Some Good News: Africa
May 7, 2008 by ken88
The Command: And Jesus coming, spoke to them, saying: All power is given to me in heaven and in earth. Going therefore, teach ye all nations; baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Matt 28:18
Holy Mother Church
The Initiative: Zeal for missionary activity and the Catholic spirit are one and the same. A principal note of the Church is catholicity; consequently, a man is no true member of the Church unless he is likewise a true member of the entire body of Christian believers and is filled with an ardent desire to see her take root and flourish in every land……
The Church in Africa, as well as in other parts of the mission field, needs missionaries. Hence We appeal once again to you, Venerable Brethren, beseeching you that with every resource at your command you show your zeal in supporting all those who have been divinely called to undertake the burdens of the missionary apostolate, whether they be priests or religious men and women. (Pius XII: FIDEI DONUM)
The Sowers:
The Fruit: Africa has witnessed the most explosive growth. In the 20th century, Africa went from a Catholic population of 1.9 million in 1900 to 130 million in 2000, a staggering growth rate of 6,708 percent. Half of all adult baptisms in the world, the surest sign of missionary expansion, are in Africa. (2006 Article)
At my local parish 3 of the 4 priests are African
The photos were good besides the one Manson looking white father.
Glad to see the beautiful photo of Marcel Lefebvre.
I also know some very kind African priests but they are fairly quick Novus Ordo in the liturgy.
Lots of problems in Africa too like AIDS, Poverty, war, problems with Islam, violence etc.
The English really messed Africa up.
Ha!, he did look like Charlie, well, you can’t help if a crazy guy happens to look like you.
Yeah, the African priests I have met (one my usual confessor) of very strong on doctrine/morals. Liturically, yes very NO indeed.
As a whole Africa is suffering from many things. England? Yeah, they pretty much messed up many of their of ex-colonies. But, other Euro powers weren’t clean either. But, since they left, it’s been a free for all.
A Charles Manson look a like
YES, the African priests are great on doctrine and morals. But one friend of mine (No names) is Nigerian (I won’t say where because it would give it away but I will hint at St. George, St. Michael, who is that saint who gave the cloth to the man and it was Jesus I may have the story wrong) is a great priest, orthodox in theology, real real strong on morals but seems to rush through the Mass and is not real keen on doing the Extraordinary Rite (he is not against it though) just doesn’t seem to have the time albeit he is busy. Post Traditionalist experiences it is hard to go to Mass with non Gregorian Chant and priest not ad orientem.
What is unique about the English is that they took land and made boundaries contradicting actual tribal boundaries or even geographic dividers logically and also put minorities in charge of minorites. Many of the hot points around the globe are because of it. Two that come to mind are:
1. Kashmir where the English put a Hindu Raj in charge of a predominantly Muslim area (albeit diverse with Jains and Buddhists even but mostly Muslim)
and
2. Israel and the Middle East
Winston Churchill bragged that they created Jordan in an hour in Room 40 with British intelligence
Iraq–Sunni leader with Shia majority (not now but post Britain)
Israel/Palestine–Jews in charge of Arabs
Ashkenazi Jews in charge of Sephardim
Syria–Alowite in charge of Sunni
The Indian presence in Africa, the Sikh presence in the military and middle government etc
This has created racial tensions etc
Also, the British since Walsingham and “Lord” Burley (and before to Henry VIII) have been anti-Catholic and were in alliances with Muslims against Continental Europe
Before we (the English) arrived Africa was a pagan land with perpetual war, cannibalism and ignorance. We brought civilisation, roads, hospitals, government, law, education. The only really appalling thing we ever did in Africa was to leave because it was expensive running the place. Had we stayed it would still be developing nicely.
That is true, we have the harvest and help now from the seeds sowed previously in Africa by many missionaries when our own seminaries are emptying at fast rate. This I would call God’s providence in the times of modern crisis.
As for England, there are some African origin priest but for example in London area there are many Polish priests who run for years some Parishes that are in want of local clergy.
Ken, am I allowed to use a picture from your site on ours if I place a credit line with it?
Jeanette
http://cathlete.net
Jeanette: Absolutely
As a holy card blogger I just had to tell you that I don’t think I’ve ever seen a card showing Mary holding the cross. How unusual yet how true…..she carried that cross mentally every step of His way. Really different and moving.
Hello Micki, Actually it’s not a Holy Card, it’s a Fresco from the Vatican Museum. Also, it’s not the Virgin Mary, it’s supposed to be an embodiment of Holy Mother Church (and I believe the women bowing down symbolize various European countries) . I can see how you saw it as the Virgin Mary though.
Incredible the Pius XII card… no fanone, minimalist tiara… AND THE NEW PALIUM of Pope Benedict!!!
John , I noticed that too.
Great photos!