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Luke 5:1-11
Jesus Calls the First Disciples(Mt 4.18—22; Mk 1.16—20)
Once while Jesus was standing beside the lake of Gennesaret, and the crowd was pressing in on him to hear the word of God, he saw two boats there at the shore of the lake; the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little way from the shore. Then he sat down and taught the crowds from the boat. When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch.”
Simon answered, “Master, we have worked all night long but have caught nothing. Yet if you say so, I will let down the nets.” When they had done this, they caught so many fish that their nets were beginning to break. So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both boats, so that they began to sink. But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!” For he and all who were with him were amazed at the catch of fish that they had taken; and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon.
Then Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching people.” When they had brought their boats to shore, they left everything and followed him.
Posted by Cindy Bauer at 6:29 AM 0 comments
Daily Devotion
What influence did your father have in your life?
I have singled him out so that he will direct his sons and their families to keep the way of the Lord and do what is right and just. Genesis 18:19
Soaking up Dad
We teach our children even when we don't think school is in session. Too often we think our lessons are the sit-down kind, the planned-out kind. But our lessons are also how we react as a Little League coach when the ump blows a call, and how we treat our wives after we've both had rugged days at work., and what we say when we see a homeless man on the street.
Sometimes our lessons are good ones. I hope my sons—without me saying a word—have become more color-blind by our attending a church with a black pastor and linking arms with a black ministry in rural Mississippi.
Sometimes my lessons are the wrong kinds. As a boy, what hurt so deeply was to hear my mother and father fight; though it wasn't a common scene, the most perfect day could turn blustery cold when their relationship iced up. Without intending it to, I've taught a few similarly chilly lessons to my own sons.
Our children are sponges, quietly soaking up all we say and do.
Posted by Cindy Bauer at 6:27 AM 0 comments
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Daily Bible Reading (beliefnet.com)
Daniel 5:1-12
Belshazzar's Feast
King Belshazzar made a great festival for a thousand of his lords, and he was drinking wine in the presence of the thousand.
Under the influence of the wine, Belshazzar commanded that they bring in the vessels of gold and silver that his father Nebuchadnezzar had taken out of the temple in Jerusalem, so that the king and his lords, his wives, and his concubines might drink from them. So they brought in the vessels of gold and silver that had been taken out of the temple, the house of God in Jerusalem, and the king and his lords, his wives, and his concubines drank from them. They drank the wine and praised the gods of gold and silver, bronze, iron, wood, and stone.
The Writing on the Wall
Immediately the fingers of a human hand appeared and began writing on the plaster of the wall of the royal palace, next to the lamp stand. The king was watching the hand as it wrote. Then the king's face turned pale, and his thoughts terrified him. His limbs gave way, and his knees knocked together. The king cried aloud to bring in the enchanters, the Chaldeans, and the diviners; and the king said to the wise men of Babylon, “Whoever can read this writing and tell me its interpretation shall be clothed in purple, have a chain of gold around his neck, and rank third in the kingdom.” Then all the king's wise men came in, but they could not read the writing or tell the king the interpretation. Then King Belshazzar became greatly terrified and his face turned pale, and his lords were perplexed.
The queen, when she heard the discussion of the king and his lords, came into the banqueting hall. The queen said, “O king, live forever! Do not let your thoughts terrify you or your face grow pale. There is a man in your kingdom who is endowed with a spirit of the holy gods. In the days of your father he was found to have enlightenment, understanding, and wisdom like the wisdom of the gods. Your father, King Nebuchadnezzar, made him chief of the magicians, enchanters, Chaldeans, and diviners, because an excellent spirit, knowledge, and understanding to interpret dreams, explain riddles, and solve problems were found in this Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar. Now let Daniel be called, and he will give the interpretation.”
Posted by james lubus 9:08 AM 0 comments
Daily Devotion
A cheerful spirit
For the poor, every day brings trouble; for the happy heart, life is a continual feast. Proverbs 15:15
When I think of God, my heart is so full of joy that the notes leap and dance as they leave my pen; and since God has given me a cheerful heart, I serve Him with a cheerful spirit. Franz Joseph Haydn (1732-1809)
A happy heart
A person's heart is a major concern of the Lord. God's Word tells us that he doesn't look at the things people look at. We look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart; that is, our "thoughts and intentions" (1 Samuel 16:7).
Today's verse tells us that a happy, or cheerful, heart make life "a continual feast." How do we obtain—and maintain—this happy heart? There are many clues throughout the book of Proverbs. We should not let our hearts be anxious or proud because anxiety and pride are deterrents to a cheerful heart (Proverbs 12:25; 16:5).
Instead, God calls us to have pure hearts and to keep them on the right path (Proverbs 22:11; 23:19).
These are positive steps to achieving a happy heart because when we are being obedient to God's Word and experiencing his smile of approval, our hearts will be lighter, even in difficult times. The Bibles gives us many other instructions about how to have "healthy" hearts, but a good place to start is to embrace the truth of Proverbs 15:15 and ask God to show us how to develop hearts that are happy, no matter what challenges we are facing.
FATHER, help me to have a happy heart. Remove the anxiety that sometimes weighs my heart down. Keep my heart from growing proud. Instead, give me a pure heart—a heart that is pleasing to you. Help me to hide your Word in my heart so that I can walk in your ways and enjoy life that is a continual feast.
james lubus
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
As bright as the sky
Those who are wise will shine as bright as the sky, and those who turn many to righteousness will shine like stars forever. Daniel 12:3
Eternity to the godly is a day that has no sunset. Thomas Watson
Deepen your shine
People spend thousands of dollars to last longer— exercise, cosmetics, plastic surgery, self-help advice, nutrition plans. We like life, and we want it to last, not just in some ethereal, nondescript expectation of a life hereafter, but in a real, fulfilling, purposeful eternity. We don't just want "forever." We want to know we will enjoy it.
Daniel is told what makes or breaks eternity in the resurrection: righteousness. Loving it, drinking it in, leading others to it, investing in it. Righteousness is the key. The quality of our righteousness on earth has everything to do with the quality of our eternity.
Those who are wise also know that there's a problem. We are inherently unrighteous. An eternity based on earthly righteousness is a devastating predicament for people who are, in their very genetics, infected with corruption. Are there any who can really lead others to righteousness? Will any shine like the brightness of the heavens? Or is the promise empty?
Righteousness is a gift from a holy heaven to an infected race. It comes from outside ourselves, available only through faith in its Giver. Those who are wise will tell others about this gift. Those who want to shine will know the Source of the light and will be completely preoccupied with Him.
Evangelism is one way to make an investment that never, ever ceases to bring abundant returns. God promises that sharing the Light with others will forever deepen your own shine.
Posted by james lubus at 7:17 AM 0 comments
Monday, April 27, 2009
Formed and reformed
I was appointed in ages past, at the very first, before the earth began. Proverbs 8:23
Lord my God, You have formed and reformed me. Anselm
Sin and assurance
Our human pride often reverses the order of things. We think God came into our lives rather late. Our identity was firmly established, and then He invited Himself in, trying to woo us into a relationship with Him. We were in control of the heart that opened up to Him. Or so we thought.
In spite of our sense of independence, God has a prior claim on us. He created the world that became our necessary environment. He began the genetic process that eventually resulted in our birth. He even fashioned us in the womb (Jeremiah 1:5; Psalm 139:13). He is no late-coming Redeemer. He and His wisdom have been there all along.
This is extremely important to know when it seems as if your life is falling apart. It isn't. The life you have constructed may be falling apart, but the life God has fashioned is not. His wisdom has known all things before the foundations of the world— including you. If God has let you be undone, He has allowed it for a reason. He is bringing you to the end of your sinful self and to the beginning of life in His secure arms. God is bringing you home.
Do you realize how thoroughly rooted in eternity your life is? It was not an afterthought in the mind of a play-it-by-ear God. Did you think your sin was a surprise to Him? It wasn't. He has already made provision for it. Before the foundation of the world, He did at least two things: He brought forth His wisdom; and He thought of you (Ephesians 1:4). His wisdom and your existence went hand in hand. Does that boggle your mind? It should. Rest in the assurance of a forever-wise God.
Posted by james lubus at 5:53 AM 0 comments
Sunday, April 26, 2009
What we owe God
The strength of a horse does not impress him; how puny in his sight is the strength of man. Rather, the Lord's delight is in those who honor him, those who put their hope in his unfailing love. Psalm 147:10-11
God being who and what He is, and we being who and what we are, the only thinkable relation between us is one of full lordship on His part and complete submission on ours. We owe him every honor that it is in our power to give Him. A. W. Tozer (1897-1963)
What God delights in
In Psalm 147 we discover an important secret about relating to the Lord. Our great and mighty God, who has absolute power over everything in heaven and on earth, is not impressed with powerful people. Those who are strong and mighty in their own strength don't get God's attention. Instead, it is the brokenhearted and humble he notices and supports (vv. 3,6).
He chooses to work not through those who are strong but through those who are weak. And most of all, we don't earn his approval by being great or strong. He delights in those who reverently honor him and put their hope and trust in his unfailing love and mercy, not in their own ability. Today, if you've put your hope in anyone or anything else, ask the Lord to forgive you. But don't stop there. Ask his Spirit to so work in your life that your primary goal becomes honoring and pleasing God.
DEAR LORD, there have been times—even many—when I have relied on someone or something other than you. Forgive me.
Posted by Cindy Bauer at 7:33 PM 0 comments
Saturday, April 25, 2009
A radical break
You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever. Psalm 16:11
It takes a radical break to turn a man from earth's trash to heaven's treasure. Vance Havner
Slave to freedom
At age 16, I craved freedom. I dropped out of high school, got kicked out of my house, and began living for
Friday, 1 May 2009
Friday, 24 April 2009
AN INTERRUPTION OR DIVINE APPOINTMENT
[The Lord said,] "I have made you a light to the Gentiles, to bring salvation to the furthest corners of the earth." When the Gentiles heard this, they were very glad and thanked the Lord for his message; and all who were appointed to eternal life became believers. Acts 13:47-48
Jesus wants us to see that neighbor next door or the people sitting next to us on a plane or in a classroom are not interruptions to our schedule. They are there by divine appointment. Jesus wants you to see their needs, their loneliness, their longings, and he wants to give us the courage to reach out to the them. Rebecca Manley Pippert
Appointed to eternal life
When I read this verse, I am reminded that there are people around us whom God is pursuing. It may be the teenager down the street, a lonely coworker, a weary single parent, or even someone standing next to you in line at the bank. The world is full of men and women who have been crying out to God in the quiet desperation of their hearts or in the darkness of a long night. God has been working in their lives and stirring a desire for him. He wants to use us to be a light to them and bring them the good news of hope in Jesus Christ. Ask that his Spirit would show you those in your neighborhood or workplace who need to be the recipients of your prayers. He will help you to build relationships with them and be a vessel through whom God can share his love.
LORD, show me those in my neighborhood, my circle of friends, and my family that you want me to pray for and build relationships with. They may be the very people you have appointed to eternal life. Equip me to be a light to those who don't know you and to love them for Christ's sake.
SOCIAL CLASSROOM
PUBLIC EDUCATION ON PERSONALITY
What is Our Personality?
Personality is an interesting subject, and not a topic I wanted to cover until I had thoroughly done my research. After-all, even just the word ‘personality’ means a lot of different things to a lot of different people. Our personality actually plays a huge part in how we perceive the world and how the world perceives us so I think it is an important subject to cover.
This site is all about living the life you want to live and being who you want to be and I think it’s safe to say that we each view someone’s personality as a large part of what makes them who they are. With that in mind, let’s look at how you can change yours for your own benefit.
I searched around for some definitions of this term and I have to say that my favourite is rather basic: “A set of qualities that make a person distinct from another”. Nice, simple, to the point and the exact definition that I’ve come to think the word means through my 19 years of existence.
On top of that statement, I, like many others, believe that our personality includes our beliefs and values so this is the understanding of the word I’m going to use here. Feel free to substitute your own definition and still go through the process towards the middle of this post.
How It Is Formed
Your current personality, whatever it may be, has been formed in a number of ways. Psychologists have studied human personalities for years and have come to a number of conclusions. First of all, it is believed that certain traits in our character are hereditary, yet things like our values and beliefs are derived from socialization and unique experiences, mostly from childhood.
Based on that statement, it’s likely that the personality of you and anyone you know is based on:
Social experiences (especially from childhood)
Unique experiences that you have had in your lifetime
The environment in which you grew up and how you had to act
While most of this might seem obvious, there is some strong research which suggests that a lot of our current personality is in-fact, genetic. As an example, researchers from the University of Minnesota studied 8,000 twins who had been separated shortly after birth and reunited later in life for whatever reason. They found that even though one of the twins may have lived a completely different live in a different environment, their behaviours were still almost identical.
I don’t think I like the idea that our personality and specifically our behaviours are largely proven to be based around our genetic make-up. That being said, I still believe it is entirely possible to change your personality and literally be whoever you want to be.
Designing your Own Personality
Before continuing with the following steps on designing your own personality, spend a few minutes thinking of the personalities of people in your life. I have some close friends that I know whenever I see them they will cheer me up because they are happy and very positive. On the other hand, I also have friends that are close, but I can always predict how they will react in certain situations and it is usually in a negative manner.
I think all of you can relate to my situation of having friends who you love to be around and other friends who you do care about, but make you feel ‘drained’ when you spend time with them.
The whole point of this post and personality development in general is to develop the characteristics you want to have rather than the ones you’ve been conditioned with. JAMES LUBUS WELCOME YOU TO COMENT ON THIS ARTICLE
ALL THE BEST WWELCOME AGAIN TO THIS ELITE SITE
[The Lord said,] "I have made you a light to the Gentiles, to bring salvation to the furthest corners of the earth." When the Gentiles heard this, they were very glad and thanked the Lord for his message; and all who were appointed to eternal life became believers. Acts 13:47-48
Jesus wants us to see that neighbor next door or the people sitting next to us on a plane or in a classroom are not interruptions to our schedule. They are there by divine appointment. Jesus wants you to see their needs, their loneliness, their longings, and he wants to give us the courage to reach out to the them. Rebecca Manley Pippert
Appointed to eternal life
When I read this verse, I am reminded that there are people around us whom God is pursuing. It may be the teenager down the street, a lonely coworker, a weary single parent, or even someone standing next to you in line at the bank. The world is full of men and women who have been crying out to God in the quiet desperation of their hearts or in the darkness of a long night. God has been working in their lives and stirring a desire for him. He wants to use us to be a light to them and bring them the good news of hope in Jesus Christ. Ask that his Spirit would show you those in your neighborhood or workplace who need to be the recipients of your prayers. He will help you to build relationships with them and be a vessel through whom God can share his love.
LORD, show me those in my neighborhood, my circle of friends, and my family that you want me to pray for and build relationships with. They may be the very people you have appointed to eternal life. Equip me to be a light to those who don't know you and to love them for Christ's sake.
SOCIAL CLASSROOM
PUBLIC EDUCATION ON PERSONALITY
What is Our Personality?
Personality is an interesting subject, and not a topic I wanted to cover until I had thoroughly done my research. After-all, even just the word ‘personality’ means a lot of different things to a lot of different people. Our personality actually plays a huge part in how we perceive the world and how the world perceives us so I think it is an important subject to cover.
This site is all about living the life you want to live and being who you want to be and I think it’s safe to say that we each view someone’s personality as a large part of what makes them who they are. With that in mind, let’s look at how you can change yours for your own benefit.
I searched around for some definitions of this term and I have to say that my favourite is rather basic: “A set of qualities that make a person distinct from another”. Nice, simple, to the point and the exact definition that I’ve come to think the word means through my 19 years of existence.
On top of that statement, I, like many others, believe that our personality includes our beliefs and values so this is the understanding of the word I’m going to use here. Feel free to substitute your own definition and still go through the process towards the middle of this post.
How It Is Formed
Your current personality, whatever it may be, has been formed in a number of ways. Psychologists have studied human personalities for years and have come to a number of conclusions. First of all, it is believed that certain traits in our character are hereditary, yet things like our values and beliefs are derived from socialization and unique experiences, mostly from childhood.
Based on that statement, it’s likely that the personality of you and anyone you know is based on:
Social experiences (especially from childhood)
Unique experiences that you have had in your lifetime
The environment in which you grew up and how you had to act
While most of this might seem obvious, there is some strong research which suggests that a lot of our current personality is in-fact, genetic. As an example, researchers from the University of Minnesota studied 8,000 twins who had been separated shortly after birth and reunited later in life for whatever reason. They found that even though one of the twins may have lived a completely different live in a different environment, their behaviours were still almost identical.
I don’t think I like the idea that our personality and specifically our behaviours are largely proven to be based around our genetic make-up. That being said, I still believe it is entirely possible to change your personality and literally be whoever you want to be.
Designing your Own Personality
Before continuing with the following steps on designing your own personality, spend a few minutes thinking of the personalities of people in your life. I have some close friends that I know whenever I see them they will cheer me up because they are happy and very positive. On the other hand, I also have friends that are close, but I can always predict how they will react in certain situations and it is usually in a negative manner.
I think all of you can relate to my situation of having friends who you love to be around and other friends who you do care about, but make you feel ‘drained’ when you spend time with them.
The whole point of this post and personality development in general is to develop the characteristics you want to have rather than the ones you’ve been conditioned with. JAMES LUBUS WELCOME YOU TO COMENT ON THIS ARTICLE
ALL THE BEST WWELCOME AGAIN TO THIS ELITE SITE
Tuesday, 21 April 2009
Sin and a way out
Though the bad news is devastating—that we are, in our sinful nature, contrary to God's character and out of line with His foundation of wisdom—the good news is that we can change. Wisdom does not remain forever elusive, no matter how firmly we have rejected it in the past.
The wisdom of God will lead us to the cross of Jesus, of course. That is where all of our former futility is redeemed and our rebellion forgiven. A humble bow before the sacrificial Lamb will cleanse us of the muck of this world and put us on a path of discipleship. But once we have passed through that Cross, we must cultivate our love for the eternal. We must pursue wisdom with a passion. We must become enamored with the righteous ways of the world as it was meant to be.
If you are ever lacking in perspective, read the first two and the last two chapters of the Bible. Genesis 1-2 and Revelation 21-22 are pictures of perfection. From paradise to paradise, from the Garden of Eden to the city of God, from the dust of the earth to the bride of Christ, wisdom rules. Take away the huge parentheses on the sin problem—Genesis 3 through Revelation 20— and you'll clearly see the holiness of God and the beauty of His handiwork. It's often hard, in this parenthetical interim, to see such beauty, but it's there. It's our origin and our destiny, all rolled into one.
As you read those four chapters, the eternal bookends on either side of the temporal sin-problem, let your love grow deep for your Creator and Redeemer. As a plant stretches toward the sunlight, let your life grow toward His wisdom. Open up before Him, and let yourself love His ways. In Tanzania alone there are various churches but the only thing we can learn is that doing all that will please God is the main secreat of following Him. Please give comment on this.
Though the bad news is devastating—that we are, in our sinful nature, contrary to God's character and out of line with His foundation of wisdom—the good news is that we can change. Wisdom does not remain forever elusive, no matter how firmly we have rejected it in the past.
The wisdom of God will lead us to the cross of Jesus, of course. That is where all of our former futility is redeemed and our rebellion forgiven. A humble bow before the sacrificial Lamb will cleanse us of the muck of this world and put us on a path of discipleship. But once we have passed through that Cross, we must cultivate our love for the eternal. We must pursue wisdom with a passion. We must become enamored with the righteous ways of the world as it was meant to be.
If you are ever lacking in perspective, read the first two and the last two chapters of the Bible. Genesis 1-2 and Revelation 21-22 are pictures of perfection. From paradise to paradise, from the Garden of Eden to the city of God, from the dust of the earth to the bride of Christ, wisdom rules. Take away the huge parentheses on the sin problem—Genesis 3 through Revelation 20— and you'll clearly see the holiness of God and the beauty of His handiwork. It's often hard, in this parenthetical interim, to see such beauty, but it's there. It's our origin and our destiny, all rolled into one.
As you read those four chapters, the eternal bookends on either side of the temporal sin-problem, let your love grow deep for your Creator and Redeemer. As a plant stretches toward the sunlight, let your life grow toward His wisdom. Open up before Him, and let yourself love His ways. In Tanzania alone there are various churches but the only thing we can learn is that doing all that will please God is the main secreat of following Him. Please give comment on this.
Sunday, 19 April 2009
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF FAMOUS PEOPLE IN AMERICA IN RELATION TO THE GOSPEL COMMENTED BY JAMES LUBUS
The testimony of presidentsThe Bible was clearly important to many American presidents. A few examples:It is impossible to govern the world without God and the Bible. George WashingtonThe whole inspiration of our civilization springs from the teachings of Christ and the lessons of the prophets. To read the Bible for these fundamentals is a necessity of American life. Herbert HooverIn regard to this great book, I have but to say, it is the best gift God has given to man. All the good Savior gave to the world was communicated through this book. But for it we could not know right from wrong. All things most desirable for man's welfare, here and hereafter, are to found portrayed in it. Abraham LincolnHold fast to the Bible as the sheet-anchor of your liberties; write its precepts in your hearts and practice them in your lives. To the influence of this book we are indebted for all the progress made in true civilization, and to this we must look as our guide in the future. Righteousness exalteth a nation; but sin is a reproach to any people. Ulysses S. Grant
Thursday, April 16, 2009
THE WEBSITE AUTHOR RECALL HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF FAMOUS PEOPLE IN AMERICA TO PREACH THE GOSPEL
But this is the new covenant I will make with the people of Israel on that day, says the Lord: I will put my laws in their minds so they will understand them, and I will write them on their hearts so they will obey them. I will be their God, and they will be my people! Hebrews 8:10
Above all, you must understand that no prophecy in Scripture ever came from the prophets themselves or because they wanted to prophesy. It was the Holy Spirit who moved the prophets to speak from God. 2 Peter 1:20-21
About this week's promise:
How remarkable that the God of the universe would actually want to communicate with us! We are creatures of a material, physical world to which we relate through our five senses. God is a spiritual being. We in our physical state cannot see him, hear him, or touch him, so how can he communicate with us? Through the Bible. Over several centuries, God inspired a select number of people to write down what he felt we needed to know about him and how he expects us to live. These writings have been collected into this book, called the Holy Bible. In a miraculous way, the Bible speaks to each of us. Its truths apply across generations, across cultures, across all life experience. When it comes to reading the Bible, most of us read just enough to get by. Read God's Word daily so you can thoroughly understand all God wants you to know
About this week's promise:
How remarkable that the God of the universe would actually want to communicate with us! We are creatures of a material, physical world to which we relate through our five senses. God is a spiritual being. We in our physical state cannot see him, hear him, or touch him, so how can he communicate with us? Through the Bible. Over several centuries, God inspired a select number of people to write down what he felt we needed to know about him and how he expects us to live. These writings have been collected into this book, called the Holy Bible. In a miraculous way, the Bible speaks to each of us. Its truths apply across generations, across cultures, across all life experience. When it comes to reading the Bible, most of us read just enough to get by. Read God's Word daily so you can thoroughly understand all God wants you to know
all God wants you to kno auther
The testimony of presidentsThe Bible was clearly important to many American presidents. A few examples:It is impossible to govern the world without God and the Bible. George WashingtonThe whole inspiration of our civilization springs from the teachings of Christ and the lessons of the prophets. To read the Bible for these fundamentals is a necessity of American life. Herbert HooverIn regard to this great book, I have but to say, it is the best gift God has given to man. All the good Savior gave to the world was communicated through this book. But for it we could not know right from wrong. All things most desirable for man's welfare, here and hereafter, are to found portrayed in it. Abraham LincolnHold fast to the Bible as the sheet-anchor of your liberties; write its precepts in your hearts and practice them in your lives. To the influence of this book we are indebted for all the progress made in true civilization, and to this we must look as our guide in the future. Righteousness exalteth a nation; but sin is a reproach to any people. Ulysses S. Grant
Thursday, April 16, 2009
THE WEBSITE AUTHOR RECALL HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF FAMOUS PEOPLE IN AMERICA TO PREACH THE GOSPEL
But this is the new covenant I will make with the people of Israel on that day, says the Lord: I will put my laws in their minds so they will understand them, and I will write them on their hearts so they will obey them. I will be their God, and they will be my people! Hebrews 8:10
Above all, you must understand that no prophecy in Scripture ever came from the prophets themselves or because they wanted to prophesy. It was the Holy Spirit who moved the prophets to speak from God. 2 Peter 1:20-21
About this week's promise:
How remarkable that the God of the universe would actually want to communicate with us! We are creatures of a material, physical world to which we relate through our five senses. God is a spiritual being. We in our physical state cannot see him, hear him, or touch him, so how can he communicate with us? Through the Bible. Over several centuries, God inspired a select number of people to write down what he felt we needed to know about him and how he expects us to live. These writings have been collected into this book, called the Holy Bible. In a miraculous way, the Bible speaks to each of us. Its truths apply across generations, across cultures, across all life experience. When it comes to reading the Bible, most of us read just enough to get by. Read God's Word daily so you can thoroughly understand all God wants you to know
About this week's promise:
How remarkable that the God of the universe would actually want to communicate with us! We are creatures of a material, physical world to which we relate through our five senses. God is a spiritual being. We in our physical state cannot see him, hear him, or touch him, so how can he communicate with us? Through the Bible. Over several centuries, God inspired a select number of people to write down what he felt we needed to know about him and how he expects us to live. These writings have been collected into this book, called the Holy Bible. In a miraculous way, the Bible speaks to each of us. Its truths apply across generations, across cultures, across all life experience. When it comes to reading the Bible, most of us read just enough to get by. Read God's Word daily so you can thoroughly understand all God wants you to know
all God wants you to kno auther
Wednesday, 15 April 2009
WHAT GUIDES YOUR LIFE
Oh, how I love your law! I think about it all day long. Your commands make me wiser than my enemies, foot your commands are my constant guide. Yes, I have more insight than my teachers, for I am always thinking of your decrees. I am even wiser than my elders, for I have kept your commandments. I have refused to walk on any path of evil, that I may remain obedient to your word. I haven't turned away from your laws, for you have taught me well. How sweet are your words to my taste; they are sweeter than honey. Your commandments give me understanding; no wonder I hate every false way of life. Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path. Psalm 119:97-105 NLT
No Other Book
I have guided my life by the Bible , and I tell you there is no book like it. It is a miracle of literature, a perennial spring of wisdom, a wonder of surprises, a revelation if mystery, an infallible guide of conduct, and an unspeakable source of comfort.
Pay no attention to people who discredit it, for I tell you that they speak without knowledge. It is the Word of God itself.
Study it according to its own direction. Live by its principles. Believe its message. Follow its precepts. No man is uneducated who knows the Bible, and none is wise who is ignorant of its teachings.
Oh, how I love your law! I think about it all day long. Your commands make me wiser than my enemies, foot your commands are my constant guide. Yes, I have more insight than my teachers, for I am always thinking of your decrees. I am even wiser than my elders, for I have kept your commandments. I have refused to walk on any path of evil, that I may remain obedient to your word. I haven't turned away from your laws, for you have taught me well. How sweet are your words to my taste; they are sweeter than honey. Your commandments give me understanding; no wonder I hate every false way of life. Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path. Psalm 119:97-105 NLT
No Other Book
I have guided my life by the Bible , and I tell you there is no book like it. It is a miracle of literature, a perennial spring of wisdom, a wonder of surprises, a revelation if mystery, an infallible guide of conduct, and an unspeakable source of comfort.
Pay no attention to people who discredit it, for I tell you that they speak without knowledge. It is the Word of God itself.
Study it according to its own direction. Live by its principles. Believe its message. Follow its precepts. No man is uneducated who knows the Bible, and none is wise who is ignorant of its teachings.
Monday, 13 April 2009
HAVE YOU EVER WISHED YOU COULD FLEE
Oh, how I wish I had wings like a dove; then I would fly away and rest! I would fly far away to the quiet of the wilderness. How quickly I would escape—far away from this wild storm of hatred. Psalm 55:6-8
Nothing great was ever done without much enduring. Catherine of Siena
Resist flight
David was a man after God's own heart and a great, anointed king. But in many ways, he was just like us. Psalm 55 is an example. When the pressure was on, David just wanted to run away.All of us have had similar urges. When life gets intense and troubles seem to offer no way out, we just want to get out of the situation. Every Christian who has been prepared by God and stretched to his or her limits can relate: There are times when we would do anything if God would just remove us from our trial. We'll pray for ways of escape, but God often leaves us surrounded until His time is right.
God has no scorn for such feelings. He made us and He knows our frailties. He understands our impulse to flee from whatever difficulties we face. But He also insists on our endurance, because it has spiritual results that nothing else can accomplish. And there is no way to learn endurance other than simply to endure. We can't learn it in principle or in theory; only pain can teach it to us.
The good news for those who go through intense trials and suffering is that once the impulse to flee is broken, God delivers. When endurance is complete, God removes the tribulation we endured. Every fear is followed by blessing (Psalm 55:4-8, 16-18). Our God does not leave us in our troubles. He has put us there to discover His provision; He will not withhold it indefinitely. There will be a day of deliverance.
Oh, how I wish I had wings like a dove; then I would fly away and rest! I would fly far away to the quiet of the wilderness. How quickly I would escape—far away from this wild storm of hatred. Psalm 55:6-8
Nothing great was ever done without much enduring. Catherine of Siena
Resist flight
David was a man after God's own heart and a great, anointed king. But in many ways, he was just like us. Psalm 55 is an example. When the pressure was on, David just wanted to run away.All of us have had similar urges. When life gets intense and troubles seem to offer no way out, we just want to get out of the situation. Every Christian who has been prepared by God and stretched to his or her limits can relate: There are times when we would do anything if God would just remove us from our trial. We'll pray for ways of escape, but God often leaves us surrounded until His time is right.
God has no scorn for such feelings. He made us and He knows our frailties. He understands our impulse to flee from whatever difficulties we face. But He also insists on our endurance, because it has spiritual results that nothing else can accomplish. And there is no way to learn endurance other than simply to endure. We can't learn it in principle or in theory; only pain can teach it to us.
The good news for those who go through intense trials and suffering is that once the impulse to flee is broken, God delivers. When endurance is complete, God removes the tribulation we endured. Every fear is followed by blessing (Psalm 55:4-8, 16-18). Our God does not leave us in our troubles. He has put us there to discover His provision; He will not withhold it indefinitely. There will be a day of deliverance.
Sunday, 12 April 2009
Christ the Lord is Risen Today!But the fact is that Christ has been raised from the dead. He has become the first of a great harvest of those who will be raised to life again. 1 Corinthians 15:20Christ the Lord is risen today, Alleluia! Sons of men and angels say, Alleluia! Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia! Sing, ye heavens, and earth reply, Alleluia!Love's redeeming work is done, Alleluia! Fought the fight, the battle won, Alleluia! Death in vain forbids Him rise, Alleluia! Christ hath opened paradise, Alleluia!Soar we now where Christ has led, Alleluia! Following our exalted Head, Alleluia! Made like Him, like Him we rise, Alleluia! Ours the cross, the grave, the skies, Alleluia!Christ the Lord is Risen Today
Charles Wesley (1707-1788) and othersChrist has won the final victoryThe grave has been "boasting" of its power since Eden. But now it has finally met its match. It wraps Jesus up at the Cross and "forbids him to rise," but our Champion, Jesus Christ, fought and won. Where is your sting now, O Death? Christ has won the final victory.We know that whatever boasting we do is not in ourselves, but in the power of Christ. He has won the victory, and now we're just soaring where Christ has led. We bask in the benefits
Quotes of the Day!
(Who really said it first?)Do not hold everything as gold which shines like gold. (Non teneas aurum totum quod splendet ut aurum.) ~Alanus de Insulis, Parabolae, c.1280, later used by Shakespeare and others as "All that glisters is not gold." - now commonly misphrased as "glitters".But when he shall have been taken from sight, he quickly goes also out of mind. ~Thomas a Kempis, Imitation of ChristIt is a tiresome way of speaking, when you should despatch the business, to beat about the bush. ~PlautusOkay, Houston, we've had a problem here. ~John L. Swigert, Jr., Apollo 13 command module pilot, 13 April 1970Two souls with but a single thought,Two hearts that beat as one.~Friedrich Halm (Baron Eligius Franz Joseph von Münch-Bellinghausen
Consider what you think justice requires, and decide accordingly. But never give your reasons; for your judgment will probably be right, but your reasons will certainly be wrong. ~Lord Mansfield
The trivia and quotes are much shorter today due to the longer motivation – I try to skip the longer ones, but today’s story from Chicken Soup for the Soul was a great uplifting story. Today is “Take a Walk in the Park Day”, “Doctor’s Day”, and “I Am in Control Day”. So to get all of this out of the way, I guess you could take control, call your Doctor and ask him to take a walk in the park with you – after which a little red wagon will probably pull up to your house or work to take to you that “happy place”. Hope you had a great weekend. Renslar "Renny" Keagle, President
Charles Wesley (1707-1788) and othersChrist has won the final victoryThe grave has been "boasting" of its power since Eden. But now it has finally met its match. It wraps Jesus up at the Cross and "forbids him to rise," but our Champion, Jesus Christ, fought and won. Where is your sting now, O Death? Christ has won the final victory.We know that whatever boasting we do is not in ourselves, but in the power of Christ. He has won the victory, and now we're just soaring where Christ has led. We bask in the benefits
Quotes of the Day!
(Who really said it first?)Do not hold everything as gold which shines like gold. (Non teneas aurum totum quod splendet ut aurum.) ~Alanus de Insulis, Parabolae, c.1280, later used by Shakespeare and others as "All that glisters is not gold." - now commonly misphrased as "glitters".But when he shall have been taken from sight, he quickly goes also out of mind. ~Thomas a Kempis, Imitation of ChristIt is a tiresome way of speaking, when you should despatch the business, to beat about the bush. ~PlautusOkay, Houston, we've had a problem here. ~John L. Swigert, Jr., Apollo 13 command module pilot, 13 April 1970Two souls with but a single thought,Two hearts that beat as one.~Friedrich Halm (Baron Eligius Franz Joseph von Münch-Bellinghausen
Consider what you think justice requires, and decide accordingly. But never give your reasons; for your judgment will probably be right, but your reasons will certainly be wrong. ~Lord Mansfield
The trivia and quotes are much shorter today due to the longer motivation – I try to skip the longer ones, but today’s story from Chicken Soup for the Soul was a great uplifting story. Today is “Take a Walk in the Park Day”, “Doctor’s Day”, and “I Am in Control Day”. So to get all of this out of the way, I guess you could take control, call your Doctor and ask him to take a walk in the park with you – after which a little red wagon will probably pull up to your house or work to take to you that “happy place”. Hope you had a great weekend. Renslar "Renny" Keagle, President
Saturday, 21 March 2009
MESSAGE FOR EASTER
The Resurrection
1On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. 2They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. 5In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, "Why do you look for the living among the dead? 6He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: 7'The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.' " 8Then they remembered his words.
9When they came back from the tomb, they told all these things to the Eleven and to all the others. 10It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the others with them who told this to the apostles. 11But they did not believe the women, because their words seemed to them like nonsense. 12Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb. Bending over, he saw the strips of linen lying by themselves, and he went away, wondering to himself what had happened.
On the Road to Emmaus
13Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. 14They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. 15As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; 16but they were kept from recognizing him.
17He asked them, "What are you discussing together as you walk along?"They stood still, their faces downcast. 18One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, "Are you only a visitor to Jerusalem and do not know the things that have happened there in these days?"
19"What things?" he asked.
"About Jesus of Nazareth," they replied. "He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. 20The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; 21but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. 22In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning 23but didn't find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. 24Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see."
25He said to them, "How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?" 27And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.
28As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus acted as if he were going farther. 29But they urged him strongly, "Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over." So he went in to stay with them.
30When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. 31Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. 32They asked each other, "Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?"
33They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together 34and saying, "It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon." 35Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread.
Jesus Appears to the Disciples
36While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, "Peace be with you."
37They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost. 38He said to them, "Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? 39Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have."
40When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet. 41And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, "Do you have anything here to eat?" 42They gave him a piece of broiled fish, 43and he took it and ate it in their presence.
44He said to them, "This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms."
45Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. 46He told them, "This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, 47and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48You are witnesses of these things. 49I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high."
The Ascension
50When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. 51While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven. 52Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. 53And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God.
wTHE FIRST PHASE1992 was an important year for White Fathers and White Sisters, it was the centenary of our founder's death. During the year the two missionary societies remembered an extraordinary man and the way he changed the history of Africa.
Although little is known about Cardinal Lavigerie these days he was a well known figure even in Britain in the 1880's because of his involvement with the anti-slavery movement.
During the coming year we intend to present a number of articles showing various aspects of his life and the influence he has had on missionary activity up until this present day.
This first article gives an overall view of the major events of his life and the founding of the White Fathers and White Sisters.
Cardinal Lavigerie was born in Bayonne, France, in 1825. He was the eldest of four children and the son of a Customs and Excise officer. He went to school in Bayonne and while a child played at being a priest and missionary. Even at the time of his first Holy Communion he expressed the wish to become a priest, although his religiously indifferent parents had other plans for him.
However his strong determination eventually saw him at a seminary in Paris. After his ordination on 2nd. June 1849 he obtained a Doctorate in Literature and was made a professor of History at the Sorbonne University.
Yet, a purely academic life as a University Lecturer proved to be insufficient for him. He hankered for a more active lifestyle and was delighted when he was given the task of heading 'The Work of the Oriental Schools' in 1857. The aim of this organisation was to bring unity between the Christians of the East and West.
Suddenly, circumstances erupted which changed the whole purpose of Fr. Lavigerie's life. In 1860 the Druses attacked Christians in Syria, killing around 200,000. Thousands of others were left homeless and starving. Fr. Lavigerie decided to help the survivors. Throughout France and other European countries he managed to raise money to alleviate the terrible hardships of the survivors of these attacks and then he went in person to help them. Here he discovered his missionary vocation.
Eventually Fr. Lavigerie's work with the Eastern Christians led to his being called to Rome as a part-time Consultant on Oriental Affairs to the Sacred Congregation of Propaganda. His full-time work was as a member of the Sacred Congregation of the Rota - a Court of Civil and Canon Law. Although Fr. Lavigerie was unhappy with his desk job at the Rota it did bring him into contact with a great number of people who would be of help to him later: he learnt about the workings of Vatican Diplomacy; he experienced Canon and Civil Law from the practical side; he met and became known by many political leaders from around the world; most importantly, he came into close contact with Pope Pius IX.
To the surprise of some, Fr. Lavigerie was made Bishop of Nancy, France, in 1863 at the early age of 37. He spent five years there and during that time was a tremendous animator of both the spiritual and physical aspects of the diocese. His organisational capabilities brought him to the attention of the French Government who pressed for his appointment as Archbishop of Algiers. Those who proposed his name saw him merely as the pastor of a few thousand colonial settlers. Bishop Lavigerie had other ideas and saw himself as being the pastor of all the people living in Algeria. The French authorities were not pleased at all! Nevertheless, he took up his post in January 1867.
Soon after a cholera epidemic killed more than 100,000 people throughout Algiers, followed by a two-year drought and also a locust plague. The French Colonial Authority did nothing for the starving Arab population and it was left to the Archbishop, his clergy and Religious to try and alleviate their suffering, despite the Government's opposition.
Archbishop Lavigerie saw Algiers as the gateway to the African Continent and believed that his Algerian clergy were called to start this immense task. In 1868 the Archbishop was appointed Apostolic Delegate for the Sahara and the Sudan and it was in this same year that he founded the White Fathers to work among Muslims. He recruited members from among his own diocesan priests and opened a seminary and novitiate where his future missionaries, priests and brothers, would receive their training.
In 1869 he appealed in France for young women to form the basis of a new Missionary Congregation to be women apostles for the women. Eight young women from Brittany responded: the first White Sisters.
In 1878 a secret declaration in Rome gave Archbishop Lavigerie the responsibility of organising the apostolate to Equatorial Africa. In that same year the first White Fathers took up residence in Jerusalem. Eventually, in 1882, Pope Leo XIII created Charles Lavigerie a Cardinal. By this time the area of his responsibilities also included the vast territory of Tunisia which France had added to her Empire in 1881.
One of the last important activities of Cardinal Lavigerie was his assault on the terrible slave trade that meant incredible suffering for a great number of Africans. He crossed Europe speaking everywhere against this awful situation. He was heard in the Prince's Hall in London and was described in the 'Times' as a great friend of Britain. He addressed the Anti-slavery Society which was comprised of many distinguished people, including Cardinal Manning, Archbishop of Westminster.
Not surprisingly, a life of hard and relentless work left its physical toll. Chronic arthritis and a stroke, plus tremendous political pressure against him during the latter years, brought about his death on the morning of 26th. November 1892. He was buried in the crypt of Carthage Cathedral in Tunisia.
The Resurrection
1On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. 2They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. 5In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, "Why do you look for the living among the dead? 6He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: 7'The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.' " 8Then they remembered his words.
9When they came back from the tomb, they told all these things to the Eleven and to all the others. 10It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the others with them who told this to the apostles. 11But they did not believe the women, because their words seemed to them like nonsense. 12Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb. Bending over, he saw the strips of linen lying by themselves, and he went away, wondering to himself what had happened.
On the Road to Emmaus
13Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. 14They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. 15As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; 16but they were kept from recognizing him.
17He asked them, "What are you discussing together as you walk along?"They stood still, their faces downcast. 18One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, "Are you only a visitor to Jerusalem and do not know the things that have happened there in these days?"
19"What things?" he asked.
"About Jesus of Nazareth," they replied. "He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. 20The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; 21but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. 22In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning 23but didn't find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. 24Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see."
25He said to them, "How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?" 27And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.
28As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus acted as if he were going farther. 29But they urged him strongly, "Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over." So he went in to stay with them.
30When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. 31Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. 32They asked each other, "Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?"
33They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together 34and saying, "It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon." 35Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread.
Jesus Appears to the Disciples
36While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, "Peace be with you."
37They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost. 38He said to them, "Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? 39Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have."
40When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet. 41And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, "Do you have anything here to eat?" 42They gave him a piece of broiled fish, 43and he took it and ate it in their presence.
44He said to them, "This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms."
45Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. 46He told them, "This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, 47and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48You are witnesses of these things. 49I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high."
The Ascension
50When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. 51While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven. 52Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. 53And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God.
wTHE FIRST PHASE1992 was an important year for White Fathers and White Sisters, it was the centenary of our founder's death. During the year the two missionary societies remembered an extraordinary man and the way he changed the history of Africa.
Although little is known about Cardinal Lavigerie these days he was a well known figure even in Britain in the 1880's because of his involvement with the anti-slavery movement.
During the coming year we intend to present a number of articles showing various aspects of his life and the influence he has had on missionary activity up until this present day.
This first article gives an overall view of the major events of his life and the founding of the White Fathers and White Sisters.
Cardinal Lavigerie was born in Bayonne, France, in 1825. He was the eldest of four children and the son of a Customs and Excise officer. He went to school in Bayonne and while a child played at being a priest and missionary. Even at the time of his first Holy Communion he expressed the wish to become a priest, although his religiously indifferent parents had other plans for him.
However his strong determination eventually saw him at a seminary in Paris. After his ordination on 2nd. June 1849 he obtained a Doctorate in Literature and was made a professor of History at the Sorbonne University.
Yet, a purely academic life as a University Lecturer proved to be insufficient for him. He hankered for a more active lifestyle and was delighted when he was given the task of heading 'The Work of the Oriental Schools' in 1857. The aim of this organisation was to bring unity between the Christians of the East and West.
Suddenly, circumstances erupted which changed the whole purpose of Fr. Lavigerie's life. In 1860 the Druses attacked Christians in Syria, killing around 200,000. Thousands of others were left homeless and starving. Fr. Lavigerie decided to help the survivors. Throughout France and other European countries he managed to raise money to alleviate the terrible hardships of the survivors of these attacks and then he went in person to help them. Here he discovered his missionary vocation.
Eventually Fr. Lavigerie's work with the Eastern Christians led to his being called to Rome as a part-time Consultant on Oriental Affairs to the Sacred Congregation of Propaganda. His full-time work was as a member of the Sacred Congregation of the Rota - a Court of Civil and Canon Law. Although Fr. Lavigerie was unhappy with his desk job at the Rota it did bring him into contact with a great number of people who would be of help to him later: he learnt about the workings of Vatican Diplomacy; he experienced Canon and Civil Law from the practical side; he met and became known by many political leaders from around the world; most importantly, he came into close contact with Pope Pius IX.
To the surprise of some, Fr. Lavigerie was made Bishop of Nancy, France, in 1863 at the early age of 37. He spent five years there and during that time was a tremendous animator of both the spiritual and physical aspects of the diocese. His organisational capabilities brought him to the attention of the French Government who pressed for his appointment as Archbishop of Algiers. Those who proposed his name saw him merely as the pastor of a few thousand colonial settlers. Bishop Lavigerie had other ideas and saw himself as being the pastor of all the people living in Algeria. The French authorities were not pleased at all! Nevertheless, he took up his post in January 1867.
Soon after a cholera epidemic killed more than 100,000 people throughout Algiers, followed by a two-year drought and also a locust plague. The French Colonial Authority did nothing for the starving Arab population and it was left to the Archbishop, his clergy and Religious to try and alleviate their suffering, despite the Government's opposition.
Archbishop Lavigerie saw Algiers as the gateway to the African Continent and believed that his Algerian clergy were called to start this immense task. In 1868 the Archbishop was appointed Apostolic Delegate for the Sahara and the Sudan and it was in this same year that he founded the White Fathers to work among Muslims. He recruited members from among his own diocesan priests and opened a seminary and novitiate where his future missionaries, priests and brothers, would receive their training.
In 1869 he appealed in France for young women to form the basis of a new Missionary Congregation to be women apostles for the women. Eight young women from Brittany responded: the first White Sisters.
In 1878 a secret declaration in Rome gave Archbishop Lavigerie the responsibility of organising the apostolate to Equatorial Africa. In that same year the first White Fathers took up residence in Jerusalem. Eventually, in 1882, Pope Leo XIII created Charles Lavigerie a Cardinal. By this time the area of his responsibilities also included the vast territory of Tunisia which France had added to her Empire in 1881.
One of the last important activities of Cardinal Lavigerie was his assault on the terrible slave trade that meant incredible suffering for a great number of Africans. He crossed Europe speaking everywhere against this awful situation. He was heard in the Prince's Hall in London and was described in the 'Times' as a great friend of Britain. He addressed the Anti-slavery Society which was comprised of many distinguished people, including Cardinal Manning, Archbishop of Westminster.
Not surprisingly, a life of hard and relentless work left its physical toll. Chronic arthritis and a stroke, plus tremendous political pressure against him during the latter years, brought about his death on the morning of 26th. November 1892. He was buried in the crypt of Carthage Cathedral in Tunisia.
HISTORY OF AFRICAN MISSIOANARY
From 1855 till 1860, Léon attended primary school run by the Brothers of the Christian Schools at Saint Geniez. During this time, he proved to be a shy and delicate child, but applied himself well to studying. Well-behaved and pious, he received the Sacrament of Confirmation before his First Communion, contrary to the practice of the times. As his health was delicate, he was not equipped for physical exertion. Nothing would indicate, therefore, that he would one day be a missionary or even a priest; his family had intended him to become a farmer and his younger brother a member of the clergy.
After primary school, Léon was enrolled at Saint Denis, the diocesan college at Saint Geniez. However, he was not at ease there. His health suffered as a result. Affected by paralysis in the legs, he was obliged to return home to his family at Ginals. During his convalescence, he confided in the parish priest, Fr. Malet, who detected a priestly vocation in him; he then received catching up lessons for Latin. Finally recovered in 1861, Léon returned to college, this time as a pupil in the Greco-Latin section, in view of priestly train-ing. His progress was such that he was able to skip a class in the 1862 new school year. Throughout his secondary schooling, he lived at the home of a 'Béate', a member of a pious association of consecrated women.
In October 1867 aged 21, he entered the major seminary of Rodez. This seminary, run by the Sulpicians, at that time numbered almost three hundred seminarians! Léon first studied philosophy then theology. Later, he would acknowledge that there had been gaps in his studies; he would never fill them. His spiritual director was Father Georjon, superior of the seminary. Among his classmates were the future Bishop Gély of Mende and Bishop Garriguet, Superior General of the Sulpicians. Léon received the tonsure in May 1869 and Minor Orders the following year, in June. His vocation would take an unexpected turn in 1871
. In the autumn, he met a Missionary of Africa, Father Charmetant (1844-1921), a warm and kind person, sent to the seminary of Rodez by Archbishop Lavigerie (1825-1892) of Algiers. This last-mentioned French prelate had founded a Missionary Society in 1868 to evangelise the African continent. Since then, he scouted French seminaries for candidates for his ambitious project. Léon took an interest, but hesitated to commit himself. In fact, certain Church circles criticised this famed project that had only one charitable work, a poor orphanage set up at Maison Carrée near Algiers, which was also the first motherhouse of the Missionaries of Africa.
En couraged by his friend Father Charbonnier (1842-1888), Léon finally made his decision after his ordination to the diaconate (May 1872). He applied to Archbishop Lavigerie on the 26th February 1873, thus delaying his ordination to the priesthood. At the end of March, Léon, accompanied by his classmate Auguste Moncet (1849-1889), arrived at Maison Carrée. He began his novitiate on the 6th April and a week later was clothed in the missionary habit of Archbishop Lavigerie (gandoura, chechia and Rosary). As Master of Novices, he had Father Terrasse (1831-1922), a Jesuit who introduced him to the practice of Ignatian spirituality.
Archbishop Lavigerie, highly impressed by this model novice, ordained him to the priesthood on the 12th October 1873. On the same day, he appointed him to the scholasticate (the major seminary of the Missionaries of Africa.) Father Léon would be Vice-Rector, bursar and professor of dogmatic theology, without having completed either his novitiate or his theological studies. Listed as number 22 in the register of admissions, he took his Missionary Oath on the 7th April 1874. Moreover, a few months later, on the 12th October 1874, he was even then elected a member of the General Council during the first General Chapter of the Missionaries of Africa, known as the Founding Chapter in view of the importance of its decisions. On that occasion, Archbishop Lavigerie appointed him Treasurer General of the Society, poor in financial resources, but rich in personal generosity. At that time, it comprised 43 Fathers and 9 Brothers, forming fifteen communities disseminated throughout Algeria.
At the end of December 1874, Archbishop Lavigerie sent Father Livinhac to Paris to set up a procurement office, the first in Europe. However, eight weeks later, the Father was already back with the excuse that he lacked the aptitudes for this kind of responsibility. Indeed, throughout his life, he would feel repugnance for the exercise of authority. In mid-February of 1875, Archbishop Lavigerie appointed him to the community of Ouadhias in Kabylia. Much content, Father Livinhac had his first missionary experience there in direct contact with the people: he studied Kabyle, taught some children, treated the sick and visited the villagers. However, his contentment would only last a few months. On the 24th August 1875, he was once again back in Maison Carrée to be Rector of the scholasticate. While Rector, he taught moral theology, composed a Kabyle grammar and drafted a Rule of Life, used from then on by hundreds of young confreres. This Rule was a summary of the missionary thinking of the Founder. In 1876, Father Livinhac preached a retreat for the first time to his confreres in the presence of Archbishop Lavigerie.
That same year, the murder by Tuareg of three of his confreres on the way to Timbuktu reminded him that missionary life implies the gift of self even to martyrdom. His mandate as Councillor was renewed at the 1877 General Chapter. Even though he obtained the most votes, Archbishop Lavigerie refused to place him at the head of his Society. Father Livinhac was not unhappy about it. Indeed, a few months later in March 1878, he would be appointed to head the first caravan setting out for the high plateaux of equatorial Africa. Pope Leo XIII (1810-1903), had confided the evangelisation of this immense region to the Society of Missionaries of Africa.
Father Livinhac remained in equatorial Africa from 1878 till 1889, more particularly on the shores of Lake Victoria in pitiful material conditions with interminable treks on foot and uncomfortable travel by dugout canoe. He survived two shipwrecks, one by a storm the other by a hippopotamus. During this pe-riod, he and his colleagues Fathers Lourdel (1853-1890), Girault (1853-1941), Barbot (1846-1882) and Brother Amans Delmas, all French, founded the Catholic Church in Buganda, scrupulously applying the instructions of Archbishop Lavigerie. Their success would make them models for their confreres to follow.
Obliged by the circumstances, they founded this Church at the Court of this African Kingdom itself, previously very powerful, but then prey to the tensions created by Western and Arab presence. These tensions, based on commercial and religious politicking, would give rise to fearful violence among the Baganda (inhabitants of Buganda); that would lead to a civil, religious and colonial war in 1892. Precisely for security reasons, at the start of 1883, Father Livinhac set up his residence at Kamoga, in Bukumbi, a region south of Lake Victoria. Ultimately, he himself would spend little time in Buganda, that is, from June 1879 till November 1882 and a few months in 1886, 1888 and 1890.
After his appointment as Vicar Apostolic of the Victoria-Nyanza Vicariate in June 1883, he lived at Maison Carrée, where on the 14th September 1884, Archbishop Lavigerie ordained him Titular Bishop of Pacando. Afterwards, having attended the 8th General Chapter, he returned to equatorial Africa in May 1885. In Buganda he discovered a very tense situation. The Kabaka (King) Mwanga, (1866-1903), had become hostage to rivalries among Court witchdoctors, Arab traders, Anglicans and Catholics. Each faction sought his conversion, the greater to monopolise the country.
.
In 1886, Bishop Livinhac was present at the heroic deaths of the Baganda Martyrs who had chosen to remain faithful to the Christian faith; they had refused to obey the orders of Mwanga who sought to test the loyalty of his servants in his way, in accordance with customary rights. At that time, Bishop Livinhac wrote a Luganda grammar to make it easier for his confreres to learn this language. On the 24th August 1887, at Kipalapala, he ordained his friend Father Charbonnier bishop, as he had been appointed Vicar Apostolic of Tanganyika Vicariate. This was the first ordination to the episcopate in equatorial Africa
Map where are Kamoga et Kipalapala
On Whitsunday the 25th May 1890, at Kamoga, he ordained his successor Father Hirth (1854-1931), to the episcopate. He was from Alsace and had been his pupil. In fact, in September 1889, during the 10th General Chapter, he had been elected Superior General - an election that he received with little enthusiasm. On the 19th September 1890, accompanied by fourteen young Baganda, he landed at Marseilles just in time to attend the September Paris Anti-slavery Congress. Added to that, he visited the Vatican, bringing with him the fourteen Baganda. On the 5th November 1890, Archbishop Lavigerie installed him as Superior General, aged 46. When Archbishop Lavigerie offered to make him his coadjutor, he refused, in order to devote himself to his new task. His confreres appreciated him very much for his kindness and firmness, and he would be re-elected Superior General by the 1894, 1900 and 1906 General Chapters and Superior General for life, for him reluctantly, in the 1912 Chapter. Afterwards, he would even then take part in the 1920 General Chapter.
. .
Bishop Livinhac led the Society of Missionaries of Africa in collaboration with the Congregation for the Propagation of the Faith until his death in 1922, a period of 33 years, coinciding with the carving up of the African continent among European powers. By this fact, he can be considered as the second founder of the Society, but without doubt less flamboyant than the first. He led it on behalf of the General Chapters with the help of four Councillors, including his successor Father Voillard, (1860-1946), French. His first three years as Superior were still very much influenced by the presence of Archbishop Lavigerie, then involved in the Anti-slavery Campaign. This Campaign would have serious repercussions for his missionaries in equatorial Africa; it would give rise to the ire of Arab traders against their Missions and would force them, sooner than foreseen, to yield their privileged place to the colonial powers, a place linked with being the first to settle in this part of the African continent.
It was only after the death of the Founder in November 1892 that Bishop Livinhac truly became Superior General, with powers and responsibilities; before that date, he was only 'Vicar General' like his predecessors. He then wrote to his confreres a sentence that succinctly summarised his attitude towards the future: "Now we have to follow the usual pattern of Congregations that have lost their Founder: each one of us, in his greater or lesser sphere, must become a man of initiative, while at the same time avoiding anything that would not be in conformity with the Rules and orders received from above."
Under the direction of Bishop Livinhac, the Society of Missionaries of Africa would undergo an ex-traordinary expansion following on the rapid increase of its membership. Whereas in 1892 it numbered 3 Bishops, 185 Fathers and 64 Brothers, in 1922 there were 16 Bishops, 674 Fathers and 180 Brothers. Thanks to this increase, Bishop Livinhac was able to open promotion and formation houses in Canada, Luxembourg, Belgium, Great Britain, Germany, Italy and even Argentina. He was also able to multiply foundations in Africa and organise the evangelisation of new regions such as Rwanda, Burundi and French Sudan. The 3 Vicariates and 3 Pro-Vicariates of 1892 would become 13 Vicariates in 1922!
Administrative and financial reforms would be instituted. Bishop Livinhac gave his Society Constitutions (1908), and a Directory (1914), approved by the Holy See. Anxious to create a family spirit, he encouraged the publication of several magazines for the use of confreres: Chronique Trimestrielle 1879-1909, Rapports Annuels from 1905, and Petit Echo, the bulletin launched in 1912, promoting the sharing of experience and ideas.
While Superior General, he wrote 133 circulars to his confreres in which he showed himself to be a spiri-tual master, very much influenced by the ideas of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, (1491-1556). With great confidence in Providence and a fervent devotion to the Virgin Mary, he demanded obedience from his confreres to the Sovereign Pontiff. According to him, the success of evangelisation depended on the holiness of the missionary. He corresponded personally with every confrere. He thus became the father of a very united missionary family. Outside the Society, he managed to create Catholic interest worldwide for Africa by a well organised missionary promotion programme.
During his time as Superior, Bishop Livinhac had to face several challenges. The first was the sharing of property and responsibilities between the Society of Missionaries of Africa and the Archdiocese of Algiers. The second challenge concerned the Catholic Church in Buganda. Its existence had been at risk following on the dramatic events of January 1892, when Anglicans, supported by London, took power by crushing the Catholics. On that occasion, the Missionaries of Africa were accused of being secret agents, sometimes of Paris and sometimes of Berlin. Bishop Livinhac succeeded in rising to the challenge by finding a solution that satisfied all parties. From then on, he would try hard to internationalise his Society a little more, given that it had remained very French. The colonial powers demanded of missionaries in their colonies the same nationality as their Western rulers. Tensions between colonial powers would ultimately provoke the First World War (1914-1918).
This would have serious consequences for the Society of Missionaries of Africa: its activities would function at a slower pace for several years and among its members called up for active service, 60 would be killed, 29 would be grievously wounded and 42 would change direction in life as a result. Bishop Livinhac succeeded in restoring his Society from this human disaster. In 1904, he once again faced another challenge tied to the anticlerical policy of the French government that threatened the very existence of the Society of Missionaries of Africa. This challenge, that gave rise to many anxieties, would meet an unexpected solution when the French government abandoned its anticlerical policy a few years later.
Bishop Livinhac had the ear of Pope Benedict XV (1854-1922). Even some of his ideas were taken up by him in his missionary encyclical Maximum Illud, published in November 1919. In this encyclical, the Pope emphasised the rejection of European nationalisms, the need to form local clergy and the importance of collaboration between Missionary Institutes and Vicariates in Mission countries. In this context, in June 1920, he beatified the Baganda Martyrs, whose cause had been introduced in 1912. Bishop Livinhac, who could not attend the ceremony due to ill health, was created Archbishop of Oxyrhyncus on the 21st November 1920. Worn out by his heavy responsibility as Superior General, he passed away at Maison-Carrée on the 11th November 1922, aged 76.
Since 1975 the remains of Archbishop Livinhac are in Uganda, in the Shrine of Nabugala since June 24th 2007
BIBLIOGRAPHY: BURLATON L., Mgr Léon Livinhac, archevêque d'Oxyrhynque, Supérieur général de la Société des Missionnaires d'Afrique (Pères Blancs), fondateur de la mission de l'Ouganda - Première partie: 1846-1892. Manuscrit, 529 pp. CEILLIER J.-C., De Chapitre en Chapitre : Les premiers Chapitres généraux de la Société des Missionnaires d'Afrique (1874-1900). Série historique n°1, Rome, 2002, 84 pp. DOSSIER : éléments et notes biographiques concernant Mgr Livinhac. MAZE J., Mgr Livinhac, première partie : depuis sa naissance jusqu'à son départ aux grands Lacs (1846-1878). Manuscrit, 53 pp. MGR LAVIGERIE, Les martyrs nègres de l'Ouganda; circulaire de S.E. le cardinal Lavigerie portant communication d'une lettre de Mgr Livinhac. Procure des Missionnaires d'Afrique, 1886. MGR LIVINHAC , Essai de grammaire ruganda, par un Père de la Société des Missionnaires de Notre-Dame des Missions d'Afrique d'Alger. F. Levé, 1885, 98 pp. - Grammaire luganda, (Nouvelle édition). Imprimerie des Missionnaires d'Afrique, 1921, 252 pp. - Grammaire luganda. 1890, 134 pp. - Instructions de Monseigneur Livinhac aux Missionnaires d'Afrique (Pères Blancs), Alger, 1938, 423 pp. - Lettres circulaires adressées aux Missionnaires d'Afrique (Pères Blancs) : 1889-1912. Recueil de 97 lettres (n° 1 - n° 97). - Lettres circulaires adressées aux Missionnaires d'Afrique (Pères Blancs) : 1912-1922. Recueil de 37 lettres (n° 98 - n°134). - Manuel de langue luganda comprenant la grammaire et un recueil de contes et de légendes. Etablissements Benziger & Co. S.A., 1894, 290 pp. - Plans de méditations pour une retraite de 8 jours. SHORTER A., African Recruits and Missionary Conscripts : The White Fathers and the Great War (1914-1922). London, 2007, 270 pp. - Cross and Flag in Africa : The "White Fathers" During the Colonial Scramble 1892-1914.
After primary school, Léon was enrolled at Saint Denis, the diocesan college at Saint Geniez. However, he was not at ease there. His health suffered as a result. Affected by paralysis in the legs, he was obliged to return home to his family at Ginals. During his convalescence, he confided in the parish priest, Fr. Malet, who detected a priestly vocation in him; he then received catching up lessons for Latin. Finally recovered in 1861, Léon returned to college, this time as a pupil in the Greco-Latin section, in view of priestly train-ing. His progress was such that he was able to skip a class in the 1862 new school year. Throughout his secondary schooling, he lived at the home of a 'Béate', a member of a pious association of consecrated women.
In October 1867 aged 21, he entered the major seminary of Rodez. This seminary, run by the Sulpicians, at that time numbered almost three hundred seminarians! Léon first studied philosophy then theology. Later, he would acknowledge that there had been gaps in his studies; he would never fill them. His spiritual director was Father Georjon, superior of the seminary. Among his classmates were the future Bishop Gély of Mende and Bishop Garriguet, Superior General of the Sulpicians. Léon received the tonsure in May 1869 and Minor Orders the following year, in June. His vocation would take an unexpected turn in 1871
. In the autumn, he met a Missionary of Africa, Father Charmetant (1844-1921), a warm and kind person, sent to the seminary of Rodez by Archbishop Lavigerie (1825-1892) of Algiers. This last-mentioned French prelate had founded a Missionary Society in 1868 to evangelise the African continent. Since then, he scouted French seminaries for candidates for his ambitious project. Léon took an interest, but hesitated to commit himself. In fact, certain Church circles criticised this famed project that had only one charitable work, a poor orphanage set up at Maison Carrée near Algiers, which was also the first motherhouse of the Missionaries of Africa.
En couraged by his friend Father Charbonnier (1842-1888), Léon finally made his decision after his ordination to the diaconate (May 1872). He applied to Archbishop Lavigerie on the 26th February 1873, thus delaying his ordination to the priesthood. At the end of March, Léon, accompanied by his classmate Auguste Moncet (1849-1889), arrived at Maison Carrée. He began his novitiate on the 6th April and a week later was clothed in the missionary habit of Archbishop Lavigerie (gandoura, chechia and Rosary). As Master of Novices, he had Father Terrasse (1831-1922), a Jesuit who introduced him to the practice of Ignatian spirituality.
Archbishop Lavigerie, highly impressed by this model novice, ordained him to the priesthood on the 12th October 1873. On the same day, he appointed him to the scholasticate (the major seminary of the Missionaries of Africa.) Father Léon would be Vice-Rector, bursar and professor of dogmatic theology, without having completed either his novitiate or his theological studies. Listed as number 22 in the register of admissions, he took his Missionary Oath on the 7th April 1874. Moreover, a few months later, on the 12th October 1874, he was even then elected a member of the General Council during the first General Chapter of the Missionaries of Africa, known as the Founding Chapter in view of the importance of its decisions. On that occasion, Archbishop Lavigerie appointed him Treasurer General of the Society, poor in financial resources, but rich in personal generosity. At that time, it comprised 43 Fathers and 9 Brothers, forming fifteen communities disseminated throughout Algeria.
At the end of December 1874, Archbishop Lavigerie sent Father Livinhac to Paris to set up a procurement office, the first in Europe. However, eight weeks later, the Father was already back with the excuse that he lacked the aptitudes for this kind of responsibility. Indeed, throughout his life, he would feel repugnance for the exercise of authority. In mid-February of 1875, Archbishop Lavigerie appointed him to the community of Ouadhias in Kabylia. Much content, Father Livinhac had his first missionary experience there in direct contact with the people: he studied Kabyle, taught some children, treated the sick and visited the villagers. However, his contentment would only last a few months. On the 24th August 1875, he was once again back in Maison Carrée to be Rector of the scholasticate. While Rector, he taught moral theology, composed a Kabyle grammar and drafted a Rule of Life, used from then on by hundreds of young confreres. This Rule was a summary of the missionary thinking of the Founder. In 1876, Father Livinhac preached a retreat for the first time to his confreres in the presence of Archbishop Lavigerie.
That same year, the murder by Tuareg of three of his confreres on the way to Timbuktu reminded him that missionary life implies the gift of self even to martyrdom. His mandate as Councillor was renewed at the 1877 General Chapter. Even though he obtained the most votes, Archbishop Lavigerie refused to place him at the head of his Society. Father Livinhac was not unhappy about it. Indeed, a few months later in March 1878, he would be appointed to head the first caravan setting out for the high plateaux of equatorial Africa. Pope Leo XIII (1810-1903), had confided the evangelisation of this immense region to the Society of Missionaries of Africa.
Father Livinhac remained in equatorial Africa from 1878 till 1889, more particularly on the shores of Lake Victoria in pitiful material conditions with interminable treks on foot and uncomfortable travel by dugout canoe. He survived two shipwrecks, one by a storm the other by a hippopotamus. During this pe-riod, he and his colleagues Fathers Lourdel (1853-1890), Girault (1853-1941), Barbot (1846-1882) and Brother Amans Delmas, all French, founded the Catholic Church in Buganda, scrupulously applying the instructions of Archbishop Lavigerie. Their success would make them models for their confreres to follow.
Obliged by the circumstances, they founded this Church at the Court of this African Kingdom itself, previously very powerful, but then prey to the tensions created by Western and Arab presence. These tensions, based on commercial and religious politicking, would give rise to fearful violence among the Baganda (inhabitants of Buganda); that would lead to a civil, religious and colonial war in 1892. Precisely for security reasons, at the start of 1883, Father Livinhac set up his residence at Kamoga, in Bukumbi, a region south of Lake Victoria. Ultimately, he himself would spend little time in Buganda, that is, from June 1879 till November 1882 and a few months in 1886, 1888 and 1890.
After his appointment as Vicar Apostolic of the Victoria-Nyanza Vicariate in June 1883, he lived at Maison Carrée, where on the 14th September 1884, Archbishop Lavigerie ordained him Titular Bishop of Pacando. Afterwards, having attended the 8th General Chapter, he returned to equatorial Africa in May 1885. In Buganda he discovered a very tense situation. The Kabaka (King) Mwanga, (1866-1903), had become hostage to rivalries among Court witchdoctors, Arab traders, Anglicans and Catholics. Each faction sought his conversion, the greater to monopolise the country.
.
In 1886, Bishop Livinhac was present at the heroic deaths of the Baganda Martyrs who had chosen to remain faithful to the Christian faith; they had refused to obey the orders of Mwanga who sought to test the loyalty of his servants in his way, in accordance with customary rights. At that time, Bishop Livinhac wrote a Luganda grammar to make it easier for his confreres to learn this language. On the 24th August 1887, at Kipalapala, he ordained his friend Father Charbonnier bishop, as he had been appointed Vicar Apostolic of Tanganyika Vicariate. This was the first ordination to the episcopate in equatorial Africa
Map where are Kamoga et Kipalapala
On Whitsunday the 25th May 1890, at Kamoga, he ordained his successor Father Hirth (1854-1931), to the episcopate. He was from Alsace and had been his pupil. In fact, in September 1889, during the 10th General Chapter, he had been elected Superior General - an election that he received with little enthusiasm. On the 19th September 1890, accompanied by fourteen young Baganda, he landed at Marseilles just in time to attend the September Paris Anti-slavery Congress. Added to that, he visited the Vatican, bringing with him the fourteen Baganda. On the 5th November 1890, Archbishop Lavigerie installed him as Superior General, aged 46. When Archbishop Lavigerie offered to make him his coadjutor, he refused, in order to devote himself to his new task. His confreres appreciated him very much for his kindness and firmness, and he would be re-elected Superior General by the 1894, 1900 and 1906 General Chapters and Superior General for life, for him reluctantly, in the 1912 Chapter. Afterwards, he would even then take part in the 1920 General Chapter.
. .
Bishop Livinhac led the Society of Missionaries of Africa in collaboration with the Congregation for the Propagation of the Faith until his death in 1922, a period of 33 years, coinciding with the carving up of the African continent among European powers. By this fact, he can be considered as the second founder of the Society, but without doubt less flamboyant than the first. He led it on behalf of the General Chapters with the help of four Councillors, including his successor Father Voillard, (1860-1946), French. His first three years as Superior were still very much influenced by the presence of Archbishop Lavigerie, then involved in the Anti-slavery Campaign. This Campaign would have serious repercussions for his missionaries in equatorial Africa; it would give rise to the ire of Arab traders against their Missions and would force them, sooner than foreseen, to yield their privileged place to the colonial powers, a place linked with being the first to settle in this part of the African continent.
It was only after the death of the Founder in November 1892 that Bishop Livinhac truly became Superior General, with powers and responsibilities; before that date, he was only 'Vicar General' like his predecessors. He then wrote to his confreres a sentence that succinctly summarised his attitude towards the future: "Now we have to follow the usual pattern of Congregations that have lost their Founder: each one of us, in his greater or lesser sphere, must become a man of initiative, while at the same time avoiding anything that would not be in conformity with the Rules and orders received from above."
Under the direction of Bishop Livinhac, the Society of Missionaries of Africa would undergo an ex-traordinary expansion following on the rapid increase of its membership. Whereas in 1892 it numbered 3 Bishops, 185 Fathers and 64 Brothers, in 1922 there were 16 Bishops, 674 Fathers and 180 Brothers. Thanks to this increase, Bishop Livinhac was able to open promotion and formation houses in Canada, Luxembourg, Belgium, Great Britain, Germany, Italy and even Argentina. He was also able to multiply foundations in Africa and organise the evangelisation of new regions such as Rwanda, Burundi and French Sudan. The 3 Vicariates and 3 Pro-Vicariates of 1892 would become 13 Vicariates in 1922!
Administrative and financial reforms would be instituted. Bishop Livinhac gave his Society Constitutions (1908), and a Directory (1914), approved by the Holy See. Anxious to create a family spirit, he encouraged the publication of several magazines for the use of confreres: Chronique Trimestrielle 1879-1909, Rapports Annuels from 1905, and Petit Echo, the bulletin launched in 1912, promoting the sharing of experience and ideas.
While Superior General, he wrote 133 circulars to his confreres in which he showed himself to be a spiri-tual master, very much influenced by the ideas of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, (1491-1556). With great confidence in Providence and a fervent devotion to the Virgin Mary, he demanded obedience from his confreres to the Sovereign Pontiff. According to him, the success of evangelisation depended on the holiness of the missionary. He corresponded personally with every confrere. He thus became the father of a very united missionary family. Outside the Society, he managed to create Catholic interest worldwide for Africa by a well organised missionary promotion programme.
During his time as Superior, Bishop Livinhac had to face several challenges. The first was the sharing of property and responsibilities between the Society of Missionaries of Africa and the Archdiocese of Algiers. The second challenge concerned the Catholic Church in Buganda. Its existence had been at risk following on the dramatic events of January 1892, when Anglicans, supported by London, took power by crushing the Catholics. On that occasion, the Missionaries of Africa were accused of being secret agents, sometimes of Paris and sometimes of Berlin. Bishop Livinhac succeeded in rising to the challenge by finding a solution that satisfied all parties. From then on, he would try hard to internationalise his Society a little more, given that it had remained very French. The colonial powers demanded of missionaries in their colonies the same nationality as their Western rulers. Tensions between colonial powers would ultimately provoke the First World War (1914-1918).
This would have serious consequences for the Society of Missionaries of Africa: its activities would function at a slower pace for several years and among its members called up for active service, 60 would be killed, 29 would be grievously wounded and 42 would change direction in life as a result. Bishop Livinhac succeeded in restoring his Society from this human disaster. In 1904, he once again faced another challenge tied to the anticlerical policy of the French government that threatened the very existence of the Society of Missionaries of Africa. This challenge, that gave rise to many anxieties, would meet an unexpected solution when the French government abandoned its anticlerical policy a few years later.
Bishop Livinhac had the ear of Pope Benedict XV (1854-1922). Even some of his ideas were taken up by him in his missionary encyclical Maximum Illud, published in November 1919. In this encyclical, the Pope emphasised the rejection of European nationalisms, the need to form local clergy and the importance of collaboration between Missionary Institutes and Vicariates in Mission countries. In this context, in June 1920, he beatified the Baganda Martyrs, whose cause had been introduced in 1912. Bishop Livinhac, who could not attend the ceremony due to ill health, was created Archbishop of Oxyrhyncus on the 21st November 1920. Worn out by his heavy responsibility as Superior General, he passed away at Maison-Carrée on the 11th November 1922, aged 76.
Since 1975 the remains of Archbishop Livinhac are in Uganda, in the Shrine of Nabugala since June 24th 2007
BIBLIOGRAPHY: BURLATON L., Mgr Léon Livinhac, archevêque d'Oxyrhynque, Supérieur général de la Société des Missionnaires d'Afrique (Pères Blancs), fondateur de la mission de l'Ouganda - Première partie: 1846-1892. Manuscrit, 529 pp. CEILLIER J.-C., De Chapitre en Chapitre : Les premiers Chapitres généraux de la Société des Missionnaires d'Afrique (1874-1900). Série historique n°1, Rome, 2002, 84 pp. DOSSIER : éléments et notes biographiques concernant Mgr Livinhac. MAZE J., Mgr Livinhac, première partie : depuis sa naissance jusqu'à son départ aux grands Lacs (1846-1878). Manuscrit, 53 pp. MGR LAVIGERIE, Les martyrs nègres de l'Ouganda; circulaire de S.E. le cardinal Lavigerie portant communication d'une lettre de Mgr Livinhac. Procure des Missionnaires d'Afrique, 1886. MGR LIVINHAC , Essai de grammaire ruganda, par un Père de la Société des Missionnaires de Notre-Dame des Missions d'Afrique d'Alger. F. Levé, 1885, 98 pp. - Grammaire luganda, (Nouvelle édition). Imprimerie des Missionnaires d'Afrique, 1921, 252 pp. - Grammaire luganda. 1890, 134 pp. - Instructions de Monseigneur Livinhac aux Missionnaires d'Afrique (Pères Blancs), Alger, 1938, 423 pp. - Lettres circulaires adressées aux Missionnaires d'Afrique (Pères Blancs) : 1889-1912. Recueil de 97 lettres (n° 1 - n° 97). - Lettres circulaires adressées aux Missionnaires d'Afrique (Pères Blancs) : 1912-1922. Recueil de 37 lettres (n° 98 - n°134). - Manuel de langue luganda comprenant la grammaire et un recueil de contes et de légendes. Etablissements Benziger & Co. S.A., 1894, 290 pp. - Plans de méditations pour une retraite de 8 jours. SHORTER A., African Recruits and Missionary Conscripts : The White Fathers and the Great War (1914-1922). London, 2007, 270 pp. - Cross and Flag in Africa : The "White Fathers" During the Colonial Scramble 1892-1914.
NEW VISITOR WELCOME
MOTIVATION OF THE DAY
MOTIVATION OF THE DAY
God has a positive answerYou say: "It's impossible"God says: All things are possible(Luke 18:27)You say: "I'm too tired"God says: I will give you rest(Matthew 11:28-30)You say: "Nobody really loves me"God says: I love you(John 3:16 & John 3:34)You say:
"I can't go on"God says: My grace is sufficient(II Corinthians 12:9 & Psalm 91:15)
You say: "I can't figure things out"God says: I will direct your steps(Proverbs 3:5-6)You say: "I can't do it"God says:
You can do all things(Philippians 4:13)You say: "I'm not able"God says: I am able(II Corinthians 9:8)You say: "It's not worth it"God says: It will be worth it(Roman 8:28 )You say: "I can't forgive myself"God says: I Forgive you(I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)You say: "I can't manage"God says: I will supply all your needs(Philippians 4:19)You say: "I'm afraid"God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear(II Timothy 1:7)You say: "I'm always worried and frustrated"God says: Cast all your cares on ME(I Peter 5:7)You say: "I'm not smart enough"God says: I give you wisdom(I Corinthians 1:30)You say: "I feel all alone"God says: I will never leave you or forsake youHebrews 13:5)
Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will give us later. Romans 8:18
Does God Care when you suffer
The problem of suffering
On my shelf is a little book that asks a big question. It is titled Does God Care When We Suffer? and was written by Randy Becton. Randy is a good friend and a cancer survivor who has spent much of his life ministering to people with terminal illnesses. Randy writes:
Of the hard "why" questions, "why is there suffering?" may be the hardest. This is probably because it not attacks us personally, but also because whenever the question is raised, the question of God's part in suffering follows close behind… We are desperate for the meaning behind all this. We seek some someone to blame or deliver us, and that always leads to our view of God.
Doesn't God care when we suffer? Of course he does. Then why doesn't he do something about it? He did. Becton sums it up this way:
The answer is the cross of Jesus Christ.… From now on all human suffering must be understood in the light of his suffering; it is the source of meaning, hope, and new life for sufferers. When someone cries out, "He doesn't care. He's immune to pain," they are brought to the foot of the cross to see for themselves.… The cross and resurrection hold the key to the mystery of suffering.
Once gratitude becomes part of your nature you begin to see the connections between your success and creature comforts, and the talents and contributions of others.* The farmer plants, waters, fertilizes and harvests the tomatoes you enjoy.* The truck driver delivers the food to the market that will soon feed your family.* The baker kneads and bakes the bread for the sandwich you'll eat for lunch.* The engineer and architect design the bridge that allows you to get to work.* The furniture maker's handiwork creates the furniture in your living room.* The plumber fixes your leak, clears your drain and plunges your toilet.* The teacher educates and inspires your children to be the best they can be.* The customer provides the support that enables everyone to receive wages.* The performer engages the imagination and entertains your senses.* The seamstress sews the beautiful clothes that make you look great.* The physician and nurse help to bring your beautiful baby into the world.
Sayings
Any person can count the number of seeds in the apple But God only can count number of apples in one seed
MOTIVATION OF THE DAY
MOTIVATION OF THE DAY
God has a positive answerYou say: "It's impossible"God says: All things are possible(Luke 18:27)You say: "I'm too tired"God says: I will give you rest(Matthew 11:28-30)You say: "Nobody really loves me"God says: I love you(John 3:16 & John 3:34)You say:
"I can't go on"God says: My grace is sufficient(II Corinthians 12:9 & Psalm 91:15)
You say: "I can't figure things out"God says: I will direct your steps(Proverbs 3:5-6)You say: "I can't do it"God says:
You can do all things(Philippians 4:13)You say: "I'm not able"God says: I am able(II Corinthians 9:8)You say: "It's not worth it"God says: It will be worth it(Roman 8:28 )You say: "I can't forgive myself"God says: I Forgive you(I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)You say: "I can't manage"God says: I will supply all your needs(Philippians 4:19)You say: "I'm afraid"God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear(II Timothy 1:7)You say: "I'm always worried and frustrated"God says: Cast all your cares on ME(I Peter 5:7)You say: "I'm not smart enough"God says: I give you wisdom(I Corinthians 1:30)You say: "I feel all alone"God says: I will never leave you or forsake youHebrews 13:5)
Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will give us later. Romans 8:18
Does God Care when you suffer
The problem of suffering
On my shelf is a little book that asks a big question. It is titled Does God Care When We Suffer? and was written by Randy Becton. Randy is a good friend and a cancer survivor who has spent much of his life ministering to people with terminal illnesses. Randy writes:
Of the hard "why" questions, "why is there suffering?" may be the hardest. This is probably because it not attacks us personally, but also because whenever the question is raised, the question of God's part in suffering follows close behind… We are desperate for the meaning behind all this. We seek some someone to blame or deliver us, and that always leads to our view of God.
Doesn't God care when we suffer? Of course he does. Then why doesn't he do something about it? He did. Becton sums it up this way:
The answer is the cross of Jesus Christ.… From now on all human suffering must be understood in the light of his suffering; it is the source of meaning, hope, and new life for sufferers. When someone cries out, "He doesn't care. He's immune to pain," they are brought to the foot of the cross to see for themselves.… The cross and resurrection hold the key to the mystery of suffering.
Once gratitude becomes part of your nature you begin to see the connections between your success and creature comforts, and the talents and contributions of others.* The farmer plants, waters, fertilizes and harvests the tomatoes you enjoy.* The truck driver delivers the food to the market that will soon feed your family.* The baker kneads and bakes the bread for the sandwich you'll eat for lunch.* The engineer and architect design the bridge that allows you to get to work.* The furniture maker's handiwork creates the furniture in your living room.* The plumber fixes your leak, clears your drain and plunges your toilet.* The teacher educates and inspires your children to be the best they can be.* The customer provides the support that enables everyone to receive wages.* The performer engages the imagination and entertains your senses.* The seamstress sews the beautiful clothes that make you look great.* The physician and nurse help to bring your beautiful baby into the world.
Sayings
Any person can count the number of seeds in the apple But God only can count number of apples in one seed
Wednesday, 18 March 2009
karibuni sana wapendwa welcome to my websites
Picha hiyo hapo juu inaonyesha unyama wanaofanyiwa watu kila kukicha kwa kuchukua sheria mkononi. Let us turn to provition in law Thank you compiled by James Lubus website ownerThat anyone person who makes the offence the only way is take him to the court for civil or criminal proceeding and not top take action in hand and this is the rule of law
Eventhough there is the intrusion of bill of right in Tanzanian Constitution still there is the intensive violation of human writes. For example in Sumbawanga the Etatha Church has confiscated the land for people of Mawenzunzi , Chinamangwa, Malonje, Ulinji against the law
In environmental law there are various law enacted to prevent the migratory animals
JAMES LUBUS COMENTS
We also should have an ideas on different people world wide the activities we do right now perhaps people on north south, west or east are doing it right now. This show that we should not consider on ourselves now but think of other people too. If you are studying, eating, playing, writing ,talking, and many other activities others are doing the same activities right now, but we can not view and access what they are doing because we are barred by our horizon or we don’t have the software given to us if
Let us keep exchanging ideas day after day to enable us share the resources we have in this moment world of God
Thank you compiled by James Lubus website owner
Let us keep exchanging ideas day after day to enable us share the resources we have in this moment world of God
Thank you compiled by James Lubus website owner
View the inner pictures
Wednesday, 4 February 2009
KUKUKARIBISHA KATIKA WEBSITE YANGU/WELCOME TO MY WEBSITE
JAMES LUBUS is CURRENT PURSUING THE BACHELOR OF LAW AT TUMAINI UNIVERSITY IN IRINGA. THIS WEBSITE HAS BEEN ABSOLUTELY EDITED BY DIFFERENT LECTURES AND MY FELLOW STUDENTS AND PROVED TO BE FREE FROM COMPUTER THREATS AND CAN BE VIEWED. THE AUTHOR AND OWNER OF THIS BLOG DOES NOT PERMIT COPYING OR ANY UNAUTHORIZED ACT WHICH CAN RESULT TO INFRINGING OF THE PERSON RIGHTS UNDER INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
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