Meeting Report
[Source: Helen Doery]
There was a really good turnout for this meeting with a Mozambican bias — Bishop Rob’s visit to Mozambique for Bishop Vicente’s enthronement in Lichinga, Niassa, followed by meeting St Paul’s Knightsbidge guests – their link priest Fr Alfedo Nhabetse, and the ALMA Lebombo Link Officer Ivan Macie.
Bishop Rob was met by Emeritus Bishop Dinis at Maputo airport before travelling on to Niassa for Vicente’s enthronement by Archbishop Thabo. He adequately described the excitement of the day, not only in words but with excellent photos as well: the crowds of people present, the wonderful worship, the unexpected variety of gifts for the new Bishop – including everything from gifts of money through to actual livestock. All so different from a UK experience.
He visited various churches in the area and also participated in clergy training in Lichinga, as the diocese always makes the best of the opportunities when the clergy from near and far are gathered for specific events. After this he travelled north to Messumba, (where the Diocesan Cathedral is situated) by vehicle as well as wading through a crocodile infested stream/river whilst the ‘cathedra’ ie Bishops throne, was carried by boat.
He shared many vivid scenes and experiences that impressed him such as the women who ran a Credit Union which enabled them to buy roofing tiles, bicycles, or other necessary items; but more generally, he challenged us to think about what we here in London could learn from our brothers and sisters in Mozambique. (see later.)
After returning to Lichinga Bishop Rob flew back to Maputo with Bishop Carlos and while there attended a pre-pilgrimage meeting for those coming to the UK in July and also visited the site for the new theological seminary in Lebombo, one of the projects being supported by this year’s Lent Appeal for ALMA. He then went on to see a number of parish projects in which ALMA and link parishes had participated in helping support the local people.
Bishop Rob concluded his talk by sharing things he had learned from his Mozambican experience
Challenges for us
All-in-all a most interesting and challenging talk.
We then heard from Fr Alfredo of Nhamavila which is not far from the Lebombo Cathedral at Maciene, and Ivan Macie who is our Link Officer for Lebombo.