Outreach Magazine 2017 2018

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BY AIR MAIL

God has endowed us with wisdom as intellectual virtue . Wisdom gives us the capacity to understand things more clearly. This magazine portrays a reflection on self-discovery which means digging into one‘s life and revealing the experiences that shape human life. Socrates said, ―Unexamined life is not worth living.” By doing this, we may realise what our beliefs are, living by them, gaining knowledge or understanding of our abilities, character, and feelings. It is in becoming aware that growth may take place in our lives. We hope you will learn something from this issue written by the Mill Hill Philosophy Students and Formation Team in Jinja. We wish you all our readers a special Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year 2018!

Gabriel Lofembe, Chief Editor, 3rd Year.

Simiyu Victor , Editor, Year II 2

Joseph Okoth, Assistant Chief Editor, 1st Year

Bowen Evans , Editor, Year I

Jule-Francois Bameko, Editor, Year III

MILL HILL STUDENTS AT JINJA FORMATION HOUSE WITH THE FORMATORS

Message from the Editorial Board

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port each other on the journey of selfdiscovery.

OUTREACH What comes immediately to our mind when we hear or read the word ‗Outreach‘? Most probably we might think of reaching out to people around us, reaching out to others.

Thank you also to all the others who have contributed articles. A special word of thanks to the editorial board for their commitment and dedication.

Thank you to our new patron Fr Charles Okata who has taken over from Fr Paul Hien, for his support and guidance.

We remember with gratitude the contribution and cheerful guidance of Fr.Paul Hien who has now taken on a new appointment in the Netherlands.

Thank you to our former rector Fr.Philip O‘Halloran who recently surprised us with a visit, for his encouragement and support.

Whilst this is quite a valid thought,

Madam Rose

Mr. Ronald

spiritual writers may challenge us by pointing out that if we want to reach out to others in a fruitful and healthy way, we might need first to reach out to ourselves, by embarking on a journey, an inner journey, often identified as the longest journey or the journey of selfdiscovery resonating with the ancient saying ‗Know Thyself‘ attributed to the Greek philosopher Socrates and inscribed in the forecourt of the Temple of Apollo at Delphi, considering selfknowledge as being a prerequisite for coming to know others.

Wishing you all a fruitful inner journey, a Blessed Christmas and a peaceful 2018!

Fr. Wijnand Huijs, the Rector

Thomas Merton writes: ―Finding that unique self is the problem on which my existence, peace and happiness depends.

Nothing is more important; for if we find our true self, we find God and if we find God, we find our most authentic self.‖ If we find our most authentic self, we will be able to reach out to others in an authentic manner, paving the way for forming healthy and life-giving relationships and growing closer to God. What a precious journey!

Wijnand Huijs, MHM

I am happy that in this edition of Outreach, some authors have ventured to tread on this ―Sacred Ground‖ of the inner self, walking on the road less

Mr. George

Mr. Mathias 26

travelled. I like to thank them for taking that risk and encourage others to do the same, because by doing so, we can sup3

A HOME WORTH LIVING IN Time elapses! A few days ago, we left the formation house heading to various destinations for pastoral work. Now we are back in the house to continue with our Formation Programme and a new academic year. The face of the Formation House has changed as some of the faces that were familiar are no longer around. Fr. Paul Hien is no longer around, his humour and brilliant smile are no longer visible, the third years of the academic year 2016/2017 are gone, we truly miss their presence. The absence of the third years and Fr. Paul paves way for the arrival of a new and energetic member to our community, Fr. Charles Okata, a young and bright looking formator replaces Fr. Paul. One thing that is similar about these two personalities is the vibrant facial expression and an honest smile. We are also happy to welcome into our community seven students fresh from the Basic Formation Programme in Luanda. It is great joy seeing the formation house progressing, the house is now composed of seven first years, eleven second years, eight third years and two able formators, Fr. Wijnand Huijs and Fr. Charles Okata. Our community comprises of very committed fellows to our formation, they include Mr. George who sacrifices most of his time to 4

ensure that all is in order at the formation house, he is always quiet but his concern and good works shout success, I admire the smile always on his face whenever I interact with him. Together with him in this team of great service are included: Roy, Ronald, Mathias, Robina, Rose, Resty, Florence and Martha.

Our Formation Programme is very relevant for us, as it is holistic. The Saturday conferences, retreats, end of month recollections and socials, growth and pastoral groups provide us with effective forums for learning and growth. I would like to thank the formation staff for always availing to us very qualified personnel to guide us in the above programmes, they are indeed enriching.

The liturgical celebrations are very inspiring and

the fact that we daily participate in the liturgical celebrations, we are strengthened in both our spiritual and physical lives.

The Missionary Vocation

issue is becoming a missionary and liv-

ing as a missionary throughout our entire life all our heart, might, mind, Some time back this year, Fr. Wijnand Huijs and I were privileged on separate and strength. occasions to preside over Mass for the Students at St. Noa Mawaggali Senior Secondary School – Mbikko Parish. It is customary in the school (it was not, when I was a student there!) that whenever a priest visits and presides over Mass, there follows a question and answer conference of the priest with the students. In that kind of conference, students ask all sorts of questions and expect correct answers pertaining morals and our Catholic faith and religion. One of the questions asked by the students on the occasion I was there was: ―What can I do to prepare to go and to serve as a missionary?‖

It is possible for someone to go on mission and not become a missionary, and this is not what the Lord requires or what the Church needs. The challenge of becoming a missionary requires that we live a Christ-like life wherever we are and whatever our status is. And what is a Christ-like life? It entails good works: of love, mercy and compassion especially to the lowly, living in peace with God, self and others. The list here is endless and it only indicates for us that to become a missionary is much bigger than going through the formal training or formation.

It is first, a call for everybody to live a I thought, such an important question Christ-like life. What greater a call one deserved a serious and sincere response! can embrace!

The question inspired me to put a few lines on paper to reflect with you on what Charles Okata, Formator. to prepare and to become a missionary means for me. The question is also valid for young people who are interested in missionary life like our own young people in Formation on their search on their missionary vocation. My brethren, the single most important thing we can do to prepare to serve as a missionary is to first BECOME a missionary. Please notice that in my answer, I emphasized to become rather than to go, or to serve. In our customary Church vocabulary, we often speak of going to church, going to Mass, and going on mission. Let me sugCharles Okata, MHM gest that our rather routine emphasis on going or doing misses the mark. The issue is not going to church; rather, the issue is worshipping and renewing our commitment as we attend church. The issue is not going on mission; rather, the 25

The Memorial Mass of the Late Bishop the approach on mission used by the missionJoseph Willigers, MHM One day at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Jinja town, I was asked by the catechist whether I knew Bishop Willigers. I was shocked by his dismissal of my brilliant acknowledgement to have known bishop Willigers. He just waved his hand stopping me as if I was a little leaguer telling a member of the Congolese Leopards that I too play football.

After a lengthy chat, I came to realise that Joseph Willigers was more than what I wanted to say about him. I could notice that Bishop Willigers was a man who lived his entire life loving and serving. Through the long chat I realised that he lived a saintly life.

I am not trying to canonize him, but it is hard to ignore what he was to the people of Jinja Diocese.

We have just feted his life in a memorial Mass. The occasion took place at Jinja Cathedral at Rubaga Hill around three hundred yards ahead of the Mill Hill formation house, Jinja. The bishop of Jinja diocese, Charles Martin Wamika (Willigers‘ successor), was the main celebrant. The liturgy was actively animated by the Mill Hill students and the Uganda Martyrs minor seminarians. It was a vibrant occasion and a well animated liturgy.

Bishop Willigers was a Mill Hill Missionary, born in the Netherlands on the 26th October 1930 and passed on in September 30th, 2012.

aries those days may not solve the problems we have today. Therefore, there is a need to change our approach of evangelisation since each generation has its own dynamics. He challenged all the faithful gathered to emulate bishop Willigers‘ attitude for he was a man full of hope. ―Priests should not worry that people are not listening to them these days, but they should worry that whatever they do Christians are watching‖, stated Fr. Peter Mubiru.

Bishop Willigers loved sinners but hated sins; let us challenge the bad habits in the church and love our brothers and sisters who act in a manner not worthy of Christian life. I pray that it becomes part of our mission today.

Mission to the poor, the outcast and the disadvantaged, whom Christ calls his friends is what we are called for, just as bishop Willigers did. We too can. Let us work for the good of humankind. We should not regret being Christ‘s missionaries, but be proud of it and keep smiling. As bishop Willigers confessed, “I have been a missionary for the greater part of my life. I have always been happy and do not regret to have been a missionary.”

As a missionary he truly took up the society‘s motto, ‗to love and to serve‘ and became a friend of sinners, underprivileged, outcasts and all the children of God though he reviled sins. This was the common message of everyone who gave an account of him. Fr. Wijnand, our rector, gave a well summarised description of him and a little bit of his life journey. Fr. Peter Mubiru, a diocesan priest of JOSE NIXON LITAKO Jinja who worked with Bishop Willigers, also broke the word. In his homily his message Jose Nixon Litako Belengo , Year II, portrayed bishop Willigers as a true companion of the marginalised. He recognised the Congolese great work done by the Mill Hill Missionaries in Uganda, especially in Busoga Land. However, he made a very important remark that

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The PCJ provides us with an academic atmosphere where we widen our knowledge and thinking capacity, it also provides us with a ground for socialisation, as we meet there with fellow students from various congregations and engage in various activities including culture presentation and games competitions. Our house is very blessed to have very good neighbours who are always welcome to our house. This year we were very privileged to host His Lordship Charles Martin Wamika the Bishop of Jinja Diocese who celebrated Mass with us and shared with us the evening meal before he travelled to the Holy Land. A great love is likewise shown to us by the visits offered to us by Mill Hill Missionary priests, we have been privileged to host the Mill Hill Missionaries General Superior - Fr. Michael Corcoran, Fr. Andrew Mukulu the General Councilor for Africa and Fr. Philip Adede the Society Representative of East Africa, among many other priests, religious, lay Christians and friends.

and well-being to ensure that our formation and discernment goes on well. God bless you all.

Michael Ouma Owuor, Year II, Kenyan

SHARE MY MIND TO GIVE YOU COURAGE It is important to take some time to reflect and do something reasonable, and productive and constructive that can teach a lesson to humanity as I have done by writing this article. In my second year of philosophy and social sciences studies at the Philosophy Centre Jinja (PCJ) in 2016, I happened to study ―Developmental Theories and Strategies‖ as a course unit. One day as a class, we had a discussion about some reasons why Africa is still underdeveloped as was also testified by Archlove Takunda in Organizing for Zimbabwe 2014 (a website created and maintained by Cell Fun Systems). The biggest reasons that were raised by then included lack of adequate equipment, lack of competent personnel in various fields, failure of implementation of our governmental policies and the disease of westernisation that is destroying us Africans; thus, our own values are no longer valid. We noticed that many Africans admire

The Formation Programme empowers all the students, and ensures that they are safe, healthy and well cared for. Mill Hill Formation has made me discover many things about myself. I very much appreciate the whole programme and pray for all those who sacrifice their time, resources 5

the western way of life and wants to live like western people.

After that discussion, I took some time to reflect deeply on the same topic. I came to realise that we forgot a very crucial aspect that should be addressed as far as African development is concerned. It seems as if every African desires to become rich as fast as possible in a very easy way. Most Africans desire to get jobs but they don‘t want to work. The concept of development in most African countries seems to be an irreversible controversy. Most Africans do not want to struggle or work hard in order to develop physically, spiritually, morally and economically. Laziness

Jules-Francois Bameko, Congolese, Year III

has become a motto of most people in our communities in all dimensions of life. It is really something we should observe and address in our communities. A good life is not meant to be easy. It requires a lot of courage, determination, struggles, challenges and hard work.

Imagine if everyone got what he/she 6

wants every time, without struggle or hard work required, and no challenges, would there be a need for work? Some people may say it would be great! But I say absolutely no. Challenges, failures and struggles are part of life.

They are there to strengthen us depending on the way we embrace them. It is through them that we can learn and become stronger and better people. It is difficult and indeed defiance for one to grow without struggles and challenges. One cannot develop strength without resistance, without challenging oneself.

Sometimes it is painful to challenge oneself or others but it should be part of us, especially in a constructive way.

It is the way that leads to growth. If one has no failure, no struggles, and no disappointments in life, then one will have no strength, no courage and no capacity to do things.

Football Team 2017/2018

There is a reason for all sorts of struggles that we undergo in life. Our struggles are part of our life story and they make us who we are. So take your struggles and challenges to become your greatest gift.

God has a plan and has already made a path for everyone‘s life journey. No one has power to block the blessings that God pours on each one of us. We should know that there is a purpose for everyone we meet in life. Some people are there to test us, some will use us, some will teach us moral lessons and others will bring out the best in us.

Sometimes, living a Christian life and

At Namugongo Shrine animating the Friends of Mill Hill Mass

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Christian Educational Background

Kato Paul Year II, Ugandan

The Church is our college; Heaven is our university; God the Father is our counselor; Jesus is our principal; the Holy Spirit is our teacher; Angels are our classmates; the Bible is our textbook; Temptations are our exams; Overcoming the devil is our hobby; Winning souls for God is our assignment; Receiving eternity is our degree; Praise and Worship are our slogan.

Madam Robina

Madam Florence 22

Mr. Roy

practicing one‘s faith in Christ is not easy. In fact it is painful. However, as Christians, we should know that God gives us strength to overcome pain, struggles, challenges that come our way. Let this Christmas and New Year encourage and energise you as you read this article so that you can start looking at life in a very optimistic way.

strongly believes in witchcraft would say, ‗I am bewitched‟.

But is this true? On the contrary, it is very rare for some of us to attribute our successful or joyful experiences to God. In such cases, we at times tend to be like the rich fool who is talked about in the scriptures who on seeing that he is very successful, he only thinks that it is by his efforts that he succeeded. He forgets that there was someone who was behind his success too, that is God. However, we need to realise that behind every event of our life, there is a great thing to think of and learn from it. Henri Nouwen once said that, ‗complaining is self-rejection‘.

This statement is very important and worthy of reflection in individuals‘ life. In most instances, we are most likely to remember the hurtful moments that we encounter; hence, losing our energies and forgetting our identity as the beloved children of God. Similarly, we mostly focus on the bad images that we are named by those around us and forgetting those that God knows about us and those that we believe in. We at times end up complaining of what we don‘t have while others have it. These things make us feel more hurt and make us deny our potentialities in life.

Jules-Francois, Year III, Congolese

GRATEFULNESS IN LIFE Looking back at my tender age, I can always treasure one thing that my parents constantly taught me. One of the things they used to tell us was, ‗remember to always say thank you‟.

I remember being seriously caned at school and ended up saying thank you! In those moments, I did not find any value in these mere words. Even when they inflicted pain on me, I could utter them. Further, one thing I have learned in my life as a young man is being grateful in spite of all the obstacles that come my way towards my deepest desire. I always treasure and value whatever comes into my historicity and try to look at it critically with some positive a t t i t u d e . Fr o m t h e A f r i can per spect i ve, whenever some saddening experiences come our way, the first thought that comes to us can be either some evil spirits or an elder has cursed us. Someone who

The attitude of denying the potentials in ourselves and behaving like any other person is a sign of being ungrateful. To me, this is like they 7

are telling the creator „you were not perfect enough to create me as I am, rather, this is how I am supposed to be.‟ Being grateful for the small things we have opens the doors for more things to come.

As a final point, I would wish to use the lovely quotes about life that the famous St. Teresa of Calcutta said.

Life is an opportunity, benefit from it.

Life is beauty, admire it.

Life is a dream, realise it.

Life is a challenge, meet it.

Life is a game, play it.

Life is a promise, fulfill it.

Life is sorrow, overcome it.

Life is a song, sing it.

Life is a struggle, accept it.

Life is a tragedy, confront it.

Life is an adventure, dare it.

Life is luck, make it.

Life is too precious, do not destroy it.

Always remember, life may be tough at a point, but destiny is not created by the shoes we wear but by the steps we take…

Simiyu Victor Wekesa, Year II, Kenyan

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CONTROVERSIES IN LOVE: A REFLECTION FROM AN EAST AFRICAN CONTEXT Whatever direction I turn to, I see many weird things happening. I see the world where people are adopting individualism as opposed to communitarianism. Some people do not value human dignity. What happens at times is as a result of political, social and economic factors. Other weird things happen because of selfishness.

Some individuals use others for personal gains. Some say, it is the spirit of patriotism while others say it is humanitarianism. Take a look at Kenya; many people are losing their lives for different reasons. Similarly, in Uganda, many people are also dying due to poverty, diseases, tribal conflicts and demonstrations.

I am reflecting on these aspects asking myself many questions; what are really the root causes of these situations? If I am to address such a question to an economist, he would say that resources are becoming scarce and unsustainable. In the same way, if I am to address the same question to the psychoanalyst Freud, he would say that such people who cause violence act perhaps because of the unconscious part of their mind unaware that they are acting out unresolved hurts of the past. Also, if I am to address the

wonders in your life and you will be happy.

Jeremie Efumo- Liyandja, Year II, Congolese.

Thomas Ifesu, Year II, Congolese

Jeremie Efumo, Year II, Congolese

Julias Agunda, Year II, Kenyan

Olivier Lomboto Year III, Congolese

Masereka Paul Year I, Ugandan Francois Nono, Year II, Congolese 21

Globalisation however, has become a thorn in the flesh to a number of people especially those at its peripheries. The global, ecological problems such as climate change due to human activities like deforestation, industrialisation and wetlands destruction, heavily affect people at the margins of globalisation. This is because most of them depend on agriculture and nature for their needs.

These, and other activities like genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are some of the contemporary pastoral challenges of our time. ―You are the light of the world, a city set on a mountain cannot be hidden‖ Mt 5:14. Therefore, when we reach out for pastoral work, let us light up with the Gospel values the darkness that globalisation sometimes creates in the world.

Oketcho Ignatius, Year III, Ugandan

WHAT ARE WE WAITING FOR? Sometimes, where there is a question, there is also an answer. It also depends on the attitude of the person reading. The answer may be satisfying or not. You are most welcomed to read this simple article. As you go on reading, you will discover one thing.

Let me start by defining the word waiting. Waiting simply means the fact of staying where you are or delaying to do something until somebody reminds you. I believe that the question may look broad to some 20

but don‘t worry. The question addresses now oneself, ―what am I waiting for?‘‘ Things come and go, people are born and die. ‗‗What am I waiting for?‘‘ This simply means doing things at the right time and at the right place. Enjoy as long as you are still alive. During the advent season, John the Baptist tells of the coming of Christ. We also hear prophet Isaiah 35:1-5 saying, ―God himself is coming to save you.

Strengthen all weary hands, steady all trembling knees and say to all faint hearts, courage! Do not be afraid.‘‘ Today I am reminding all of us to do what we can do in life while we are still alive. We may ask ourselves; what am I going to do? My brothers and sisters, if you know how to sing, then sing! If you know how to dance, then dance! If you know how to conduct any group; then conduct!

If you can make yourself happy, then do it! For those who are married, take care of the family and children while you are still alive.

God so loved the world that he gave us many talents to use them and flourish in the world. Unfortunately humans are waiting.

We know today because we are alive, but tomorrow is uncertain. I am assuring you that the Lord is here and now to help you use your potentialities. It does not matter where or how you are, just start now and I promise you, you will see

question to Martin Buber in his social ethics, he would say that such a behaviour is an ‗I-It‘ relationship.

It is a relationship where one uses others as means to achieve their ends. I am very confident that in this situation, he would advise us to use the ‗I-Thou‘ relationship, a relationship that involves working

be able to know ourselves and change for the better.

Formation is a tool that provides students with all the necessary equipment for understanding oneself. Personally, I have experienced this for the years that I have lived in the formation programme. Therefore, by accepting feedback from those around us, we can be able to promote the ‗I- Thou‘ relationship according to Buber. It can be in our places of work, schools, universities or societies in which we live. John 3:16 tells us that God loved the world so much that He sent His only Begotten Son so that we may be saved. Similarly, as Christians, love ought to be part of us because God is Love.

Therefore, we may not blame those engaged in acts that do not promote love but we need to condemn the act itself. In other words, love the sinner and hate the sin. With such in mind whilst we are preparing for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, I give some reflective questions to whoever reads this article: How do you love? Do you treat others as a means to an end or as an end in itself?

Ochwo with others as an end in itself.

People should not ruin the lives of others because others were not created to pay the price for their comfort. This is also in relation to what Emmanuel Kant tells us in his categorical imperative that we should not use others as a means to achieve our ends.

In my own reflection, the only answer I can give to this situation is love. Every individual needs to adapt to the spirit of love for humanity. There is also a need to respect human dignity. Love needs to be reciprocal. It makes us think deeply about our lives. This will enable us to also reach out to others with love. It can also be through getting feedback from those around us and reflect on it so that we may

Ochwo Valeriano, Year III, Ugandan

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GETTING OUT OF THE ‘ME’ COCOON I am inspired to write this reflection

by Chinua Achebe‘s novel, Things Fall Apart. This writer exposes a number of real life events that pierce into the heart of human experience through the characters and the flow of his artistic literature. I pick specifically a character named Okonkwo. This is because at various instances in my life journey, I have felt that I wanted everything to work my way. Okonkwo is a character in

Kevin Maurice Brown

the novel who is proud.

He is a fearless fighter holding several titles, a hardworking father who provides food for his family, a heavily built man who commands respect and honour from everyone he meets. One would ask if there is anything wrong with all these traits since he seemed to have earned them. Although it is not wrong, the underlying intention demands 10

attention. Reading between the lines, one would notice that all these were directed to feeding his own ego. An extremist would phrase it as ‗obese ego‘. He wants everything to work his way by all means, but he forgets that he does not operate in a vacuum. He lives with people in a society. Even to make it more elaborate, he forgets that he is not the author of life. Sadly, things fall apart for him and the renowned hero ends up committing suicide.

As I mentioned earlier, I mirror my own life, and probably this article may sound a reminder bell to all of us. Things will definitely fall apart at some instances in our lives, but we have a chance not to allow ourselves to lose meaning of our lives. We need to stop and think about our underlying intentions before we act. This is not a golden rule, but I think we need to approach life more objectively. It is because of our subjective perceptions and judgments that we end up being victims of our own actions. Each one we meet has something to offer.

The events and experiences we encounter in our daily life, often give us opportunities to reflect and make right choices; especially the ones that help us move out of ourselves. It is not all about us at all times. We have to recognize that life is more than our ego and the way we want things to work out.

A friend once shared with me a

have been facilitated by technology which is an aspect of globalisation.

Similarly, the spiritual lives of people have been facilitated through the availability of different spiritual books and other related literatures available online. All pastoral agents operate within the “global village” characterised by networking between, and among people. Networking or connectivity should always be geared towards promoting Gospel values. This is necessary and should start from families, then move on to small Christian communities and to the larger community and thus, everyone should be engaged since globalisation is also about engagement of people. In addition, Krieger (2001, p.738) says that the Second Vatican Council‘s impact can be found in the deepening of the social engagement of the church at all levels of life since 1965. These social engagements should be strong among pastoral agents themselves first and then to, and among other people.

A GLANCE AT PASTORAL MINISTRY IN A GLOBAL VILLAGE Mission retains the original sense of ‗sending out‘ going out to meet other people (Clossey, 2008). This responsibility is ideally for every human person since Jesus Christ came for the good of all humanity. The mission call is deeply rooted in Scripture, Acts 1:8 ‗You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the Earth.

In connection to the above, Crus (2014) says that the Christian revelation of the unity of the human race presupposes a metaphysical interpretation of the ―humanum‖ in which relationality is an essential element. Similarly, there is a sense of global solidarity or being one people as reflected in the idea of one bread; one body of Christ Jesus that we share. This already introduces the concept of globalisation: networking or connectivity among people.

Globalisation is a broad concept and defining it may depend on the angle from which one defines it. Generally, globalisation refers to the increasing global connectivity, that is, integration in the economical, social, technological, cultural, political and ecological spheres (Farhang and Siriner, 2011). I would also add the religious sphere.

Globalisation is good in itself if it values sustainability in a sense that it respects the three pillars of sustainable development, which are: ecology, economics and social aspects of life. In pastoral ministry, communication, transport and transactions (financial),

Oketcho Ignatius

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religious or single, humility should be our fuel, not as a show off, but authentic.

Othieno John Peter, Year III, Ugandan

AFRICA AND CHRISTIANITY In embracing Christianity, Africans went through a process.

Turning ancestral shrines into places of worshipping God. Conversion from polytheism to monotheism.

Integrating traditional marriage with religious marriage.

Going through written scriptures instead of oral tradition, myths, folks and legends.

Eating and drinking the body and

offerings.

Worshipping in well established churches instead of on a mountain.

Leaving unprofitable activities like alcohol drinking and eating competitions.

Putting on rosaries instead of Talismans.

Going to ordained priests for confessions instead of magicians and diviners.

Pr ai si ng God wi t h cul t ural instruments like xylophones and drums.

Living exemplary lives and giving testimonies expand God‘s kingdom with love and not with spears and machetes.

Initiation of the sacrament of confirmation instead of going to the bush and raiding communities.

WHO WOULD TAKE A FORFEIT THAT AFRICA NEVER EMBRACED CHRISTIANITY as proper faith!!

Landus Kidemba, Year I, Ugandan

Kidemba

story that concludes my reflection, about an old Chinese man and his grandson. The old Chinese said, ―My son, there is a battle between two wolves inside all of us. One wolf is evil, characterised by anger, jealousy, greed, resentment, inferiority complex, lies and ego. The other is good, characterised by joy, peace, love, hope, humility, kindness, empathy and truth.‖ The grandson thought about it, and asked, ―Grandfather, which wolf wins?‖ The old man softly replied, ―The one you feed.‖ Kevin Brown, Year III, Kenyan

DETACHMENT Henri Nouwen in the book The Wounded Healer said that human withdrawal is a very painful and a lonely process because it forces us to face our own condition in all its beauty as well as misery. Detachment thus is an act of tough love manifesting itself in withdrawal.

Right from birth we make a great detachment from our mothers.

Slowly, we detach from friendships, institutions, behaviours and even places.

It is a happy-go-lucky moment for me whenever I remember an experience of detachment I had to undergo. It seemed impossible for me to desert

blood of Christ instead of burnt 18

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Kerio Valley Secondary School for Chebara High School. I wondered how I could leave behind my generous friends, hospitable teachers, a favourable dry and wet climate, the music festival team, let alone the brilliant study programme that ended lessons at 2 pm. Personally, I love music festivals so much. At Kerio Valley I over participated in it until it drastically affected my academic results. My parents noticed this situation and consented to transfer me to Chebara. I felt nostalgic, because I was going to join an academically dazzling school, but not a champion in games and music as in Kerio Valley.

I was torn apart by fear of academic competition. I had no choice other than exploring deeper into the academic lifestyle. For me to do this, it was necessary to detach myself from my former school. I therefore participated in extracurricular activities and academic exhibitions. I joined the school handball team and took part in Science Congress exhibits and Mathematics Contests. This was a typical tradition of Chebara. My progress was advancing like a bush fire and a few months later, I was selected among eight other students to represent the school and the district in a Regional Science Congress and National Mathematics Contest. My heart beamed with delight that I loved my new school and got rooted in its culture. Through this, I achieved a healthy detachment and my former

school became the pleasant experience to share joyfully.

From this experience, I learnt that detachment is a necessity for growth and self awareness, which are important qualities of a missionary. I learnt to listen to my conscience and reconcile with myself whenever the past seemed too much to let go.

Simply, I learnt to be in the here and now as Henri Nouwen says in his book entitled Here and Now.

in weaknesses, but it is an invitation for all of us to notice them and then look for ways of improvement. We always make mistakes but we can learn from them. We should not be fixated on a certain mistake committed, otherwise, we would not learn anything, because through our weaknesses, we become strong as Saint Paul says in (2cor 12: 10) ―...For it is when I am weak that I am strong.‖

In conclusion, we all need help in order to achieve a healthy detachment. In my experience, it has been my parents who help me.

Presently, it is my personal formator, spiritual director, peers and deep reflective prayers that help me.

Therefore, every day is a day of learning for me on how to detach in order to give Christ space to form me for his mission to his people.

Bowen Chirchir Evans, Year I, Kenyan

COMMUNITY LIFE EXPERIENCE Living as a community or a family in today‘s world, we have to be aware of not only our own strengths and weaknesses, but also of those around us. As we come together with our differences, the best way for us to live blissfully and harmoniously is to accept one another.

I do not mean that we should remain 12

Since none of us is perfect but God, let us begin with what we can at a given time, and then make a choice everyday to improve for the better.

Be ready to do the right thing at the right time. Once again, do what you can and leave what you cannot to God, and where necessary, let us seek help from our neighbours.

Let us not always concentrate on negativities since they can act as stumbling blocks in our learning. Let us be aware that God loves us the way we are. Thus, we should be

attitude of listening to people. It is not good to go to a particular place with pre-conceived ideas which may lead to bias and prejudice. Removing the shoes gives one an opportunity to be ready to receive and learn from others.

However, it‘s absurd to feel as if you are complete like a jerrycan full of water. This spirit impedes gaining new experiences in life. What a sad note! Furthermore, putting off shoes may also mean humbling one‘s self.

This is also what I tend to call intellectual honesty. Some people can never accept that they do not know.

How can one learn if he or she already knows? Socrates said ―I know that I do not know.‖ This is an intellectual honesty that we are called to emulate.

If Moses chose to remain in his sandals, perhaps he would not have heard the voice of God. But he decided to remove them.

Therefore, if we do not recognise our true self and tame our pride, we may miss a lot from others. It may also lead to failure to see the good in others.

While in the apostolate, failing to appreciate other cultures, having an egocentric and comparable attitude of ethnocentrism, may deter us from seeing any good in them. We need to be able to see the face of the otherness in the other and this is God‘s face in the person we meet; thus, emulating the humility of Moses in the wilderness. As people being nurtured to love and to serve, charity begins at home as the saying goes. We need to first appreciate our own cultures and 17

celebrate our differences at the community level. This attitude promotes pluralism, acceptance, tolerance and inclusiveness in a diverse community.

By doing so, our community will flourish and become beautiful. We are

John Peter different but one, because God‘s love unites us. I assume this will reduce the attitude of ethnocentrism and smelling the sheep will be possible as Pope Francis puts it in his encyclical “Evangelii Gaudium.” Through this, we shall identify ourselves with them, not to be like them, but to fit in their situations. Furthermore, the spirit of service depends on one‘s attitude.

Let‘s look at the example of Mother Teresa of Calcutta, who appreciated her people and was down to earth in her service. Therefore, if we take off our shoes in any mission, God will always be our guide. We need to know that before we go for our mission, God was there before us and he will always be there. Finally, whether married,

for ATTITUDE, I found that A gives 1, T= 20, T= 20, I= 9, T= 20, U= 21, D= 4 and E= 5. When I summed up, the result was 100. I performed the same exercise for COMPLAINING and the result was as follows: C= 3, O= 16, M= 13, P= 17, L= 12, A= 1, I= 9, N= 14, I= 9, N= 14 and G= 7; the sum is 115. After having solved this equation, he said that anything beyond 100 is abnormal and extreme.

He also said: “If you have a positive attitude, you will achieve 100 % of your final grade.” From this exercise, I have come to realise that one of the contributing factors to reducing complaints is a positive attitude towards issues that arise in our daily life. A positive attitude can be attained through discipline, commitment and humility. It also means seeing opportunities even in the most difficult moments of our lives. This exercise is also similar to the one found in the Bible where we only have five chapters in the book of Lamentations which I attribute to complaining, and twenty - eight chapters in the book of the Acts of the Apostles accredited to a positive attitude. This is an encouragement for everyone to do more and complain less. At times, failure of meeting our expectations brings stress and we start complaining. In my understanding, stress is the gap between human expectations and the reality of the world. I think it is better to set goals rather than expectations because expectations disappoint us sometimes.

Most people complain because they 16

do not have what they hoped for. As we set goals for our life, let us remember Proverbs 16: 3; which asks us to commit to the Lord whatever we do, and he will establish our plans. If we fail in anything, we should never give up because F.A.I.L means ―First Attempt In Learning.‖ End is not the end, for E.N.D means ‗Effort Never Dies.‘ If we get No as an answer, remember N.O means ‗Next Opportunity.‘ Therefore, a positive attitude always leads to success. So let us be positive in whatever we experience.

Lofembe Is’ompendju Gabriel, Year III, Congolese.

TAKE OFF YOUR SHOES!!!

This is a very deep phrase worthy for all of us to contemplate. A friend of mine told me that I am nothing. This statement has enormous meaning for me and perhaps for you too. A person went for a visit and was generously offered many gifts as a sign of hospitality. Surprisingly, the person was ungrateful for all the gifts and instead started comparing them with those he got in the past. Looking at these experiences, I have come to realise that God was right to tell Moses to remove his sandals as a way of teaching him humility. For the period I have engaged in various apostolates, I have discovered that the attitude of humility is very significant. This leads to a good

grateful to Him for what and who we are. In the serenity prayer, we are also called upon to ask God for the graces to change what we can, to accept what we cannot change and the wisdom to know the difference.

are things that are neither known to oneself nor to others. I think these are things known only by God about us. This is in accordance with the Johari window.

The process of awareness is most tedious and involves painful experiences. Meanwhile, when we are open to the feedback we receive, we need to accept and appreciate the one who has given it to us. Constructive feedback helps one to become aware of oneself, and thus, leading to growth.

Whenever we are challenged by feedback, we should always strive to improve on the issue concerned.

Working on our own weaknesses helps us to realise our potentials and thus enables us to be wounded healers to those we encounter wherever we are. Being conscious of our weakness is the beginning of metanoia — change of heart.

Ferdinand Ikofo, Year I, Congolese

AWARENESS When I hear the word, awareness what comes to my mind is knowledge. Many definitions of awareness have been provided and others will still be provided but at the end of the day the focus will be on knowledge about oneself. How conscious am I to myself? When I began my discernment, I came across a question asking me to describe who I am. This made me discover that I did not have sufficient knowledge about myself. I took 10 minutes to speak about myself, in the process I felt reflective and opted for more time for this activity. Knowing oneself is not a one day issue, but rather a lifetime process. It is not entirely an individual‘s effort but requires the help of other people who stay, interact and work with the person.

This is because there are things which are known to oneself and others, there are things known to oneself only and not to others, then there are things known to others only but not to self. And lastly, there

Okoth Ochieng Joseph, Year I, Kenyan.

ATTITUDE AND COMPLAINING I was once told to sometimes use a bit of Mathematics. I was given two words, Attitude and Complaining.

The exercise was to give each letter a number according to its alphabetical order. That is to say, the position it occupies in the English alphabet. When I did the exercise 13

Fr. Wijnand’s Growth Group. Standing from left: Valeriano, Bowen, Wijnand, Othieno, Kato,Ouma, Simiyu, Odongo, Lofembe. Squatting from right: Okoth, Bameko, Efumo, Nono, Karugaba.

Fr. Charles’ Growth Group. Standing from left: Mukaajanga, Oketch, Litako,

Some of the Mill Hill Missionaries at Bishop Willigers Memorial Mass

On an Outing at Sangalo Sand Beach, Busia

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Lomboto, Looko, Ifesu, Bayolo, Ikofo, Charles, Masereka. Sitting from right: Kyeyune , Brown, Oketcho, Kidemba.

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