2016/01
Jan-Mar/Issue
Missionary Benedictine Sisters, P.O. Box 1 Ndanda via Mtwara, Tanzania, East Africa E-mail:
[email protected] CP: +255785240091 Web: www.ndanda-priory.org www.osb-tutzing.it
Welcoming New Bishop
Mtwara diocese received Bishop Titus Mdoe as the bishop of Mtwara diocese. Bishop Titus was
Auxiliary bishop of Archdiocese of Dar-es-Salaam since 2013. Before he was appointed to be the
bishop of Dar-es-Salaam, he was working at Stella Maris University in Mtwara as Deputy
Principal for Administration and Finance and Chaplain for Christian Professional of Tanzania at
Mtwara University. In October 2015, he was promoted to be the bishop of Mtwara diocese due
to the retirement of Bishop Gabriel Mmole.
Mtwara Cathedral
The reception was done at the boarder of Lindi and Mtwara diocese, on 16th January 2016.
Traditional dance and Kipapa children kept us busy since we were at the boarder for four hours
before the Bishop’s arrival. Religious, Priests, Kipapa children and Christians came from Mtwara
Diocese and Lindi.
Kipapa children
traditional dance
Bishop Titus(centre)
Bishops, Priests, Sisters, Brothers, Christians,Kipapa children and non-Christians waited
tirelessly to welcome Bishop Titus. Bishop Titus together with other Bishops, Priests, Sisters and
Catholic believers came from Dar-es-Saalam by buses and cars. They arrived at the boarder at
14:15pm. We were very happy to see Him.
Kipapa children dancing
Bishop Titus thanking the audience
Benedictine Brothers led the procession to the tents with the brass band. Archbishop of
Songea Damian Dallu gave a short speech of welcoming Bishop Titus. Bishop Titus thanked the
people and blessed them and then the journey began to Mtwara town. In the evening of the
same day at 17:00pm, we had Vespers at the cathedral whereby Bishop Titus was given the
Cathedral keys and he opened the door. At the vespers, Bishop Titus recited the Apostles Creed
and made the promise that he will serve faithfully the people of Mtwara diocese.
Bishops
Priests
Sisters
Retired President and Government Officials. Bishop Titus and Christians from Dar-es-salaam
The next day, was the day for the blessing of Bishop Titus. Holy mass started at 10:30am.
Bishops were about 30, Priests were 150, and unnumbered Sisters from different
congregations, unnumbered Christians and government officials; among them was the retired
President Benjamin William Mkapa. Regional Commissioner. Minister of State in the Prime
Minister’s Office responsible for Police, Parliamentary Affairs, Labor, Employment, Youth and
the Disabled and other Officials. The Cathedral was not enough to occupy all people. Some had
to sit outside in the tents whereby screens were displayed so that they can witness what was
going on inside the Cathedral. Holy mass lasted about five hours then we had late lunch. We
thank the Lord for the blessings which He has bestowed to our diocese. We ask Him to bless us
forever.
By Sr. Dafrosa
Pugu Pilgrimage 12 January 2016
Remembering and Honoring our Martyrs. Sr. Winfrida and Matride represented Ndanda
Priory for pilgrimage at Pugu. This yearly event is jointly sponsored by the Benedictines of
Tanzania and the Archdiocese of Dar es Salaam. We travelled to Dar-es-Salaam from Ndanda
January 11th. We were lucky to join the car trip of Abbot Placidus Mtunguja and Fr. Cornelius
Mdoe of the Benedictine Abbey of Ndanda. The following day, January 12 th, was the day of
pilgrimage. The procession participated by the faithful of Dar es Salaam and the Benedictines of
Ndanda, Peramiho, Hanga, Mvimwa, Chipole and Imiliwaha. The procession started from
Ukonga Parish at 7:00 a.m. We reached Pugu at 9:15 a.m, the holy ground, where our very first
mission in East Africa stood.
Pugu
A year later, on 13 January, 1889, it was attacked and totally destroyed by a natives’ uprising.
Not only has the mission destroyed, three of our pioneer missionaries were killed Sr. Marta
Wansing, Br. Petrus Mikl and Br. Benedikt Kantwerg. We celebrated the Holy Mass with Bishop
Eusebius Alfred Nzigilwa of Dar es Salaam as main celebrant. The homily was given by Rev.
Abbot Thadeus of Hanga Monastery. That experience has taught me patience, perseverance,
and faithfulness in prayer. Moreover, to remain firm in our vocation even if it may call for the
sacrifice of our lives. We thank our prioress, Mother Terese Zemale, and the community for
giving us the opportunity of participating in this pilgrimage.
By Sr. Matrida Hilarius
Seminar of Enneagram
Seminar of Enneagram was attended by Novices from the Congregation of the Sisters of Our
Redeemer, Postulants from Ndanda Abbey and the Novices from the Missionary Benedictine
Sisters of Tutzing. It was conducted at Zakeo Spiritual Centre, for five days from 26 th January to
30th, and 2016. The facilitator was Fr. Christian OSB. The word Ennaegram was derived from
Greek words, ennea, meaning, nine, and gramma, meaning, something, written or drawn.
Enneagram is a model of human personality which is principally understood and taught as a
typology of nine interconnected personality types. Enneagram of personality has been widely
promoted in both business management and spiritual contexts through seminars, conferences,
books, magazines and DVDs. In spirituality it is commonly presented as a path to higher state of
being, essence and enlightenment. It has been described as a method for self-understanding
and self- development. Enneagram defines people’s behavior by grouping them into nine types
as follows. One is Reformer (Perfectionists, responsible, fixated on improvement). Two is the
Helper (Helpers who need to be needed). Three is the Achiever (Focused on the presentation of
success, to attain validation). Fourth is the Individualist (identity seekers, who feel unique and
different). Five is the Investigator (Thinkers who tend to withdraw and observe). Sixth is the
Loyalist (Conflicted between trust and mistrust). Seven is the Enthusiast (Pleasure seekers and
planners, in search of distraction). Eight is the Challenger (Taking charge, because they don’t
want to be controlled).Nine is the Peacemaker. (Keeping peace and harmony).
Novice Neema, Gudila and Agnes
Novice Sesilia and Gudila
Through this seminar we have come to know that as a community each member is different
from the other. We have to appreciate each other as a gift from God and as a gift for the
community. A person can not belong in one type of Enneagram but she can be in type one and
two or five and seven and so forth. So we have to appreciate each other as a gift for the
community. We have to help one another and accept the challenges so as to live at peace and
harmony in the community. We thank Fr. Christian OSB, who dedicated his time to share with
us the insights and experiences. We also thank our sisters for giving us this chance of attending
the enneagram seminar.
By Novice Agnes.
A word of thanks from Intensifiers 2015-2016
We, six Intensifiers of 2015-2016, would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to you dear
sisters for the time we have spent together. We have been greatly enriched by your guidance,
support and care. You have been truly companions on our journey. We started our program
with pilgrimage to different places whereby our foremothers and fathers stayed in 1880s to the
beginning of the 20th century. We were touched by these places especially Pugu where Sr.
Martha Wansing, Br. Petrus and Br. Benedict were murdered. We visited Msimbazi graveyard
whereby remains of some sisters and brothers are buried. We visited St. Joseph Cathedral and
Bagamoyo.
Lukuledi
Msimbazi graveyard
Bagamoyo
In the middle of the program we got a chance to visit Ng,awa Nyangao, a place where Sr.
Walburga was killed. Later we visited Lukuledi a place where Mother Birgitta Kopf was residing
before she was elected as superior General. We thank God that we have seen these places with
our own eyes instead of just reading from the books.
Pugu
Prayer at Ng,awa Nyangao
Ng,awa
In our program we had different facilitators who were very knowledgeable and with many
experiences in different areas of life which they shared with us. We all agree that they were
helpful especially in religious life. They were busy teaching us Vatican II documents, Our
Constitutions, Congregation History, Psalms, divine Office, History of religious life, Vows,
Christology, Communication Skills, The Gospel of St. John, Psychology of Religious life and
Sandy play therapy. We got a golden chance in Advent season whereby we participate in the
pastoral work of the Ndanda parish with Sr. Leticia who works at the parish. We visited the sick
people who needed to receive the Holy Sacrament ministered by Fr. Sylvanus OSB the parish
priest. He also administered the Sacrament of confession. We also fed them with the word of
God. The sick people were very grateful. On our side, there was a lot to learn especial reaching
out to the poor both materially and spiritually. Our program was not only about classes, prayer
and work but also we had a time to relax and enjoy ourselves.
Sr. Joyce and Sr. Matilde
Sr. Matilde collecting shells
Intensifiers crossing the Indian ocean
We visited Emmaus beach house where we enjoyed swimming in the Indian Ocean, collecting
shells and playing with sand. We visited MsangaMkuu Island whereby we enjoyed crossing the
Indian Ocean by ferry. All the small communities which we visited were very welcoming and
offered us whatever we needed. Thank you dear sisters for your hospitality.
Intensifiers singing
Sr. Adela and Intensifiers showing the gifts
Sr. Terese giving the speech
We would like to thank you all who planned that the intensification of 2015-2016 to be at
Ndanda. We have learned a lot and experienced a lot. We hope that next group of intensifiers
will be again in Ndanda priory. Thank you dear sisters of Ndanda priory for you love, care and
support. Thank you for your prayers which helped us to go on during the intensification ad
made the program smooth. Thank you so much and may God bless you.
By Sr. Matilde Shikongo, Sr. Joyce Nzuyu, Sr. Agnes Mrosso, Sr. Sabina Zolonimu, Sr. Pachomia
N. Bongue and Sr. John Paul Marunga.
Diaconate
Ndanda parish witnessed the diaconate of the three Benedictine monks on 23 rd January 2016.
The day before, we received Bishop Titus who came from Mtwara since it was the first time to
visit ndanda as Bishop. Brothers, Sisters and parishioners, gathered at old Zakeo spiritual
centre. We welcomed him with joyful songs and grateful heart. Brothers and sisters sang their
number at the sport.
Kipapa children singing
Brothers with their brass band
Sisters singing
After a short speech, the procession began to the Abbey church. Our Brothers led us by brass
band. On the way, some women spread their khangas on the road so that the bishop can step
on them. They did so till the door of the abbey church. It was like Jesus entering Jerusalem.
Bishop Titus Mdoe
Women spreading the khanga
Kipapa children dancing
When we reached at the door of the church the Kipapa children sang the song, “Welcome
Bishop Titus at Mtwara diocese”, then bishop led a prayer and procession continue to the
church. Bishop Titus gave a homily and blessed the believers. The next day, was the day for
diaconate of the 3 Benedictine Brothers. Br.Slyvester ,Victory and Yustus.
Procession for Holy Mass
Three Deacons
Holy mass was led by Bishop Titus, the new bishop of Mtwara diocese. Holy mass started at
09:00am and it lasted about 3 hours.
Cake cutting
After the mass we had short program then followed by lunch in different respective areas. We
thank the lord for sending to us Bishop Titus and for increasing the number of servants in the
church.
By Sr. Dafrosa
Joyful day
It was Sunday afternoon on 24th January 2016 at 15:00pm, when Sr.Rossan and Sr. Adela
arrived at Ndanda priory from Nairobi. Mother Terese fetched them from bus station. Sisters
and formandees were waiting at the reception. At their arrival; we sang a welcoming song and
dance. We were very happy to see them.
Sr. Rosann in black veil
Sr. Adela (centre )
Sr. Rosann and Sr. Leticia
Some of us was the firs time see them. Then we went to the chapel to thank the lord for
bringing them safely to us from a long journey. The two sisters came to teach the intensifiers.
Sr. Rosann stayed a week and left for Jinja Uganda. Sr. Adela stayed almost a month and left
together with 3 intensifiers to Dar-es-Salaam then to Nairobi with sr. Pachomia while Sr.
Matilde and Sr. Sabina travelled back to Windhoek. Welcome again dear sisters.
By Postulant Inviolata
Apostolate in Kabuhima
I was assigned in Kabuhima community for almost five months to experience community life. I
left Ndanda the end of August 2015. My work there was to teach catechism in Lyobaika and
Ikuzi schools, and also I did the house work whenever needed. The children of both schools are
eager to learn new things and have the desire to learn more. They do appreciate the support
and encouragement given to them. Christians are active and make an effort to strengthen their
faith by participating in Christian Small Community where they have Bible sharing. For those
who are reluctant are encouraged to participate in church services.
Novice Sesilia
Kabuhima parish has 30 outstations with one parish priest. It is a big task for him and for our
sisters to visit all those areas but they do their best to visit the Christians in different
outstations. I thank the Lord for His protection and guidance for the days I stayed in Kabuhima.
Thank you dear sisters for your support and your prayers.
By Novice Sesilia.
First Sunday of Lent, Year C
Remain faithful in temptation Lk 4:1-13
Jesus was tempted like Israelites in the desert after they departed from Egypt. The first
temptation of Jesus reminds us the Israelites in the wilderness when they had no food. The
Israelites murmured to Moses that,”You have taken us out of Egypt where we enjoyed
cucumbers and pots full of meat. God provided them with food (Dt 8:3). Jesus reminds the
tempter that man does not live on bread alone (LK 4:4). The second temptation. The first
commandment for the Israelites was not to worship other gods, but the Israelites were always
tempted to believe that the gods of their neighbors were greater than their God, so they ran
after them(Ex 32; Kings 1). The miraculous power of Jesus could have been an opportunity for
Him to glorify Himself. To the devil, Jesus said” You must worship the Lord your God, Him only
you must serve”. We can be tempted also to desire to be powerful people but we have to
remember that power and glory belong to God. The third temptation was to ask God an extraordinary signs of protection, by throwing himself down from the parapet of the temple. Jesus
answered him that” Do not put the Lord your God to the test”. In our days, people do challenge
God to show them an extra ordinary signs of His presence.
Novice Agnes
We call on God to take care of our problems, to cure diseases like cancer, to end war among
the nations and to prevent starvation. The question here to ask ourselves is that, do we know
the root cause of all these problems? If we know, how do we tackle them? God gave us the
knowledge and intelligence of preventing and solving them and creating better life. Let us pray
as though everything depend to God but work as though everything depend on us. God
intervenes in an extra ordinary ways. Jesus reminds us that, we should not force God to act, as
Israelites did in the desert. Just as we are like Jesus, we are filled by the Holy Spirit of God as we
hear the voice of the Lord through Scriptures and every day experiences.
By Novice Agnes
Closing the year of Consecrated Life
In Lindi diocese the closing of the year of consecrated life was done with pilgrimage to Mpilipili
on 31st January 2016 morning at 10:00am. Sisters from different Congregations who are
working in Lindi Diocese gathered together in order to celebrate religious day as they normally
do on 2nd of February each year. This year was special celebration because we were closing the
year of Consecrated life, which we combined with Pilgrimage to Mpilipi. We gathered at St.
Francis Xavier Church with the Bishop of Lindi Diocese Rev. Bishop Bruno P. Ngonyani, ready for
Pilgrimage to Mpilipili, the place where our first missionaries celebrated first Mass.
Cross at Mpilipili
Bishop gave us some explanation and Blessing, and then procession to Mpilipili started. On the
way, we prayed rosary and sang songs. At Mpilipili , Bishop told us that the place which we are
standing is a place whereby the first missionary, Fr. Maurus Hartmann, Br. Michael Hofer and
Br. Vincent Rinck, erected the cross on 3rd December 1894, the feast of St. Francis Xavier, and
dedicated themselves to him. News came from St. Otilian that they were not allowed to
establish a mission there. Therefore, they proceeded to Lukuledi in Masasi in 1895 where they
settled before moving to Nyangao, due to lack of water.
Procession to St. Francis church
Sisters singing at mass
Kipapa children, Bishop,priests and Sisters
The following day, in morning, we gathered at the Cathedral for procession around Lindi town,
with Kipapa children and the Bishop. We were singing and dancing joyfully all the way. When
we were on a half way, we were blessed by rain. After 2 hours of walk, we arrived at St. Francis
Xavier church where we had Holy mass with the Parishioners. After Mass, we had short
program in the Hall, late Lunch and departed. At national level, the closing of the year of
consecrated life was done in Dar-es-Salaam.
Blessing the candles at TEC, Kurasini Dar-es-Salaam
Sr. Bonifasia and Sr. Febronia from Tutzing sisters participated the function. It took place at
Tanzania Episcopal Conference TEC on 2 February 2016. Holy mass started at 09:30 to 12:00.
The main celebrate was Bishop Telesphor Mkude of Morogoro diocese near Dar-es- Salaam,
assisted by Bishop Gervas Nyaisonga of Mpanda Diocese. Three Benedictines Abbots were
present. Abbot Placidus of Ndanda Abbey and Abbot Denis Ndomba of Mvimwa and the retired
Abbot Thaddeus of Hanga monastery.
Procession to the Church at TEC, Kurasini Dar-es-Salaam
Holy mass going on
Before mass, we gathered outside the church, whereby candles were blessed then we
proceeded to the church. We were Brothers, Sisters, Priests and Parishioners.
Sisters singing during Holy mass
Photo taking outside the church
After mass, we had photo taking together outside the church, then we gathered in the hall for
short program. The dancers with their traditional dance entertained us.
Gathering in the hall
Traditional dance entertain the audience
We were all happy to be together as a family. We thank the Lord who made all this possible.
By Sr.Febronia
Visiting prisoners
Sisters of St Scholastica community in Mtwara, visited the prisoners in Lilungu, Mtwara. We decided
to do this as the act of mercy of God to other people at this Lenten time. Together we agreed to buy
gifts for prisoners with the money we would not spend at Lenten season. It was a shining Saturday
morning, 12 March 2016 when we started our safari to the prison. The previous day, we bought 405
bars of bathing soap, 405 razor blades, and 405 skin Lotion for 405 prisoners. 7 of them are females
and the rest males .
Sisters and a worker busy packing gifts for prisoners
Our driver Gilbert and our worker Baldwin loaded the car with all the little packs. When we arrived at
the prison’s entrance, we were given instruction of leaving the phone at the entrance and no picture
taking. A policeman brought us to the office of the Head of the Prison. He welcomed us and we
introduced ourselves and told him the purpose of visiting the prison. In one hour we had discussion
with him .He answered the questions which we asked him about the prison and life in prison. We
learned that this is a high security prison, built before Independence for about 700 inmates. At
present there are 396 men, 14 of them sentenced for life or for death penalty. All stay in dormitories
of about 16, having no beds, but mattresses on the floor. Those who are sentenced have an orange
Uniform while those who are waiting for sentence do use their private clothes. The youngest are 18
years old. During the day they do different activities. Those who stay longer can learn skills like
becoming a mason. All our little presents were brought to the office of the in charge, and 10 male
prisoners were called in. We introduced ourselves and told them the aim of visiting them. They were
very happy, and then we visited the prison of the female. We met seven of them with a lady in
charge. Again we introduced ourselves and told them the purpose of visiting them. They were so
happy. One of them led us in prayer: Our Father; Hail Mary, Creed and Glory be to the Father. We felt
sorry for them and want to pray always for them as we had promised them. They were so happy and
we too were happy.
By Postulant Veridiana.
Prayer for consecrated life
Seminar for consecrated life for formandees, this year was conducted from February 22nd to
27th 2016, at Zakeo Spiritual Centre Ndanda. Postulants from Ndanda Abbey and Tutzing sisters
attended the seminar. The facilitator was Fr Christian OSB. Bible was used as a reference to the
theme,” Importance of prayer for consecrated life”. Fr Christian dealt mostly on Psalms, prayer
of Hannah (1 Sam1:10), and prayer of King David, (2 Sam 22:1-51). Prayer and African
traditions: For many years before the coming of the missionaries, our ancestors believed that
there is superpower existing somewhere. So they gathered under the big trees or at the foot of
the mountains praying to the God of their ancestors, believing that the He will hear them.
Through their faith they continued praying year after year. Our ancestors did this whenever
they experienced hunger, drought, flood, diseases, defeat in war and conflict among the tribes.
When they realized that their problems were no longer troubling them they were so happy
believed that God has heard their prayers.
Postulant Editha and Grace
We religious have to pray without ceasing. Praying with faith, trust and patience knowing that
God answers our prayers. Fr. Christian gave us some questions to discuss in groups and then we
shared before all. One of those questions was”. What will be the negative impact if a religious
person ceases to pray?” Some of those answers were as follows”. Conflict among the members
in the community, lack of co-operation in the community, decline of the vocation in the
community, lower the status of the community and division among the members in the
community. Prayer is a food for a religious person. A nun or monk living without prayer is like a
person living without eating. Obviously such a person is going to die. The last day we had a
pilgrimage to the mountain were the first missionaries erected the cross. On the way we had
meditation. After arriving to the site, Fr. Christian read the gospel of Matthew 5: 3-11, and gave
us a short homily. He said, “In the Bible, the word mountain is a symbolic word meaning the
perfection of something. God gave Moses Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai. Jesus
accomplished our redemption on Calvary”. We encounter many difficulties in our life which
resemble as climbing on the mountains. We are to persevere to the end just as Jesus did on
Calvary. We thank the sisters of Ndanda priory for allowing us to participate in this seminar.
May God bless you all.
By postulant Editha and Grace
Coordinator: Sr.Dafrosa & Sr. Irene