nb. This issue marks the resurgence of the Amagqabantshintshi from the cocoon where it has been hibernating.  Therefore, the editor welcomes all the readers, with a continued hope that you will once more feel in touch with the events in AM province through this brief info.  You are equally asked to participate in the info by sending some news to the editor.

 

1. Jubilee Celebrations:

Frs. Paul Koscielny, Marek Przybys and Zolile Mpambani celebrated their silver jubilees of religious life on the 26^th December 2006. The celebrations were held in Aliwal North.

Letter of resignation from the Director of the on-going formation.

Fr. Koscielny sent a letter of resignation as an on-going formation director, citing lack of capacity to be fully dedicated to that ministry. He also acknowledged that he has been in the ministry for too long and that there is serious responsibility attached to this office. The council could not but accept his resignation.

 

2. New Provincial Council:

The 2^nd of February 2007 saw the installation of the new provincial of the AM province and his council:

Fr. Piotr Surdel               -Provincial

Fr. Zolile Mpambani        -1^st Councillor

Fr. Krzysztof Grzelak      -2^nd Councillor

Fr. Benno Hansel            -3^rd Councillor

Fr. Zbigniew Chwaja       -4^th Councillor

These were elected at the November AM election assembly. Congratulations to them and we wish them everything of the best in their service to the Province and to the Congregation.

 

3. Renewal of Profession:

On the same date 2^nd February 2007 and at the same ceremony of the installation of the provincial, two of our confreres, Bros. Ntsikelelo Bambatha and Joshua Mpiti renewed their vows.  Most unfortunately the third confrere, Thapelo Tsikanyane, was not admitted for the renewal of vows.

 

4. First Profession Of Vows:

The next day 3^rd February 2007 our two novices, Justine Phoka Matsoso and Kabelo Godfrey Metusi made their first profession of vows.  They have now proceeded to the PMB formation house and they will be studying at the St. Joseph’s Theological Institute together with all other students.

 

5. Postulants & Novices:

In the province we have neither postulants nor novices this year. This led to the formation house being closed in Bethulie indefinitely.

 

6. Closing of the Telephone and Fax:

Take note that with the closing of Bethulie formation house the house telephone number and the fax number (051) 7630630 will also be closed.

 

7. PMB Formation House:

This year there will be 15 SCJ students in the PMB formation house. Here are they according to their respective provinces alphabetically:

AM province    -4

CM province    -4

CO province     -3

MAD region     -1

MZ province    -3

We wish them and their formators yet another fruitful and grace-filled year.

 

8. Transfers:

To PMB Formation House.

• Fr. Zolile Mpambani will take over from Fr. Piotr Surdel, (for a period of  one year), who has been elected provincial, and therefore, left for Aliwal North.

• Fr. Innocent Mabheka, will be involved in formation together with Fr. Sandro Capoferri. He will also be doing part time studies at the University of Pietermaritzburg.

In De Aar Diocese

• Fr. Bojar has been transferred to Petrusville to replace Fr. Maslowski.

• Fr. Maslowski will be a vocation director for the province, and will temporarily reside in De Aar to round off his youth work in the diocese. He will finally go to stay in Hilton with Fr. Grzelak and fulfil his services from there.

• Fr. Koscielny has been transferred to Colesberg.

• Fr. Przybys, the ex provincial, has been transferred to De Aar Community where he will be parish priest at the Uganda Martyrs parish and also serve the adjacent outstations.

9. Fr. Andries Lemahieu’s health:

Fr. Andries Lemahieu’s condition has deteriorated, but consistent. He is presently at Fatima Nursing Home where he receives some care and treatment, thanks to the Holy Cross Sisters.  Please let us continue to remember him in our prayers.