Jambo and Karibu from Africa

Jambo and Karibu (Hello and Welcome…),

Today, our second day in Africa was an opportunity for us to witness the presence of the Marist Brothers in the Africa Central East province.

Brother Valentin, province leader of the African Central East, spoke to the pilgrimage group regarding the history, impact and current day challenges for the Marists within Central Africa. The presence of over one hundred Marist Brothers in Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Democratic Republic of Congo and the Central African Republic was evident in the province leadership, teaching in schools, and the formation of young Africans.  Br. Valentin spoke of the province being young and full of hope for the future, which we as pilgrims were now a part. African province assemblies in the past eleven years have placed a focus on the continuing development between the brothers and lay people to have a presence in the lives of others and to plan for the future.

In gaining an understanding of each of the Marist venues across the province, each had provided care and support for those in the communities by being a presence. Many of the places no longer exist, have been reopened, or were newly established after the brothers had undergone atrocities and challenges due to war and civil unrest. The inhumane stories regarding the treatment towards the brothers within the Democratic Republic of Congo, as were those from Rwanda, were difficult to comprehend considering they were there to help support the communities. The room fell silent as we remembered and prayed for those Marist Brothers from our family that had passed due to the horrible choices of others during the Rwandan genocide.

Thank you Brother Valentin for the information provided regarding the Central East Africa province and the role of the Marists.

Morning tea and lunch, thanks to the wonderful hospitality of the Dimesse Sisters, was a time to reflect and informally celebrate the work of the Marist Brothers in their short time in Central East Africa.

The afternoon involved a short drive to the Marist International College (MIC) where we were greeted by the brothers. The MIC tour enabled us to appreciate the work of the brothers in creating a centre for Marist formation, and recently a university that focusses on the development of teachers. The College also has a key responsibility in providing education for the poorer students with aspirations by assisting them financially.

A highlight of the experience at MIC was the privilege to plant a tree in small groups in the Br Charles Howard Memorial Garden. The tree was our contribution to remember an inspirational Australian Marist Brother who has influenced the African people, in particular his commitment to the development of the Marist International College in Karen, Nairobi, Kenya. It was great to see the Australian and African brothers together for a photograph with the memorial garden sign. The group looks forward to reacquainting themselves with the brothers who are doing their formation training at the College at the mass tomorrow.

Following our tour of the MIC, the pilgrims participated in a safari at the Nairobi Safari Reserve. In two buses we travelled through the reserve to witness an abundant amount of wildlife including lions, buffalo, rhinoceros, zebra, giraffes, impala, kudu, crocodile and baboons. “Wow, look at the beautiful lions!” The gasps of excitement and the camera clicking end a great day in beautiful Africa.

Tomorrow we travel to Rwanda to experience the children in the Marist schools which the pilgrims are much anticipating.

The Champagnat Pilgrims wish to extend our prayers to our fellow pilgrim Br John McMahon.

Habari za usiku (Good night)

Mark and Jenny Ashmore