The Video Productions
of the Missionaries of Africa in Zambia

Project Coordinator: Fr. Venerato Deus Babaine, M.Afr
Scriptwriter & Producer: Fr.Venerato Deus Babaine, M.Afr.
Studio Editor: Mr. Charles Mafa
Produced at: Yatsani Television Production Studios (ZEC) Social Communications Dept, Lusaka

Frrom L. to R. : Gotthard Provincial- Oswald Mallya, 'Lusaka, Vocation, Amis des P.B) - Vénérato Babainé (Kasama - Producer des Vidéo) - Jacques Bédard (Lusaka - Vice Provincial) - en fond, Denis Bernardin.

On May 31, 2005, after two years of research and filming we completed the Province Video Project. Then we launched it at our Provincial House on June 01, 2005.

Historical Background:

In 1989 at a meeting of the then Regional Council, the members decided to produce a Video as some material to celebrate: a) the centenary Catholic Church in Zambia b) the centenary of the arrival of the "White Fathers" in Zambia" in 1991 c) the centenary of the death of the founder of the Missionaries of Africa (White Fathers), Cardinal Charles Lavigerie in 1992. The aim was to make an awareness of the missionary presence in Zambia and their contribution to the local Church. It was also a tool to help the "White Fathers" and the Catholic Church in Zambia to celebrate, evaluate and rejuvenate themselves as apostles of Christ. This project was never realised until 2003 when I was asked by the Provincial Council to realise it.

Objective:

The purpose of the Video Production remains the same. Through the video (and DVD), we intend
to create "missionary awareness" and "promote vocations" in Zambia. What we want is also help the Missionaries of Africa re-live their missionary experience way back to their roots in Zambia. Of coarse, the Video will challenge the local Church to continue the work of the missionaries.

 

The Video Programmes:

This Video Productions is divided into four Programme Titles:
1. More than a Century Presence in Zambia. In this programme we trace the "roots" of the "White Fathers" in Zambia. We highlight the first missionary insertion and their experience. The local people; bishops, civil servants, professionals and the laity; they tell their own story about their "fathers" in faith. We revisit the missionary experience and encounter with culture, politics and economy of the time. The fact is that these missionaries lived closer to the people and the Gospel of Christ took roots in this country.

2. Missionary and Pastoral Activities. We present the work of the missionaries from the beginning until today. They learnt the language, studied the culture, did social and development work Their work has been appreciated and has produced plenty of apostolic fruits. The Church in Zambia has grown. The Missionaries of Africa still are very much available and active among the people of Zambia.

3. Collaboration with the Local Church. In this Programme we present the idea of the founder, Cardinal Charles Lavigerie that "missionaries are initiators, the rest of the work will be done by African themselves". We try to portray this reality in Zambia. Has the dream of Lavigerie become a reality? Yes. Many Zambians have taken leadership responsibilities in the Church. Bishops, the Religious, catechists and the laity are evidence to this. Still the "White Fathers" work in close collaboration with the local leadership to spread the Gospel and to be witnesses.

4. Formation to Missionary Life. Since the Church in Zambia has grown, it is time to be 'missionary herself'. The "White Fathers" recruit and form Zambians to become missionaries. In this programme we present the need to train Zambians to become missionaries. We show also two formation centres in Zambia. We present the general programme of formation of the Missionaries of Africa. Some Zambian young men in formation, and those who have completed their training share with us their journey into missionary call and life.

L'assemblée - à droite les techniciens de Yatsani Studio à qui ont doit la belle réalisation des vidéos - vers la gauche françois richard, heureux d'être à nouveau parmi nous et nous de même.
en premier plan les cassettes et les dvd de l'ensemble des prises de vues et de son.

The entire Video Programme brings out the fact that the Church in Zambia has grown and still bears fruits. Yet Missionaries of Africa are challenged to discern their missionary enterprise. The local people have to accept the fact that they have to be the 'artisans' of the Kingdom of God in Zambia.

Note: the Video Programmes (or DVD) can be got through the Provincial Secretary Fr, Georges Lauzon, M.Afr., at our Provincial House, in Lusaka.

Fr. Venerato Deus Babaine, M.Afr.
June 02, 2005.
Woodlands, Lusaka.