Volume 01 15-12-2018

MSFS in Southern AfricaMSFS in Southern AfricaMSFS in Southern Africa

An Annual Newsletter

Fransalian Currents: SA Region

It is with great joy and anticipation that we all await the celebrations around Christmas, the birth of our Saviour, Jesus Christ. His birth brings joy, peace and newness. His radiant face illumines the night and removes the darkness around

us as He is “the Light of the world” (Jn 8/12). As you prepare to commemorate Christ’s birth, I wish you a Blessed and Peaceful CHRISTMAS. Let us embrace with gratitude all the blessings that God is going to shower upon us in the New Year 2019.For us, the Fransalians of the Region, there is added joy this year. The Region has completed 'Twenty Years' at the service of the local church in Southern Africa. We thank God for the hard work and wonderful missionary spirit of our pioneers and all the MSFS confreres working in the Region. All glory

and honour be to God. The Region brings out, at the end of each year, a News Letter, trying to re-capture all the major events of great significance that happened within the Region. It was known as ‘Omutumi’ (the Sender) until now. However, it was felt that the title of the News Letter should be adapted to embrace all cultures, languages and geographical differences within the Region. Hence, after much deliberation it was agreed to change the name to Fransalian Currents: MSFS in Southern Africa.

PromPt, Frequent and Caring Love

Fransalian ThoughTs

There is only one true spiritual life while there is a very large number

of false and meaningless ones. The true spiritual life is nothing else but a true love of God. It is not, however, love as such. In so far as divine love enriches us it is called grace, which makes us pleasing to God. In so far as it gives us the strength to do good it is called charity. But when love grows to such a degree of perfection that

it makes us not only to do good but rather moves us to do it carefully, frequently and promptly, it is called spiritual life (Introduction 1:1).Look at Jesus. Look at the way he expressed his love for the Father and the humanity. His love and communion with the Father became most visible from the time of his baptism at which the heaven was opened, the Holy

Spirit came down upon him and the Father proclaimed him as the beloved Son. He was led by the Spirit into the desert to fast and pray for forty days and forty nights! He was longing to be alone with the Father, so much so that we find him praying the whole night on the mountain, praying in the synagogue, praying in the temple, praying in the garden, and praying on the Cross. It was an unceasing communion through prayer from the beginning till the end.

If the first facade of his life was loving God with an unceasing prayer, the second can be considered as prompt, frequent and caring love towards the people. All his healings and miracles were only expressions of his love for humanity. It was prompt: Listen to what he said, after healing the man with a withered hand, “Which one of you who has a sheep, if it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will not take hold of it and lift it out? Oh, how much more value is a person than a sheep!” (Mt. 12: 10-11). It was frequent: “If a brother sins against you seven times a day, and turns to you seven times, saying, I repent, you must forgive him” (Lk. 17: 4). It was caring: When the woman caught in adultery was brought before Jesus, with what care and prudence he bent down and wrote with his finger on the ground, and said, “let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her” (Jn. 8:7).Was it not the life of St. Francis de Sales too? His life was an unceasing prayer (Look at his hand, holding the rosary). His life was also a prompt, frequent and caring exercise of love for human beings. Even when he was very sick, in October 1622, Charles-Emmanuel, commanded Francis to travel to Avignon for an official meeting with the king, Louis XIII. Francis de Sales refused to make an excuse. In Annecy, this journey did deeply upset everyone and he was implored to make his excuses and inform the Duke that he was quite beyond undertaking the fatigues of such a journey and of the ceremonial. He, however, refused to do so saying: “We must go wherever God calls us, we shall go on as far as we are able and we shall stop when illness allows us to go no further.” (Michael de la Bedoyere, François de Sales, 16). It was during this journey that he passed away.

Fr. Devasia Manalel MSFS Spiritual life is prompt, frequent and

caring exercise of love.

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“You will find a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger”. LK 2/12

I place before you the transformed and renamed News Letter from the Region. I wish all success to the editorial team and express my appreciation and thanks to all who contributed to the publication of this first edition of the Fransalian Currents: MSFS in Southern Africa. Baiju Mundackal MSFS

Regional Superior

South aFriCa NeedS our Lady

On 13th October 2018, we remembered the 101st anniversary of the sixth Fatima apparition and the

Miracle of the Sun. Each year, South Africa Needs Our Lady holds the Public Square Rosary Crusade. Hundreds of groups simultaneously prayed at 12.00 noon for our country and the world, all across South Africa! Grassy Park Parish, Cape Town, was blessed to be out in the public square, at 6 different locations, proclaiming their love for Holy Mary, praying her Rosary as she asked at Fatima. Prayer intentions were offered for each of the 20 mysteries, calling for the grace of conversion on South Africa.

We also launched our Ecclesia faith sharing series, “the Church is an Open Door”, prepared by the Centre for Pastoral Development of the Archdiocese. The theme focuses on social issues such as Poverty and Addiction. Quotes by Pope Francis are reflected on, discussed and groups decide upon suitable actions they can follow through on.As a Parish, we continue to thrive under the spiritual leadership of our Priests, Fr Baiju Mundackal MSFS and Fr Noble Jose MSFS. Mary, Mother of our church, pray for us! Michelle George

When I have fears that I may cease to beBefore my pen has scribbled my burning desire

Before the sketches of my beloved bard beWho soared into the heights of love any could aspire

When I behold, upon the night’s starr’d faceOf devotion drained Christendom

And think that I may never live to traceThe light that the meteor cast in the Kingdom

And when I feel fair creature of a momentThat I shall never comprehend your bentNever know the depth of your divine love

That Enveloped thee in thy devotion.

Then I hear thee saying to me of my questBe what you are and be at your best.

Fr. Devasia Manalel MSFSBe What You Are and Be At ItS BeSt

We, the parishioners of Grassy Park Parish raise our hearts together with

Mary the Mother of God for the great things, He has done for us during the time of Marian Triduum. September 12th to 14th were the days of graces and blessings; these days of Marian Triduum were set apart for looking at our Blessed Mother closely, as Mary a Courageous Woman, Mary seat of Wisdom and Mary Mother of Mercy. For making these days more festive, the foyer of the church was beautifully adorned to honour our Mother and Queen with the

help of so many beautiful hearts. Three days of prayer and reflections started with the Holy Mass at 7.00 pm every evening. The Holy Mass and reflections were given by the visiting priests from other parishes

of the Archdiocese of Cape Town.

These three days were marked with

great social success and brought much love and unity between the three Churches of our parish. We learnt so much about Mary and came to a deeper understanding of her

role in the Economy of Salvation. May the Blessed Virgin Mary continue to help and guide us. Theresa Robertz

“The Mighty One has done great

things for me, and holy is His name.”

Luke 1:49

Marian Triduum at Grassy Park Parish

The Blessing of the New Church in Outstation (MBABALA) under St. Philip’s Parish

The parish of St. Philip’s in the Kingdom of Swaziland had the joy of realizing their project of constructing a church building

for the outstation of Mbabala, under the patronage of St. Frances Cabrini. The new church was blessed by His Lordship Bishop Josè Louise, Bishop of the diocese of Manzini, eSwatini (the new name for Swaziland), on 3rd November, 2018. We express our sincere appreciation and gratitude to the Diocese Administration Committee for supporting us financially, and the Mbabala Catholic community for their tireless work in constructing this new church. This work was initiated by Fr. Augustine Parampuzha, the previous Parish Priest of St Philip’s and Fr. Francis Huwn, the present one. We sincerely thank them for putting their heart, mind and soul in materialising this dream in this area. May God continue to bless their missionary zeal and ministry. Fr. Alwyn John MSFS

2 Fransalian Currents: SA Region

Annual Camp at Ongha

The annual camp for Bloukring and Jongwag group was organized from 24th to 26th August at the Roman Catholic Mission Ongha. Members from Okatana, Omuthiya, Okalongo and Ongha pastoral regions took part

in the camp. It was enriching for them as they received spiritual talks on sacraments of the church, importance of praying rosary, involvement in the church activities and so on. They actively participated in games, bible quiz, singing competition and cultural dance completion. Thirty girls and fourteen boys from Ongha Pastoral Region were received in as new members of the group during the Sunday Eucharistic celebration.

Fr. Sanish Plakoottathil MSFS

Fransalian Currents: SA Region 3

A FUSION OF CuLTURES

St. Augustine’s Parish, Soweto, Windhoek Organized a cultural

weekend on 8-9th September 2018. This was combined with the Annual Church Bazaar and the Celebration of the Feast of St. Augustine, the Patron of the Parish.It was indeed a unique celebration which was focused on the Cultural Diversity of the parish. Every cultural group had its stall for the bazaar. There were different items that were sold: clothing, and a variety of food and drinks with the aim of raising funds for our parish. It was amazing to see their initiatives and the interest of the parishioners who were working very

hard for the love they have for the parish. We had also the opportunity to entertain ourselves with different cultural dances.

On Sunday, the parishioners gathered in big numbers for

the solemn celebration of the Holy Eucharist, honoring the patron of our parish, St. Augustine, a man who still inspires us on our life journey of faith. In his homily, Fr. Saju Joseph msfs, the parish priest highlighted the life of St. Augustine and encouraged the parishioners to follow the good example of the patron saint in their day to day lives. He also reminded that we should be grateful for who and what we are and appreciate one another even though our cultures differ. Majority of the parishioners were dressed in our cultural attires and graced the celebration with songs in different vernaculars. It was indeed a blessed and unforgettable moment.

This cultural weekend was organized with the aim of promoting unity

and togetherness and to create a feeling of oneness as St Augustine’s Parish Family. It helps everyone to appreciate and value one another’s cultural diversity.

Sr. daria MSC

Pastoral Visit of Rt. Rev. Willem Christiaans OSFS

It was a joyous moment for all the parishioners of Christ the King and Ss. Peter and Paul, Lüderitz as their newly

consecrated Shepherd came for his first pastoral visit on 26th August 2018. The joy was doubled as 45 adults were sealed by the Holy Spirit through the Sacrament of Confirmation. Rt. Rev. Willem Christiaans, the new bishop was welcomed with a Nama traditional dance and an Oshiwambo traditional dance. Bishop in his homily emphasized more on the role of young people in today’s Church. The choir with their angelic melody lighted up the liturgy. Bishop, in conclusion thanked all the parishioners for their effort and appreciated their great enthusiasm and love for the church.

Fr. Bibin Martin msfs

St. Augustine’s Roman Catholic Church, Soweto situated in Windhoek, the capital city of

Namibia, was blessed and opened on 17th March 1985. This parish of St. Augustine’s was entrusted to the Congregation of the Missionaries of St. Francis de Sales [Fransalians] for its pastoral care on 30th September 2007. At present Fr. Saju Joseph msfs and Fr. Jose Mamalassery msfs are taking care of the pastoral needs of the community.For the last few years God has indeed been blessing the sacrifice and labours of the missionaries and the people of St. Augustine’s Parish. It has grown substantially in faith and numerically in strength. Due to the increase of the members, the seating capacity of the church has become insufficient and the present church building could not accommodate all the people during the liturgical services. So the parish was looking for ways and means to extend the church building to accommodate all the members for the liturgical celebrations.

Since 2010 the church has been involved in the new Church Building Project trying to procure

the necessary funds. After years of planning and fund raising, finally the renovation of the church was started on the 7th of March 2018.

A New Facelift to St. Augustine’s Parish, SowetoIt is expected to be completed in August 2019. Along with the new church we also will have the facilities like a multipurpose hall, a chapel and a class room.

The coming months will be both exciting and challenging. This project required and

will still require a great deal of commitment and sacrifice from all. At the same time the commitment and the investment that we now make for a new church facility will impact the people for generations to come. We are grateful to God for His faithful love for us that never ends and His mercy which never ceases.

4 Fransalian Currents: SA Region

St. Thomas’ Parish, Vredendal organized a day's programme for the altar servers on 6th October 2018. It was beautiful to see children’s enthusiasm for the

responsibility given to them in the Church. Fr. Nikseng M Sangma Msfs, Fr. Libin Varghese msfs conducted the programme with the help of Mr. John Kouter, Mrs. Anna

Lethina, Mrs. Selina Lethina, Mrs. Monica Seas, Mrs. Linda Greeff and Mrs. Marinda Samson. The programme

made them aware of their roles in the Church.

Altar Servers' Day

Fr. Nikseng M Sangma MSFS

Fr. Saju Joseph msfs

A New Parish under St. Philip's Parish

The long-awaited new parish, under St. Philip Parish, will come into existence, as St. Ignatius Church, Siphofaneni on the second Sunday of Advent 2018. St. Ignatius Church, Siphofaneni will be erected as the new parish in the Diocese of Manzini, eSwatini, on 9th December 2018. We thank the Lord for this gracious blessing we have received from Him. This shows that the Church is growing in our parish here in eSwatini. We thank His Lordship, Bishop Josè Louise for entrusting this new parish to the Missionaries of St Francis de Sales. We also sincerely appreciate the initial hard work done by Fr. Augustine Parampuzha and Fr. Francis Huwn for their tireless work in making this outstation into a new parish. May God bless them abundantly.

Fr. Alwyn John MSFS

Fransalian Currents: SA Region 5

I PrayO God my God,I Seek you with all my heart.Be with me and live in meMake me human like you.

As I live on earth, make me a mountain of your loveAnd when I leave it make me a channel of your charityBe with me and walk with me Lord Hide me in your tender and merciful heart.

O Lord my adorable God Allow me to sink in the depth of your mercyStrengthen me Lord for I’m weakHelp me Lord to find you in others.

As the people saw you, the ocean of loveThey experienced you’re a sea of mercyAllow your servants to cling on to youMy merciful and loving Lord. Fr. Mathew Maliyil MSFS

Life always brings a lot of excitements. The day when I got my visa to come to South Africa, I was very happy because it was a long-waited

dream came true. After six months of patient waiting, I arrived on 12th September 2018 at Cape Town International Airport. As I reached the Airport, I could see all the Fathers waiting for me. I was really surprised to see so many Fathers coming to welcome me to the Region. They took special effort to conduct an induction program, where they gave me an idea about the life and mission in the Southern African Region. During my stay in Cape Town, I could also go around the beautiful places in Cape Town; it was a new experience for me being in a foreign country. When I reached Vredendal I was very happy to see many parishioners waiting to welcome me to the parish. They were very friendly and I could feel at home with them. The main challenge before me now is to learn the language of the place so that I can have better communication with the people. At present I am in Parish called Okiep, a parish where I learn the language, Afrikaans and culture of the people and their way of living. Now I am enjoying the mission experience by going to the different substations and learning the life situations of the people. I know that it surely enriches me to be an effective missionary in my new homeland.

My First Excitement and Challenges in Africa

Fr. Libin Varghese MSFS

St. Thomas’ Parish Vredendal celebrated feast of Mother of Compassion and had program

for the couples on 15th Sept, 2018. There were sixty couples from St. Thomas’ Church, Vredendal and St. Andrew’s Church, Klawer.

The celebration began with the Holy Mass by Fr. Nikseng M Sangma msfs. The Resource

persons were Fr. Nikseng M Sangma msfs, Mr. Johann and Mr. Lionel Philips.

Fr. Nikseng M Sangma MSFS

Feast of the Mother of Compassion

It was a moment of joy for all the parishioners of St. Anne’s Parish,

Oranjemund, Namibia, as the parish celebrated the feast of their patroness, St. Anne from the 27-30th

of July 2018. It was a celebration of spiritual renewal for the people, refreshing their faith. This offered some unforgettable days for the parishioners. A combined choir was formed to enhance the celebration with their melodious singing. To add more colours to the feast days, a procession was conducted through the town which was witnessed by many people. On the last day of

the feast, during his homily, the celebrant, Fr. Bibin exhorted the faithful about the cross, as our mark of Christian identity; and reminded the people that sacrifice and love are synonymous. We take up our cross daily as we lovingly make sacrifice for those around us. After the Holy Eucharist, the faithful had an agape fellowship. The feast day celebrations became a great spiritual nourishment for the people and a time of experiencing Christian unity among the faithful.

Fr. Bibin Martin MSFS

Parish Feast at St. Anne’s Parish, Oranjemund

Workshop for the New Leaders of Ongha

Aworkshop for the newly elected community leaders, councillors and finance committee members of Ongha Pastoral district was organized

during the month of March 2018. It was organized at Omafo, Ongha and Okongo parishes. Almost all of them from the different communities attended the workshop. During the workshop they were given instructions regarding the role of a leader in the church, duties and responsibilities of leaders and their councillors, importance of conducting community council meeting, transparency and truthfulness in financial matters and so on. It was conducted by Fr. Sanish Plakoottathil msfs and at the end of the workshop they were officially installed as the new leaders of the church.

Fr. Sanish Plakoottathil MSFS

On 01st September 2018, the Sacred Heart Parish, Ermelo

had a fundraising day. At 8.00 am, we had the 'Spring Run' organized by the parish for the families. The Church committee had looked into all the logistics of the event. We were blessed with a wonderful spring weather and both the races went very well. A table was organized with cool drinks and other eateries for those who wanted to buy them which added

flavour to the event and monetory gain to the parish. Every participant received a 'Thank You' note with a lunch bar in appreciation for their support and participation. Prizes were also distributed to the winners. Then, we had the long-awaited draw of the sheep raffle. It was a new event in the parish and it had emulated a very positive feedback from the Parishioners. Fr. Augustine Parampuzha MSFS

the Spring run at SaCred heart PriSh, ermeLo

The parish children’s day was celebrated on the 29th and 30th of September 2018 at OLPH parish, Keetmanshoop. The day’s celebration began with

the holy mass at 9.30 am. It was well attended by about 400 children and 60 parents. The catechetical and motivational talks by Rev. Fr. Libin C., MSFS and Sr. Cesilia OSFS put the parents and children in the context of Catholic parenting and elucidated the importance of catechism. A number of games and dances and a sumptuous lunch prepared by the parents during the day accelerated the spirit of the children. The celebration came to an end with a special Hoy Mass for the children on Sunday morning. The children took active participation in the Holy Mass by singing, reading and praying. A big thanks to the whole parish community. Lucia Celina Dawids (Celest)

Children’s Days at OLPH, Keetmanshoop

6 Fransalian Currents: SA Region

Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Church, MidrandThe presence of the Missionaries of St. Francis De Sales has completed one year in Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Parish, Midrand in the Archdiocese of Pretoria in South Africa. It was on 30th September 2017 that Fr Thomas Joseph Vanderkunnel took charge as the Parish Priest of the Holy Trinity parish. Two months later, on 30th November, Fr Joseph Puliyilakat joined him in the community and on 2nd December, he took charge as the Parish Priest of Olifantsfontein which was a substation of Midrand until then. The Lord has showered many blessings upon the parish as well as the priests residing at the Midrand Catholic Church. Through the instrumentality of many committed faithful parishioners and by the grace of God, we could organize a few programs for the improvement of the parish community. During the season of Lent, we organized a parish mission preaching with two of our missioners, Frs. Noble and Babychan from Cape Town which was greatly appreciated. Heritage day was celebrated on 30th September, the Sunday following the Heritage Day and we also remembered our founder, Fr. Peter May Mermier. The day was marked with traditional dresses and food after the Holy Mass. On 5th of October the youth of the parish organized a 'Fun Day' for the youth which was a big success. On 13th of October we had a Marriage and Family Workshop organized at the parish for the parishioners and it was well appreciated. We also had four rosary rallies on the 13th October to mark the anniversary of Marian apparition at Fatima.The Year ending ‘Thanksgiving’ was organized in the parish on the 4th of November as a fundraiser for the extension of the parish church. Most of the parishioners participated in the ‘Thanksgiving Holy Mass’ and the social that followed. Launching of the ‘Renew Africa’ was also done on the same day.

Fr. Thomas Joseph (Biju) Vanderkunnel msfs

Fr. Devasia Manalel MSFS Spurious path of holiness I made my journey,

Ere I met the gentle shepherd and bard,Who sang the melodies in perfect harmony

Of spirit and body into one band.To set free my soul I bound my body

And the slave never left his spirit freeI fought to free both soul and body

Wounding them both they enjoyed a spreeLove yourself and your neighbour, embrace

After the due love that belong to GodBut the way was a maze to my surprise

Sure to wander and never to reach the goal.

He taught, ‘devotion” is the secretPath to follow if you want to be perfect.

Devotion

23rd June 2018 was a joyous day for the Parish of Our Lady of Perpetual Help,

Keetmanshoop, Namibia, as the community celebrated the Silver Jubilee of Fr. Joseph Kunjaparambil msfs. It was a day dedicated to

thank the Lord for the gift of the person of Fr. Joseph as Priest by sharing the priesthood of Christ to shepherd the OLPH Parish. The Parish leaders organized this event well with the help of Deacon Afrikaner and the OSFS Sisters. This auspicious day was graced with the presence of the newly

ordained bishop, Rt. Rev. Willem Christiaans OSFS.

Deacon Afrikaner welcomed everyone to the grace-filled celebrations and then invited

Bishop Willem to lead the congregation in the celebration of the Holy Mass. During his homily the bishop admired the dedicated service of Fr. Joseph as a priest and Vicar General of the diocese. He exhorted the parents to encourage their children to choose priestly and religious vocations. The community very actively participated in the Eucharistic celebration with songs, processions, and liturgical dances. The celebration concluded with the Jubilee blessing by the bishop, presentation of a gift as a token of appreciation by the Parish Pastoral Council and fellowship meal. Rosa Beukes

The priest is alter Christus acting in persona Christi capitis. He is an immense gift to the people because priesthood is the love of the heart of Jesus. 25 years of

ministerial priesthood is one of the greatest blessings a priest can receive in his life.

“A good shepherd, a pastor after God’s heart,

is the greatest treasure which the good Lord can

grant to a parish, and one of the most precious gifts of

divine mercy.” St. John Marie Vianney

Fransalian Currents: SA Region 7

St. Joseph’s Youth, Lüderitz Cares“I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty you gave me drink, I was sick you visited me” (Mt 25:31-46).

The complete life, the perfect pattern, includes the old and the young. St. Joseph’s youth, Lüderitz visited the old age home in Lüderitz to express their love and care for the old people. The inmates were very hospitable and friendly; they welcomed the youth with their beautiful smiles. To break the monotony of the lives of the inmates, the youth presented a few songs and a dance for them. Some of them broke into tears when the youth presented them with gifts. Though they spent only a few hours with them, they made the young people realize the value of their grandparents and the tenderness with which they need to take care of them. All the young people were reminded of a verse from the Bible: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto

you” (Luke 6:31)Fr. Bibin Martin MSFS

Silver Jubilee Celebration of Fr. Joseph at OLPH, Keetmanshoop

Merry CHRISTMAS &

HAPPy NEw YEAr

2019Hearty Welcome Fr. Libin Varghese Best wishes

editorS: Fr. Joseph Puliyilakat and Fr. Noble Nakathingal MSFS Design and Layout: Fr. Libin Chiraparambil msfs

It is a great concern for the Church to see our young adults after they are confirmed, after promising to serve the Lord, get out of the Church. Unlike in the past, most of them never

return due to the peer pressure, unable to defend their faith due to lack of knowledge of the faith and lack openness to their fellow Christians.

The Youth Indaba of St. Anne’s parish initiated a peer group workshop to bring back the young Catholics. The objective of the workshop was to encourage the youth to raise their challenges and issues and to encourage them to find solutions. The event was well

attended by 34 young people from St. Anne’s parish and 4 from other parishes in the area - St. Cyprians (Anglican Church) and St. Mary’s. A group of six adults from St. Anne’s also

attended the programme. The session was opened by Fr. Philip msfs and Fr. Charles from St. Anthony’s Parish gave the input session on ‘Creating lasting friendships’ to empower youth and deepen their faith. Lynn Maggot

a Peer grouP WorkShoP: ST ANNE’S YOUTH INDABA, Steenberg, Cape Town

My Journey with Offenders, Ex-offenders and Their Family: It's 20 Years!

I started my journey with prisoners upon my arrival in Namibia in 1998. It was while I was learning Afrikaans, the local language in Mariental that I was requested to visit a group of Catholic inmates at Hardap prison. I vividly remember the young men

who came to the Holy Mass with eagerness to listen to the word of God. Although I was quite e a g e r to listen to their stories and wanted to know more about their life I could not engage with them as I lacked proficiency of the local language. Nevertheless, I could read from their eyes a deep sense of disappointment and the pain of loneliness and desperation. This made a deep impression on me. When I was transferred to Vredendal, South Africa in 1999, the visit to the prison in Vanrynsdorp with Fr Sontag osfs was an opportunity to engage with several men from the surrounding impoverished townships. I was transferred to Cape Town, South Africa in January, 2002, and in a few months, I was introduced to the wider perspective of Prison Ministry by Sr. Marie Brady, a Loreto nun, who worked in the prison for serval years and with the support of Fr. Job Karikkampally, my parish priest. Listening to the stories of inmates over the years has opened up another world which enabled me to let go of several prejudices I had absorbed from the general public.In my journey as a prison chaplain for the last 20 years, time and again I had to reflect about my mandate as a Christian to the prisoners, ex-prisoners and their families. It’s a mandate for every Christian to reach out to the prisoners. Jesus’ commandment to love is a call to love without any condition. As a society we have a responsibility to condemn even the least crime committed, but we have a greater Christian responsibility to love the offender! Fr. Babychan Arackathara, MSFS

Fransalian Currents: SA Region

CONGRATULATIONS

regionaL SuPeriorS New Regional Administration

Fr. Emmanuel Mappilaparambil msfs

Fr. Baiju Mundackal msfs

Dibrugarh RegionSA Region SA Region

Frs. Lukose, Jijesh, Baiju, and Joseph

diaConate

Deacon Ventino Mutume

Jesus says, “I was in prison and you came to visit me … I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of

mine, you did for me.” (Mt. 25:36, 40).