St. Benedict’s Priory Windhoek, Namibia

June to September 2015 WPN 65 SEPTEMBER 24 - A TWO-FOLD CELEBRATION

We thank you Lord for your faithfulness and love. The Lord has done marvels for us.

With these themes, we celebrated our Congregation‟s 130th Foundation anniversary on the 24th of September 2015 in a simple but truly meaningful way. All the members of the Priory Government, the Superiors from the 11 stations, some Sisters from the communities and a few family members and friends of the Jubilarians were present. The Congregation of the Missionary Benedictine Fathers of St. Ottilien was represented by Fr. Maximillian Jacobs OSB and Bro. OSB.

Celebrated likewise on this day were the 50th Jubilee of Religious Profession of Sr. Angela Bock OSB, Sr. Theresia Kasiona OSB and Sr. Anatolia Arughodi OSB; the 40th Jubilee of Sr. Juliana Munk- wetele OSB; and the 25th Jubilee of Sr. Monica Nabirye OSB. The Lord has loved me with an everlast- ing love was our Jubilarians‟ inspiration in reaching this milestone in their journey in discipleship. They were guided in their recollection by Mother Mary Thomas Prado OSB with the theme of Mission and Becoming More.

The international and multi-cultural character of our Congregation was seen, felt and celebrated in our decorations, reception, program during the evening‟s recreation and most especially in the liturgy. Flags of the 18 countries where we are serving were lined up in the steps leading to the chapel. The liturgy, celebrated by Archbishop Liborius Nashenda OMI and 5 concelebrants, was replete with songs, acclamations and prayers in Latin, English, German, Kishwahili, Filipino, Portuguese, Oshiwambo and Kavango. After the reception which was lovingly prepared, cooked and served by our Sisters and formandees, we proceeded to the chapel for the syn- chronized prayer at 1:00 in the afternoon, our desig- nated time (slightly adjusted because of the summer time) in our side of the mission field. (l-r) M. Mary Thomas, Sr. Margareta Maria, Sr, Anatolia, Sr. Angela, Sr. Theresia, Sr. Monica, Sr. Juliana.

The delightful evening recreation was a unique celebration of our internationality and our missionary vocation. The challenge to the performers was to dance or sing in a culture not their own. Our Namibian Sisters and formandees danced Chinese and Filipino dances, our Korean P and Filipino missionaries an Owambo dance and another group of a g Namibian Sisters rendered a German song and dance. Truly entertaining e and truly Missionary Benedictine! 2 Our day ended with prayer and with hearts overflowing with joy knowing, believing and being assured of the love of God, our oneness in mission, and our care and support for one another. Jubilees and anniver- saries, as M. Mary Thomas has said in her introduction at Holy Mass, “is this holy time to look back to our founding grace, to come home to the One who has called us and who is giving us a new start in life, and to look ahead to the future with hope. Until the next jubilee when God gath- ers us again - we give thanks, we ask forgiveness, and we rejoice in the God who has worked marvels in our lives, in the life of our Congregation and in those of our Jubilarians.” The stream has flowed … and we have found life!

Top: M. Mary Thomas assisting guest for a Filipino dance with pots on the head; Center: Sr. Oranna & Sr. Mary Therese singing a German song; Bottom: Oshiwambo community dance

Gratitude is the Memory of the Heart by Sr. Monica Nabirye, OSB

On September 22, the five of us, Jubilarians gathered in the Priory House for a recollection facilitated by Mother Mary Thomas in preparation for our thanksgiving celebration. We spent the whole day reflecting not on the statistical data 50, 40, 25 but the faithfulness of the faithful God down the years, counting blessings and graces as we start a new chapter in life.

On the eve of our Foundation Day, we had a vigil meditation remembering our Fr. Andreas Amrhein and Mother Birgitta for we owe them our gratitude as Missionary Benedictine Sisters of Tutzing on our 130th Anniversary of Foundation. Slides on each of us Jubilarians were shown with our favorite scripture passage. It ended with a meaningful Compline after which we were accompa- nied by the entire community to our rooms. Some lighted candles were put along the way from the chapter room to St. Scholastica‟s house. We were given our own lighted lamps. On September 24, a group of Sisters came to awaken us. It was a nice cool day blessed by the Lord for our celebra- tion. We felt honored by the presence of Archbishop Liborius Nashenda as our main celebrant, Fr Abbot Justin and other concelebrants. The liturgy was international and the Sisters together with the formandees sang the songs in different languages with one voice. It gave us joy as we looked back for what the Lord has done to us. Indeed it was a moment of thanksgiving for us, Jubilarians, for God‟s unconditional love in our profession as consecrated persons. Like Jesus who asked Peter, “Do you love me more than these?” so, too, at this juncture of our journey we are challenged to look back and ask - have we become MORE after 25, 40 and 50 years of consecration? Are we more compassionate, more gener- ous in our service, more simple in our lifestyle, more loving of the poor, more sisterly in our community life, more self-giving and growing more into the heart and mind of Christ? The Lord has given us another opportunity to trust Him, to embrace the future with joy and peace. That in all things God may be glorified!!

Sr. Mary John Mananzan, OSB conducts workshops on Women and Ecology

P Sr. Mary John Mananzan OSB, former Prioress of Manila a and a leading feminist theologian in Asia, arrived in Namibia on g e September 4 to conduct workshops on Women Empowerment, Eco- logical Awareness, and the Consecrated Life to our Sisters, forman- 3 dees and the Religious men and women of Namibia. Sr. Mary John leading the Shibashi She started off with a workshop in the Priory House on Women Empowerment and Ecological Awareness attended by our own Sisters and Sisters from the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart (MSC), Missionary Sisters of the of the Mother of God (SMIC), Holy Cross (HC) and OSB-Oshikuku Congregations. She also gave talks on the same topics to all our Aspirants, Postulants, Novices and Junior Sisters based in the Priory House.

Sr. Mary John also went to Oshikuku for the CORLIN (Conference of Religious Leaders in Na- mibia) Workshop on the Consecrated Life where she talked on the Mystic-Prophetic Dimension of the Consecrated Life. This was attended by 80 religious men and women, the biggest cluster of CORLIN- organized workshops. She also gave a talk on Transformative Leadership in the Rule of St, Benedict to the Superiors and Formators on the 25th of September. Her last talk was to the seminarians in Charles Lwanga Seminary in Windhoek. She left for the Philippines on September 28.

The talks and conferences by Sr. Mary John served as awareness-raising to the issues of women, social justice and environment. These formally launched our Priory‟s advocacy on women and ecology.

Celebrating Women. (from left) Welcome board; MMJ with Sisters during the closing liturgy; corner motif at the venue. Superiors and Formators hold annual meeting

After our September 24 foundation day celebration, the members of the Priory Government, Su- periors and Formators immediately went to work in a packed 3-day meeting. The first day was a series of talks by M. Mary John Mananzan OSB, former Prioress of Manila, on Transformative Leadership in the Rule of St. Benedict. Mother Prioress Mary Thomas facilitated the second day with a workshop on Women Leaders in the Bible and talks on Regressive Leadership Styles, and Jesus as Servant-Leader.

The business meeting started with the Prioress Report which gave the picture of the present situation of the Priory, the activities that happened during the year, and a presentation of the future di- rections and goals in the next 5 years.

The last day was a continuation of the business meeting with the feedback on the International Formators Meeting, the International Novitiate, and other reminders. Superiors were instructed to hold a meeting in their respective communities to give a feedback of the proceedings.

Sisters attend “Celebrating the Year of Consecrated Life in Namibia” by Sr. Remedios de los Reyes,OSB P a During this Year of Consecrated Life, CORLIN (Conference g e of Religious Leaders in Namibia) sponsored two workshops with the theme: The Joys and Challenges of Consecrated Life and Its Possible Solutions in the Future of this 4 Ever Challenging World. The first workshop was held at Regina Pacis Conference Centre in Dőbra at- tended by 38 religious from different congregations on July 17-19. The keynote speaker was Fr. Frans Van Wyk, OMI who presented the theme with a review of the vows according to Perfectae Caritatis. The informative group work, sharing of ideas, the evening socials and meeting of new faces were sources of renewal and fun for the participants. On Sunday, the participants attended Mass with the stu- dents of St. High School in Dőbra to be present and to give the youth our witness of Consecrated Life.

The second workshop was held in Oshikuku Roman Catholic Mission on September 18-20 attended by 80 con- secrated men and women from different religious congrega- tions. The keynote speaker was Sr. Mary John Manan- zan,OSB who gave inputs on Consecrated Life, Empower- ment of Women, The Woman Question, Ecological Heal- ing, Ecological Awareness, Facts of Inequality and Femini- zation of Poverty and other relevant issues. These were eye opener on the realities in our world today. The priests and Sisters enjoyed the Shibashi and creative opening and closing rituals. Sr. Merciana, MSC translated the sessions in Oshiwambo. In his homily during the closing Mass, Fr. Linus, OMI, chairperson of CORLIN and former OMI Provincial, encouraged the participants to move forward after the renewal they have gained from this workshop. He assured them that he will present to the NCBC (Namibian Catholic Bishops Conference) the participants‟ request to meet every year to discuss on reli- gious life, living in community and other helpful topics. Priory conducts intensive Hostel Management Training Program By Sr. Ottilia Mukwangu, OSB Sr. Beate Schrőter OSB, Dr. Rosica Mihaylova or “Ms. Rosi” from Bulgaria, Sr. Felicitas Mufenda OSB, Fr. Erasmus Amushembe, Mrs. Gilian Stommel, Sr. Thekla Haita OSB and Sr. Monica Nabirye OSB teamed up as facilitators and speakers of the Intensive Training Program in Hostel Man- agement held at St. Mission, Outjo from June 1 to August 22, 2015. The training‟s theme was: A child-centered hostel. The 10 participants of this course were Bro. Gabriel OSB from Walfrieden, 4 Benedictine Sisters of Oshikuku, 1 lay person and 4 OSB-Tutzing Junior Sisters namely, Sr. Magda- lena Mbangu OSB, Sr. Julitta Enkono OSB, Sr. Isabella Petrus OSB and Sr. Ottilia Mukwangu OSB. The whole course was well-prepared and organized. Topics were on administration, manage- ment and supervision, food preparation, the Labor Act and hostel subsidies from the government and health and sanitation. We had exposure to the hostels of St. Michael Primary School, Otjikondo in Outjo and Walfrieden in Omaruru. During our graduation on Au- gust 22 the speakers encouraged us to apply our learnings for children are the future leaders of the nation. Mother Mary Thomas Prado OSB assisted by Mother Maria Magdalena Shetunyenga OSB of the Benedictine Sisters of Oshikuku, handed our certificates. Many thanks to M. Mary Thomas and the Priory Government, Sr. Beate, Ms. Rosi and Sr. Felicitas for their faith and deter- mination in organizing this course, our St. Michael Community, Mrs. Stommel and her family, Fr. Eras- mus and the RCM St. Michael Community, Sr. Thekla, Sr. Monica, the speakers from the Ministry of Labor and all those who made this course possible.

BECOSA organizes workshops for Juniors of Southern Africa

The Benedictine leaders of Southern Africa (Namibia, South Africa, Zimbabwe and the Anglican Benedictine communities), who compose the membership of BECOSA (Benedictine Communities of P a Southern Africa), strongly believe in the importance of a solid religious formation. In their meeting in g early February of this year, they unanimously resolved to hold workshops for Juniors. This was carried e out in two groups: the first in Inkamana Abbey, South Africa on July 13-17, 2015 and the second at 5 Regina Pacis Conference Center in Doebra, Namibia on August 15-19, 2015.

The pool of speakers in the first workshop at Inkamana Abbey were: Brother Kevin Thumbalab- wazi OSB, Sub-Prior and Junior Director of the Benedictine Monks of St. Ottilien, Inkamana Abbey, Fr Jacobs OSB also from Inkamana Abbey and currently in-charge of the mission in Walfrieden, and Mother Mary Thomas Prado OSB, Prioress of the Missionary Benedictine Sisters. Bro. Kevin spoke on Desert Spirituality, Fr. Maximillian on Forgiveness and Reconciliation and M. Mary Thomas on Conversatio Morum and Human Maturity. Other than the enlightening and highly appreciated conferences, there were workshops in the afternoons, daily lectio divina facilitated by different forma- tors, reconciliation rite and a pilgrimage to Ngome in the shrine of Our Lady of the Tabernacle.

Juniors’ workshop in Namibia By Sr. Ester Andowa, OSB

Twenty one Junior Sisters of the Missionary Benedictine Sisters of Tutzing and 7 Junior Sisters of OSB-Oshikuku attended the BECOSA Juniors‟ Workshop at Regina Pacis Conference Centre in Dő- bra on 15-19 August 2015. The speakers shared about life in community, forgiveness and desert walk, desert spirituality and formation.

Brother Lawrence Monyatsi OSB, Director of Juniors of Subiaco Monastery at Polokwane, South Africa, shared his ex- periences on living in a Benedictine community and about things that hinder the progress of community life such as the absence of a common language, dominance of other cultures and insensitivity to others. Sr. Antoinette Ndubane OSB, formator of the Benedic- tine Sisters of St. Alban, South Africa, on her talk on Forgiveness emphasized our need for reconciliation, the need to forgive our- selves and our own weaknesses as essential to forgiving others and to make the first move towards reconciliation.

Sr. Hyacintha Nepela OSB, a Benedictine Sister of Oshikuku, shared her journey when she was a Junior Sister. According to her how we are going to live the Juniorate depends on how much we are lis- tening. She also encouraged us to have a dream for our Congregation and to contribute to its develop- ment. The last speaker was Brother Kevin Thumbalabwazi OSB from Inkamana Abbey. He introduced his talk on the Desert Spirituality by referring to our Life as a Paschal Mystery: the living of the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Fr. Maximilian Kolbe Jacobs, OSB gave a brief background information on BECOSA (Benedictine Communities of Southern Africa), the group responsible for organizing the two workshops for Juniors in South Africa and Namibia. Fr. Maximillian acknowledged the funding from AIM or Alli- ance Inter-Monasteries and for their generous help in making this workshop happen. We heartily thank Mother Mary Thomas Prado OSB, Mother Maria Magdalena Shetunyenga OSB of the Benedicitne Sis- ters of Oshikuku, Fr. Maximilian, our formators who prepared the workshop, the speakers, Fr. Linus and the OMI Brothers and the kitchen staff of Regina Pacis Conference Centre. May God bless you all abundantly!

Sisters continue pastoral work in Omega Outreach by: Sr Peregrina Kandere, OSB

P a On April 9, we began to teach First Holy Communion and Confir- g mation classes at Omega Mission. It is a vast mission field with different e outstations requiring long trips in order to teach . The distance 6 from Omega to Cetto is 40 kms., from Cetto to Piho, 30 kms., from Tonehe to Omega, 20 kms, and from Omega to Muthambo, 60 kms. The long dis- tances between the stations pose a real challenge. In order to reach all the outstations in the mission, our program is to give classes on Thursdays but because of the big area coverage of the mis- sion, we could only cover 3 stations in a week. On the 2nd week we try to go to the other 2 stations. We usually spend the whole day spreading the Good News through the teaching of catechism. On other days we teach catechism to children, prepare them for First Holy Communion, and train catechists of the Omega Mission. A big problem is the inability of the San people to read or write. But they like the very much. We have also successfully trained leaders for first Holy Communion, confirmation and Sr. Peregrina and Sr. Konstansia readers for our church services.

Two Sisters participate in the International Weeks of Encounter By Sr. Maria Sikindo, OSB

Sr. Mary Johann Lee OSB and I left for Rome on April 10 to participate in the IWE. We thanked God for not experiencing any difficulty in our journey. We had a warm welcome upon arrival in the Casa Generalizia . The following day some Sisters and the Juniors surprised us with a drama on Fr. Andreas Amrhein and the mission sending of our pioneer missionaries to Africa after which each IWE participant was given a plant to care for until our last day in Rome.

Sr. Aquinata Boeckman OSB gave us conferences on the Rule of St Benedict. Likewise, we had conferences on Conversatio Morum and Care for Creation. We visited many churches, spiritual centers, and our own Benedictine sites—Subiaco, Monte Cassino and the convent where St. Scholasctica lived. Sr. Hedwig Willenbrink OSB facilitated our 7- day retreat which was concluded by a Holy Mass. Each Sister wore her traditional attire in the evening program. We enjoyed the different traditional dances, food and other activities that made the night wonderful.

On May 21, we left Rome for our Motherhouse in Tutzing, Germany. Sr. Ruth Schőnenberger OSB, Prioress, gave us an orien- tation of the Motherhouse. Again, we visited different churches and places, our Brothers in St. Ottilien, and the graveyard of our Fr. An- dreas Amrhein. It was wonderful to see St. Ottilien where our be- ginnings took place. On Pentecost Sunday, we sang and danced in our traditional attire at Holy Mass. In the evening before our depar- ture, the Sisters in the Motherhouse surprised us with their presenta- tion of St. Joseph. Again, all of us presented our traditional dances during the program. We returned to Namibia on May 27. Indeed, it IWE group picture in Monte Cassino is God‟s grace that made IWE a memorable experience.

Sr. Felicitas meets with benefactors in Germany by Sr. Felicitas Mufenda,OSB

Fr. Adolf Kolping was a Parish Priest of Letmathe Town in Germany several years back. He P a used to help children in the streets and those who were suffering and paid their school fees. After he g died, the families of Letmathe Parish formed into a big Kolping Family because they did not like to lose e the spirit of Fr. Adolf Kolping. They extended the membership of the Kolping Family to African coun- 7 tries. Two of these are Sr. Imburga, MSC and the Roman Catholic Mission, St. Michael, Outjo both in Namibia. Mr. and Mrs. Kersten are the current chairpersons of the Kolping Family. They invited me as a representative of St. Michael Mission that they may continue their involvement in the mission.

I was met at the airport by Mr. and Mrs. Kersten, my hosts for the entire duration of my stay in Germany. I stayed in the priest‟s guest house “Pastoralverbund” where I was assisted with all my needs by Fr. Frank Niemaier. I attended Sunday Mass, the “Good Shepherd Sunday,” in two churches. Fr. Niemaier has informed the people in the newspaper of Letmathe Town, therefore, everybody was keen to see the Namibian Sister. Instead of the homily, Fr. Niemaier gave the time to me. Ms. Barbara translated my talk in German, After this Sunday, we visited the Kinder- garten run by the Kolping Family. The children called me by name, “Sr. Felly”, which made me feel at home. We also visited many places such as the Köln Church, St. Joseph Church, Himmelfalt Church, and Syburg Basilica.

The families I met promised to help Namibia, especially St. Michael, as they have started al- ready helping the mission. Everywhere I went I was interviewed about the Church in Namibia, about St. Michael and my vocation. On my last week, I met all the members of the Kolping Family and they in- terviewed me about their donations. It was indeed a worthwhile visit to keep the friendship bond with our benefactors. In turn, we keep them in our daily prayers. I am most grateful to the Kolping Family and all who made my visit there very enriching and to Mother Mary Thomas and the Priory Government for allowing me to meet with them.

Sr. Klotilde finishes course in ECD By Sr. Klotilde Nepembe OSB

I registered for the One Year Program in Early Childhood Development in Ongwediva Namcol Centre, Owamboland on February 10, 2014. The course was not easy but through God‟s help, personal determination and support of Sisters, colleagues and friends I was able to finish with a smile. I wrote my last examination on June 2015, and by God‟s grace I did well. The graduation ceremony was held at Safari Hotel in Windhoek on August 21, 2015. We were 221 students in my department who graduated. The Minister of Education, Arts and Culture, Honorable Katrina Hanse-Himarwa presided over the ceremony. I am very happy for God‟s help that enabled me to achieve this course. I thank the Sisters for their support and encouragement during my studies. God bless you all. I thank Mother Mary Thomas Prado, OSB, Mother Maria Ignatius Glaser, OSB and the Priory Councilors who offered me this opportunity. God be your reward!

Sisters and formandees take part in the diaconate ordination liturgy By Postulant Teresia Eita P a Formandees and Sisters attended the permanent diaconate ordination of Mr. Emmanuel Usiku at g St. Mary‟s Cathedral on June 13, 2015. The Holy Mass with the Rite of Ordination started at 9:00 in e the morning. Archbishop Liborius Nashenda, OMI, main celebrant and concelebrating priests, Mr. 8 Usiku and his family, and the choir singing and dancing composed the entrance procession. We sang the Litany during the Rite of Ordination. After the mass, we received the guests‟ appreciation telling us that we sang like “the angels singing “Holy, Holy Holy” in the heavens.”

At the beginning of the Rite of Ordination, the Archbishop called Mr. Usiku who replied with a loud and convincing “Here I am”. He then prostrated in front of the altar while the Litany was being sung. Before the final blessing, the newly ordained Permanent Deacon Emmanuel was given an oppor- tunity to express his happiness and say the words of thanks. He thanked everybody but forgot to thank his wife. One of the priests reminded him to go back and give thanks to his wife. The Eucharistic cele- bration ended with the final blessing from Permanent Deacon Emmanuel. Priory celebrates Feast of Corpus Christi by Nov. Kathalina Nzaro

We celebrated the Feast of Corpus Christi on June 7, 2015. After the 8:30 AM Holy Mass in the Priory House Chapel, we processed to Subiaco House where an altar for the Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament was prepared. Walking in a procession were the cross bearer, the candle bearers, the bell ringer, the children, the Sisters, Fr. Oliver, CMI with the Blessed Sacrament, the altar servers carrying the thurifer and incense boat, and all the faithful. Hymns to the Blessed Sacrament were sung led by Sr. Oranna Franke OSB. The Blessed Sacra- ment was put on the altar and we had a moment of silence and Benediction. We went back to the chapel in the same order of procession. We reflected on the three important confessions about our faith. First, God became physically present in the person of Christ, true God and true man. Second, God continued to be present in us as we form the Mystical Body of Christ in his church. Third, the presence of God in the form of bread and wine is made real for us on the altar at Holy Mass. May we remember at every Holy Mass that God the Son is with us so that we may deepen our communion with Him. Oblates make final vows by Oblate Michal Sheyavali

Mother Mary Thomas Prado OSB received the Final Oblation of Oblates: Gisela Uushona, Ve- ronica Mundonga, Hildegard Sheyavali and Michael Sheyavali. Likewise, she received the Renewal of Oblation of Obl. Hertha Nashenda, Obl. Willemina Josoph, Obl. Regina Josef, Obl. Maria Beukes, Obl. Anna Doeses, Obl. Amanda Schroder, Obl. Gerline at Midday Prayer in St. Benedict‟s Priory House Chapel, Windhoek on July 12, 2015.

The Oblates then joined the Sisters and formandees for a festive lunch in the Sisters‟ refectory. For me the oblation made my spiritual journey unique that have steps along the way. The steps are not set in stones and do not always occur in a particular order. Several steps can occur at the same time. God will guide you along the journey. You will get off track, that is normal, but when you do, ask God to show you the next step. When you are on the right path you will feel peace. God's communications are delivered in love. Use the feelings of love and peace as the central signpost of all communications. I personally think that the oblation gives me everlasting hope. Life and its lessons are cyclical, so even if things are not going well— they won’t last forever. There is always something good waiting for you.

Sisters welcome Sr. Alice and Angolan Postulants by: Novice Clementine Ndara

On June 19, 2015, we gathered in front of the chapel to welcome Sr. Alice Pereira, OSB, Repre- P sentative of Angola and Postulants Sofia, Ines and Imaculada from Angola. The Sisters and forman- a dees of the Priory House wore their traditional costumes and prepared for their coming with a welcome g e banner and musical instruments. Our eldest Sister, Sr. Sophia (fondly called “Kuku Sophia”) was par- ticularly delighted to meet her namesake, Postulant Sofia. 9 After our traditional welcome, we all proceeded to the chapel for a brief prayer and singing of Holy God We Praise Thy Name. From the chapel the guests were led to the refectory to show them their places and have refreshment. In the absence of Sr. Raphaela, Novice Directress, who was in Philippines and Sr. Antonia, Postulant Directress, who was in Zambia, Sr. Lucia and Sr. Remedios helped each other to orient the Postulants. Sr. Alice and Sr. Margarida Seculo OSB helped to translate in Portu- guese to make the Postulants understand the orientation clearly. Unfortunately, just as they were adjust- ing well to the Priory House, the Postulants returned to Angola on July 18, before the expiration of their one month visitor‟s visa because they were denied extension of their visa. We are praying and hoping that they will be granted a study permit by the Ministry of Home Affairs to join the International Noviti- ate in Windhoek in 2016. Ceremony in By: Sr. Scholastica Kaliki, OSB

Sr. Irene Stefani, a Consolata Italian born sister was beatified on May 23, 2015, in Nyeri; about 150 kilometres from Kenya‟s capital Nairobi. The papal delegate, Cardinal Pengo of Dar-es-Salaam officiated the beatification rite and John Cardinal Njue of Nairobi, presided over the Mass together with 28 bishops and over 500 priests and deacons, religious and the faithful. Relatives of Sr. Irene were also in atten- dance. The president of Kenya, Uhuru Kenyatta, his deputy president and many government dignitaries rep- resented the nation. The beatification was earlier declared a state event. This is an event that took years of prayerful preparations by both the Consolata missionary Congregations and the Church at large both within and outside Kenya.

On 12th June 2014 Francis approved a decree that recognized a miracle attributed to Sr. Irene Stefani‟s intercessions and cleared her for beatification. The miracle occurred in Mozambique where miracu- lous water gushed from a baptismal font to quench the thirst of the 270 people who were forced prisoners in Nipepe Parish Church from January 10 to 13, 1989 due to a civil war. A baby born in that same occasion was bathed with the water and was named Irene. Fr. Quiseppe Frinzi, a Consolata priest, who was with the peo- ple in the church in that period and encouraged them to invoke the intercessions of Sr. Irene, witnessed the beatification ceremony. The beatification celebration began with vigils on the day before, culminating into a thanksgiving Mass on the Sunday after the beatification, after which, the remains of Sr. Irene were reburied from Mathari chapel to Our Lady of Consolata Cathedral in Nyeri Diocese.

At her exhumation in 1995, her crucifix and the boots she used to traverse Gikondi village at the foot of Mount Kenya, were found intact. Indeed “How beautiful on the mountains, are the feet of the messenger announcing peace, bearing Good News, proclaiming salvation and saying Zion, „Your God is king!‟” (Is. 52:7)Sr. Irene Stefani died on October 31,1930, at the age of 39, from a bubonic plague she had contracted from one of her patients. She was revered by many of the people she served, treated and lived with who nicknamed her “Nyaatha” the merciful one. The locals believe that it was the love she shared with her patients that killed her. As she was dying, she uttered: “I belong totally to Jesus to Mary and Joseph, now and for all eternity.”

As an amateur journalist it was an honour to be part of the AME- CEA (Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa) Press delegation from New People Media Centre where I am currently doing my two months Attachment. It was a great experience for Kenya which is hoped to boost the faith of the people and bring them closer to the church.

Newsbriefs

Five Sisters left for Manila Priory, Philippines on June 5. Sr. Bernhardine Nepolo OSB and Sr. Marie Louise Munambabi OSB will take up a One Year Bookkeeping Course at St. Scholastica‟s College, Manila. Sr. P Cherubina Shiningeni OSB will study Food and Nutrition for a year and a half, also at St. Scholastica‟s College a and Sr. Prisca Shilongo OSB will take the skills training in plumbing, electrical work and computer troubleshoot- g e ing. Sr. Pia Iita OSB will undergo her intensification year. 10 On June 27, Sr. Raphaela Mlwilo OSB and Sr. Marie Therese Ameya OSB arrived from the International Forma- tors Meeting in Tagaytay, Philippines. Feedback of the proceedings were given to all the formators and forman- dees—Aspirants, Postulants, Novices and Juniors—to all the Superiors and to the Final Professed Sisters.

Mother Mary Thomas left for a consultation meeting in Rome on July 2. After her arrival, she gave a feedback of some of the details regarding the International Novitiate in Windhoek to all formandees based in the Priory House, all the Superiors and Final Professed Sisters.

On August 2-5, Sr. Angela Bock and Sr. Thekla Haita attended Catholic Health Care Regional Network Work- shop in Koinonia Center, Johannesburg, South Africa.

Our Korean Sisters - Sr. Marie Johann Lee OSB, Sr. Majola Lee OSB & Sr. Tabitha Son OSB - attended the an- nual Korean Missionaries meeting in Zambia from September 7 - 12.

TALKS. Some Sisters gave talks on different topics to various groups. On July 25, Sr. Margaret Mary Shintango OSB gave a talk to 237 women on “My Faith as a Catholic”. On Au- gust 6 and 7, Sr. Imelda Shimbenda OSB gave a talk on our Blessed Mary to 300 youth in Shambyu. On August 19, Sr. Gertrud Akundungila joined a Marian pilgrimage and gave a talk to the group of pilgrims in Omu- lukila. On August 29, Sr. Margaret Mary Shintango OSB gave a talk to 67 girls on Teenage Pregnancy in Bunya. And on September 16-18, she conducted NACS training on Nutritional Assessment Counseling and Support for Community Home-based Care Providers in Nyangana.

On September 15, we welcomed back to the Priory Fr. Abbot Justin Dzicowiez OSB, our resident chaplain. Fr. Abbot was away for a year for health reasons. We are happy to have him back. He resumes his functions includ- ing teaching in initial formation.

Windhoek Priory welcomed its new missionary Sr. Angeline Arceo OSB on September 3. Sr. Angeline‟s last two mission assignments were in the experimental community in Sri Lanka and in Manila Priory.

Canonical novices Kathalina Nzaro, Clementine Ndara and Hendelina Musungu had their Desert Day on Sep- tember 5 in an actual desert site at the Riverbed in Swakopmund. They were guided by Sr. Raphaela Mlwilo OSB.

ANNOUNCEMENT

Windhoek Priory will celebrate its 95th Foundation Day Anniversary on December 20, 2015. The Eucharistic Celebration will be at 8:30 AM. A Priory Sportsfest will take place at 3:00 PM.

The Priory celebration will also take the form of projects for: the POOR, for WOMEN, and for ECOLOGY. Each community is tasked to come up with at least 3 projects in line with these three advocacies.

Campaign for blankets for the poor Editorial Staff The Priory House community has started its Sr. Remedios de los Reyes OSB campaign for blankets for the poor. The winter Sr. Angeline Arceo OSB season in Namibia could be very harsh. Poor people Sr. Joyce Iipakwa OSB suffer from the cold. Some even die. Novice Reginalda Kamari Novice Hendelina Musungu Your donation of a blanket can keep a poor child/ person warm. It could even save a life.