Vocation story: Father Manuel, “I hitched my wagon to a star”
“I am totally paralysed, but I feel a fullness of mind and heart that surprises me, and I dream of an accomplishment that I have not yet experienced… This wheelchair has become the best of the pulpits for me.” Manuel Joao Pereira Correia was born on 27th October 1951, in Penajoia, a village on the […]
African Witnesses: Bishop Joachim Ruhuna, Close to the People
On September 9, 1996, his car was attacked by a gang of armed men. Mons. Ruhuna and a religious sister were killed on the spot. “He spoke clearly and powerfully condemned atrocities. His message was repeated everywhere, and it signed his death warrant.” Joachim Ruhuna was born on October 27, 1933 in Nyabikere to a […]
Kenya: Improving Soil Fertility for Farmers
Franciscah Munyi is a social entrepreneur, the founder and CEO of KOFAR. KOFAR is a social enterprise registered in Kenya. KOFAR processes and sells conditioners, soil conditioners and fortified compost. KOFAR was founded to respond to the challenge that many farmers face with soil fertility that results in soil acidity and poor yield. Many farmers […]
Mission Diary: Rely on One’s Own Strength First
We are in Pikine, a Dakar suburb, Senegal. Father Armel Duteil, is the one telling the story. He is an 80-year-old Spiritan missionary. French by origin, he spent much of his life in Africa – Democratic Republic of Congo, Ivory Coast and finally Senegal. Many missionaries do not believe in emigration as the answer to […]
Bishops of Central African Republic Lament Actions of Armed Groups
In their pastoral letter recently published, the catholic bishops of the Central African Republic said that “There are signs of hope, but the continued presence of armed groups threatens the future of the country.” “After the coup d’état of March 2013, our Country was endowed with democratic institutions in March 2016. Through the vote and […]
Pope Francis: World Day of Migrants and Refugees, 2020
On September 27th 2020, the Church marks the 106th World Day of Migrants and Refugees. For the title of his annual message, the Holy Father has chosen ‘Forced like Jesus Christ to flee’ to focus on the pastoral care of internally displaced people (IDPs). A synopsis of his message. Pope Francis said: “I have decided […]
African Witnesses: Father Kiggundu, In Defence of the Truth
On January 16, 1973, at Rubaga, in a packed cathedral, the funeral service for Fr. Clement Kiggundu was held. In concluding the homily, the Archbishop of Kampala, E.K. Nsubuga, said: “If you opened the coffin and saw what remains of him, you would be shocked.” The body of Fr. Kiggundu had been found two days […]
Oral Literature: Tortoise and Hare
Tortoise and Hare were chatting when Tortoise declared: “I bet I can beat you in a race.” Hare was stunned for a minute. He wasn’t sure he heard Tortoise correctly. “Did you say something about a race?” Hare asked. Tortoise elaborated: “I challenge you to a race and I want all the animals present to […]
Uganda: Rapid Malaria Testing Kit Innovation
Brian Gitta and a group of his friends, all students of Makerere University in Kampala, are the founders of Matibabu, a low cost and reusable malaria testing kit. Matibabu facilitates a bloodless test that reduces time in the diagnosis of malaria. It is a non-invasive application that tests for malaria without a prick on the […]
Vocation Story: In My Heart There Is Only Gratitude
“For nine years, I stressed self-reliance in all its aspects. I visited local communities, spending time with the sick and families, supervising the various groups, especially of young people, training lay ministers, and administering the sacraments.” Father Missay Soku Jérôme, a Comboni Missionary from Democratic Republic of the Congo talks about his experience in a […]