemoration of the brated annually as a Memorial on the day after Pentecost. institution of that sacrament. It is, moreover, the Church’s By issuing the Decree on the celebration of the feast of official act of homage and gratitude to Christ, who by insti- Mary, Mother of the Church, Pope Francis wishes to pro- tuting the Holy Eucharist gave to the Church her greatest mote this devotion in order to “encourage the growth of the treasure. Holy Thursday, assuredly, marks the anniversary maternal sense of the Church in the pastors, religious and of the institution, but the commemoration of the Lord’s faithful, as well as a growth of genuine Marian piety”. passion that very night suppresses the rejoicing proper to the occasion. Today’s observance, therefore, accents the June 11- Memorial of Saint Barnabas, Apostle joyous aspect of Holy Thursday. St. Barnabas, designated by the Holy Spirit to share the charge and mission of the twelve Apostles, is venerated June 28- Solemnity of Most Sacred Heart of by the Church as one of them. He played an important Jesus part in the first extension of Christianity outside the Jewish The Church, in this month of June, giving us the solem- world. It was Barnabas who presented St. Paul to the other nity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, wishes us to under- Apostles when, after his long retreat in Arabia, he came to stand the consequential devotion to Our Lady traditionally Jerusalem for the first time after his conversion to submit lived in the Marian month par excellence: the month of May. for Peter’s approval the mission to the Gentiles entrusted to The Heart of Jesus is the See and Throne of Divine Mercy, him by the Master Himself. revealed to the world in the passion, death and resurrection of Christ. June 13- Memorial of Saint Anthony of Padua, Priest and Doctor of the Church 14 MAY 2019 ISSUE 2 VOL 7 AMECEA Catholic Church in Tanzania mourns the death of two Catholic bishops

Late Bishop Emmanuel Mapunda, Bishop Emeritus of Mbinga Diocese Late Bishop Gabriel Mmole,Bishop emeritus of Mtwara Diocese

By Sarah Pelaji

The Catholic Church in Tanzania is and was later able to set up the Stella junior Seminar until March 12 1988 mourning the death of two Emeritus Maris University affiliated from Saint when Pope (Now saint) John Paul II Bishops, Rt. Rev. Gabriel Mmole of Augustine University of Tanzania,” he appointed him as bishop of Mtwara Mtwara Diocese and Rt. Rev. Emman- said. Diocese. uel Mapunda of Mbinga Diocese, who The late Bishop Mmole wrote various While serving as bishop he served all died within this week. books that helped to build the founda- Tanzania Episcopal Conference (TEC), Bishop Mmole died on May 15, tion of the faith of believers. Among his as a Chairman of Seas, Immigrants 2019, at his house after a long ill- books include ‘You are the salt of the and Foreign Immigration Commission. ness while Bishop Mapunda died on world’ and ‘Uchumba sio ndoa’ which Late Bishop Gabriel Mmole retired on May 16, 2019, in the air plane while means ‘Betrothal is not marriage’. October 15, 2016 after reaching 75 he was being rushed to Muhimbili Bishop Mmole served the Church years of age according to the Catholic National Hospital in Dar es Salaam for as Bishop of the Catholic Church in Church system. treatment. Mtwara for more than 28 years. He Meanwhile, Bishop Mapunda was The two Bishops, Mmole and was born on January 1 in 1939 in the born was born on 10th December Mapunda were laid to rest on May 21 at village with Nangoo Parish in Masasi 1935. He was ordained to a priest of All Saints Cathedral in Mtwara Diocese District and did his primary education Songea Diocese on 8th August 1965; and on May 24 at St. Killian Cathedral at Ndanda Primary School; he did the he was appointed Bishop of Mbinga in Mbinga Diocese, respectively. middle School at Lukuledi from 1955 on 22nd December 1986 and he was Announcing the death of Bishop to 1956 and later joined the Peramiho consecrated as Bishop on 6th Janu- Mmole, the Ordinary Bishop of Mtwara Teachers College in 1959-1960. In ary 1987. He retired from episcopate Diocese, Rt. Rev Titus Mdoe said that 1962-1964 he did his education at in March 2011 the Diocese has lost a good shepherd Namupa junior Seminar which is The official announcement of the who during his life dedicated himself located in Lindi. In 1967-1970 he went appointment of Archbishop Van on education. for theology in Major Peramiho Sem- Megen as Apostolic Nuncio to Kenya “He gave education first priority inary and he was ordained to priest- was made on February 15, 2019. He especially to the community around hood in 1971. takes over from Most Rev. Charles the coastal area whose interest is In 1973 he joined the College of Pas- D. Balvo who on September 21 was largely fishing. He established different tors and Religion (GABA) in Uganda. appointed Apostolic Nuncio to Czech Catholic Schools within the Diocese In 1974 he was the Head of Namupa Republic. AMECEA MAY 2019 ISSUE 2 VOL 7 15

Most Rev. Gianfranco Gallone.

1963 in Ceglie Messapica (Brindisi) – Apostolic Nuncio to Zambia Italy and was ordained Priest on 3rd September 1988 for the Diocese of Oria in Italy. appointed to concurrently He entered the Diplomatic Service of the Holy See on 19th June 2000. serve in Malawi Subsequently he was posted to Mozambique, Israel, Slovakia, India Amecea Online Correspondent and Sweden. Until his new appointment to Zam- The Apostolic Nuncio to Zambia Julio Murat who also served as Apos- bia on February 2, 2019, Monsignor Most Rev. Gianfranco Gallone, who tolic Nuncio for Zambia and Malawi Gallone was serving as an official at recently arrived in Zambia to begin his until March 2018, and is currently the Vatican’s Secretariat of State. mission, has been appointed to con- Nuncio to Cameroun and Equatorial He holds a doctoral degree in currently serve as nuncio to Malawi, a Guinea. Canon Law and speaks Spanish, neighbouring country to Zambia. On 2nd February, 2019, the Holy English, Portuguese and Slovak, in He was appointed to serve as Nun- Father Pope Francis appointed Mon- addition to his native Italian. With his cio to Malawi by Pope Francis on May signor Gianfranco GALLONE as the appointment to Zambia, His Excel- 8, 2019. new Apostolic Nuncio to Zambia. lency Monsignor Gallone is also now He is taking over from Most Rev. The nuncio was born on 20th April an Archbishop. WISE QUOTES FOR REFLECTION

“The greatest day in your life and mine is when we take to be a captive of the environment in which you first find total responsibility for our attitudes. That’s the day we truly yourself.” – Mark Caine grow up.” John C. Maxwell “Often the difference between a successful person and “Pearls don’t lie on the seashore. If you want one, you a failure is not one has better abilities or ideas, but the must dive for it.” – Chinese proverb courage that one has to bet on one’s ideas, to take a “Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a calculated risk and to act.” – Andre Malraux smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, “Saying it is impossible to live without failing at something or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential is impossible. Unless you live so cautiously that you might to turn a life around.” Leo Buscaglia as well not have lived at all, in which case you have failed “The first step toward success is taken when you refuse by default.” – J.K. Rowling 16 MAY 2019 ISSUE 2 VOL 7 VATICAN

Pope Francis kisses the feet of Salva Kiir (ANSA)

Machar, to return to Juba for the tran- Salva Kiir: I trembled when sitional unity government to take place. “I re-extend my invitation to Dr Riek the Pope kissed our feet Machar to return home. I have completely forgiven him, and he is no longer my opponent. I call upon all armed By Paul Samasumo – Vatican City opposition to work with our army to continue to open corridors for free- The President of South Sudan, Salva dom of movement and open up trade Kiir Mayardit, has told his country’s par- “I WAS SHOCKED AND routes,” said President Kiir. liament, in Juba, that he was shocked TREMBLED WHEN HIS Riek Machar is still in Khartoum and and shaken when the Pope kissed his HOLINESS THE POPE has been reluctant to take up his Vice feet during a Vatican special retreat for KISSED OUR FEET. IT President position in Juba citing unre- South Sudanese leaders, in April. WAS A BLESSING AND solved security concerns. He was to “I was shocked and trembled when CAN BE A CURSE IF have returned to Juba in May to join a His Holiness the Pope kissed our feet. WE PLAY GAMES WITH power-sharing government. It was a blessing and can be a curse THE LIVES OF OUR President Kiir’ spokesperson told if we play games with the lives of our PEOPLE,” media that other opposition figures people,” President Kiir told parliament. were already in Juba, and this should be a sign that similarly Machar’s “secu- Enchancing peace in South Kiir urges Machar to return to rity will be taken care of while the gov- Sudan Juba ernment is formed.” On Tuesday May 16, President Salva Pope Francis also kissed the feet of Kiir addressed the 2019 inaugural cer- four of South Sudan’s previously war- Parliamentarty speaker appeals emony of the South Sudan National ring political leaders. They are the Vice to non-signatories to embrace Legislative Assembly under the theme: President-designates who included the peace process “Enhancing peace in the Republic of Riek Machar himself, James Wani In the meantime, South Sudan’s South Sudan.” Igga, Taban Deng Gai and Rebecca Catholic Radio network reports that Abdur Rahman Alfa Shaban a news Nyandeng De Mabior -the latter, a the Speaker of the National Transitional reporter for africanews.com quotes widow of the South Sudanese leader, Legislative Assembly, Anthony Lino President Salva Kiir Mayardit who John Garang. Makana, has called on other rebel recounted, to parliament, the unprece- According to africanews.com, South groups who are not signatories to dented gesture of Pope Francis kneel- Sudan’s President reiterated, in the the September peace agreement to ing to kiss the feet of South Sudan’s speech to parliament, his invitation to respect the ceasefire and embrace the leaders. South Sudan Opposition leader, Riek peace process. VATICAN MAY 2019 ISSUE 2 VOL 7 17

St. Anthony’s Shrine Kochikade in Colombo, Sri Lanka, undergoing repairs after the April 21, 2020 bombing Bombed St. Anthony’s Shrine of Sri Lanka feels closeness of Universal Church

By Robin Gomes

The world was shocked and out- He recalled the words of Jesus as showing the power of prayer, espe- raged to hear about a string of coor- he was dying on the cross – “Father cially the rosary and the Mass, and dinated suicide bomb attacks on forgive them, they don’t know what they don’t need any other weapon. three churches and three hotels in they are doing.” He said Sri Lan- Solidarity of Pope, Universal Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday in April, ka’s Catholics have the same senti- Church the holiest day of Christians. ments, saying they have to show to The Rector of St. Anthony’s Shrine The bombings, claimed by the the world that they are the followers said that in their tragedy, they expe- so-called Islamic State, killed more of Jesus who asked his disciples to rience the closeness of Pope Francis than 250 people and injured some love one another as He loved them. and the Universal Church. 500. St. Anthony’s Shrine maintains a One of the targets of the April 21 soup kitchen that feeds some 200 carnage was the Catholic St. Antho- “OUR GOD IS NOT A people daily, and it also has also a ny’s Shrine Kochikade, in the capital GOD OF REVENGE. museum and relics. The shrine also Colombo. HE IS THE GOD OF maintains a close link with Sri Lan- Amadeo Lomonaco of Vatican LOVE.” ka’s Catholic community of Italy that News visited the popular shrine is home to the Basilica of St. Anthony ahead of the nation marking a month Speaking about the message of in Padua where the 13th-century since the attacks. He spoke to Christians to those who have com- saint breathed his last. the Rector of St. Anthony’s Shrine, mitted the crime, Fr. Raj said that Fr. Raj pointed out that Cardinal Father Jude Raj, who had a nar- they extend their hands out to the Fernando Filoni, the Prefect of the row escape that fateful day during terrorists and pray for them and for Vatican Congregation for the Evan- the 8:45 morning Mass on Easter their repentance so that the Lord gelization of Peoples, is scheduled Sunday. may touch their lives and hearts and to visit the shrine on Wednesday. He God of love, not revenge that they may come back and to the said, all these show that Catholics in The priest said they never gave God of love and mercy. Sri Lanka have not been abandoned up their faith and continued to pray Fr. Raj said that the entire Sri by the Universal Church that is pray- and celebrate Mass inside the shrine Lankan community has come ing for them. Many dioceses across saying, “Our God is not a god of together, irrespective of religion, the world have also expressed their

revenge. He is the God of love.” caste and language. Catholics are closeness with Sri Lankans. DDEMBE GRAPHIC DESIGNER: JOHN PAUL 18 VATICAN MAY 2019 ISSUE 2 VOL 7 VATICAN The Catholic Church in Eastern Africa to spearhead disarmament Rose Achiego – Nairobi, Kenya

Bishops and participants attending the 6th Annual Inter-Diocesan Conference on Cross-Border Peace and Evangelization held at St. Teresa Pastoral Centre, Turkana, Kenya have resolved to begin a peaceful disarmament process of small arms and light weapons mostly used by pastoralists around Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia and South Sudan borders. In a press statement issued to the media on May, Kenya’s Bishop of Maralal Diocese, Virgilio Pante, who is also the Chairperson for the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB)-Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Seafarers announced that that the process of peaceful disarmament would soon begin. The initiative would be an effort to wean-off pastoralist communities of their small arms that have caused so Participants of the Inter-Diocesan Conference on Cross-border Peace and Eevangelisation, much havoc and suffering in the bor- Lodwar in Kenya der areas of Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia and South Sudan. peaceful disarmament. As reported by Regional Centre for Church committed to disarmament “The governments should ulti- Small Arms (RECSA) the region hosts “We will no longer remain silent. mately provide alternative or comple- 8 million out of an estimated 36 mil- We will no longer remain indecisive, mentary livelihoods for the citizens lion small arms and light weapons. and we will no longer be fearful. We living in the conflict-affected areas,” The weapons are in the hands of are committed to highlighting the suf- Bishop Pante and Kimengi’ch said civilians. fering caused by small arms in the As a result of the endemic conflicts, daily lives of our people,” said Bishop Religious leaders and civil the border regions host the highest Pante. He was flanked by the Bishop society should address the number of refugees and displaced of Lodwar, Dominic Kimeng’ich, root causes persons on the African continent. who is the Vice Chairperson of the The Bishops further other invited KCCB-Commission for Refugees, religious leaders and members of Civil The proliferation of small Migrants and Seafarers. Society Organisations in the region to arms heighten insecurity According to the Bishops, peace- identify and address the root causes According to the statement, ful disarmament can only be done in of what has been ailing communities demand for Small Arms and Light an environment of trust, collaboration of the border areas over the years. Weapons is driven by the ineffective and commitment for the respect and They also called upon grassroots provision of security by governments, protection of human life. communities to collectively reject commercialisation and politicisa- the attraction of armed violence as a tion of livestock raiding, marginali- Governments need to provide solution to their problems. sation by governments, a need for alternative livelihoods “We encourage you to work with the disarmed to rearm; and, cultural While acknowledging the efforts of all stakeholders to reaffirm the value practices. the governments of Kenya, Uganda, of human life and work together to The proliferation of these small arms South Sudan and Ethiopia in their counter the pervasive culture of vio- has caused thousands of deaths and continuous peacebuilding initiatives lence. It will be for the benefit of all injuries, displacement and forced both at the national level and across of us to commit to peaceful disarma- migration of people, hampered devel- the borders, the Bishops of Maralal ment,” the prelates said. opment, loss of hundreds of livestock and Lodwar called on governments among pastoralist communities, in the region to do more in sensitising Small arms in the hands of heightened insecurity, loss of produc- pastoral communities on the need to communities have caused tivity, reduced economic output and embrace peaceful co-existence and destruction insurgencies. VATICAN MAY 2019 ISSUE 2 VOL 7 19 Pope calls for humble and free journalism that serves truth and goodness

which can never be taken away. At a time when many people are spreading fake news, “humility pre- vents you from selling the rotten food of misinformation and invites you to offer the good bread of truth.”

On the side of victims Emphasizing that “freedom of the press and of expression is an important indicator of the state of health of a country,” the Pope shared the pain of journalists killed while carrying out their work with courage and dedication to report on what many people face during wars and the dramatic situations. He said, “We need journalists who are on the side of the victims…, of Pope Francis addressing members of Italy’s Foreign Press Association (Photo by Vatican those who are persecuted, on the side Media) of those who are excluded, discarded, discriminated against.” Journalists, he By Robin Gomes said, are needed to recall the many for- gotten situations of suffering and wars, such as those of the Rohingya and the Pope Francis is encouraging a hum- The presumption of already knowing Yazidi. ble and free journalism that does not everything, he said, blocks the search He thanked them for helping the indulge in selling the “rotten food of for truth. An article, a tweet or a live world not forget the lives that are suffo- misinformation” but rather offers the report, he said, can do good but also cated even before they are born; those healthy bread of truth and goodness. evil to others and sometimes to entire that are just born that are extinguished “I therefore urge you to work accord- communities if one is not careful and by hunger, hardship, lack of care, ing to truth and justice, so that com- scrupulous. wars; the lives of child soldiers and the munication is truly an instrument for Noting that certain ‘screaming’ lives of children violated. building, not for destroying; for meet- headlines can create a false represen- He called on reporters to help the ing, not for clashing; for dialoguing, tation of reality, he urged journalists to world not to forget those persecuted not for monologizing; for orienting, resist from the temptation of publish- and discriminated against for their not for disorienting; for understanding, ing news that has not been sufficiently faith or their ethnicity and the victims not for misunderstanding; for walking verified. of violence and trafficking in human in peace, not for sowing hatred; for Instead, he said, the humble journal- beings. He said those forced to leave giving a voice to those who have no ist tries to know the facts correctly and their homes because of disasters, voice, not for being a megaphone to completely before telling and com- wars, terrorism, hunger and thirst, are those who shout louder,” the Pope told menting on them. Such journalism not numbers, but a face, a story and a some 400 journalists of the Foreign does not feed “the excess of slogans desire for happiness. Press Association of Italy on May 18. that, instead of setting the thought in “There is a submerged ocean of Pope Francis expressed his and the motion, cancel it out”. goodness that deserves to be known Church’s esteem for their precious and that gives strength to our hope,” work, saying it “contributes to the Language that hurts Pope said, noting that women journal- search for the truth, and only the truth The Pope lamented the use of vio- ists are particularly sensitive to such makes us free.” lent and derogatory language that stories of life. hurts and sometimes destroys people. At the end of his talk, Pope Francis Humility and truth In a time of too many hostile words, gifted the journalists a copy each of a Underscoring humility as the funda- in which saying bad things about book entitled, “Communicare il Bene” mental element of their profession, the others has become a habit for many, (Communicating the Good), containing Argentine Pope said that the search along with that of classifying people, his talks to various groups of journal- for truth entails many difficulties and we must always remember that each ists and his messages for World Com- much humility. person has his or her intangible dignity, munications Days. 20 MAY 2019 ISSUE 2 VOL 7

Uganda Catholic Secretariat A publication of the Uganda Episcopal Conference