INTERNATIONAL DIACONATE CENTER
JOHANNESBURG CONFERENCE: 9 – 15 APRIL 2008
ZIMBABWE DELEGATION REPORT
The International Diaconate Center (IDC) invited representatives from Zimbabwe to participate at the international conference held in Johannesburg from 9th to 15th April 2008. Since the Archdiocese of Bulawayo has the only Diaconate body in Zimbabwe, the representatives were subsequently chosen as follows:
Father Martin Schupp CMM – Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese
Deacon Gregory Garnie – Chairman of the Council of Deacons
Deacon Justice Ncube – Secretary & Assistant Director of formation
Deacon Charles Dube – Vice Secretary
Meetings
The Zimbabwe delegation arrived at Koinonia House on Wednesday, 9th April and attended the introductory meeting the same evening. The following day, Thursday, 10th April consisted of a full day of country reports and group discussions by region. The Africa group discussed the need to build a regional network to overcome the current isolated existence of the Diaconate in Southern Africa. It was agreed to form a sub committee of the IDC in a similar manner to the CIDAL initiative. The new formation has been termed the International Diaconate Center for the Southern Africa Region (IDCSAR). The Africa delegates also put in place an interim board to oversee the establishment of this initiative whose members were drawn from those Africa delegates who were present or co-opted by those present.
IDCSAR board
President – Bishop Philipp PÖllitzer of the Diocese of Keetmanshoop, Namibia
Coordinating Secretary – Deacon Greg Garnie of Zimbabwe (now South Africa)
Member – Deacon Tony de Freitas of South Africa
Member – Deacon Charles Dube of Zimbabwe
It was agreed that other members would be co-opted from Botswana and Namibia other Archdioceses as these were not present at the conference.
St. Augustine College
On Friday, 11th April, the delegates all attended a presentation at St. Augustine College, where two college speakers presented topics. The first topic covered the socio-economic and socio-political climate in post apartheid South Africa, whilst the second topic dealt with the social, moral and religious impact of HIV/AIDS in South Africa . The delegates then adjourned for group discussions on the topics presented.
At the same time as, but separate to these discussions, there was an extraordinary meeting that took place involving the IDC executive, the IDCSAR executive and the College President, Professor Dr. Edith Raidt. The meeting was facilitated by Fr. Christoph Eisentraut CMM and former representative of the Diaconate in Zimbabwe. The concept of a regional formation center for Permanent Deacons was proposed. After general discussions on the merits of this proposal a general agreement was reached that, in principle, this was the way forward for the Diaconate in Africa. Professor Raidt requested a letter from the IDCSAR outlining the concept, the proposal and the overall vision for such an initiative.
After the discussions, Holy Mass was celebrated and thereafter, lunch was served.
After lunch a meeting took place between Father Kees Keijsper, Deacon Greg Garnie and Deacon Rob Mascini on the needs of the Diaconate in Zimbabwe. Deacon Garnie presented a project paper to Father Keijsper for the sourcing of literature and audio visual material to assist Deacons in their on-going formation and to build up their own personal reference libraries. The request was positively received and we await further feedback. If successful all twenty-eight Deacons incardinated in the Archdiocese of Bulawayo should receive several resource books.
South South cooperation
An informal meeting was held between the Latin American, Spanish and Zimbabwean Deacons in the evening of that same day. It was agreed that a South South cooperation be instituted whereby the Deacons from Southern Africa would contribute articles to the CIDAL newsletter which is circulated twice per month. The Latin American and Spanish Deacons are very keen to hear about the realities of the life and ministry of individual Deacons and not hypothetical what-ifs.
Tours
On Saturday, 12th April, the delegation went on a tour to Regina Mundi Church in SOWETO. We were also taken to see various historical sights in the same township including the memorial in honour of the late Hector Petersen.
Thereafter, we were taken to the Apartheid Museum for a glimpse into the life of people during this era of South African history. A most disturbing, yet insightful experience which had a profound effect on the delegation.
Holy Mass
On Sunday, 13th April, the delegates attended Holy Mass at St. Francis Church in SOWETO, which was a beautiful experience of charismatic worship in our Catholic context. The community also prepared tea and eats after the Mass on the occasion of our visit to their parish.
Thereafter, we traveled to Mariannhill Mission, near Durban.
Durban meetings
On Monday, 14th April, we met with Cardinal Wilfred Napier in Durban. The meeting proved fruitful in the open and candid dialogue held with his eminence. The Cardinal was particularly keen to learn about the initiatives that have been set in motion; namely the formation of the IDCSAR and the prospect of a center for the formation of Permanent Deacons at St. Augustine College.
The delegation met with the Deacons of Durban Diocese later that same afternoon, to hear the experiences of these Deacons and to share information on the initiatives launched during the conference. The Deacons were very appreciative of the efforts underway and pledged their support for these initiatives. There was an opportunity for socializing with the Durban Deacons after the meeting.
Community Outreach Center
On Tuesday, 15th April, the delegates went to the Community Outreach Center at the hospital in the vicinity. A presentation was given, by the project manager, on the mission and work of the center. We were then taken on a tour to two Drop in Centers which are a new concept in home based care and are in fact an extension of the care given to terminally ill people in the area. The Drop in Center is basically a day care center for orphans, who come from child-headed families.
Mariannhill Monastery
In the afternoon of that same day, we toured the Mariannhill Monastery, founded by Abbot Francis Pfanner. We were given the historical background of the development of the religious community. We were also able to see the church and the amazing architecture, especially the artistry of the tabernacle mural carved of solid wood.
Koinonia House
On Wednesday, 16th April, most of the delegation traveled back to Koinonia House in Johannesburg, from where the delegates departed either that same day or the following day.
Vote of Thanks
The delegation from Zimbabwe, would like to thank most sincerely, the organizers and sponsors of this conference. Some of our members have attended previous conferences, Deacon Charles Dube, Germany in 2004 and Deacon Justice Ncube, Argentina in 2007, which has promoted continuity from one conference to another. During the conference a number of initiatives were proffered some of which originated in Germany in 2004 or in Argentina in 2007. It is hoped that both new and old initiatives will be taken up and pursued by the newly created IDCSAR board. A special vote of thanks goes to Fr. Christoph Eisentraut, Fr. Kees Keijsper, Deacon Rob Mascini and the Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Rottenburg for their support.
Report prepared by:
Deacon Gregory Garnie
Archdiocese of Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
No comments:
Post a Comment