O.S.A.’s in S.A. from the U.S.A.

Last Thursday Dr. Bob Moffitt (a general practitioner) and I set off for a 2:00 o’clock appointment with a government health minister, Ms. Busi Grootboom, at her Westville office, located a few miles west of Durban.

At two o’clock sharp we exchanged greetings in a waiting area and were promptly ushered into a spacious conference room easily capable of accommodating as many as sixteen board members and anyone who may have reason to appear on behalf of some worthy cause relating to the care of the disadvantaged sick or one of the many health issue each day ushers in.

Dr. Bob came prepared with multiple copies of his proposal in hand, for eyes that scrutinize such requests upon entrance into the bureaucratic arena of delays, until finally, resurfacing on the desk of the one person who may say “yes” with an authority of near mythic proportion, thus setting in motion a course of discernable results.

To back up a bit, Dr. Moffitt’s proposal was motivated by an email from Fr. Jim McCartney who was at a gathering of philanthropists at Malvern Prep. One such person expressed interest in helping the disadvantaged, sick-poor by possibly financing a medical facility. Fr. Jim wasted no time in emailing us on his conversation and that is the background of our being here this afternoon.

An interesting development has surfaced these past three months. It is of note that several medical professionals: a cardiologist and his teacher wife, a social worker, a physical therapist and nurse, have all expressed interest in serving the neediest of the needy in South Africa. There appears to be an enchantment about this land which seems to intrigue the mind and spark adventure.

Within two weeks Mr. Kay, the other health official with us, committed himself to an onsite visit to all three missions: St. Leo, St. Helen and St. Aloysius, to determine the neediest region for such a facility. Ms. Grootboom expressed enthusiasm in the following three areas:

a. The possibility of a small maternity cottage built nearby, where expectant mothers could come, rest and cook for themselves a few days before delivery.

b. The probability of an American donor who would provide the financial wherewithal was like manna fallen from heaven. She promised every assistance to further this initiative.

c. The mere mention of an initial inquiry by the dean of the Villanova Nursing School was received with considerable interest evoking a willingness to help facilitate entry for such purposes.

The following incident happened three weeks ago involving two Augustinian Volunteers and an Augustinian Sister. While ministering at this facility, a patient became quite ill, in need of medical attention. The volunteers’ car was readily available and so, they were quickly off to the hospital, not the nearest one; rather, towards the hospital that had the better reputation at Marian Hill. Ten hours later the volunteers were home again, this time with an indelible experience that’s sure to be told many times over in future kibitzing sessions.

Amy took sick the following two days and Tierney, a trained prenatal care nurse and graduate of Georgetown related the following. Before one is able to be seen by a doctor in the hospital one must have a clinic referral. First, one goes to the reception desk then, you wait for your blood pressure to be taken before you are ushered into the hospital waiting area where a doctor will eventually examine the patient.

They witnessed a woman die, chocking on her own vomit. The incident was reported. Fifteen minutes later the deceased was brought to the morgue and the bed remade for the next patient. The concerned relative was not informed of her death. Rather, he was told that she was in the operating room and he should come back tomorrow.

It was noted that there were no briefings between shifts – the nurses were out of there! As a nurse was drawing blood from a patient she asked Amy to help without normal precautions against AIDS. One patient waited in the hallway for two days without food. Tierney gave her, her lunch. No such luxury as a private room; rather wards accommodating fifteen or so patients. Although an I V was inserted into a patient’s arm, the plastic plasma container was left on the bed of the patient without elevation. The doctors were impersonal and yes, this is one of the better hospitals according to standards in the area.

Is there a silver lining in all of this? Not really. The volunteers sang, chatted with the waiting patients, learned a few new words and became aware that Zulus will not attempt eye contact unless you engage them first.

Fr. Al

Hi Everyone:

Arthur Rylance, one of our Saint Vincent de Paul members, happened by the front office the other day and so I beckoned him to come through the double set of doors into the “inner sanctum” for a chat. Arthur readily accepted the invitation and that’s what I’m going to tell you about, a chapter in the book of Arthur’s life who saw a need and simply did something about supplying that need.

There are countless needs in South Africa. Just pick one, anyone and have a go at it. The need in this story is basic, proper nourishment to enable body and mind to realize its potential. Those of us who are of World War II Vintage will remember those victory gardens – gardens just like that is what this story is about, supplying hungry families with fresh vegetables and teaching them the know-how. It is not a simple story of going to the market to buy a pack of seeds, plant them and end of story. Rather, it is a process of learning and follow-thru.

While here two years ago I distinctly remember being at St. Helen Mission Church one Sunday. After Mass, a movement began and who could have possibly realized how far-reaching it was to become. All women, not a single man, congregated in the back of that run down building, their church, where they received last minute instructions, shovels and seeds and were off to start a local revolution. They had gone home that day carrying instruments of hope and a dream of being able to feed their hungry families with hands eager to provide, not outstretched arms for alms.

At this point it would be well of me to tell you the ratio of the American dollar as compared to the South African Rand which is at present 6 ½ to one favoring the U. S. This seeds project started with private donations that totaled R 30,000 with another R 18,000 for the project coming from the St. Vincent de Paul Society.

A German Catholic Society paid for the training of a hundred and ten parishioners from St. Leo and St. Helen Mission Churches. Thanks to a Sister from Germany who was visiting at the Newlands Perma-cultural Training Center where she learned of our worthy project and offered R 70,000 for training.

The project of feeding 110 destitute families that lived off the good will of neighbors had been going on for some time. It is truly edifying to witness such concern our Zulu brothers and sisters have for one another when they have so little.

St. Vincent’s was helping to alleviate such destitution by providing monthly parcels of food, assisted by the generosity of Fr. Ed’s brother in the States and of the parishioners of Our Lady of Mercy Parish, Kloof. Then, one day the all important question was asked by members of St. Vincent. “How can we help you?” and not, “Here’s what we can do for you.” The response: “Help us grow our own food.”

Pilot money to train ten people amounting to R 7,000 from Unitrans Trans, a firm Arthur worked for, for 28 years and then: Eureka! Money from Germany and the project was in motion. Small donations trickled in amounting to R 23,000. A motivated appeal was made to the National Council of St. Vincent de Paul which agreed to provide additional funding (sourced from overseas) to enable the project to proceed in earnest. Suddenly, road blocks disappeared, signals flashed green for Mother Nature to nurture the aspirations of food for malnourished children.

March of 2004 yielded the first fruits of labor from St. Helen’s and in December 2004 a further crop was harvested at St. Leo’s. The rest is history and henceforth, no monthly food parcels are needed for those families can now grow their own food. The previous monthly allotment of food in reality lasted perhaps a week and for the rest of the time, dependence on neighbors became the accepted reality. Thank God our Zulu brothers and sisters are community oriented and are very much into looking after one another.

Sixty families now grow their crops at home and fifty others grow their crops in a community plot of 1,000 square meters. Seedlings are provided every five weeks. There are as many as ten crops a year in S. A. Here is the list of the vegetables grown: — spring unions —
cabbage carrots beet roots beans
lettuce eggplant cauliflower spinach
tomatoes cucumber onions potatoes

Arthur tells me that 60 seedlings per month would yield sufficient food for a family of six. Last March the St. Vincent de Paul Society received a large donation of seeds from Canterbury University, a project called “Seeds for Africa.” These seeds have been used to provide seedlings for the communities. Families are encouraged to sell their excess produce or barter with one another. A success story is particularly welcome during this Holy Season of Christ’s Coming.

At 8:30 on Thursday morning while reading the paper’s usual disheartening stories of spousal abuse, street violence, theft and corruption (sipping a cup of coffee), Flossie our housekeeper told me of a lady waiting to speak with a priest. I figured the coffee was not all that good for me anyway so I left the table, greeted the Zulu lady in the parlor and invited her to my office where she could speak of the heartache she was obviously experiencing away from front office distractions.

I though it stranged that the decorative scarf around her neck was held by her left hand over the lower half of her face, as I surmised she was not a Muslim and therefore forbidden to show her face in public. Her situation, soon to be revealed, may be labeled as “hanging on to the end of a rope in desperation.” She was willing to wait all day if necessary to have her burden lifted somehow, by someone, now, and wasn’t about to be ushered out on to the street again for another attempt at sorting out her issues.

Having been seated and privacy assured in my office, she began her troublesome tale. Again I took mental notice of that scarf held to her face because it was with great difficulty that she spoke, yet we were somehow able to communicate.

Her name is Zodwe, she’s 33 and the mother of twin girls. For income she sells clothing on the street. Presently, her husband is under court order to stay away from their apartment and there is to be no communication between them until the courts decide his fate. Knowing full well that this is leading up to a no-win outcome, only heartache for all involved, particularly the innocent children who had nothing to do with the misbehaving and irresponsibility that culminates in shattered lives and deep sadness.

I inquired about the scarf over the lower part of her face. She lifted the scarf, parted her lips and that is when I saw the humiliation of four missing front teeth, claiming that is what her husband had done to her on one of a number of beatings while intoxicated.

I asked, How do you feel I can help at this time? After some hesitation she said with R 250 she could have her children brought to Zulu Land where her mother is and could care for the children while she could go on sustaining herself by selling clothing on the street again.

I broke one of the rules and would be admonished by Saint Vincent de Paul members that it was not the thing to do. “The matter deserved investigation” they would tell me and I know they are right. Did you ever do something that was not right but you did it anyway? Well, that’s what I did. I broke that rule. I went to my room, got 250 Rand ($41.00) and gave it to her and wished her well with a promise of not telling anyone and that’s how this story got me writing again to all of you.

Feast of St. Terese

Hello Everyone:

The idea of retracing my first full day (Sept. 1), struck me as a valid approach in the telling of South African life situations as they unfold before my eyes. These encounters shall be viewed differently by each reader as possibly uncommon, if not at times, surprising. Nonetheless, they are the happenings that vibrate within the rhythmic music and drum beat of Zulu Land.

Fr. Eddie wastes no time in getting me acquainted with the parish and one of its mission churches. At 10:00 o’clock we’re off to St. Leo’s with food in the car trunk for children who will depend on nourishment over the weekend or simply go without. The consequences for children, we know, will considerably diminish their capacity to learn or mature physically. One incentive of going to school regularly is the guarantee of lunch supplied by the government.

Since we are at St. Leo’s I’ll skip a bit. The principal and two teachers were here a few days ago to speak with the Augustinian Volunteers on the needs of the school. The list is basic and I’m prompted to ask the number of students per grade. The wish list:

a. Oral English lessons b. Computer lessons
c. Library help in processing books d. Basketball skills
e. Art lessons f. Technology lessons
g. Math lessons h. Fundraising activities
i. Science room organization j. Painting classrooms
k. Story reading l. Decorate resource center

The number of students in each grade is a story in itself:

K — 30 3rd — 58 6th — 48
1st — 57 4th — 57 7th — 46
2nd– 51 5th — 50 Teachers – 9

Now, back to my first day. When we arrived at Emolweni, the children were on recess. Lindiwe, the principal graciously gave of her time for a tour. The children seemed to choose whatever activity suited them. A few shy ones would remain aloof and then there would be clusters of twos or threes, while others with a homemade soccer ball (rags tightly tied in a ball), would demonstrate some fancy foot work and run tirelessly wherever that ball was booted, they followed as a magnet to metal on sandy turf.

Our look-see visit into the doorway of a classroom soon brought cir. ten, three or four year olds to greet us with smiling faces, eager to touch our extended hands. They would melt your heart.

Lindiwe ushered us into her modest office, a cement floor with a four by four piece of linoleum in the center of the room. It was at this time she granted me the interview I’ve written of earlier.

Back to St. Rita’s, our community house on the hill, I check for emails before heading to Kloof in ample time for the 5:30 Mass followed by supper.

My second day at Our Lady of Mercy Parish starts with a First Friday 8:00 o’clock Mass, followed by Exposition with a reading of the Stations of the Cross and then Reposition.

My first parochial issue concerned a burial on church property. The wife wanted the cremains of her late husband removed as she was moving abroad and wanted to have them laid to rest where she would eventually be buried at her own passing. Yes, on our church property there is a shrine wall of approximately 300 family niches for the cremains of those who wish to be put to rest in this manner and so I am reminded, “You are dust and unto dust you shall return.”

Fr. Al

Dear Parishioners:

It is First Friday. Fr. Hattrick is having the foundation at the eastern end of the church hall shored up while Fr. Benjie and I are off to an orphanage where Mass is celebrated for the Sisters and a few patients each Friday at noon.

As I strolled about the orphanage I met up with very young children who were eager to smile, come up to you, touch you and even attempt to say in English, “good afternoon,” which I didn’t catch at first. They have engaging smiles though somewhat shy, with eyes of wonder and yes, they love to have their pictures taken.

The location of this 50 children school is an HIV/AIDS facility, sets a top a hill overlooking the valley dotted with houses, green fields, some trees and sugar cane crops. Later in the afternoon I’ve been invited to meet the Confirmation candidates, seventeen, all told. They are juniors in high school, two gentlemen and fifteen ladies.

Today, I’ve had the opportunity to chat with a Finance Council member, Confessions at 5:00 and the anticipated Mass at 5:30. The news today is all about the devastating damage caused by Katrina in New Orleans.

I have the 8:00 o’clock Sunday Mass and then it’s off to the mission church with Fr. Ed for a 10:30 Zulu Mass at St. Edward Mission Church. At the Offertory a girl, cir. 13 years of age got up to leave church and fainted at the doorway, caught just in time before keeling over and down two cement steps head first. Several of us prayed over her. She was attended by several women. By the time Mass was over she was able to regain consciousness, stand up and walk stably.

There was a barrel of water in the back of the church without cover and that’s where anyone who wanted a drink came. There was a cup near by for dipping in the barrel for a drink and that was that. I can see you all now bringing your bottled water to church if that were the case in the States.

At the end of Mass I was introduced to the Assembly and was invited to greet them with the help of an interpreter. The Zulus are a very receptive and welcoming people. Just before leaving the grounds, Fr. Ed pointed to a hill about a mile away, where a future church is planned and much needed as the present church has a number of broken windows and the three 75 watt bulbs that it had on my first visit two years ago disappeared.
The 6:00 P.M. Mass was filled. My guess would be just over 300 parishioners. Afterwards, greetings were exchanged in a friendly and leisure atmosphere. No one seemed to be in a hurry to get out of the parking lot.

An unusual sight for me this morning while walking about the property within the enclosed iron fence, praying the rosary, was the number of eager workers waiting for a taxi van to pick them up for work. I saw one bus and many of these 9 passenger vans that seem to have the corner on the market for transportation. They pack them in.

On this Tuesday, the daily paper is filled with accounts of Katrina’s devastation in New Orleans. This coming Sunday Bishop Jabulani will be here for the 6:00 p.m. Mass to administer the Sacrament of Confirmation to our junior high students.

That upcoming event was the occasion for Fr. Ed to tell the story of an earlier Confirmation ceremony by Bishop Jabulani at one of the Zulu parishes. As a gift to the bishop, parishioners slaughtered a sheep as the stipend offering. The bishop accepted with the caveat that the blood be drained before it was put into the trunk of his car. The set stipend for the bishop at our Confirmation was the equivalent of $ 50.00.

On this 7th day of September, Fr. Brian, the dean of the district, paid a cordial visit. All weddings are preceded by a civil ceremony. I got my 5th “Hello Everyone” letter off today. Philippe, a parishioner got my computer up and running, for which I am grateful. When you don’t have something you’re used to, you really miss it, don’t you.

On the eighth of this month a 6:00 o’clock Finance Council meeting is scheduled and lasts until 7:20. Because of the timing of these meetings it does take getting used to eating supper at a later time. The reason for early meetings is the desire to be home early for safety reasons.

I had my first Anointing Friday at a nursing home. Saturday, was occupied with the deanery meeting in Pinetown, Confessions and an Anticipated 5:30 Mass. After the eight the next morning, Fr. Ed and I are off to the new Zulu mission church of St. Leo. An invitation to speak a few words followed the liturgy to a very receptive and welcoming community.

Bishop Jabulani confirmed 17 candidates at the 6:00 o’clock Mass, a glorious and happy time for Our Lady of Mercy parishioners. Fr. Al

Hello Everyone:

Before beginning this letter I decided to check where I left off and noticed that my closing sentence might very well have been misleading as I spoke of the Zulu lady who came into the rectory with a “death notice.”

As I came through the office this morning on the feast of Our Lady of Sorrows, Joan, our receptionist was conversing with this Zulu lady and wondering what to do about her request, so I decided to see if I could be of assistance, although new and not familiar with whatever protocols may be in place.

In her hand was a wrinkled half sheet of lined paper, torn from a notebook containing the bare statistics of a person named Ernest Phophozane Mcmunu: 55 years of age, date of death, nearest relative and request to have a funeral service in the mission church.

Her objective was to receive a document signed and stamped with the church seal as verification that permission was granted. This document would be handed over to one of the Zulu elders, who in turn would see to it that the church was unlocked and prepared for the time and date of the funeral service.

This protocol is certainly different from what we experience in the States. I was intrigued sufficiently to ask the lady to please come into my office for a few moments. She readily obliged. I asked her name. “Monica,” she said. From that point on she could have made any request and I would have said, “of course.” No, it is not like the States. For starters, we are so used to having funeral directors handle such particulars and then some.

The upsetting and humbling part of my story is that this Zulu lady traveled fifteen to twenty miles (one way), to fulfill a corporal work of mercy for her neighbor who desires a final and fitting farewell for a family member. I cannot help but wonder how some of these rules come about when it seems a mere phone call could have easily taken care of the matter. Now I have to ask myself, but who has a phone anyway?

Monica started on her journey to the church by first walking to an area where vans pass by and that could be some distance from her one room Zulu hut. After she flags down a taxi she may have to repeat that exercise several times before reaching her last stop via transit. A final leg of the trip is accomplished the way it started out and that is by walking. In this case it is up the hill to the church. The cost of the ride or rides may have amounted to about a dollar, round-trip. If you do not have a car and it seems most do not, you learn how to wait until public transportation comes along and consider yourself fortunate that there is room for you to be squeezed in.

This one act of kindness, a corporal work of mercy may have taken Monica four to five hours to complete because of the distance and delays along the way. Monica’s purpose for coming is complete and our chat as well. She’s out the gate and down the hill to begin her trek back home, mission accomplished. Now, that’s a good neighbor and Good Samaritan!

Zulu funerals are usually left for the weekend so that friends and neighbors are able to pay their respects. During the week it is early to work and late getting home with little or no time for much else, let alone an attempt to pay respects to the grieving family of a deceased loved one who may live a mile or two down the road where there are no taxi vans.

Within a couple of weeks we’ll be eliminating the Saturday morning Mass at Our Lady of Mercy. This will allow Fr. Benji the freedom to celebrate a Mass of Christian Burial for the Zulus. It is conceivable that there could be one or several funerals celebrated simultaneously at the one Liturgy. The new church at St. Leo’s could easily accommodate family and friends who come to pay their respects and lend their prayers to those grieving the loss of a loved one.

One of the issues brought to my attention is, how, does the body get transferred to the church for a Mass of Christian Burial, as most wakes are in the family homes and most families would not be able to afford transportation of the body to church. I have no answer. That’s another hurdle for another day to overcome. May I be able to relate to you how this becomes doable in a future letter.

I would like to end on a positive note. On the 16th of October there were twenty baptisms at St. Leo’s. The length of time for the Liturgy was two and a half hours. A M E N .

Fr. Al

The favor of the lord be with you

September 26, 2005

Hello Everyone:

This past Friday, The Very Reverend Donald F. Reilly, O.S.A., Prior Provincial of the Province of St. Thomas of Villanova, met with His Eminence, Wilfrid Cardinal Napier, and Archbishop of Durban. The appointment was 9:30 in the morning at the Chancery.

The purpose of the visit was to pay our respects to the Chief Shepherd of the Archdiocese and have Fr. Joe Mostardi and myself, introduced respectively as the Augustinian Volunteer Director and the new pastor of Our Lady of Mercy Parish in Kloof. Fr. Ed Hattrick’s knowledge of the Apostolates and familiarity with Durban, introduced us to the Cardinal.

His Eminence was both friendly and cordial towards us. It was evident that he listens well and answers thoroughly whatever questions were asked. Libation was offered, tea, caffeine or without and water.

Fr. Joe gave a brief history and the purpose of the Augustinian Volunteers, which was listened to with considerable interest perceiving the possibilities and potential of such a venture handed on to these faith-filled, energetic and capable young men and women who are intent upon laboring in the Lord’s vineyard.

Cardinal Napier’s counsel on coming to South Africa was well taken. “Come to work among us and be careful not to enable my people.” If you were to do things for them they can learn to do themselves you will leave them in a condition of unhealthy dependence, you will not have helped our people. Teach and challenge us to use our God given talents to acceptable and superior levels.

The Archbishop called a synod which hammered out a list of priorities to be addressed by the faithful and clergy. It is a work in progress, an attack on all fronts, if you will on the list below:

1. Youth. 2. A program to deepen the
knowledge of the Faith.
3. Support of family life. 4. Social outreach.

5. Unemployment (skills training) 6. A I D S

There is also a great need for our people to become computer literate.

The question of vocations to the priesthood surfaced. After high school is completed there is a mentoring program for two years wherein a potential candidate would have a spiritual guide. Then, a 3rd year of orientation would follow at seminary. This is a time of learning good study habits and basic methodology.

As the construction of another new church is being contemplated in our other mission at Edwaleni, a question was asked about the steps to be taken before the project can be considered for approval. It appears this project is well underway as Fr. Ed mentioned that they have 250,000 R in the bank from donors and 36,000 R raised by the people. The remaining steps:
1. A suitable sight with needs criteria and rough plans.
2. Make application to Tony Cook, the archdiocesan Financial Administrator.
3. Have in hand a rough estimate with architect’s plans.
4. The Finance & Building Committee applies for a presentation at the archdiocesan level.
5. Donor potential.
6. Parish support.
7. Archdiocesan Fund support.

Fr. Reilly thanked the Cardinal for his time, recognizing that he is in catch-up mode just having returned from Australia two days before. He obliged us for some picture taking and we said our good byes, grateful for the opportunity to listen to his view of the local Church, welcoming hospitality and dedication to the People of God.

While at the chancery, Fr. Don had an opportunity to have a cup of tea with Sister Annette, the Religious Coordinator of the Archdiocese and participant, at the Sangre de Cristo sabbatical program the same time as Don.

I had an opportunity to chat with Carol, secretary to Tony who was in hospital at that time. I inquired at the front desk the reason for the lit candle on the counter top in the reception area. I was told it was a reminder to all who pass by to say a prayer for Tony who was in need of healing and prayers which would be much appreciated.

Fr. Al

Hello Everyone:

Today, was a privileged opportunity of visiting Lindiwuje Yvonne, the acting principal of St. Leo School which was established in 1923 and became a government sponsored public school in 1996. A surprise to me is that the land and the school buildings remain as parish assets and therefore, responsibility for its upkeep; whereas, teacher salaries and curriculum remain under the purview of the government’s education department.

This 83 year old institution abuts a newly constructed church dedicated in January of 2004. The old church building now serves as one of the seven clustered buildings, each having sufficient space for three classrooms.

St. Leo’s, is a Zulu parish located in the village of Emolweni, a distance of twelve miles from Our Lady of Mercy Church in Kloof, where I am now recalling my encounter with Ms. Yvonne who was gracious towards me, even though running late for a teachers meeting.

You may find the following information a bit of a stretch. If I were back in the States reading this account, I suppose I would too. There are 390 students in grades one through seven and 28 pre grade children who start at age 2.

Twenty students have HIV while both parents of fifty-eight children are deceased. Ninety-two students have unemployed parents. Of the 390 student body, only sixty children have parents who are able to pay the school’s yearly tuition of 75 Rand or $12.50.

I asked the next obvious question. How do you meet budget? Lindiwuje’s answer was simple and certainly not I would have guessed. The unsuspecting and incredulous answer came forth in a matter of fact sort of way. “Through fund raising.” Through fund raising I repeated, with a look of skepticism at her answer. Like what? And in a matter of fact way, Ms. Yvonne listed the ways that came to her mind:

a. Cake sales

b. Candy sales

c. Student concerts

d. Movies

e. Athletic competition

f. Raffles

Wondering to myself how they could possibly make ends meet. I asked about her staff. How many teachers do you have? “Nine,” she said. What is their yearly salary? “4,900 Rands.” Translated into U.S. dollars that comes to $817.00. I forgot to ask about benefits. On second thought, if I did I might very well have experienced a blank stare or puzzling look, like, what do you mean, “benefits.”

I continued. How many students do you have in 7th grade? “46” she said. And then what, I asked. “Seven more years of schooling: grades 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12.” And will they all complete the next five years of schooling, I asked. She said, “they would.” And then what, I asked. “Then there is tertiary schooling.” And what is that? “That is the equivalent of Junior College or Trade Schooling for those interested in learning a skill.

Lindiwuje tells me they have a library room and are in process of cataloguing their inventory. They recently acquired seven computers. An electrician is scheduled to come next week for a hook–up. They look forward to the coming of Augustinian Volunteers to teach the teachers how to use of the computers so they in turn can teach their students whatever they have learned from the Volunteers. They are also in the process of preparing a science room.

In your view, what are the major issues confronting you, your school and the people of South Africa? Please give me your personal view. With missing a beat she listed the following:

a. Orphans

b. HIV/AIDS

c. Family abuse (physical & sexual)

d. Poverty

e. 70 % unemployment

What can your school brag about?

Our school is first among the others in net ball, soccer and basketball.
Our cultural activities: Zulu dance and music.
We have very active teachers. All of them are qualified and have obtained their 3rd year college certificates.

And what is your school calendar like? “The school year is divided into four terms.”

January 16 — is the start of the school year.
March 28 — the first semester ends.

April 4 — the second semester begins.
June 24 — the second semester ends.

June 24 — winter vacation begins.
July 18 — winter vacation ends.

July 18 — the third semester begins.
Sept. 23 — the third semester ends.

Sept. 23 — vacation week.
Oct. 3 — vacation ends.

Oct. 4 — 4th semester begins.
Dec. 1st week completes the 4th semester.

Holidays, religious and national are days off school as well.

There you have some statistics and sobering realities of one segment of life on this continent. It is easy to become overwhelmed if one is not anchored solidly. We do what we can and remain thankful for whatever it is the Lord allows us to do in enhancing the quality of life and the faith in the lives of these beautiful people.

Fr. Al

Hello Everyone:

This will be my first in a series of articles I hope to write for those who may be interested in the events as they unfold daily with those I’ve encountered and observed in our two mission parishes, St. Leo and St. Helen. The mother church is Our Lady of Mercy, in Kloof, which is approximately fifteen minutes from our Friary, St. Rita’s.

A week ago today I arrived in Durban to be warmly greeted by Fr. Eddie and Fr. Benji with whom I shall live our Augustinian commitment to community and apostolic endeavors in serving God’s People.

After a lovely lunch and some unpacking, Eddie recommended that I accompany him at the convent Mass the next morning. He’d meet me at 7:10 and we’d walk down to the retreat house for my introduction to the Sisters. Can you guess what happened? A knock came to my door at 9:30. Need I say more.

Dear Parishioners:

This is my 10th letter, since being assigned to Our Lady of Mercy Parish and it starts with ring of the door bell on Sept. 6, just shy of a full week since my arrival in South Africa. It is memorable because of Joan and Patrick, who have come to the rectory requesting an Anniversary Mass for September 15, the exact day of their wedding sixty years ago. Of course, I said yes and told them it would by my first officiating at a 60th wedding anniversary.

The celebration was a lovely gathering of family, a few friends, and a touching tribute of their lifelong commitment to each other. And why wouldn’t there be some nervousness and joyful tears by those present? Their wedding day picture captured a vibrancy of beauty and spirit from this day forward, remains in evidence today. Pat, in his army uniform and Joan, in her lovely wedding dress complimented by an array of fresh white flowers nearly extending the length of her bridal gown.

Fr. Brian came today to welcome me to the deanery. I found out that here also, as well as in other countries, marriages are to be recognized civilly first and afterwards, they are solemnized by the Church.

My computer is in need of adjustments that differ from settings in the States and so, I’m fortunate, Philippe, a parishioner happened by and graciously got me up and running. Being unconnected I confess, brought about feelings of isolation.

It is Thursday already. A marriage appointment is made. I and Cynthia, our bookkeeper and Finance Council member have a chat. Our meeting this evening, begins at 6:05 after the 5:30 Mass and lasts until 7:20. By now, all of us are ready for supper and go our separate ways. My posture was merely to listen, get acquainted and nothing more for a first meeting.

Off to St. Leo’s in Emolweni this morning to leave off packages of food that help nourish 90 students over the weekend. I had my interview opportunity with the principal too. Because of an afternoon teachers’ conference the children have a half day of classes. By being there in the morning the children are assured of a meal before going home.

We have lunch at St. Rita’s which is a fifteen to twenty minute drive to Kloof depending on traffic. John and Cynthia arrive after shopping for the Augustinian Volunteers and offer me a lift back to the parish.
These and other parishioners have gone all out to provide satisfactory accommodation and welcome to our young missionaries. The parishioners of Our Lady of Mercy are truly most helpful and welcoming.

A deanery meeting was scheduled on Saturday morning in Pinetown cir. 7 miles down the road. Mike Dunleavy did the honors in getting us there and back. Confessions at 5:00, Mass at 5:30 and greetings afterwards. If you were to ask me about some differences at weekend liturgies here and back at St. A’s., I’d give two: St. A’s has it hands down musically. Our Lady of Mercy wins hands down as no one leaves Mass early.

A lady of the Lutheran Church walked into the office today wanting to know about the Church’s regulations on marriage, as she was thinking seriously of marrying a Catholic friend of hers. She was told by her friend that he would not consider marriage unless it were allowed in Church. Will he be surprised! As we talked on and discussed both cases it became clear that they would indeed be free to marry after the usual paperwork. I haven’t heard any more since.

At 3:15 Fr. Benji and I heard First Confessions. What a privilege to encounter these lovely innocent children. There was a little gathering afterwards: cookies, soda… at which I handed out First Reconciliation Certificates, a first for me.

Today is the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross. Fr. Ed and I drive to Emolweni, to deliver food packages to the children at school. There is enough time to take a drive to the Oblates of Mary Immaculate where there is a cathedral church in a different diocese with an O.M.I bishop. This complex is an early foundation with cir. 300 acres or so of land. It is a city in itself and quite diverse: a religious convent, retreat center, sawmill, religious goods store, cemetery, retirement home, casket making…

I’ll save my next installment for the story of a woman with a death notice.

Fr. Al