Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
O. INTRODUCTION: Synodality Experience
By this time, I am assured that your parishes and communities have grown in a practical
way by LISTENING to the Word of God and to each other through bible sharing and
faith sharing in small Christian communities or neighbourhood communities. All these
you have done to enhance our collaborative communion in participating in the mission
of Christ entrusted to the Church, thus, fulfilling her evangelizing task. “Go into the
world and proclaim the good news – baptize them…” (Mt 26:18-19).
Let us continue to encourage the Youth in our parishes to actively play their part within
our Christian communities in the light of the upcoming Synod on the Youth 2023, as
well as the World Youth Day in Lisbon, Portugal.
NEWS NEWS NEWS
1. PRIESTLY ORDINATION:
Fr Eliazer Keendjele Nakakuwa, OMI was ordained to the priesthood on 13
November 2021 at Okatana Christ the King, Oshana Region.
Fr Max Hambabi Haundapiti, OMI was also ordained a priest on 20 December
2021 at St Theresa of the Child Jesus Parish, Ongha – Ohangwena Region.
Fr Simeon Nghiimbwasha, a Diocesan Priest was ordained on 20 August 2022,
at RCM Omuthiya – St Elizabeth of Hungary Parish.
Congratulations to all of you and enjoy your priesthood.
2. DIACONATE ORDINATION:
Dc Protasius Uuyuni, from Oshikuku Pastoral Region, was ordained a
permanent married Deacon on 14 November 2021 at St Mark Community –
Uukwanatshikare Parish.
Dc Rabanus Mwetupa-Ondjene Shaninga, from Anamulenge Pastoral Region,
Oneeya Community, was ordained a permanent married Deacon on 26
February 2022 at St Boniface Community of Oneeya.
Dc Eusebius Mwahangange Shoovaleka, from Okalongo Pastoral District, was
ordained on 27 February 2022, at St Lawrence Mission of Okalongo.
Minor orders – institution
I have instituted the under-listed seminarians as lectors at St Charles Lwanga National
Seminary on 07 May 2022:
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Taukondjele Xavier (Onghiva Diocese); Immanuel Tobias (Archdiocese); Josefat
Paulus (Archdiocese); Josef Fillemon (Archdiocese); Jonas Timoteus (Archdiocese);
and Ananias Simeon (Archdiocese).
Congratulations and keep up the good spirit.
3. CONFIRMATION:
Confirmation was conducted during the last few months at the following Parish
communities:
PARISH Number PARISH Number
St Mary’s Cathedral 66 Tsumeb/Otavi 28
Stella Maris – Walvisbay 14 Omutsegwonime – Omuthiya 79
St Peter – Narraville 15 Omahinda – Omuthiya 145
Holy Rosary – Swakopmund 39 St Augustine – Soweto 91
St Peter Claver – Okahandja 51 Khomasdal 24
Good Shepherd – Kuisebmund 129 St Benedict – Okatunda 33
Oshali – Okalongo 75 Omuthitugwonyama 136
Olyavahenge – Okalongo 107 Otshikutshatshipya 72
Waldfrieden – Omaruru 21 Oshikuku 295
Okalongo 75 Okando 138
Outjo – St Michael 38 Etayi 140
Corpus Christi – Wanaheda 102 Ombwana 77
Ohakweenyanga 56 Omutaku 148
Ongwediva 69 Uutsima 109
Otjiwarongo 54 Uukwanatshikare 140
Onampira 118 All Saints – Okongo 12
4. PROFESSION OF VOWS: TEMPORARY/ FINAL
4.1 Final Vows:
– OSB-Oshikuku: Sr Maria Namutenya Shikongo, OSB; Sr Kristine
Nangombe-Megameno Paulus, OSB; Sr Julia Ndeshipanda
Munomwiitjo Simeon, OSB; Sr Letitia Ndilyowike Nakale, OSB –
all on 06/01/2022 at RCM Oshikuku.
Scheduled for 01/10/2022 are: Sr Mary Placid Joseph, OSB and Sr
Maurice Mary Kamari, OSB at St Benedict’s Priory House Chapel,
Nubuamis.
4.2 First Profession
– Sr Beatriz Laurentina Ndesitiwa Nghiyamene, OSB 06/01/2022.
– Sr Rachel Tulonga Joseph, OSB; Sr Hilaris Ndeyapo Fidelis, OSB
on 11 July 2022 at St Benedict Convent Oshitutuma.
– Sr Martha Viwangu Ndala, OSB – at St Benedict Priory House,
Nubuamis on 12/02/2022.
Congratulations to all for this milestone in your lives. Be assured of our
continuous prayers.
5. JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS:
5.1 70 th Jubilee
Sr Eufemia Amesho, OSB – scheduled on 01/10/2022
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5.2 Diamond Jubilee – 60 th Jubilee of Religious Profession
Sr Irmgarda Mokatenge, MSC – celebrated on 18/06/2022 – Mariental.
Sr Christel Adams, MSC – celebrated on 18/06/2022 Mariental.
Scheduled for 01 October 2022 – OSB-Tutzing
Sr Agrippina Ashipala, OSB
Sr Margareta Maria Kakololo, OSB
5.3 Golden Jubilee
Sr Euthymia Namatsi Thomas, OSB – celebrated on 06/01/2022 at RCM
Oshikuku.
5.4 Silver Jubilee
Sr Letitia Amadhila, MSC – celebrated on 18/06/2022 – Mariental
Sr Maria Bernadette Senalye, MSC – same date as above
6. CHURCH JUBILEE OR BLESSING:
The Church community of Corridor 13 in Aminuis Pastoral District
celebrated their Silver Jubilee on 02 July 2022 at which Fr Werner S Afunde
– Vicar General presided. The people were in good, uniting festive mood.
Congratulations.
7. TRANSFERS AND APPOINTMENTS:
Sr Letitia Andowa, MSC – the serving Provincial Superior is elected to
serve on the Congregational General Administration in Rome and will
leave soon before the end of the year to start her new responsibility.
Congratulations.
Sr Veronika Iita, MSC: As a result of the above, has been appointed as
the new Provincial Superior succeeding Sr Andowa, MSC. She will
commence her four-year term on 09/10/2022. Congratulations – and we
wish you all the blessings in this new challenging ministry.
Sr Eliza Arpon, OSB – the RC Hospital administrator has been
transferred to the Manila Priory owing to health reasons – meanwhile, Sr
Giselinde Shivolo, OSB has been appointed to succeed her. Good
wishes…
Sr Tabitha Son, OSB – who worked in the RC Hospital, Department of
Pharmacy since 25 March 2014 until 21/04/2022 – is transferred to Haus
St Benedikt, Tutzing, Germany. Thank you for the service you rendered
to Namibian Church and we wish you all graces from above in your new
endeavour.
Fr Albertus Sheehama, OMI – is transferred to Walvis Bay and
Swakopmund as Parish Priest and Fr Sidney Sakala, OMI as his assistant
Parish Priest.
Fr Josef Sheelekeni, OMI – moves to Anamulenge as Parish Priest with Fr
Andreas Petrus, OMI, being his assistant Parish Priest.
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Fr Petrus Kambanda, OMI – is transferred to Okatana, as an assistant
Parish Priest to Fr Joseph Hatutale, OMI.
Fr Jakobus Ananias, OMI moves to St Joseph’s Mission Epukiro.
Fr Bonaventure Iipinge, OMI has been transferred from Okongo to Döbra
as bursar and Provincial House Superior.
The following priests are sent for further studies: 1) Fr Rufus Nekondo,
OMI (Media) Zambia – Email: rnekondo@gmail.com 2) Fr Vitalis
Johannes, OMI (Canon Law) Kenya – Email:
johannesvitalis2018@gmail.com 3) Fr Gabes Simon (Moral Theology)
Kenya – Email: simongabes@gmail.com 4) Fr Stefanus Shaningwa
(Biblical Theology) Kenya – Email: shitalenistvn@gmail.com
We wish them all the best in their studies. Please don’t hesitate to send
them a line of encouragement.
Fr Martinus Nangwasha is transferred to Holy Redeemer Parish –
Katutura as a Parish Priest at the end of this year while teaching at St
Charles Lwanga Seminary – in Philosophical Discipline.
Fr Simeon Nghiimbwasha is temporarily assigned to Aminuis Pastoral
District.
8. GENERAL INFORMATION
8.1 SECAM: Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa
and Madagascar – The meeting took place on 25 July-01 August
2022 Accra – Ghana. The meeting deliberated on the theme
“Ownership of Secam: security and migration in Africa and the
Island.” Various speakers gave input in specific areas of their
expertise. The discussions were constructive and eye-opening.
What was clearly articulated was the impact of Corona-pandemic
that has slowed down different activities/programmes of Secam on
the continent.
8.2 IMBISA (Inter-Regional Meeting of the Bishops of
Southern Africa). (22-27 September 2022 – Windhoek,
Namibia. It is the platform on which Bishops continue to reflect on
the signs of the times in the Region and how to respond to the
needs of our time through evangelization in a spirit of communion,
solidarity and mutual support (collegiality). The theme is:
“Building forward together – reimagining the Church’s
engagement with young people in the IMBISA region in
the light of Pope Francis’ Exhortation, Christus Vivit.”
8.3 October Month: The missionary theme for October (as
announced by Pope Francis)
A Church Open to Everyone
We pray for the Church; ever faithful to, and courageous in
preaching the Gospel, may the Church be a community of
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solidarity, fraternity and welcome, always living in an atmosphere
of synodality. (Pope Francis)
Let us encourage our communities to pray the rosary committedly
both collectively and individually. Let our family-homes be a
sanctuary of prayer and reflection through the intercession of our
Mother Mary, praying in a special way for peace in the world, our
country and neighbourhood. This month culminates with the
universal Mission Sunday (23 October 2022).
8.4 The SMIC Congregation – has agreed to serve at the RCC
Eenhana Centre in Ohangwena Region, which is still the
outstation centre under Ongha Pastoral District. We thank the
Sisters for accepting this new initiative. They arrived at the place
on 04 May 2022.
8.5 New Rector of St Charles Lwanga: Fr Taiju Thaliath, CMI
was appointed by the Holy See as the new rector of the above
academic institution, succeeding Fr Benny Karuvelil, CMI who
headed it for many years of vigour and vision. Thanks a million to
both of you.
8.6 Withdrawal from the Archdiocese of Windhoek.
It has been officially confirmed that the two Missionary Orders
have decided to withdraw from the Archdiocese at the end of this
year owing to personnel challenges:
8.6.1 OFM Friars: they have been engaged in the apostolate since
2004 – especially in Katutura, Swakopmund and St Charles
Lwanga Seminary. – Fr Teddy Lennon, OFM and Br Sydney
Daniels, OFM.
8.6.2 OSB – Inkamana Abbey: They have been working the last 25
years in the Omaruru Pastoral District stationed at RC
Mission Waldfrieden. – Fr Maximillian Jacobs, OSB; Br
Gabriel Thompson, OSB; Br Leonard Dlamini, OSB; Fr
Abbot Emeritus Godfrey Sieber, OSB.
Thank you for the many years of dedicated service out of love for
the people of God.
8.7 Special Visit: for the last few months.
8.7.1 MSC – Sisters Councillors July/August 2022.
8.7.2 CMI – Vicar General – 27 July-07 August 2022
8.7.3 CMM – Brothers Superior General ….. May 2022
8.8 Official Retirement of Deacon Barnabas Hango:
Born on 01-01 1952, ordained as a permanent married deacon on
24 November 2012 and has been working since in Walvis
Bay/Swakopmund for the last 10 years. As required by NCBC
Statutes, he is retiring at the age of seventy (70) as from 30
November 2022. On behalf of the Archiocese, I would like to
register my heartfelt thanks for his tireless committed service
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rendered to the local Church of Namibia, in general and the
Archdiocese of Windhoek, in particular.
8.9 Fr Augusto Dionisio is on Sabbatical Year until end of October
2022.
8.10 Archdiocese Head Office Holiday Closure: This is to
officially notify all Church personnel/parishes and the general
public that the Church office will be closed on 16 December 2022
until 16 January 2023. For emergency, please contact the
following numbers: Cell#081 609 2922/081 616 7115 (Sr Steph) or
Sr Lydia Cell#081 733 4044. I wish the staff a well-deserved
vacation or relaxation and rejuvenation.
9. OUR SICK/DECEASED
9.1 Let us continue to pray for our sick brothers, sisters, family,
friends and relatives – also our faithful in our parishes and
benefactors. May God give them a quick recovery.
9.2 Also let us remember in our prayers our departed brothers and
sisters:
(a) Fr Charles Mikaya who died in a horrific car accident on
24/05/2022 and buried 04/06/2022 at RCM Shambyu –
Rundu. R I P
(b) Sr Maria Immaculate Wendelinus Iipinge, OSB – passed on 03
July 2022 at St Martin’s Hospital, Oshikuku, aged 53 buried at
Oshikuku on 08 July 2022. R I P
(c) Bishop Fernando Kevanhu, Bishop Emeritus of Ondjiva,
Kunene, Angola – our neighbour passed on 18 May 2022 –
aged 86. We thank God for his life and service he rendered to
the universal Church. R I P
10. CONCLUSION
Undoubtedly, the last two years were very challenging on all levels
because of the outbreak of Corona pandemic descending upon the whole
world unexpectedly. It has brought a lot of hardship on the
nations/people: prices of commodities sky-rocketing, high
unemployment rate, closing down of business establishments. Indeed, it
was also a call to us to adapt a new approach both in methods of
evangelization and of spending and administering the available resources
in our parishes and missions in order to make both ends meet.
This was the basic message of last Sunday (25 Sunday in Ordinary Time)
– to share with the poor the available resources, unlike those who use
their wealth to oppress/exploit the poor – in order to enrich themselves
or for self-gratification by acquiring wealth through dubious/dishonest
dealings. A challenge put before us is to reflect on the fact that “One
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cannot serve both God and mammon” (Lk 16:1-13) – one needs to choose
between the two – either or OR.” What a challenge in our communities
as far as responsible stewardship is concerned?
Sincerely yours in the Lord,
+Most Rev. Archbishop Liborius N. Nashenda, OMI
ARCHDIOCESE OF
