T H E E A S T A F R I C A B R E E ZE -...

A Scripture Scholar once said to me, “Robert remember that we don’t

know everything. What we know is just a tip of the Iceberg; mind you the

scripture scholars know quite a lot, but they don’t know most of every-

thing. And as one of them, I know very little.”

Dear Confreres, our CPS Sisters, Friends and benefactors, It is with this in

mind that I send you greetings and love from East Africa. Welcome to our third vol-

ume of the BREEZE. We are indeed happy to let you feel the latest breeze of our region—East Africa. It is

our way of getting connected with the global and extended family of Abbot Francis. We hope that wherever

you are and in whatever you are doing, you are experiencing God’s deepest love for humanity. As we fol-

low Christ in his mission which continues to call us to a transformation that has no boundaries.

Our destiny is to run together to the edge of the world and beyond, off into the darkness; sure for all our

blindness, secure for all our helplessness, strong for all our limitations, happily in love for all the pressures

and determinations on our hearts.

Our 3rd edition presents to you, the New Leadership of the Region, life in our communities, our Visitors,

Our Formation Programs, Future Plans and WhatsApp with the Confreres, our CPS Sisters as they

launched their VISION 2018, and an antidote of politics.

KARIBUNI ( Welcome)

E D I T O R ’ S N O T E

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T H E E A S T A F R I C A B R E E Z E

I N T H E B R E E Z E

E D I T O R I A L 1

T H E L E A D E R S H I P

T E A M

2

L I F E I N T H E 3

R E G I O N A L P L A N S 4

C E L E B R A T I O N S 5

V I S I T O R S T O T H E

R E G I O N

6

O U R M I S S I O N ? 7

P I CT OR IAL 8

C PS N EW S 9

P OL IT I CS ET AL 1 1

I N S P I R A T I O N S

Ora et Labora.

If no one goes I will

go

Within His wonderful

heart there are reme-

dies to heal all our

weaknesses and ail-

ments, just like in a

chemist there are

medicines for all Sick-

nesses

MARIANNHILL MISSIONARIES

Fr. Abulala Robert CMM

As you all know by now that in March 2014 East Africa Region went into election of Regional Superior and his council.

The new leadership team that is to guide the regional affairs for the next three years comprises of Fr: Robert Kaiza as

Regional Superior assisted by Fr. Charles Malamba, Fr. Moris Daniel and Fr. Felipe Voorn as councilors.

Upon confirmation from General Government on the Election of the Regional Superior, He immediately convened a Spe-

cial Assembly for all the members in the region. This was broadly meant to elect the members of the council and to re-

structure itself in all its operational spheres as well as provide an inclusive platform for confreres to formulate the region-

al direction, objectives and mission. This was concluded with the adoption of the Revised Regional Directory which we

have been working on since August 2013

TH

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V O L U M E I I I V O L U M E I I I

T H E E A S T A F R I C A B R E E Z E

THE LEADERSHIP TEAM OF THE REGION

Fr. Robert Kaiza

Fr. Felipe Voorn Fr. Moris Daniel

Fr. Charles Malamba

Christ the Prophet

Community commonly known as CPC is the

largest of the communities in the region. It hosts

all formation programs i.e. aspirancy, candidacy,

postulancy as well as scholasticate for young

confreres in the region doing post novitiate stud-

ies. Fr. Moris Daniel is the superior of CPC com-

munity

Currently most of these student confreres are on

long study breaks and are missioned in various

parishes and projects across the country so as to

acquire experiences in line with their studies.

They are expected back at the beginning of Au-

gust to resume their studies.

At the moment there are four aspirants, who

are undergoing preliminary formation stages

as they await to start their philosophical stud-

ies in August.

In addition, we have ten candidates in differ-

ent years of philosophical studies as well as

candidacy program. Both aspirancy and can-

didacy programs are under the care of Fr.

Charles Malamba who is taking his studies in

Formation and Religious Studies at Tangaza

University College. He is currently on holi-

days in Zambia.

Brothers: Okoth Fredrick, Makasa Martin and

Otieno William have completed

their studies in various disciplines.

Fr. Kafula Christopher is at his end of doctorate studies at

Catholic University of Eastern Africa.

Fr. Felipe is looking after our small library as well as com-

puter room. He is also assisting at Sacred Heart Brothers

and CPS sisters in Riruta with mass on some Sundays.

While at CPC life revolves around formation, apostolate,

pastoral services, studies, prayers, and engagement in

various projects such as beekeeping, poultry production,

dairy production, pig farming and crop production.

There also plans to see how to

maximize the usage of the

whole property as an invest-

ment. However this needs

financial Capital to take off.

Fr. Abulala Robert has since

then been the Caretaker of the

premises and doubles up as

the chaplain of the CPS sisters

of Mother Paula Study House

Community in Karen and as

Since last year August 2013, all Student

confreres were transferred to Christ the

Prophet Community.

One building has so far from Mid April been

rented out to a diocesan religious congrega-

tion of Emmanuel Sisters from Muranga

diocese, central Kenya.

The main house is still to undergo major

renovation pending a License of approval

from the City Council of Nairobi.

Coordinator of Formation

in the Region. He also

lends assistance to the

Emmanuel Sisters with

Spiritual Services and

with other confreres he

sees to our regional poli-

cy development and im-

plementation.

C H R I S T T H E P R O P H E T C O M M U N I T Y

B R . N I V A R D C O M M U N I T Y

J U J A F A R M C O M M U N I T Y

stations of the mission. Every Wednesday

is dedicated to visiting the small Christian

communities, having meetings with the

people or celebrating mass with them.

Fr. Ivor Chaebwa who is also the superior

of the community has heavily invested in

farming activities. He has planted toma-

toes, beekeeping, rearing chicken, and

sheep keeping.

Currently he has began his doctorate

studies in Leadership and Management at

Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture

and Technology (JKUAT).

Further still, construction of primary

school at Athi is in progress and hopefully

CMM house will soon be constructed on our

piece of land. This will further facilitate our

deeper participation in education, health min-

istry, farming among other apostolate activi-

ties.

Our CPS sisters are on the process of starting

a Technical school which will greatly help the

youths of the area in acquiring various skills

and knowledge for self reliance.

The CMM community in Juja farm is com-

prised of Fr. Robert Kaiza and Fr. Ivor

Chaebwa and on pastoral and mission expe-

rience Brother Adrian Klima from Germany

province and Deacon Roland Matoyi.

The mission is surrounded by two convents

of the Benebikira sisters (Sisters of the Vir-

gin Mary) and Dominican sisters and one

monastery for the enclosed Carmelite Nuns.

Being a mission, the confreres’ main daily

activity is service to the people in different

ways which include daily masses to the

Christians and Nuns in their monastery.

Every Thursday has been set aside for the

visitation of the sick and old people in all

LI

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V O L U M E I I I V O L U M E I I I

On 24th March 2014 Dr. Fr. Hubert Wendl

former provincial superior of Germany

Province is visiting the region. Fr. Hubert

continues to enjoy his holidays at Juja

Parish having visited our confreres in

South Africa, Zimbabwe, and our new

ventures in Tanzania.

He has since assisted in pastoral ministry,

human and physical developments at Juja

parish as well as guiding the region with

hints towards self reliance and sustainabil-

ity. He leaves on 16th June 2014. We

thank him for all the support and for jour-

neying with our young confreres in the

many inputs.

On 24th of May 2014, a group of

youths (WILMA Helps), from a school

in Berlin visited the region. The group

is a pupil enterprise in Germany rais-

ing funds to help orphans and vulner-

able children in different countries.

This organization partners with OASA

- (Organization for Assisted and Self

help Activities) which is currently

sponsoring construction of class-

rooms in a primary school in Arthi—

Juja Parish. The region is indebted to

this organization for their humanitari-

an assistance offered to the children

at Athi Academy.

continuous turning towards the

Gospel in a process of ongoing

personal and communal for-

mation.

The Region thanks Fr. Hubert for

the inputs to the group on history

and development of Mariannhill

Missionaries across the world.

We wish them good tidings as they

prepare for this moment of discern-

ment

They come back on 16th July’14.

On 17th & 18th of June 2014, seven confreres

from East Africa Region would be travelling to

South Africa to attend workshop for preparation

for final vows. They include: Frt. Dennis Aura,

Br. William Otieno, Frt. Alex Mwendwa, Frt.

Wenceslaus Wangila, Frt. Nicolas Mwiti, Frt.

Michael Njenga, and Br. Fredrick Okoth.

This workshop which is expected to last for one

month, is among other preparatory programs

scheduled to take place before one makes final

commitment to God and the congregation.

It’s a moment of tuning into the Spirit and a

W A G E N I W E T U ( O U R V I S I T O R S )

P R E P A R A T I O N F O R F I N A L V O W S

T H E R E G I O N ’ S A F F A I R S A N D F U T U R E A C T I V I T I E S / P L A N S

and developments such as con-

struction of community house at

Juja farm as well as major reno-

vation at Nivards Community.

Further still, the region hopes to

acquire land / property in Arusha

Tanzania and other places so as

to widen Mariannhill presence

and missionary activities in East

Africa.

The region still continues looking

for funds that will enable the com-

pletion of a primary school

at Juja farm as well as

putting up a Mariannhill

Secondary school.

Delays in getting legal

permits that allows for

renovation of Nivard

House has been a major setback,

tedious process and highly bu-

reaucratic. We have chosen the

legal path which is time consum-

ing and rather expensive.

The Region continues with its

implementation of major plans

for self reliance and sustaina-

bility as it has successfully

rented out one building at Br.

Nivard’s community to a dioce-

san religious congregation of

Emmanuel sisters from Mu-

ranga Diocese, Central Kenya.

The region is working on get-

ting legal papers that will au-

thorize it for major changes

Self reliance

and

sustainability

V O L U M E I I I

Fr. Ivor and Dr. Fr. Hubert with some of the visiting youths

V O L U M E I I I

Some of the confreres in East Africa Region

Frt. Roland Matoyi is ordained a Deacon by Bishop David Kamau

T R A N S F E R S ( U H A M I S H O ) On 2nd of February, Br. Bernard Isanda CMM took his final

vows at our community of Christ the Prophet. At present he

is in Rome having been transferred there. Frt. Benedict Kimutai has been transferred back to East

Africa Region from USA/ Canada Province where he was

taking his theological studies. Frt. Benedict is currently on

his holidays awaiting to continue with his theological studies

in August.

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

“It was a moment of great joy and tribulation, a

step forward in life yet the beginning of service

and responsibility in accordance with God’s call

in life. Many of my expectations during my diaco-

nate ordination were met. Coordination in the

planning process and active participation from

my fellow confreres, my immediate CMM superi-

ors in the region of East Africa, my family,

friends and relatives, the precious blood sisters

and many other stakeholders made the day of

my diaconate ordination a memorable one. I felt

a spirit of cooperation love from Christ the

Prophet Community (CPC) I had just joined. For

all these, I lack words to express my joy and

gratitude except to say THANK YOU! THANK

YOU! THANK YOU! Deacon Roland Matoyi

BETTER EDUCATION, BETTER LIVES, BETTER CHILDREN, BETTER FUTURE

On 24th of May 7 pupils and 2 teachers from Germany made a trip of one week to Kenya. The group

known as Wilma Helps! was for nothing else but to touch and better lives of their fellow pupils at a school

in Juja Farm Parish. Wilma Helps! partners with OASA – Organization for Assistance in Self Help

Activities which is sponsoring Athi Academy under the care of Congregation of Missionaries of

Mariannhill, CMM.

While in Kenya we participated in various activities. We experienced mass in Athi and had good

interactions and entertainments from youths and children of the academy. In remembrance of this

significant experience at Athi academy, we planted mango trees together. It is our prayers and hope that

children of Athi Academy would continue receiving education among other fundamental basics in life. This is because with better

education, we have better children and with better children, we have better lives from which we are sure of better future. In small

ways but great rewards OASA supports other projects in Kenya like Munyu Academy, Maria Magdalena Special School and the

sheltered workshops in Gatuanyaga.

Our stay and participation in various activities in Kenya has indeed brought dynamic experiences and impressions to Wilma Helps!

group. The people of Kenya are extremely friendly, the culture is very interesting and incredible to learn from for instance language,

food, singing, dancing just to mention but a few were some of our incredible and awesome experiences. We would therefore love to

visit Kenya again. Thanks to our main hosts, fathers Robert Kaiza and Ivor Chaebwa and not to forget the visiting Fr. Hubert Wendl

from Germany who made us feel at home, secure and comfortable from the very beginning. We look forward to seeing the

development of Athi Academy and its environment.

By Wilma Helps and Sophie, a representative of OASA.

Children of Athi Academy at Juja Parish entertains the vising group from Germany

A PEOPLE IN SEARCH OF GOD

The encounter with the Lord is the point of departure for a life according to the Spirit. We find the Lord

when we entirely incline ourselves and express the willingness in search of Him. 1 Cor. 12:13;

encourages us to be vigilant and ambitious of higher gifts and the Almighty will show us the way to do

it.

We, the Missionaries of Mariannhill East Africa, are on the journey of searching for God. And as a

region we are still on the run of establishing our roots in the entire territory considering that our is a

ninety per cent formative region.

A renowned writer Bahemuka once advised that the hopes of the youth can be only raised in the church looking with compassion on

the youth culture and identifying more with them. Like the disciples going to Emmaus, Christ reveals himself to the youth in his own

way. The enthusiasm, hope and deep yearning for God, personal talents, love for life, sense of sacredness, cross-cultural gifts, truth

and justice, and intended missions are the aspects that enable the youth to grow and live as visionary people of the future. Moreover,

as a congregation, the enthusiastic youth who are very eager to live their vocations are our target for the advancement and

improvement of the community and that's why as a multi-cultural community we venture into selecting candidates from allover the

Region.

The legacy left by Pfanner of missionary work has bore much fruits for the congregation and the region by getting its link in all the

three countries. We are sent out as missionaries to the underprivileged and the marginalized where the word of God has not ye t

taken root. This is evident from our brothers who are sent to West and East Pokot to evangelize that part of the world. This in real

sense has helped the Mariannhill community to be known more and further. We are to cement foundations in God for evangelization

is a process that needs team work, motivation, unity and encouragement so as to achieve effectively our goals. .

BR. SYLVESTER MUYEKA, CMM

ASPIRANTS

From left: Dalmas Agan (Kenya), John Kennedy Ddamulira (Uganda) Wilbard

Mosh (Tanzania) and Jared Onyango (Kenya)

Father Robert Kaiza installs frts as readers.

A section of tomato plantation under irrigation at Juja Farm

Dr. Fr. Hubert Wendl

Juja Parsh

Exercising labora of Ora et Labora A section of WILMA –Helps Group at Juja Farm Parish

JOURNEY TOWARDS 2018

A journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.

On the 24th May 2014, As the Missionary Sisters of the Precious

Blood – CPS we launched our strategic plan 2014-2018, along-

side celebrating our Father Founder’s 105 death anniversary and

the life well lived of Sr. Hermania; who was to celebrate her dia-

mond jubilee on this day. This step makes us to be responsible

for the 4-year programme as we serve the Lord in His vineyard

and to look for ways of making ourselves self sustainable in our

apostolate and all the projects that we are running. It isn’t a book to

be made and kept but to be implemented for us to reach their de-

sired goal. It is a responsibility of each and every community

member to adhere to this call and to try and make a contribution

towards helping the congregation to be sustainable.

All in we thank God that He has enabled the us as Daughters of

Abbot Francis to reach such a goal worthy to be admired by any-

one who would like to be sustainable in whichever way of life.

May the Lord to continue to be with us and enable us to reach our

goals and bless our Work and Apostolate.

Sr. Christine Masivo CPS

THE STRATEGI PLAN

Through the Services provided by Team Solutions Africa, the Precious Blood

Sisters, after interviews and filling of questionnaire and not to mention a very

rigorous participatory process, have come up with a Strategic Plan 2014—

2018.

This Plan gives broad strategic directions and broad directives that the CPS

in East Africa will pursue over this particular period. It helps the Sisters to fo-

cus towards a self sustaining community, while witnessing to the redeeming

love of Christ; and serving and empowering all peoples without discrimina-

tion.

And while they look to achieve these they pray and hope that their of Love and respect for all, prayer and

hard work and community living to mention but a few, will be their core values.

Lastly the Plan intends to focus on Six areas which include, Authentic Living, Capacity Building, Social Jus-

tice among others. This I believe form the core of any organization let a alone a congregation that wishes to

be relevant in our age

Sr. Christine Masivo CPS & Fr. Abulala CMM

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V O L U M E I I I V O L U M E I I I Page 10

Bishop Rotich leads the CelebrationBishop Rotich leads the CelebrationBishop Rotich leads the Celebration

contact with fauna and flora

could not go unmentioned

during her burial. The Kili-

manjaro sisters who could

not hide their great loss and

love to sr. Hermania crowned

it all by their overwhelming

representation.

Even the Rt. Rev Bishop

Kamau, the auxiliary bishop

of Arch diocese of Nairobi

who lead the solemn Requi-

em mass could not hide his

deepest pain during mass.

He thanked the CPS sisters

for their enormous contribu-

tion in education across the

country.

The two sisters were laid to

rest at St. Austin's Cemetery

on 20th May 2014 having

fought a good fight, finished

the race, kept the faith and

all that awaits them is the

crown of Glory (2Timothy

4:7-8).

The region joins the CPS sisters of

East Africa Province in mourning

the demise of sisters, Paula Wag-

ner and Hermania Foerg who died

on 15th and 16th respectively. We

thank God for the gift of their lives

in East Africa as they greatly and

devotedly contributed in serving

God and His people in East Africa

for more than eight decades collec-

tively.

Sr. Paula was missioned to East

Africa in 1956 from Germany and

taught in Zanzibar. She was princi-

pal of Bura girls for 14 yrs and Pre-

cious Blood Girls Riruta for 7yrs.

She was deputy principal for Pre-

cious Blood, Kilungu for 2yrs and

Kagwe girls for 1yr. At her retire-

ment she continued assisting in

accounts at various Communities.

Sr. Hermania was missioned to

East Africa from Austria in 1958.

She will greatly be remembered for

her great contribution in establish-

ment of the congregation of sisters

of Our Lady of Kilimanjaro, Tanza-

nia. Her deepest sense of close

T H E F A M I L Y O F A B B O T F R A N C I S

M O U R N S ! ! !

Page 9

LAUNCH OF VISION 2018 BY THE CPSLAUNCH OF VISION 2018 BY THE CPSLAUNCH OF VISION 2018 BY THE CPS———EAST AFRICAEAST AFRICAEAST AFRICA

(R to L) Sr Theresa Anne, CPS Fr. Robert Abulala Cmm, Sr. Caroline Mjomba (Provincial),

Bishop Rotich, Fr. James Karanja (PP Riruta) Fr Nelson Ojijo and Sr. Claudia Maria CPS

Terror Victims

THE POLITICAL SCENE

Life in general in East Africa region is slowly embracing new challenges. In this

magazine I will just introduce you into the political scene in Kenya. Terrorism

as you all know is a global phenomenon that remains a threat to human suc-

cess. Back in Kenya it is becoming the order of the day.

Barely a weak passes without an explosion felt in the region especially at

bus stops, recreational sites, market places, churches and recently we have

witnessed improvised explosive devices (IED) being hurled into moving vehi-

cles. Everyone lives in fear as you may never tell their (Alshabaab) next target.

Most countries in the west have recently issued travelling advisories to its citizens in reference to this effect

and this is foreseen to impact very negatively on the economy of the country since its major revenues are

from tourism sector.

Despite this socio-economic and political picture in the region, peo-

ple still continue with their daily endeavors. This is partly due to

persistent reassurance from government on deployment of highly

intensive security gadgets and personnel and above all, having

placed their trust in God.

Most churches have since found themselves overwhelmed with

mixed roles of humanitarian aids: consolation, health services,

charity services, sanctuary refuge and eschatological themes domi-

nating their teachings.

The reality as lived and experienced by the entire nation could go far much deeper and ferociously wider than words can in deed cap-ture, however this article just introduces the reader to vista of psychological, physical, political, social and economic effects as drawn from the ongoing fight against the al-Qaida-linked al-Shabaab Islamists. Br. William Otieno,CMM

CHRONOLOGY OF EVENTS

1st of February— Renewal of vows

2nd of February— Final of vows of Br. Bernard Isanda presently in Rome

15th of March— Regional Assembly

22nd of March— Elections of Vice Regional Superior and councilors

24th of March— Dr. Fr. Hubert, former Provincial of Germany Province visits the Region

29th of March— Ordination of Deacon Roland Matoyi

16th of May— Beginning of Holidays and Pastoral posting of confreres to various Parishes and Projects

17th & 18th of June— Young confreres leave for South Africa (final vows preparation workshop).

Br. William Otieno

Thank you all for the good work you are carrying out for “Our mission field is part of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ

and it has no boundaries.” May the famous quotes of Abbot Francis “The shout of joy: ‘Christ is risen!’ inform us

and assure us that the promises of the eight Beatitudes will be fulfilled.”

On behalf of the Regional Superior Fr. Robert Kaiza, and Information and Archives Desk, East Africa Region I wish

thank all who have contributed in this Volume, Our Visitos the CPS sister and the rest of the CMM crew.

Br. William Otieno, CMM.

MARIANNHILL MISSIONARIES

Information and Archives Desk

P.O. Box 855 .CODE 00502. Karen .Nairobi . KENYA.

Tel +254-725941626.

E-mail : [email protected]

“ Silence is conducive to turning inward…and more surely and easily teaches one to see into the inner-self and to raise one’s heart and mind to God.” Abbot Francis Pfanner

mailto:[email protected]

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