Missionaries of Africa
Ongoing Formation

Session of confreres in 2nd term of mission

Meeting of young confreres at Lavigerie House, Jinja, Uganda
20th May till 10th June 2007

For about three weeks we had the pleasure to host a meeting of 16 young confreres coming from 11 different countries of apostolate (Burkina-Faso, Ethiopia, Ghana, Mali, Philippines, Congo, Burundi, Mozambique, Sudan, Uganda and Zambia) and belonging to 10 different nationalities (Spain, Zambia, Congo, Burkina, Brazil, Philippines, Ghana, Tanzania, Uganda and Ivory Coast). Most of them are in their second term of mission and this was a time to take stock of the situation, share experiences, discuss, pray and relax together. The two facilitators, Frs. Dominic Apee, Ghanaian from Congo and Patrick Bataille, Frenchman from Zambia, had prepared a full programme to keep them busy for the three weeks' session.

The meeting started on Sunday evening thee 20th of May and the first week was totally dedicated to a profound sharing of personal experiences of mission and community life. Surely a very enriching time to listen to each other's stories, joys and sorrows, struggles, pains and successes. Each one was given ample time to express himself and you could see on their faces that it was good!

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At the end of the first week on Pentecost Day they organized an outing to the 'sacred places' of the birth of Christianity in Uganda, like Bugungu on the shores of Lake Victoria, the Kasubi tombs, Rubaga, Mapeera-Nabulagala Parish, Nalukolongo and Namugongo. Frs. Rene Brossard and Otto Bailer from Lourdel House joined the party for this historical visit and picnic and enjoyed listening to the knowledgeable voice of Fr. Kiki Gillain, telling the whole story with passion and flavour.

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In the course of the second week several speakers or 'experts' were called upon to share their views and visions on a variety of topics. Our provincial Fr. Richard Nnyombi talked about inter-religious dialogue in Uganda; Fr. Lazaro Bustince shared about the work of Justice and Peace and Integrity of Creation (JPIC); our confrere Guido Stuer from Zambia came to 'conscientize' the group about the dangers and consequences of alcoholism. Each speaker allowed for ample time to answer questions from the floor and for an exchange of views and ideas.

At the end of the second week, on Sunday the 3rd of June or Martyrs Day, another memorable outing was organised to Namugongo where they took part in the annual commemoration of the Feast of Saint Charles Lwanga and Companions. For those outside Uganda it was a real shock to see such a huge crowd of people who had come from all over Uganda and from other countries around to witness Uganda Martyrs Day! Surely the faith of the people and the witness of the martyrs gave our young confreres a tremendous boost, especially since some of them had been chosen to carry the relics of some of the martyrs in the long procession and as the people recognised them as White Fathers…

During the third and last week some other speakers were invited to share more knowledge and insights. Fr. Brendan Jordan, MHM gave a very straightforward talk about matters related to human sexuality; there wasn't enough time to answer all the questions and go deeper in some particular aspects. Fr. Jos Van Boxel shared about the evangelical attitude of non-violence with some practical applications and last but not least Fr. Roland Champagne came to talk about the financial situation in the Society and other matters related to finances, like budgets, solidarity and simple life. The last two days were spent on issues that needed more clarification and on evaluating the session. The last Saturday evening we had a nice buffet at the Nile Resort Hotel overlooking the Nile in order to crown the whole session.

The meeting ended on Sunday morning the 10th of June and it is our hope and prayer that the young confreres enjoyed their stay, felt at home in Lavigerie House and went back to their places of mission united in mind and heart and refreshed in body and spirit.

An eyewitness

Text et photos Otto Bailer M.Afr

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