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St. B e n e d i c t P r i o r y

Windhoek, Namibia

WPN 57 January 2013 to April 2013

NEW LIFE, NEW CREATION

PAX is the Risen Lord’s greeting of peace that shines. The months of January to April 2013 were

indeed shining with peace and joy with the Silver Jubilee of Profession of our Sr. Thekla Haita, and Sr.

Margareta Mary Shintango, the First Monastic Profession of Sr. Gabriella Pangeni and Sr. Isabella

Petrus, the Perpetual Profession of Monastic Vows of Sr. Marie Louise Munambabi, Sr. Sylvia

Shingwanda, and Sr. Mary John Sakeus, the Renewal of Temporary Vows of Sr. Sabina Zolonimu, Sr.

Beatrix Aitana, Sr. Martha Matheus and Sr. Evelyn Onyegbule, the Graduation of Sr. Mary Innocentia

Mbati with a Bachelor of Education Honors Degree major in Geography and Afrikaans from the

University of Namibia, the return of our senior novices from formative activity and the completion of the

constructions and renovations of the Sisters’ houses in Kavango supervised by Sr. Beate Schroeter. All

these are fruits of the transforming graces showered on us during the first six months of the “Year of

Faith.” They, too, are events of “new life and new creation” in our priory.

The “door of faith” (Acts 14:27)

is always open for us,

ushering us into the life of communion

with God and offering entry into his Church.

It is possible to cross that threshold when

the word of God is proclaimed and the heart allows itself

to be shaped by transforming grace. -Pope Benedict XVI – Apostolic Letter

Most of all, as the Holy Spirit brings us to Resurrection, we discover a new spiritual disposition in our

hearts. The Season of Easter brings its message of “new life, new creation” in our day to day

experiences. For our Jubilarians and Sisters who pronounced their temporary and perpetual monastic

vows and renewed their vows, the Holy Spirit has empowered and enriched them to offer again their gift

of a renewed life to the Risen Lord.

Sadly, rain has been scarce in Namibia these past months and surely, most of our people who depend on

farming and livestock will suffer from hunger this year. May we remain trusting in God’s providence

without losing hope. On the other hand, new life begins again in the Church in the person of our Holy

Father Pope Francis I. The message of our 12th General Chapter is “new life and new creation” of our

Congregation, too. As our faith grows, God’s grace will move us to be more constant in our love for our

Bridegroom and all creations. Let us continue to utter and live our PAX each new day. Looking forward

with excitement to more pleasant surprises which the next six months of the “Year of Faith” will bring!

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Feast of Saints Maur and Placid By Novice Generosa Aitana

Sts. Maur and Placid were the disciples of St.

Benedict, models of perfection and virtue of

obedience. On 15 January, the sounds of

drumbeat and hymns were heard everywhere in

Nubuamis, when we were rejoicing from

sunrise to sunset. The day began with the joyful

Holy Mass. In his homily, Vicar-General Fr.

Werner Afunde told us about obedience and

self-reliance. Whatever we are told to do either

by a Prioress or anybody, we do it with

obedience and love for God and not out for fear

of human beings. He told us that when Jesus

was preaching in the synagogue, he impressed

people and astonished them because he stood

by himself. He urged us to do the same. We

must not talk and do something for ourselves,

but for the sake of the Kingdom of God. What

we say must be what we say and we must stand

by it.

Sts. Maur and Placid were men of obedience

and self-reliance. We must take an example

from their biography. The Sisters cheered us up

with good wishes and some special presents for

us. By their help, we will be strengthened and

our vocation will grow. The feast ended after

supper with delicious food and Mother Maria

Ignatius’ blessings and words of thanks to the

Formandees for their presence.

Silver Jubilee of Profession By Aspirants Maria Maliti and Ndapewa Ndinelao

Ngesheya

We were practicing the songs for the

Eucharistic Celebration of the Silver Jubilee of

Profession of Sr. Thekla Haita, OSB and Sr.

Margareta Mary Shintango, OSB in Tondoro

Mission for one and a half week. Among the

three choirs who sang in the Mass, we joined

the Youth Mission Choir. Saturday, 12 January

2013, the Jubilee Mass began at 9:00 A.M.,

officiated by Bishop Joseph Shikongo, OMI

and concelebrant Fr. Simon, OMI, Parish Priest

of Tondoro, assisted by Deacon Kandjimi. The

choirs led the procession, followed by the

flower girls, the Brides and their families. On

behalf of Mother Maria Ignatius, Sr. Angela

Bock, Priory Councilor, introduced the

Jubilarians. Sr. Maria Sikindo translated the

text to Kwangali. After the Mass, the family of

the Brides took photos of the Jubilarians

together with the Bishop, Sisters, family and

guests. The clergy, religious and families of the

Brides were served at the hall. After the festive

lunch, the 2 Jubilarians received the greetings

and gifts of guests outside the hall. The

Nkarapamwe Group sang while the guests were

giving their gifts, while the other guests were

dancing. The youth groups were the Bloukring,

Sunday school and NACAYUL. After the

celebration, at around 4:00 P.M., the guests

from Tondoro, Kahenge and Nkurenkuru left.

For us who stayed behind, we continued

dancing until suppertime and still continued

dancing after supper until around 9:30 P.M. We

slept at the Mission station. We felt so happy

that the Jubilarians have reached 25 years of

their religious life. They are good examples of

faithfulness and commitment, not only to

younger Religious but to everybody, especially

the teachers and nurses who were present. It

shows us that one must be strong in order to

reach one’s goal. With the grace of God, Sr.

Thekla and Sr. Margareta Mary never lost

courage to persevere in their religious vocation

and they are our inspiration.

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Heavy Hail Day by Sr. Scholastica and Sr. Joyce Iipakwa

Hailstones (frozen rain) and wind unexpectedly

hit our gardens, fruit trees and destroyed our

crops and fruits around 2:00 P.M., on 23

January 2013. Before the hail, there was no rain

the previous days and weeks. We had been

longing for rain and all of a sudden, the sky

opened. To our surprise, it was not an ordinary

rain, but hail and a strong storm were sharply

hitting our roofs and strongly breaking the trees

and plants. The nets covering our gardens were

sinking to the ground due to the heavy load of

hailstones. The concrete walls around the

gardens broke because of its strong weight

pressure .The camel thorn tree pods and leaves

fell and scattered on the ground. Even a big

snake swam along with the water. This 57 mm

rain with hail lasted for more or less an hour.

Then, it just stopped as if nothing happened.

From then on,

we did not get

rain anymore,

except on the

last days of

Holy Week

and during

Easter Vigil

Night. If ever

there was, only drops of rain fell on the soil of

Namibia this year,

The Day of our First Monastic

Profession by Sr. Gabriella Pangeni, OSB

On the evening of 15th March 2013, the Priory

House community gathered in the chapter room

for the vigil meditation dedicated to us, Sr.

Isabella and Sr. Gabriella. Mother Prioress

Maria Ignatius encouraged us, the Brides and

the sisters as well. She said, “In washing the

feet, Jesus is making you part of Him and thus,

making you also part of us because we share

now with you our own life and charism. Thus,

we become his ‘shareholders’ and grow into a

community wherein HE is the centre and we

are his blood brothers and sisters. This is what

our new community really means.” These were

some of the words that led to the washing of

our feet by Mother Prioress and all the sisters.

The washing of the feet has truly a deep

meaning and this is what Jesus commands his

disciples to do after he himself washed their

feet as an expression of love.

At 10h00 the next day, 16th March, our

Archbishop Liborius Nashenda, OMI, presided

with concelebrating priests the big joyful

ceremony of First Profession. In his homily, the

Archbishop focused at prayer life by saying,

“Remain connected in prayer. Like MTC

(Make the Connection)(= this is the leading

Namibian Phone company!); we too should

remain in connection with God because without

prayer, our life is cut off from Him.”

During the Rite of Profession, we received our

new religious names. Novice Susana Petrus is

now called Sister Isabella and I am now Sr.

Gabriella (before: Nov. Johanna). After the

Eucharistic Celebration, the guests proceeded

to the Hall for a festive lunch. Having been

prepared by our sisters, lunch was delicious and

each one ate to the full that day. The

Formandees delighted the guests with

traditional dances and other beautiful songs.

Our deepest gratitude to you all who

accompanied us; we continually ask you to

include us in your daily prayer. May we remain

faithful to our commitment and may God bless

you all.

Easter Vigil Celebration 2013 by Sr. Scholastica Kaliki, OSB

Unlike the Easter Vigils of the previous

years, which started always at the

parking place in front of the

reception, this years’ Celebration

brought the assembly form the

beginning in church, due to the

rain fall that had already started

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two days past. The Easter Fire was prepared

inside a covered place on a plate-like

container. Nevertheless, this did not dampen

the spirit of waiting for the Risen Christ to

warm our hearts and bodies.

The Easter candle was lit and the fire was

distributed to each. The Exultet, beautifully

sung by Fr. Abbot Justin Dzikowicz, OSB,

our chaplain, resounded in the stillness of

the evening. The choir and the whole chapel

joined in the singing of the responses to the

seven readings. The dramatization of the

second reading brought laughter and joy, as

Sr. Theophilia Iipumbu and some

formandees portrayed the supposed sacrifice

of Isaac by his father Abraham.

Finally, the Gloria brought creation to life as

the bells, drums and instruments enhanced

the singing and all the candles and lights in

the chapel brought ‘light to the world’.

Professor David San (flute) and Sr. Marie

Johann (keyboard) played a beautiful

meditative music for Holy Communion. A

HAPPY, GLORIOUS EASTER TO ALL!

Senior Novices’ Mission Experience

By Novice Emma Aindongo

I was sent to St. Michael Community,

Outjo, in

Kunene

Region. It was

my first time

to be there. I

left the Priory

House on the

12th

ofDecember

2012, and my

journey was good because I arrived at

Otjiwarongo safely. I found the Sisters of

St. Michael Community happily waiting for

me, when Sr. Angela dropped me at the

Olwetoveni bus station. I was glad to see a

nice and clean place at St. Michael. My

place in the refectory was well-prepared

with beautiful flowers and a nice card. The

Sisters welcomed me with their faces full

of joy and love. After a day of settling

down, Sr. Felicitas Mufenda, Superior of

St. Michael Community, oriented and

toured me in the house, church and hostels

for boys and girls. My assignment was

cleaning the house, chapel and helping in

the garden, kitchen and hostel kitchen. I

experienced how the Sisters worked with

the children. They teach Catechism to

prepare them for Confession and

Confirmation. They also teach the

Bloukring and Jongwag groups. The Sisters

practiced with the children to read at Holy

Mass and helped them prepare the Mass

songs. One of the fruits of their teaching of

Catechism was the Baptism and

Confirmation of one teacher (a

catechumen) of St. Michael Primary School

at Easter Vigil. I learned many things from

the Sisters. Thanks to them and please

continue to welcome everyone in St.

Michael Community.

Novice Letisia Kakweno

I tried my best to experience our

missionary work, praying and staying

together with the Sisters at Ongha

Community for five months. It was a good

opportunity to discern my vocation as well

as to integrate myself with the Sisters. As a

novice at Ongha, I experienced a lot of life

either from the Sisters or the parishioners. I

mostly enjoyed the season of Lent because

I got a chance to pray with the surrounding

people by visiting them in their houses

especially the elders who want to hear the

Word of God but cannot reach the Church

due to old age. It was a wonderful day

when we visited a family in a far place

where we found a woman and her daughter

and some grandchildren living a tough life.

The grandmother and her daughter (around

30 years old) had no legs and both walked

on their knees and hands. The grandmother

told us that her legs were amputated due to

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sickness but her daughter was born without

legs. If they have no water in the house,

they walk to the tap (faucet) far away from

their house, carrying a five liter container

with their teeth in order to fetch water. It

was a new experience for me.

Unfortunately, only the grandmother was a

Catholic, therefore, the daughter and her

children were not interested to pray with us.

They said that they believed in the

teachings of their church and refused the

rosaries which we offered them.

I thank Mother Maria Ignatius and the

Formators for granting me the opportunity

to live with our Sisters in a small

community. Thanks to Sr. Agrippina and

the Ongha Community for their help and

support. I appreciate all what they have

done for me.

Novice Marina Gabriel

I travelled to Shambyu for my mission

experience on the 12th

of December 2012. It

was good for me to be there to experience

challenges of missionary life. On the 14th of

December, the Sisters sent me to Nyangana

Mission to represent our Congregation in a

three day-vocation workshop. We were

eight facilitators from different religious

congregations with 53 boys and girls

present at the workshop.

Though I was the last speaker, the youth

showed interest in my talk about Fr.

Amrhein and our Congregation, our

charism, the stages of initial formation and

our requirements for candidates. On our

way back to Shambyu on the 17th of

December 2012, the driver of our vehicle,

who was still a learner, lost control of the

vehicle and it speedily ran into the bush

jumping over the shrubs. The children kept

on screaming while I was calmly praying.

Luckily before the vehicle could bump into

a big tree, it stopped with only two wheels

on the ground and the other two wheels

were slightly up. The children quickly left

the vehicle and I stayed inside still praying

fervently. It was terrible and I thanked God

for saving us and I shall not stop thanking

and praising his holy name for his love for

me and for those who were in the vehicle.

Above all, I thank Sr. Gregentia and the

Sisters in Shambyu Community for their

hard work and for journeying with me.

Thank you, too, for the insight and growth

and God bless you with more years and

strengthen you in your service for the

Church.

The insert photo shows Sr. Evelyn and

Novice Marina (rear right) with the

children of Shambyu Mission hostel after

Sunday Mass. The children would ask

questions on the Bible, religious and

priestly vocation and others.

Christian Living Group in Nubuamis

by Novice Marina Gabriel

21 April 2013, Fourth Sunday of Easter and

Good Shepherd Sunday, we welcomed in

the Priory House 15 girls, 20 boys and two

teachers from Nuujoma Senior Secondary

school in Oshikuku, Owamboland -

Omusati Region. They are the CLG

(Christian Living Group) that visits us in

Windhoek every year. Their visit is a good

sign because this is an opportunity for the

girls to come, see and meet the Sisters. The

majority of the youth are in Grade 12. Sr.

Joyce Iipakwa and I were standing near the

chapel welcoming them when they arrived

in the Priory House. I was very happy to

see them and greeted them one by one. We

joined them into the Chapel while thanking

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God for their safe journey and singing a

song for Mother Mary , “ Pray for us to

God, Mother Mary, for we are here

searching for God. “

The youth

proceeded

to our hall

and sang

wonderful

songs and

it was

good. Sr.

Joyce

welcomed them on behalf of the Sisters.

They introduced themselves to us and we,

too, introduced ourselves to them. After

introducing herself, one novice said, “I am

always happy to see you every year and it

will be good for those who want to serve

God in the future to give your names and

address that the Sisters can in turn send you

more information about religious life.”

Indeed, three girls and two boys gave their

names, address and cell numbers to her.

I want to congratulate Mr Kristof Iipinge,

the teacher and leader of this group, for his

good will to escort the learners to our

Priory House so that they can come and see

and decide which way of life they are to

follow. May God bless him so that he may

continue to lead the flock entrusted to him.

It was really good to have a big number of

youth in our hall. Sr. Marie Johann and Sr.

Bernhardine from the Procurator’s Office

gave sweets and biscuits which made the

youth very happy. May God bless them all.

Our Perpetual Profession Day by Sr. Marie Louise Munambabi, OSB, Sr. Sylvia

Shingwanda,OSB and Sr. Mary John Sakeus, OSB

Prior to the day of our Perpetual Profession,

we spent three months in Kenya and three

months in Tanzania in intense spiritual

preparation for the total gift of ourselves to

God. Our hearts express a sincere

appreciation and gratitude to Mother

Michael Marie and Nairobi Priory, Mother

Raphaela and Ndanda Priory and Mother

Rosann and Peramiho Priory for our

intensification period. We returned to our

home priory enriched and blessed with

spiritual growth and fond memories on 02

April 2013. The homecoming to our

Windhoek Priory was a memorable

experience of warm welcome from our

Sisters and formandees. ( Please see insert

photo of our arrival.)

Together with the Community, we began

to prepare for the Liturgy and plans for our

Perpetual Profession Day. We have been

touched and thankful to them for their full

support and cooperation. We remember

with heart felt happiness the day (27 April

2013) of our Perpetual Profession of

Monastic Vows! Our retreat before the

ceremony was facilitated by Fr. Abbot

Justin from the evening of 20 April to 26

April 2013. Many emotions radiated

through our whole being. We were longing

to give ourselves to God forever but

nervous about doing the right thing at the

Rite of Profession. We were sure it was like

a bride who was anticipating to be united to

her bridegroom. Our bridegroom would be

the Risen Lord. What a gift of

unconditional love! The day arrived.

Sisters, family and friends joined us in

rejoicing as we would pronounce for life

our Monastic Vows of Obedience,

Conversatio Morum and Stability to God,

to the Church and to our Missionary

Benedictine Sisters of Tutzing Community

forever. The Eucharistic Celebration began

with an entrance procession and hymn,

Servant song (What do you want of me,

Lord) at our Priory House Chapel. After the

homily at Mass, we pronounced our

monastic vows and sang our “Suscipe”.

There was a response that came from our

lips for all to hear. However, in the silence

of our hearts the response was beyond

words. Mother Maria Ignatius, OSB, our

Prioress, placed the ring on our finger.

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After receiving the ring, we sang “Listen,

the voice of the Lord is calling…” Our

whole life now would be lived for God

alone. In the silence of our hearts, we heard

God say, “I have called you by name; you

are mine…” (Is. 43:1)

The years will come by from the day of our

Perpetual Profession, we hope and pray to

live out this commitment to God, a

commitment of love filled with many

challenges that need to be lived day by day.

Our life is a journey of faith and trust in

God’s providence. It is a life of growing

closer to God the Father, Son and Holy

Spirit. The Divine Family of Love whose

mercy endures forever. May we share our

Vote of Thanks before the Final Blessing of

the Eucharistic Celebration with you.

Vote of thanks

Reverend Fr. Abbot Justin, Mother Prioress

Maria Ignatius Glaser, Vicar General Rev.

Fr. Werner Afunde, Reverend Fathers,

Sisters, Brothers, Dear Family Members

and Friends from far and near.

We would like to express our sincere

gratitude to each one of you. Psalm 103:2

says, “My soul, give thanks to the Lord and

never forget all the goodness he has done

for you”. On this day, we give thanks to our

Heavenly Father for all the blessings and

graces, for sustaining and carrying us in the

palm of His hands throughout our life

journey and making this day possible for

each one of us.

Our special thanks go to our beloved

parents, living and deceased, and to all our

family members for granting us their

permission and freely dedicating us to this

life of following in the footsteps of Jesus.

Our dear parents, we are very grateful for

the seed of faith which you have planted in

us and have watered. Thank you for your

coming to grace this occasion with your

presence and prayers.

Our special thanks go to all those who have

supported us in one way or another,

physically and spiritually, particularly

during our formation life. We won’t finish

counting you or mentioning your names,

but we can only assure you our prayers. We

will treasure you all in our hearts. Indeed,

our hearts are filled with joy for everything

you had contributed to make this day very

special for us. Thank you for all the efforts

that you spent in the liturgy which is the

peak of our Profession Day. It was so

wonderful and beautifully sung.

To all our dear co-workers in the Lord’s

vineyard, we owe you our thanks that you

have come to witness and partake in this

solemn celebration of the Eucharist on the

occasion of our perpetual commitment to

Christ, our Bridegroom. Your presence is

highly appreciated and it will be forever

remembered. Our lips proclaim the words

of St. Paul to the Philippians 3:12 which

says, “I have not yet reached the goal, and I

am not perfect. But Christ has taken hold of

me. So I keep on running and struggling to

take hold of the prize.”

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All we ask of you is forever to remember

us in your prayers. Be assured of ours, too.

We wish you a safe and blessed journey as

you return to your respective places. But

before you do those, please join us in our

hall over there for “a cup of cold water”.

May God bless each one of you and reward

you. Thank you very much.

Hearty Congratulations,

dear Sr. Mary Innocentia!

Our Sr. Mary Innocentia Mbati, OSB

graduated with a Bachelor of Education

Honours Degree major in Geography and

Afrikaans from the University of Namibia,

Winhoek. The Graduation Ceremony took

place at Safari Court and Hotel in

Windhoek at 8:00 A.M. on 26 April 2013.

Thank you and so long, Sr. Beate!

by Sr. Remedios de los Reyes and Sr. Joyce Iipakwa

Having been with us for almost a year (she

arrived in Namibia on 13 May 2012), our

dear Sr. Beate Schroeter flew back to

Germany on 02 May 2013. Million thanks to

you, dear Sr. Beate for supervising the

following constructions of our priory: the

renovation of the kitchen and the Sisters’

House making seven self-contained rooms

in Shambyu, a new garage and renovation

of the whole house of the Sisters in Tondoro

and adding a new kitchen and a kitchen

storeroom so that they could really separate

from the kitchen of the Fathers, and the big

renovation and replacement of the whole

roof of the Sisters’ House in Namuntuntu,

the three new self-contained rooms and

enlarged kitchen and kitchen storeroom, a

new sacristy and a guestroom and the

renovation and painting of the whole house

in Namuntuntu. (Please see insert photo.)

She also helped cultivate the field of

Namuntuntu which produces a good harvest

of mahangu, ground nuts and beans because

of the rain which miraculously came during

the time of planting. Sr. Beate shared that

she has been very grateful to Mother Maria

Ignatius for these plans and constructions in

Kavango communities, the good builders

and the Sisters with whom she lived in the

communities. She enjoyed staying with the

Sisters, sharing everything and integrating

with them. It was for her a very enriching

experience when she felt one with the

Sisters. She thanks all the Sisters for making

this possible.

Our heartfelt appreciation, best wishes and

God’s blessing to you, Sr. Beate and may

the Risen Lord abundantly reward you!

Thank you to all our Contributors.

God bless!

Editorial Team

Sr. Remedios de los Reyes, OSB

Sr. Joyce Iipakwa, OSB

Postulant Reginalda Kamari

Sr. Maria Ignatius Glaser, OSB