March 2011/ Volume 25

News from Aliwal North, De Aar,

Hilton and Pietermaritzburg Communities:

From the 3rd to the 16th of January, the Hilton community had hosted Fr. Hansel SCJ and Mrs. Pelman. Also two weeks, Fr. Brown SCJ spent in the Community from the 5th to the 17th of the same month.

From the 17th of January, three candidates from Zambia, one from Lesotho and one from South Africa came for the interview to PMB. They will meet with the Admission Board on the 18th and those accepted will begin their initial program around 15th of February in Petrusville (Northern Cape).

On the 27th of January, Fr. Koscielny SCJ went for his check up to Bloemfontein and at last the plaster from his broken leg was removed. Now there is a time of exercise and rehabilitation for Fr. Paul. We wish him quick recovery.

This year seventeen SCJs scholastics began their academic year of philosophy and theology at the St Joseph's Theological Institute in Cedara. They are from the following countries: South Africa, Madagascar, Mozambique, Cameroon, D.R. of Congo and India. Also the Formation Team has a new member, Fr. Jean-Paul Amuli SCJ who belongs to the D.R. of Congo Province.

On the 1st of February, at night, someone broke into Fr. Mabheka's house in Petrusville. Fortunately, nothing happened to him and nothing was stolen from his place.

From the 1st to the 14th of February, Fr. Sanecki SCJ, the Provincial of the Polish Province paid a visit to the South African and Mozambique Provinces.

On the 17th of February, two SCJs of the Indian District: Fr. Sanil and Dn. Chapalamadugu came to South Africa. Respectively, one of them will stay in the Aliwal Community and the other one in the De Aar Community.

On the 24th of February, the SCJ Vocation Team had its meeting in Aliwal North. The team evaluated the last year of ministry and discussed a plan of action for this year 2011.

Fr. Amuli SCJ, went to Aliwal North and will further study the English language.

Fr. Gabryel "Angel" SCJ became a member of the South African Province.

From the 8th to 11th of March, the General Finance Commission held its meeting in Aliwal North (SA) together with the SCJ African Bursars. The main talks included: uniformity in preparing finance reports and the need for training courses for bursars. In response to it, the participants expressed their difficulties in doing so. During that gathering it was also stressed that the Office of Provincial Treasure should be seen as a ministry.

On the 22nd of March, the SA Finance Commission reviewed the last year expenses of the SCJ communities and discussed new budgets proposed for 2011/12.

On the 24th of March, after a long stay in Fatima, Fr. Koscielny SCJ moved to the Monastery continuing his “rehabilitation program.”