PMS supporting family life in Kenya and Uganda

The Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) recently held a General Assembly in Rome under the theme, “Support the Pontifical Mission Societies today and always.”  PMS National Directors and leaders of PMS from all over the world were present at this gathering. After the General Assembly, the National Directors of PMS in Kenya, Uganda, Namibia and Malawi visited Vatican Radio's English Service for Africa and discussed the contribution of PMS in constructing faithful Christian families in Africa.

Fr. Celestino Bundi Mutea (Kenya); Fr. Philip Balikuddembe (Uganda); Fr. Willem Christiaans (Namibia) and Fr. Vincent Mwakhwawa (Malawi) spoke to Vatican Radio's Fr. Paul Samasumo. They also paid a courtesy call on Fr. Federico Lombardi who is Vatican Radio's Director General and also Director of the Holy See Press Office. 

Speaking in an interview and on behalf of the group, Fr. Celestino Bundi and Fr. Philip Balikuddembe of Kenya and Uganda respectively spoke of PMS' role in building good Christian families.  

In Uganda, PMS is commonly referred to as Mission Societies and everyone is invited to participate in the missionary work of the Church.  Fr. Balikuddembe  pointed out that the coming together of national directors from all over the world was one of the elements that makes Catholics a real family of God. He said, a family should always come together to share successes and challenges.  For Fr. Balikuddembe, the sharing among national directors of PMS was a matter of God's family being called to continue doing works of mercy.  “Everyone should fulfill the baptismal mandate of serving the universal Church,” he added. 

Fr. Samasumo asked Fr. Bundi to shed light about the role of PMS in the Catholic Church in Kenya.  Responding to the question, Fr Bundi said, “The Pontifical Mission Societies in Kenya advocate for the spirit of going out, living the faith and supporting those in need. They also promote the spirit of understanding that the people of God are one family.” Fr. Bundi went on to say that money collected from parishes is used to support children with special needs. Street children also benefit from these funds.  Kenyan families are invited to share material and spiritual wealth with those in need.  “The family of God is you and I,” Fr. Bundi added.    

In general, it is a principle of PMS to motivate each Catholic to give their support to the proclamation of Christ. One way of doing this is sharing resources with those who are apiring to the vocation of priesthood and religious life. It is for this reason that some of the funds of PMS are used for the training of priests, seminarians and novices of various religious congregations. Sometimes, faith-related books are printed and people facing a variety of challenges are also assisted.  Great concern is also paid to those suffering in society. The 11th of February each year is reserved for a unique experience of solidarity through coming together to pray for the sick.

The faithful from the United States of America and Europe also assist PMS in Africa.  Nevertheless, Africa is not only a recipient of funds but also takes collections on selected days. Fr. Balikuddembe said that in Uganda there are designated days when a collection is taken to contribute to the PMS coffers. These days are the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul or the Sunday closest to it, the feast of Epiphany and World Mission Sunday. 

Referring to terrorist attacks that have targeted Christians in Kenya, Fr. Bundi said it is crucial for each person to realise that every action done affects the other.  He added that, “Time has come to build solidarity and time has come for us to appreciate one another.  We need to stop revenging.  This is a moment to remember that life is a gift from God.   One day we will all be held responsible before God,” he said.

Fr. Bundi ended by highlighting the call of the Holy Father for everyone to be open to the Spirit of God and to live as joyful witnesses of the Gospel.  “Let our families be simple places of prayer and support for each other,” Fr. Bundi said.

(By Fr. Paul Samasumo and Rudolph Nyamudo)

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