The Missionaries of Africa actually become Missionaries of Africa by taking the Missionary Oath. This is a solemn promise to dedicate our lives to the Church’s mission in Africa according to the rules of the Society and in obedience to the Superior General. This Oath is taken for life. Both Brothers and Deacons/Priests take the same Oath.
Normally we celebrate the 25, 50 and 60 years of Oath. When God grants we also celebrate 70 and 75 years, although that tends to be rare.
Fr. Hugh Seenan MAfr is to be the next UK Provincial Delegate.
After 6 years in the saddle Fr Terry Madden MAfr ,who is at present in St Vincent’s Parish in Liverpool , is to step down as Provincial Delegate and will be replaced by Fr Hugh Seenan MAfr on 1st July 2020.
Fr Hugh was born in 1954 in Glasgow. He worked for some years as a volunteer teacher (VMM) in Tanzania before beginning studies for the priesthood with the Missionaries of Africa in London and Zambia.
Hugh was ordained priest in 1989 in Our Lady and St. George Parish, Penilee, Glasgow, then worked as a missionary in Mozambique, India and Malawi.
Thanks to Terry for work done. Welcome Hugh and courage.
What is the International Day of Prayer for Eastern Christians?
The International Day of Prayer for Eastern Christians enables Eastern and Western Christians to come together in communion through prayer, and is shared by the Eastern Churches in communion with the Bishop of Rome, including the Armenian Catholic, Chaldean, Coptic Catholic, Ethiopian and Eritrean Catholic (in Africa), Greek Melkite, Maronite, Syrian Catholic, Syro-Malabar (in India), Syro-Malankara (in India).
When is the International day of Prayer for Eastern Christians?
The International Day of Prayer for Eastern Christians – organised by Oeuvre d’Orient in Paris - takes place on Sunday 17th May 2020, with the participation of Christians from all over Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, the Horn of Africa and India.
Who are the Eastern Christians?
The Eastern Christians are direct descendants of the Early Christians and trace their roots back to apostolic times. There are more than 26 million Eastern Christians living in the Middle East and surrounding regions. For Western Christians, they provide a direct link to the Early Church, leading us to the roots of Christianity and showing us, through their tradition and witness, a living faith in Christ.
Why is the International Day of Prayer for Eastern Christians on the Sixth Sunday of Easter?
Sunday after Sunday, during the Easter celebrations, Eastern and Western Christians hear the Acts of the Apostles which witness to the first preaching of the Gospel. These readings remind us of the origin of the Eastern Churches and the history of the first Eastern Christians, who brought the Gospel to us. Nowadays, many of these Eastern Christians are oppressed and persecuted, and struggle to survive and to pass on our faith to their children, in their own lands where Christianity was born and first spread.
An international day of communion through prayer.
We invite Western Christians to embrace the following prayer intention for Eastern Christians:
“Heavenly Father, we pray today for peace in the world, especially in the Middle East. By your heavenly grace, strengthen the faith and hope of Eastern Christians. May they be blessed with peace and prosperity in their lands. And may we be inspired by their devotion and witness to the Gospel, by their love and compassion for all in their communities, and by their courage, their endurance and self-sacrifice against oppression. Through their charity, tolerance and friendship, bring peace and reconciliation to those troubled lands, where Christianity was born and first spread. Through Christ our Lord. Amen”
How to celebrate this day?
We ask you to say this prayer with us on the International Day of Prayer for Eastern Christians – the Sixth Sunday of Easter – on 17th May 2020.
Share the prayer with your family and friends. How can you help Eastern Christians?
BEAR WITNESS TO CHRIST. Often Eastern Christians ask: are there still Christians in the United Kingdom? Perhaps, before wondering what we can do for them, we should ask ourselves whether we truly bear witness to Christ as faithfully as they do.
GET TO KNOW THE EASTERN CHRISTIANS. There are several Eastern Churches in the United Kingdom, not least Armenian Catholic, Chaldean, Coptic Catholic, Eritrean Catholic, Maronite, and Ukranian Catholic. Participate in their liturgies, meet them (your brothers and sisters in Christ), and share your common origins.
BE AN ADVOCATE OF THEIR RIGHTS AND DEFEND THEIR CAUSE. Be encouraged to write from time to time to your Member of Parliament, asking that the British Government remain vigilant to the predicament of Eastern Christians in the Middle East and resolute in defending their cause.
BE FULLY CATHOLIC. To be fully Catholic means thinking of the whole Church. Eastern Catholics are also part of the Universal Catholic Church, in which the Eastern Catholic Churches are in communion with the Bishop of Rome. It is incumbent upon us to share our faith with Eastern Christians in whatever way we can, not least by charity.
Oeuvre d’Orient and FACE
For more than 160 years, the Catholic charity Oeuvre d’Orient has been supporting Eastern Christians in the Middle East and sustaining the survival of Christianity in the Biblical lands.
Oeuvre d’Orient currently manages over 1500 long-term projects in humanitarian aid, education, healthcare and social aid, evangelisation and pastoral support, across 23 countries of the Middle East, India and North Africa.
FACE – as the British sister branch of Oeuvre d’Orient - delivers grant aid directly to projects organised by the local dioceses and religious orders and congregations of the Eastern Catholic Churches - to the benefit of all, of all faiths and none.
If you would like further information on the mission of FACE and Oeuvre d’Orient, or would like to support its work by way of voluntary service or a donation, please contact: facecharityuk@gmail.com
Fellowship and Aid to the Christians of the East (FACE) The first director-general of Oeuvre d’Orient (our parent charity), in 1861, was Cardinal Lavigerie (Founder of the Missionaries of Africa). It is therefore most fitting that Cardinal Michael Fitzgerald MAfr. is now our Patron. Our Pastoral Advisor, is Father Timothy Radcliffe OP.
Happy Feast of the Blessed Martyrs of Algeria. The fortunate ones in rue Friant in Paris were treated to a homily by our confrere, Bishop Claude Rault, who knew all the martyrs personally. Here is his homily.
It so happens that, through the mystery of history, I have come to know almost all the members of the Church of Algeria whose memory we celebrate today. Some I have known more, others less.
On several occasions I was able to work with Bishop Pierre in the Episcopal Conference, and he came several times to the Diocese of the Sahara when I was Vicar General. He was a passionate and exciting man. His regular letters during the “black decade” soon made him a potential target for armed Islamists and security forces. He knew the risks he was taking.
I was also quite close to Christian Chessel, Jean Chevillard, Alain Dieulangard and a little less Charlie Deckers.
Well known also in Ribât, the Link of Peace, Brother Henri Vergès (one of the first victims), less Sister Paule Hélène who worked with him.
Sr Odette came regularly to the same spiritual sharing group. I would sometimes go to celebrate the Eucharist at their little fraternity in a working class setting.
Since the beginning of the 1970s, I had been attending the monastery of Tibhirine and had developed a rather strong bond with Bro Christian, the future Prior. Brother Luc, a colourful doctor, had treated me on several occasions.
Srs. Angèle-Marie and Bibiane were almost unknown to me.
Once or twice I had met Sr. Esther who was treating a friend of mine in a hospital in Algiers where she worked. And a little did I know her sister from the Caridad community.
I am not going to retrace their journey, but I will rather tell you how I was able to witness their journey towards beatification.
From the beginning, when Archbishop Henri Teissier had the investigations for a possible beatification made, I was among several “resistants” to this procedure. I was then provincial of the Maghreb. At the time when our companions from Tizi were murdered at the end of December 94, some other confreres White Fathers, especially in Central Africa, had paid with their lives for their attachment to Christ and to the country in which they had chosen to stay. In fact they had suffered the same fate. So why could our Brothers in Tizi Ouzou have been distinguished from them?
Besides… I had known them well enough to realise that they were not heroes! Their community life was not a great river of peace. And then, in itself, the personality of each one was not really extraordinary in terms of character and behaviour. Pierre Claverie, brilliant as he was, had his temper tantrums, Brother Christian de Chergé his contractions, our confreres in Tizi Ouzou their personal and community problems… like you and me! And sometimes the monks even more… ! There, I have played the devil’s advocate!
As the investigation progressed, we could see that, deep down, it was not their “exemplarity” that was at stake but the meaning of a Church committed in the midst of a People.
This was reflected in the gift of their lives in connection with Muslim men and women who had given the gift of theirs out of fidelity to God and fidelity to their people. The members of the Church of Algeria had given theirs in the line of the same fidelity.
Once the survey was completed, the risk was that each Congregation would present its “candidates” for Beatification in separate ranks. The White Fathers were reluctant to do so. And little by little the vision of a united Church emerged, recognising itself in these given lives and desiring to see them “beatified” not within this or that religious family but as part of the Church, the Body of Christ, which had decided to remain within this suffering people, out of solidarity with them.
“It is not because my wife has lost her mind that I am going to leave her! “replied a Little Brother of Jesus to a journalist.
And little by little the “cause” was advancing. The signing of the Beatification by the Pope was imminent. Where could it take place? We could not see how it could be anywhere else but Algeria! So we bishops met in the office of the Minister of Religious Affairs.
We wanted to involve the many victims of this civil war, starting with the 113 Imams who gave their lives in the name of their faith in God who refuses violence. And it was possible to do so, they were recognized as the spiritual heritage of the humanity of this people.
These reflections have taught me a lot about holiness.
Those we celebrate are blessed neither because of their heroism nor because of their perfection. Heroism is of the human order, and perfection belongs to God alone.
Holiness is of another order, it is a gift of the Holy God. It is a gift that God gives to all of us, and it is up to us whether we accept it or not. It takes place within our hearts.
Those who are declared holy or blessed are declared as a foretaste of what we can be… with God’s grace.
To be officially declared “blessed” or “holy” by the Church is an appreciation that comes from her. We know that on this point she can be mistaken…
These men and women have finished their race. They were like us human beings. In the name of Love they risked to go to the end of this Love.
It is within our reach, as it is within the reach of anyone.
The Love of the Father accompanied them to the end of their journey, He was faithful to them. Dressed in white robes, they mysteriously let themselves be attracted by this Love of God that has no limits.
They gave their lives for those they loved as did many other anonymous people, known only to God.
Basically, the essential thing is to let oneself be attracted by this Love. And this is within the reach of all of us. To be inscribed on the list of the Blessed belongs to men. To be inscribed in the Book of Life belongs only to God. But we must wish it to each other.
+Claude Rault. M.Afr.
Feast of the Martyrs of Algeria
On 8 May, together with the universal Church, let us give thanks to God for the evangelical witness in Algeria of the Blessed Martyrs of Algeria, especially for the four Missionary of Africa confreres among them. By proclaiming them blessed, Pope Francis gave them to the whole Church as examples to be followed of Christian charity in Muslim countries. May they be especially for each one of us an inspiration for a missionary life given in total love of the peoples to whom we are sent.
Happy commemoration!
Stanley Lubungo
General Superior
Fr. Peter Kelly MAfr died on Wednesday 8th April 2020 at West Middlesex Hospital in London (Great Britain) at the age of 87 years, of which 63 years of missionary life in Uganda and UK.
Fr. Chris Wallbank MAfr wrote, “The last months had been very difficult for Peter as he was moved here and there by the NHS and by ourselves in an effort to find him the best nursing care we could.
After a long spell in Charing Cross Hospital we were able to move him to the peace and tranquillity of Maryville Nursing Home run by the Poor Servants of the Mother of God. There he became increasingly unwell and last Saturday was admitted to the hospital where he was diagnosed with Covid 19.
At first he appeared to be making some progress but in the last three days his condition deteriorated rapidly. Last night the doctor telephoned to inform me that there was nothing further they could do for him and he was in the care of the Palliative Team who were making him comfortable.
Visiting was forbidden and it proved difficult even to contact the Chaplaincy Team in these unsettling times. However, last night I was able to make contact with one of the priests on the chaplaincy list of the hospital. He immediately went to the hospital to anoint Peter and pray with him.
For Peter, after all his suffering, this is a blessed release. He has truly shared in the Lord’s Passion and surely now he shares in His Resurrection.
It has been a difficult time too for Peter’s family, who have not been able to visit him for several weeks. Let us pray for them that their faith will be strong. “
Fr. Chris Wallbank MAfr Superior of Little Ealing Lane community.
On the occasion of his 60th anniversary of ordination Peter himself testified, “Looking back over my life on the occasion of my Jubilee, one important thing stands out: It is God’s loving care and providence throughout my life. Perhaps I was not always aware of it at the time it was happening, but looking back, as I grow older, it becomes ever clearer, it has been God’s loving providence at work.
So many experiences of God’s providence have given me greater trust in God’s loving care and providence, helping me to trust Him, especially when things get difficult or seem to go wrong. As Psalm 90 puts it:
‘For you has He commanded His angels
To keep you in all your ways.
They shall bear you upon their hands
Lest you strike your foot against a stone.’”
Fr. Peter was laid to rest on 1st May 2020.
Yesterday (11th November201) we received the sad news of the death of our confrere Dariusz in Burkina Faso, West Africa. Born in Poland 25th March 1966 he studied in Poland and France. As a student he spent 2 years in Algeria, then as a priest he worked in Mali and Burkina Faso. Unwell since the beginning of November he died of Dengue Fever before he could be repatriated to Poland for treatment.
May he rest in the peace of his Lord..
Cardinal Michael Louis Fitzgerald created a Cardinal Deacon of the church of Santa Maria in Portico on Saturday 5th October 2019 by Pope Francis . In his address to the 13 new cardinals, His Holiness stressed the importance of COMPASSION time and again. He insisted that unless the cardinals could “feel” the loving compassion of God, then they will be unable to bear witness to it.
Fr. Patrick Fitzgerald (Fitz) had a fitting send off at his memorial Mass on Friday 30th. It was held in the large lounge of our community house in Little Ealing Lane, Ealing. More than 30 friends joined the community in thanking God for this man who had a huge influence on many of their lives.
At the beginning of the Eucharist, everyone was given the chance of telling the gathering where they came from and what they remembered most of Fitz. It was very enlightening and touching to hear their short stories. They all gave witness of a man who listened and showed great empathy to people in their moments of struggle or pain. This empathy often turned into long and loyal friendships in which Fitz was always appreciated for his counsel and wisdom.
As a way of thanking all Fitz’s friends who came to take part in this thanksgiving ceremony I would like to quote the final words of the homilist, Archbishop Michael Fitzgerald (pictured above) : “We are grateful to all of you who have come here today to pray for Patrick Fitzgerald. If we would like to take away a message that he would surely wish to give us as a parting gift, I would formulate it in this way: Discover who you are; be true to your real selves, and you will be true disciples of Jesus”.
May this loyal servant of the Mission rest in peace.
Fr Terry Madden, Provincial Delegate, Missionaries of Africa, British Sector.
On 01/09/2019 the Holy Father announced the choice of Archbishop Michael Fitzgerald to be created a cardinal together with 12 others at the next consistory, which is due to take place in October this year in Rome.Here are a few notes on Archbishop Michael’s career.
Born 1937 in Walsall (Archdiocese of Birmingham)
Noviciate of the White Fathers (Missionaries of Africa) in s’Heerenberg, Netherlands 1956
Theology in Carthage, Tunisia.
Ordained priest in Whetstone, North London 1961
Further studies in Rome (Theology) and London SOAS (Arabic)1961-1968
Lecturer at the Pontifical Institute of Arabic and Islamic Studies (PISAI) and at Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda 1968-72
Rector of Pontifical Institute of Islamic and Arabic Studies, Rome1972 -78
Parish ministry in New Halfa, Sudan 1978-80
Elected to the General Council of the Missionaries of Africa 1980-86
Secretary of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, Rome 1987-2002
Ordained Bishop of Nepte (ancient North African diocese) 1992
Made Archbishop 2002
President of the Council for Interreligious Dialogue 2002-2006
Made an Officer of the Legion of Honour 2005
Apostolic Nuncio in Egypt and Delegate to the League of Arab States 2006-2012
Honorary Chaplain of the Order of Malta 2009
Residence at St Anne’s, Jerusalem 2012-18
Awarded Honorary Doctorate by the Australian Catholic University 2014
Awarded Honorary Doctorate by Heythrop College, London 2017
Ministry as part of Missionaries of Africa team in St Vincent’s parish, central Liverpool 2018 to the present
Nomination as Cardinal 01/09/2019
PATRICK FITZGERALD RIP
A memorial Mass for Patrick Fitzgerald will be held on Friday August 30th 2019 at 11.30 at:
Missionaries of Africa Community House
64 Little Ealing Lane
London
W5 4XF
A buffet lunch will follow. A warm welcome to all who would like to attend.
RSVP
Fr Chris : lelsuperior@mafrgb.org.uk
Mary : 0208799 5010
We wish to announce the return to the Father of Fr. Patrick Fitzgerald on Wednesday 26th June 2019 at a New-York Hospital (USA).
Fr. Patrick was born 22 July 1925 and died just short of his 94thbirthday.
He was a Missionary of Africa for 69 years working inGreat Britain, Tanzania, Zambia and the United States.
Many people would have known him as Rector at St. Edward’s College in the late 60’s and early 70’s. He was also a frequent visitor to Zambia where he gave sessions to many sisters on Personal Awareness.
The funeral will take place on Saturday, 6 July 2019 at 10 a.m. at the church of the Immaculate Conception, Westhampton Beach.
May He Rest in Peace.
150 Year Celebrations.
There will be celebrations to mark 150 years since the foundation of the White Fathers (Missionaries of Africa) and the White Sisters (Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Africa). These celebrations will be in:
St Columkille’s Parish, Rutherglen Glasgow G73 2SL
at the 12 midday Mass Sunday 26th August 2018.
and
Our Lady Queen of Apostles Parish, Hounslow TW5 0RL. Heston
at the 11.30 Mass Sunday 9th December 2018.
It is hoped that another celebration will be held in Liverpool in September 2018, but arrangements are yet to be made.
White Fathers in England and Wales: Registered Charity No. 233302
Charity Registered in Scotland No. SC037981
