CLARETIAN MISSIONARIES - East Africa

A Message from the East African Coordinator!

cmfeastafrica — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 12:40:26 +0000

Dear Brothers in the Heart of Mary!

Sure, you are full of hope and joy, and ardently preparing for the birth of Jesus Christ. Immanuel is coming and surely will be with you. Prepare to meet him. At his birth soon, may you be one of the firsts to see him! Upon seeing him, be glad to remain with him and join the holy angels sing “Glory to God in the highest and peace to men of good will”. May you be one the men and women on whom the peace of God will rest on at the birth of Jesus. Happy Christmas dear Brother!

As the year 2011 rolls by, we are grateful to God who has guarded us all in the last quarter of the year. We thank our Blessed Mother Mary who accompanied us. And to our holy Founder St Anthony Mary Claret we give the honor as he helped us to discover more our roots in him. Our communities joyfully celebrated his feast.

This time around, our vocation animators worked very hard and were able to recruit 17 young men who reported to the Novitiate house on 12^th September to begin their journey as pre-novices or better said, as postulants. One has already left after two months. We had the program for the priests in the first five years, held at the Carmelite community in Karen Nairobi. Seven of this group was able to attend. Some others had some reasonable excuses. It was moderated by Fr. Malachy Osunwa, CMF and Fr. Hubert Pinto, SDB. They gave reflection on being a “Claretian in Claretian Community” and “Priestly ministry, mission and salvation” respectively. Those who attended gave a positive evaluation of the workshop and agreed it should be held annually. They expressed gratitude to all the brothers they live and work with. It was a common opinion of the young priests that their elders should not abandon them doing things without sufficient experience. They believe they could do more if they are often guided in the ministry. A serious concern is also that as much as possible we use common general languages where applicable so that no member of the community will ever feel “marginalized”.

There was also the joint meeting of the coordinators, formators and vocation animators held in the house of the Assumption Sisters of Nairobi. It was attended by all but one in the group. We were able to review the year past and plan for the coming year. We lamented the exit of our students who after many years in our formation house just left without a word of gratitude or discussion with the formators. It is important to note that we are all grateful to God for his many gifts. We are now looking forward to the reorganization in East Africa Claretian formation as envisaged by the General Government. A member of the General government will be visiting East Africa early next year to plan for this all expected project. We are asked to pray for the project.

We were also blessed with the visit of Very Rev. Fr. Vincent Anes, CMF, the Provincial Superior of Chennai and his secretary, Fr. Stanly, CMF. The canonical visit to Tanzania and visit of animation to Uganda and Kenya by the duo was encouraging and heart-warming. We are grateful.

Brothers, as we prepare to enter a new year which perhaps will usher in the expected reorganization, let us remain in prayer and good disposition. As we celebrate this Christmas, let us remember that God is with us and is ready to work with each and every one of us for his greater as his living instrument. Let us remember that all the glory belongs to God, and not to us. Let us carry on to next year the beautiful song of the angels: “Glory to God on high” so that to all of us on earth of good will and disposition, there will be lasting peace. Peace upon you and a prosperous New Year – in all facets!!!

Fr. Malachy Osunwa CMF, EA Coordinator.

CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION

cmfeastafrica — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 12:37:13 +0000

The Christmas was celebrated with due preparation in St. Mary’s Parish Kimara, Dar es Salaam. The morning mass at St. Mary’s Church was presided over by Rev.Fr. Sahayaraj CMF, the parish priest. The Eucharistic celebration was made grand by the active participation of choir, children and faithful. It was telecasted in the ITV.

Fr. Sahayarj.cmf

CHRISTMAS FOR YOUTH

cmfeastafrica — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 12:34:10 +0000

The Christmas celebration for the youth of St. Mary’s Parish at Kiamra, Dar es salaam was held on 26^th December 2011. It was started with the Eucharistic celebration followed by a seminar and cultural program. This function was presided over by Rev.Fr. Tito Monfred from Njombe Diocese. The following themes such as importance of word of God in life and the role of youth in the modern world were dealt with during the seminar. The youth of the parish made this occasion more joyful and colorful by various cultural program. All the youth of the parish extended their sense of gratitude to Fr. Sahayaraj CMF, the parish priest and Fr. Emmanuel CMF, the assistant parish priest for their initiatives and good will.

Fr. Emmanuel cmf

Herbal Tea

cmfeastafrica — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 12:31:03 +0000

In this world of modern technology and scientific advancement, we get different products of tea from the super-markets. Some of these products are mixed with chemicals and preservatives which could be harmful to the health if taken for a long time! In order to safeguard the health of the people from these chemicals, Br. Bala has come up with an alternative tea made out of herbs! One teaspoon of herbal tea can be taken with hot milk or hot water and sugar can be added for taste. This herbal Tea is prepared and distributed by the St. Claret Holistic Healing Center in Kiyunga parish. A new initiative for a better health!

The ingredients needed for preparing 100 gm of Herbal Tea:

Ø Daniya(coriander) 58gm
Ø Wheat 14gm
Ø Ginger 7gm
Ø Fenugreek 7gm
Ø Jeera 7gm
Ø Cardamom 7gm

This herbal product contains natural ingredients which help to promote and maintain good health and also to heal some of the physical illnesses like indigestion, gastritis, gastric ulcers, flatulence, constipation, high blood pressure, diabetes, headache, heart diseases, asthma, etc. According to Br. Bala this Tea is highly recommended by naturopathy specialists!

(Br. Balaswamy CMF is a Permanent Claretian Brother, working in Kiyunga, Uganda. He has already done a two year course on Naturopathy. At the moment he is assisting Fr. Mathew Mundackal CMF in the Holistic Healing Centre, Kiyunga, Uganda).

{For more details about the St. Claret’s Holistic Healing Centre click on the link on the right side of the bolg under BLOGROLL.}

MARRIAGE FOR POOR COUPLES

cmfeastafrica — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 12:25:55 +0000

The St. Mary’s Parish at Kimara helped 39 Poor Catholic Couples to get married in church on 27th December 2011. It also organized a seminar on the importance of sacramental marriage, importance of prayer in family life, responsible parenthood, role of the laity in the church etc on 10th and 11th December 2011 prior to the marriage celebration. The poor couples were happy and thanked the parish priest and the parish council members for their good will and generosity.

Fr. Sahayarj.cmf

CHILDREN’S DAY CELEBRATION

cmfeastafrica — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 12:23:15 +0000

The Children’s Day was celebrated on 13^th November 2011 in Kimara Parish, Dar es Salaam. The celebration started with the Eucharistic Celebration. There were 1200 children who took active participation by exposing their various talents such as eloquence, singing, dancing and acting. It was an occasion for them to explore their latent talents and gain self-confidence. This programme was honored by Fr. Sahayaraj CMF the parish priest, Fr. Emmanuel CMF the assistant parish priest, sisters, parish council members and parents. The celebration came to an end with prize distribution and grand lunch.

Fr. Emmanuel.cmf

Claretians Meet, Uganda

cmfeastafrica — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 12:20:35 +0000

The Claretians working in Uganda came together for a day of reflection and planning on 13^th December 2011 at Katukuru, Mbarara. Indeed, it was a day of being together as Claretians involved in various apostolate! Rev. Fr. Joy Mampillikunnel, the Mission Coordinator, Uganda, animated the sessions. It involved evaluation, planning for the year, discussions on economy, apostolate etc. It was also the last attendance from the part of Fr. George Nedumattam as he leaves for India shortly for his sabbatical year!

ST. CLARET FEAST AND 50TH INDEPENDENCE DAY OF TANZANIA

cmfeastafrica — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 12:18:16 +0000

The Feast of St. Claret and the 50^th Independence Day of Tanzania were celebrated on 30^th October 2011 at St. Claret Church in Michungwani sub-station, Kimara Parish. The Eucharistic Celebration was presided over by Fr. Baskar Amalraj CMF, the Claretian Mission Coordinator for Tanzania. There was a festival gathering soon after the mass which was presided over by Mr. Bernard Patrick the District Administrative Secretary of Kinondoni, This occasion was solemnized the presence of Rev.Fr.Vincent Anesthasiar CMF, the Provincial of Chennai Province and Fr. Stany CMF, the secretary of Chennai Province. The cultural programme given by the youths and children of the parish and the children of St. Claret Pre and Primary School added more grandeur and gaiety to the celebration. The Chief Guest Mr. Bernard Patrick appreciated the program and insisted that the church should inculcate patriotism and promote peace and harmony. The program was applauded by Rev.Fr.Vincent Anesthasiar CMF and by the participants. The programme came to an end with National Anthem.

Fr. Sahayarj.cmf

Visit of a Bishop!

cmfeastafrica — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 12:16:24 +0000

Rt. Rev. Remigeose Inchananiyil, Bishop of Thamarassery, Syro-Malabar Diocese, India, paid a courtesy visit to Claretian Philosophy House, Jinja on 8^th December 2011. The Bishop appreciated the works of Claretian Missionaries in Uganda and wished them God’s blessings to do more! He was on a Mission tour to Uganda!

CLARETIAN UNIVERSAL MISSION SUNDAY, KENYA

cmfeastafrica — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 12:12:05 +0000

This year the Kenyan Mission Procure organized the Claretian Mission Sunday. This was planned to take place in all our parishes in Kenya. The purpose was first of all to inform our parishioners who the Claretians are, what activities we are engaged in and where we are situated at the service of the Gospel all over the world. The other objective was to open a dialoguing space on the existing opportunities of collaborative ministry and how best they could be supporting our evangelization efforts as Claretians all over the world through prayers and personal contributions. Each Claretian-run parish set aside a special day in which two Claretians would go there on a Sunday in all the masses to accomplish this task.

Fr. Fred, who is the Vocation director besides accomplishing the task of explaining our identity and activities and opportunities collaborative ministry with the lay faithful, added another vital dimension of vocations to the Mission Sunday. He took this opportunity to make a call to young men who have the right qualification to think being courageous enough to come forward and discern with us if they can have the audacity to ask the Lord ‘where do you stay?’ Fr Attan went to Shanzu, Frs. Tim and Fred went to Kerwa and Fr. Pius went to Ngaremara while John Francis Adile went to Kiembeni.

It was encouraging to hear how much the Christians, in all our parishes where we work, still talk well of the Claretians and how much they are willing to support the missionaries in their apostolate. This was a real challenge and a sign that the spirit of St. Claret has taken deep root in the hearts of people both young and old, and many are not only willing to cooperate with and assist the Claretians materially but even in the area apostolate, In the process from all our parishes a total of 42,592 Ksh was collected to support the work of the Claretians all over the world.

CLARETIAN MISSIONARIES - East Africa

A Message from the East African Coordinator!

Dear Brothers in the Heart of Mary!

We were also blessed with the visit of Very Rev. Fr. Vincent Anes, CMF, the Provincial Superior of Chennai and his secretary, Fr. Stanly, CMF. The canonical visit to Tanzania and visit of animation to Uganda and Kenya by the duo was encouraging and heart-warming. We are grateful.

CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION

CHRISTMAS FOR YOUTH

Herbal Tea

The ingredients needed for preparing 100 gm of Herbal Tea:

Ø Daniya(coriander) 58gm

Ø Wheat 14gm

Ø Ginger 7gm

Ø Fenugreek 7gm

Ø Jeera 7gm

Ø Cardamom 7gm

(Br. Balaswamy CMF is a Permanent Claretian Brother, working in Kiyunga, Uganda. He has already done a two year course on Naturopathy. At the moment he is assisting Fr. Mathew Mundackal CMF in the Holistic Healing Centre, Kiyunga, Uganda).

MARRIAGE FOR POOR COUPLES

CHILDREN’S DAY CELEBRATION

Claretians Meet, Uganda

ST. CLARET FEAST AND 50TH INDEPENDENCE DAY OF TANZANIA

Visit of a Bishop!

CLARETIAN UNIVERSAL MISSION SUNDAY, KENYA

Fr. Tim,cmf – Mission Procure- Kenya East Africa.