Rain And Ground Water Harvesting, Cleaning and Storing Project - Images

And the final post for today - just a few pictures of the final stage of the completion of the rain and ground water harvesting, initial cleaning and storing in concrete and PVC tanks development project in my mission in Kiabakari, co-financed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland. These pictures were taken also in mid-December, like the previous two posts. I had no time to post them earlier - internet issues and guests prohibited to do so. Today, I am in Musoma, so the internet is gentle enough to allow to upload the pics. Mind that the latest works are not depicted here. Not all elements of the project are seen here as well. This is just to let you get a general idea of the nature of the project.

I will post final pictures along with the remaining two projects once they are in full swing. Still, what is seen here, fills my heart with pride and gratitude to God, Polish Foreign Ministry, Foundation Kiabakari and all people involved directly and indirectly in the realization of the project.

Extension Of Health Center In Kiabakari Project - Images

A few pictures of the final stage of the completion of the development project of expansion of our health center  in Kiabakari, including the construction of new wards, ICU of infants, maternity ward, gynecologist's office and so on, co-financed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland. 

These pictures were taken in mid-December, the latest works are not depicted here. Late equipment arrivals as well. A couple of new wards, not all. I will post final pictures once the new wards are open and fully operational (first, I need to stamp logos on bedsheets, hang mosquito nets, place the trash bins according to color code, prepare hospital clothes for patients - these clothes were not included in the project and to finalize the tender for running of our new hospital kitchen before I allow patients to be admitted in the new wards; and so forth). Still, what is seen here, fills my heart with pride and gratitude to God, Polish Foreign Ministry, Foundation Kiabakari and all people involved directly and indirectly in the realization of the project. 

Modern Pre-School Project in Kiabakari - Images

A few pictures of the final stage of the completion of the modern pre-school development project in my mission in Kiabakari, co-financed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland. These pictures were taken in mid-December, the latest works are not depicted here. I will post final pictures once the pre-school is open and students are in the school. Still, what is seen here, fills my heart with pride and gratitude to God, Polish Foreign Ministry, Foundation Kiabakari and all people involved directly and indirectly in the realization of the project.

Serengeti Western Corridor In Wet Season

A few images from Monday day trip to Serengeti. Lucky to run into the wildebeest migration. Never seen so many of them in one place. Polite request: Please, do not copy the images without my permission. Thank you.

Nature About To Explode

A Mountain To Climb

Construction phase of our development projects over, half of seminars interconnected with projects done, three more to go. The time has come to complete paperwork - reports, statements, financial documentation etc. The sheer amount of work is immense and although all papers, documents, pro-forma invoices, invoices, legal receipts, photo documentation and so forth are professionally collected and stored securely, still - the job of turning this mountain of paper into prescribed in form and method reports - is a genuine mountain to climb. This is what I have started doing sometime ago and will continue for the next two weeks or so. Calm patience, silence and focus is what I need now. That is why I have detached myself from the noise and 'hodi hodi' environment of Kiabakari to do the job professionally and thoroughly. Wish me luck, please, and say a prayer to Holy Spirit for the success of this task. Thanks in advance!

Thank You, Poland!

The Power At Work Within Us

At the threshold of the new liturgical year, I recall the words of Saint Paul the Apostle of Nations, which I chose as the preamble of my testament and I used them as the second reading for my silver jubilee celebration in Kiabakari last week on November 21.

"I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that he may grant you in accord with the riches of his glory to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in the inner self and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the holy ones what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

Now to him who is able to accomplish far more than all we ask or imagine, by the power at work within us, to him be glory in the Church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen." (Eph 3:14-21)

When I went for my one day retreat at Bunda Carmel one week before the silver jubilee celebrations, I got the powerful message on that day reminding me about the unique role of the Holy Spirit in my life and priestly / missionary vocation. All three reading chosen for the jubilee Mass spoke about the work of the Holy Spirit in my life. And yet I was somehow oblivious of this obvious truth in my past years. The Holy Spirit came back on that day in Bunda and rightfully enlightened my mind and soul to take back His crucial and primary position in my life.

As I celebrated the first Holy Mass of the new liturgical year this morning, I surrendered myself to the Holy Spirit and His Power at work within us. May this new year and all remaining years of my life be the Holy Spirit Domain. 

Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created. And You shall renew the face of the earth. The earth of my heart and soul. The earth of my daily priestly and missionary life. The earth of lives of all I love and serve.

O, God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever enjoy His consolations, Through Christ Our Lord, Amen.

Dusk Hour

Poland, Wake Up!

It is so annoying to see the inability of my Polish readers to get the upper hand on Canadian peers who still lead as we speak by two mere IP addresses in the United Nations of Kiabakari list. I know we cannot overtake NSA-Snowden-USA leading pack, but, please, come on, Poles! Get your thumbs out of… and do the job!

Echoes In The Solitary Confinement

As I have planned these few days since today till next Thursday, I have started executing the plan. Confined in solitary space, I am tuned and focused to do the job I want to do. In this environment of solitude, outside silence and extreme push of mental power, there are only echoes of a misfit music tune from Green Day on my laptop. Suddenly, I find myself empowered to do my best and to finish the task with all I got in me through this song. It simply keeps pumping tons of adrenaline in me, urging me to go beyond my capacity and ability and to kill the task with a powerful blast of strong will.

I am surprised to find myself finishing the preparatory job planned for three days - in one day. The earnest and sincere humble prayer for the blessing in this work combined with a powerful tune and lyrics of the song that accompanies me today sprinkled with a drop of Wisemen Tea at the end of the massive effort - made wonders.

Getaway

Time has come to get away from Kiabakari to focus on work which needs silence and seclusion. Living alone as a parish priest in Kiabakari makes for a life of never-ending saga of 'hodi hodi' (verbal announcement of someone who comes to the house in need of seeing someone, most probably me) disrupting my mental flow and rendering my work impossible.

That is why I used opportunity to escort my visitor and volunteer, Anna (flying back to Poland via Dubai today) to the airport, to use the next six days for solitary paperwork as I await the representative of Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs to fly in next Friday to Mwanza to begin her monitoring of our projects and participation in seminars in our health center. I look forward to her arrival as I never had any bad experiences with those people, to the contrary, so far I found that very smart, bright, creative, easy going, friendly and compassionate people are employed in our Foreign Ministry who come to visit us in Kiabakari.

I remember all such occasions and feel proud and grateful to our government that they keep in touch with us, Poles, living in working abroad, in particular in Africa. Thus making me believe that I leave permanent hallmarks of what we as individuals and as a nation have the best to offer to Africa and Tanzania in particular.

Moreover, it is totally different to hear or read about Kiabakari than to visit it personally and see with one's own eyes what Kiabakari is all about. The pictures of this year's development projects I was posting on Foundation Kiabakari or mine timelines do not do justice to the immense effort we put in its completion and the level of professionalism we were able to achieve with our primitive tools and using only local task force.

The Bishop Msonganzila of Musoma was speechless, District Commissioner as well. And I hope the lady from our Foreign Ministry will be glad and satisfied that their money were spent well in such a professional and spectacular and aesthetic manner.

I have never felt more burnt out and exhausted like now. And I have never felt more proud, happy and satisfied like now as well.

Faith and Good Deeds. This was and is our motto in Kiabakari inspired by the motto of our diocesan synod underway in Musoma Diocese.

As I say 'see you soon!' to Anna, I look forward to the next wave of visitors. Our Foundation Kiabakari logo displays an open inviting door. This is also a statement of the reality in Kiabakari. Open to everybody with no-nonsense approach to life, responsibilities, people and tasks in hand.

Silver Jubilee in Kiabakari - Images

My Jubilee logo by Florian Ludovick Kaija

Men in black - me, Fr. William Bahitwa and Msgr. Aristaric Bahati

Jubilee Missal Cover

This is the cover of my jubilee missal (both pages - back and front - in spread) designed by Miss Agata Krupa, the volunteer of our Foundation Kiabakari, and printed by Miss Bożena Koczur, the CEO of Foundation Kiabakari. I am very grateful to the ladies for their skills, contribution and kindness, Thank you so much! The back page of the missal features all parishes I lived and worked since my birth till now.

Left - back page; right - front page

The Week

Last week, the Week, the time we have been waiting for and talking about for a very very long time. The last week of the Year of Faith, the last week of the current liturgical year, the week of my silver jubilee celebration in Kiabakari on coming Thursday, the week of the blessing of our three development projects, the week of the official opening of the said projects, the week of the fourth graduation in our pre-school.

The air in Kiabakari is ripe with anticipation. The church for the past two Sunday is fully packed, parishioners who grace our parochial church usually on major solemnities come to attend the Masses. People listen eagerly and attentively to announcements at the end of the Mass wanting to get the full picture of the coming celebrations.

Although I feel weariness and tiredness after many months of hard work on projects and other celebrations of the Year of Faith, adrenaline keeps me going. And the last Thursday recollection day in Bunda Carmel, filled with silence, prayer and the Holy Mass to Holy Spirit filled my heart and soul with calmness, inner joy, resolve, gratitude and spiritual power.

I enjoy phone calls, emails and messages I receive these days from well wishers and people willing to contribute towards the expenses of the celebrations. This spirit of togetherness, friendship and love is what makes these days so special.

Thank  you, Lord!

Divine Mercy Hill dressed for the upcoming celebrations

Silence Is A Way Of Communication

A couple of weeks passed since my last post. A lack of word is a word itself. A lack of post can speaks volumes. In my case it means an intense period of time for me, full of responsibilities, travels, things to do, matters to take care of, decisions, stresses, challenges and lot of work - on the upcoming jubilee, graduation, opening of projects, finalization of registration, insuring and servicing our donated motorcycles, drilling the borehole and water quality testing in government lab etc... And by saying - a lot, I mean A LOT!

Down The Memory Lane

As I await my old beat up truck to get fixed at Upendo Garage (repair of failing brakes, gear lever moving all over in the cabin and regular service and tightening bolts here and there), I have decided to work on the my silver jubilee missal. Went to post office first and was disappointed to find that the parcel with missal covers printed in Poland by Bożena, our Foundation CEO) has not arrived yet. Came to my favorite spot in Musoma then, fired up the macbook and opened the text file.

Interesting how such a simple work as proofreading and fixing styling and changing words here and there in my mission statement (call it extended CV) will evoke such a wonderful world of memories. Walking down the memory lane it has become...

Memories of my childhood, family, our small flat in Nowa Huta, my home parish, First Communion, Confirmation, my priestly vocation, friends and relatives. Kraków, Kona Street where my father lived with his parents and family (now Bandurskiego Street) before they moved to Krasinskiego avenue. I remember vaguely that house, the stairs leading to the main door, the entrance gate, the vegetation here and there...

Then Nowa Huta, kindergarten, primary school, secondary school, friendships, youthful follies and stupidities, dreams and visions of the adult life, fears and worries, hopes and achievements...

The reaction of my parents when I told then I was going to seminary, that I felt I had a vocation to priesthood... Reactions of my teachers and classmates...disbelief...

Then seminary life, first terrible weeks when my fears and expectations clashed heavily my the reality and I found myself packing and wanting to go back home...the conversation with my spiritual direction who asked me for patience and chance for the vocation... I felt so out of the place!

I took a leap of faith and gave the chance to the call...It was not easy... I am not sure I would want to go through the same experience for the second time... if I would manage to pull through... It was always about me, not about the seminary or the people who were making the seminary community. No, it was always about me, feeling strangely out of place, out of context...

The ordination, first pastoral experiences here and there, first parish in Sułkowice, then sudden switch to Jaworzno-Osiedle Stałe...challenging but wonderful years... learnt so much from so many... neverending gratitude...

Then the sudden vocation to missionary life in Africa... and the following preparations... with disbelief and pain of my parents, turned to be pride and support in the following years... Then the first pilgrimage to Rome and Assisi, the flight to Tanzania, the first days and weeks... such a steep learning curve... falling and standing up, till now...

And all that lies between from that first evening in Dar es Salaam on January 8, 1991 till today... As I go through the missionary CV and highlights of my missionary work in Tanzania, on one side I feel disbelief that God wanted to achieve so much (relatively - judging according to the size of my pond in which I swim) through such an awkward and shabby tool; on the other side I feel that I am still out of place here... somehow...difficult to explain... a misfit... yet belonging... unfulfilled yet, but weary and burnt out at the same time... feeling remorse and guilt, asking God for forgiveness, that He has to fight with this stubborn and crude tool of His choice... trying hard to do His Will somehow, but unsure if I really do so to His liking...

Walking down the memory lane... Unexpectedly, on this ordinary Monday morning, in Musoma, awaiting the vehicle, the silent witness and my old friend in my journeys for the past twenty years...

Something extraordinary out of utterly ordinary day...

Enchanting...

What Better?

When worries - about people one cares for and loves, about important issues and challenges in one's life - reach unbearable intensity and one feels helpless and deeply hurt by the one's inability to shelter them from harm, what better can one do than to immerse and hide all the people, all that matters and oneself in the Ocean of Divine Mercy and to whisper - Jesus, I trust in You...?

"Commit your way to the LORD;

trust in him and he will act"

(Psalm 37:5)

White Plate White Mug

On my to-do-list for today in Dar es Salaam there was a quest for food warmers / food servers for our new kitchen in health center and in new pre-school. I went to Kariakoo to search for them. Found them here and there, but what caused my heart melt were white plastic plates and mugs I bought from the wholesale Chinese shop for the pre-school dining hall. 

As I was holding a sample plate and a mug in my hands, my mind went to the opening day of the new pre-school, November 22. On that day we will not only have the ribbon cutting ceremony at the gate, but also the short sample of 'a day in new pre-school' which means - first lesson in each age group, breakfast in new dining hall and first games in our new playgrounds. 

I felt touched by the mental picture of some one hundred happy pre-schoolers sitting at the new tables in dining hall and having their first breakfast served from the new kitchen, equipped with modern stuff. Nice nutritious breakfast served on new white plates and a mug of freshly brewed tea for our little ones... All effort that went into the planning of the project, waiting in anticipation for the announcement of the Polish Ministry for Foreign Affairs - if the project passed or not, then the entire construction process up till now - it was worth it. 

The picture of our pupils enjoying their first day in their new pre-school is priceless. And melts my heart. Grateful to God and so many grand people of good will - from the donors through our Foundation Kiabakari to the task force - who made this possible, who made this happen. 

Touchdown

Finally, after a couple of months of communication, paperwork and pushing through bureaucracy and unexpected twists and turns on the way, the first container with donated goods for our health center, pre and primary schools and for our neighbors - Resurrection Sisters at Chief Wanzagi Girls' Secondary School - has touched down in Kiabakari this morning. The offloading work went smoothly and things are securely stored for the time being as we finalize the development projects and make space for the equipment to be placed where it should be.

Gratitude to God Almighty for His blessing and Providence, thanks to Resurrection Sisters in Melbourne, Australia, in particular, Sister Hermina, and to all people of good will involved in the whole process in Australia, my friends in Dar es Salaam who helped with clearing process and finding the solid transporter, my classmate in Austria who donated two thirds of the money needed for the payments in clearing and forwarding process and to all who prayed for the safe journey and arrival of the container to Kiabakari. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart! Certainly, the donated items will help us immensely in providing better healthcare and education at grassroots level in rural Tanzania. 

Zipping Up My Travel Bag

In a few hours time I will be on my way back to Kiabakari via Mwanza. As I zip up my travel bag, I wrap up also the evaluation of this short trip to Dar es Salaam. It has been one of the most intense and exhausting visits to the business capital of Tanzania. Flew in on Wednesday with a short to-do-list hoping that I will be able to tick off at least half of the items on it. I am grateful to Almighty and Merciful God and to kind persons who helped me on the way, that most of the important issues I was able to complete.

The container with school and medical supplies for our health center, pre-school and primary school in Kiabakari is finally on its way to Kiabakari, hoping to reach the destination tomorrow evening or on Tuesday. All due payments settled, paperwork completed. I am grateful to our parishioner and the chairman of the development board of Kiabakari, who was instrumental in making sure that the container clearing and forwarding process went smoothly.

He's been also helping me with the registration of Honda 110 motorcycles which came in last year container. When I am back in Dar, I am sure this process will also be completed and I will come back to Kiabakari with registration cards and number plates for the motorcycles, allowing us to start using the vehicles for the benefit of our mission pastoral work, school and health center facilities.

The registration of our pre-school and primary school has got a new impetus and - although I will have to be back in Dar in a few days again - I am hopeful that in a short time we will see the issue solved positively and successfully.

I used this opportunity of being in Dar to deliver invitation cards for my silver jubilee in Kiabakari to my friends and benefactors, especially those who helped me in fundraiser in March this year. I will be extremely happy to see at least some of them attending the jubilee celebration on November 21 in Kiabakari and the official government and diocesan opening of the development projects, completed by that time - on November 22. I was able to collect the special color brochure (500 copies) with the program of that day, printed beautifully in Dar.

So, feeling happy and accomplished, I zip up my bag and set off to the airport to go back to Kiabakari to wait for the container and finish the paperwork in the district offices to come back again to Dar for a couple of days to push the registration process of our schools ahead and finish other project matters.

Deo gratias for this trip, goodbye Dar and Indian Ocean shores, praying for the safe return to Kiabakari and God's blessing for all of us for this week! Continuing to light the candle of hope for my people in Kiabakari! Take care!

Determination And Resolve

Everybody knows what these two nouns mean. According to the online dictionary Merriam-Webster determination is a quality that makes you continue trying to do or achieve something that is difficult, while resolve is a strong determination to do something.

These two qualities or virtues are among the most needed for me in this particular time of my life and the celebration of the Year of Faith in Kiabakari, full of various events and challenges.

As I continue with dealing and sorting out of different issues and items on my long to-do-list here in Dar es Salaam, it is the state of mind and heart which I have been luckily experiencing - determination and resolve. 

There is a lot of expected and unexpected obstacles coming up while I circle around the town trying to tick the items off the list. But I do not get discouraged or put off. Yesterday was the best example of this attitude. And at the end of the day, although my stomach gave in under huge stress of dealing with people who are not well known for their truthfulness and willingness to fulfill their pledges, I was happy in general, and satisfied.

We will see how things pan out today. Starting with the courtesy visit to the Cardinal Archbishop of Dar es Salaam, continuing with the final stages of the payments and clearing of the container with school and health center supplies from Australia for Kiabakari. Then, later on, a few meetings with important to me people.

The Psalm 37 comes to mind in such a situation like today where very little depends on me, and most of the other parties - "Commit your way to the LORD, trust in him and he will act" (Ps 37:5)

May the Good Lord grant us a peaceful, happy and successful day.

No Vacation

Looks like my blog has been quiet for some time, almost one month now. Whenever I want to sit down and type a few lines, things come up and I have to dive into deep water of current challenges and responsibilities. Luckily, I have started to seen the light at the end of the dark tunnel and soon will come back to more regular posting.

Development projects are in the final stage which demands my presence daily at construction sites as the finishing works depend heavily on the esthetic taste of the project client. Registration process of our pre- and primary schools has to begin anew after mistakes done by the people responsible for preparing the report for the ministry. This takes time and resources. Hopefully, in the couple of weeks the brand new report will be submitted again in the Ministry of Education. Today we made another good step towards the completion of the report.

Visitation of the statue of Our Lady which travels around the diocese in each parish in the Year of Faith has reached us in Kiabakari on Wednesday. Tomorrow is the day to hand it over to our neighbors in Mugango Parish. It has been a time of grace and intense prayer with the pinnacle which was the diocesan pilgrimage of Catholic women of the diocese on Saturday and Sunday with night vigil. Today the statue is at Sisters' convent and after evening Mass there, I will be the last one to welcome the statue in my house chapel, where it will stay with us till tomorrow morning.

Health center equipment for the project has started to come by road transport from Dar. The last part of the shipment we expect to receive soon if not this week then the next.

The parish after the visitation is turning its attention to the next point in the celebrations of the Year of Faith. This will be my silver jubilee of priesthood on November 21, with the consecutive official opening of the completed projects - done by the District Commissioner of Butiama District with the representative of the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The preparations to both events are well underway. This will be a summit of all my personal efforts of the entire year. Please. keep us all in your prayers, so we succeed!

I guess, this will be all for today. Praying for you always, dear readers of my blog. Stay blessed and happy!

Twenty Years Of Butiama Parish

Yesterday, our neighbors in Butiama, celebrated their twentieth anniversary of the birth of their parish. Fr. Maciej Braun, CR - the parish priest of Butiama - asked me to take a few pictures of the event. You can see them here.

Serengeti Day Trip

Our surgeons and water engineer went for a day trip to Serengeti Western Corridor on Saturday. I was there to take pictures for them. You can see samples by clicking here.

Mindblowing!

Hernia Project In Kiabakari

A few pictures of one of the hernia surgeries performed by visiting Polish surgeons in our health center during the Hernia Surgeries Project under the umbrella of the District Medical Officer of Butiama District in cooperation with the Diocese of Musoma and Foundation Kiabakari. Warning: Although the most drastic and graphic images have been avoided on purpose, still be warned that some of the pictures show the operation from a close distance. See the pictures here.

Meanwhile In Mwibagi

The reconstruction of the church destroyed in thunderstorm and twister nine days ago has begun (reinforced concrete beam ready, preparations of roof beams underway). Due to the help from our member of parliament, Hon. Nimrod Mkono, who donated roof sheets, timber and nails for roof work, and the contribution from other source, we will be able to finish the job in short time and bless anew the church on Sept 29, the Solemnity of Archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, Patron Saints of Mwibagi church.

Blue Monday? Nah!

A few pictures from today. Boring, depressing Monday? No way! Our surgeons continuing with surgeries in the health center, clinic day for mothers with children, development projects underway and closing slowly to its completion. A good and busy day. We do not know blue Mondays here in Kiabakari.

Kiabakari Hub

'I think I like what I see' - I murmured to myself upon opening the attachment of the email of the creators of the internet gateway to Kiabakari who sent to me another version of the main page. I liked the way they translated my vague ideas into something creative. I hope by the end of this year to have an internet hub with all pieces together in one place. An official website of Kiabakari with interactive info on Comprehensive Vision of Kiabakari, Divine Mercy shrine, Health, Education, Parish, Sisters, Foundation Kiabakari, Guests/Volunteers and Development Projects. This should be starting point for anyone who wants to know what Kiabakari is all about, where we came from, where we are at now and where we want to go and how. Our dreams, vision, passions, daily life, ups and downs. Life in its fullest.

Meanwhile In Mwanza

Power down, thunderstorm in. How I missed this sight and sound! So many months without rain in Kiabakari, only one rain a couple of weeks ago. As I await the time to go to the airport, a bit worried about the weather and the incoming plane from Nairobi with our guests, two Polish surgeons who have landed safely in Nairobi (we exchanged text messages a while ago), I enjoy the sight and sound of the thunderstorm in Mwanza. Here is a short mobile phone video clip which sadly cannot translate by far the might of this weather event.

Pictures From Construction Sites In Kiabakari

As you know well, for a few months now, three development projects funded by the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs under the scheme of Polish Aid 2013 are being realized in Kiabakari. Here are some pictures of the current state of their completion as posted by Foundation Kiabakari on their Facebook timeline (click here).

Please, continue to sponsor our projects through your kind prayers, well wishes. Keep your fingers crossed as well, humanely speaking. Our aim is to complete all three projects by the end of October, well ahead of deadline which is the end of the year. And this despite continuous problems with water in Kiabakari and drought in Tanzania. I am proud of my construction teams, supervisors and suppliers. Well done, so far.

Inguinal Hernias In Tanzania

I woke up early this morning in my favorite room at SMA Regional House in Bwiru district of the city of Mwanza. In a couple of minutes two young Polish surgeons will land in Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and then after a couple of hours they will board the Precision Air flight to Mwanza. They are expected to land here in Mwanza at 9.20 A.M. I will pick them up and we will drive straight to Kiabakari, hopefully, God willing, reaching their final destination around lunch time. Then after a short rest and settling down in their rooms, we will have a first meeting with the staff of our health center, to get to know each other, prepare the theater, newly purchased autoclave machine (I brought it from Dar es Salaam especially for this project; it is brand new and never used so far), other operating tools (brought by the surgeons themselves) and select employees who will work directly with the surgeons. We will set up procedures for the upcoming hernia surgeries and will hope that people affected by this ailment will shop up starting tomorrow, Monday, September 2.

The government of Tanzania via District Medical Officer of Butiama District will finance the procurement of all needed medicine and dressings. We, as the health center and Foundation Kiabakari, will sponsor internal health center costs, so instead of paying a lot, the patients will contribute as little as 15 Euros (of course the will pay in Tanzanian shillings) for the surgery.

Sławek and Przemek will have only two weeks to perform as many surgeries as possible. On my part I did everything that was possible under circumstances and with the financial resources I had in my disposal, posting announcements everywhere in the Region, spreading word through friends channels, via Radio Victoria and government and church healthcare institutions. We will see if this effort brings some effect.

As always, I count very much on your kind prayers and well wishes for the success of the project. And it is my hope that this Inguinal Hernia Project in Kiabakari will be the beginning of the new chapter of healthcare in Kiabakari - opening the avenue of visiting doctors and specialists of various kinds according to the priorities of health problems of our communities in Kiabakari, Butiama District, Mara Region and beyond. Already people ask for cardiologists, dentists, eye specialists, gynecologists, physiotherapists, diabetic specialists etc to come. The needs are huge. Let's spread the word about this. It is a noble cause!

For Polish readers (but you can also use Google translator) an article on our surgeons adventure in Kiabakari (click here).

Caring Healthy Arms

This is the title of the exhibition of pictures and artifacts prepared by my Foundation Kiabakari at ŻyWa Pracownia located in Krakow's Kazimierz district as a global education effort to spread the news and knowledge about the ongoing development project 'Upendo Unaojali' in Kiabakari. I am very pleased with a huge work done by our team under the leadership of Miss Bożena Koczur. I hope and pray and humanely I keep my fingers crossed as well for the success of the exhibition and good media coverage. If you happen to be in Krakow in this period, please come and see for yourself!

The links to the event - Facebook (click here) and Internet (click here).

Awesome Speech

Just to share with you what I have just came across the internet. What a powerful, yet simple, motivational and touching speech. Read the full story here - Miserable & Magical: A Graduation Speech for Paradoxical Times, by Nipun Mehta

On The Final

Putting it in aviation terms, I would call the next three months ahead - 'on the final'. This term applies to to the moment when you have finished aligning the aircraft with the runway, you have the runway in sight, you are on a proper glide slope and are cleared to land at the designated runway.

It is precisely what is going to happen, God willing, in these three crucial months starting today.

Final steps in completion of our development projects supported by the Polish Ministry for Foreign Affairs.

Five different workshops and seminars for the staff of our health center, pre-school and primary school according to the development projects comprehensive plan - scheduled for the end of October and November.

Two young Polish surgeons coming in two weeks time for two weeks to perform operations on hernia patients from the whole Mara Region in our health center. This projects has been very positively received by the local government and I got full support of the District Commissioner's office and District Medical Officer's Office as well. Hoping for suffering persons to come up and use this opportunity to get professional help.

Water engineer, coordinator of our water project, is coming in mid-September to supervise the final connections of pipelines and first flow filters. He will stay with us for two weeks.

Our Foundation Kiabakari volunteer Anna coming in November to implement her educational / artistic program for our pre- and primary schools children. She will help us greatly also with preparations of the BIG DAY - graduation day in the pre-school and the official blessing and opening of the new pre-school.

On November 21 I will celebrate my silver jubilee in Kiabakari - on the diocesan level, with bishop presiding and the diocesan community present along with invited guests. On this day Bishop Michael Msonganzila will bless officially the completed projects - new wards and equipment in the health center, new pre-school and the rain and ground water harvesting system in our mission in Kiabakari.

The next day, the representative of Polish Ministry for Foreign Affairs will officially open the development projects and take part in the graduation celebration in our new pre-school. I look forward with great joy and anticipation to that day as it will be a blast! The way we started our preparations, the rich program of the day - gives us guarantee that this will be the day to remember for a long time!

As always, we need to stay focused and united in resolve and serious prayer and trust in Divine Providence. I ask all of you, my esteemed readers, to be with us and pray for the success of these next three months in Kiabakari.

God bless us all!

Slave In Master's House?

The Gospel reading of today's Sunday posed a valid question to ponder on in my personal reflection upon my own life and attitude. When I come for Sunday Mass to the church, do I enter it as a slave in the Master's house? Or do I enter it as a beloved son of God in the Loving and Merciful Father's House?

We have asked this question ourselves today in the Holy Mass when we reflected upon this Gospel's passage in the homily. And it appeared to many of us that we feel and act as slaves in the Master's House, trying to fulfill our duties and obligations, God's and Church commandments out of fear of God, fear of sin or pure sense of responsibility. Perhaps we have stopped in developing our living relationship with God at the point where this kind of cold, accountant-like, business-like relationship is the ultimate what we can think of.

Where is the space for love in this kind of relationship with God?

What is our treasure to which our hearts are powerfully drawn? Is it Loving and Merciful God? Or someone or something else?

What is my genuine motivation to be and live as Christian, the Child of God and the living member of His family - the Holy Church?

Is my keeping God's commandments, Church commandments and fulfilling my duties in the community based on sense of responsibility and duty rather than genuine love of God?

Food for thought.

Against All Odds

No rain, continuous drought, no water in village water pipelines. We are forced to fetch water from drying creek down in the valley in order to be able to push ahead with development projects. I don't remember such a bad situation as this year. Since April no rain whatsoever. I am amazed how we are able to continue with works and reach a promising stage. Against all odds. Please, pray for us and for rain. Here are some pictures from today posted by Foundation Kiabakari on their Facebook timeline (click here).

On The Move

One common picture one gets while traveling in Tanzania, and perhaps, in the whole African continent, is the view of ladies on the move, carrying children on their backs, various loads on their heads, going from one point to the other. I took a few pictures during my safari around the southern Tanzania. You can check them here.

Southern Circuit

Back in Dar es Salaam after six days of traveling around the so called the Southern Circuit of Tanzania covering in total some 2,500 kilometers in total. My journey led me along the Indian Ocean coast from Dar es Salaam to Kilwa Masoko, Kilwa Kisiwani and Kilwa Kivinje first. Then, after one and a half days of exploring the area, I headed to Lindi and Mtwara, then to Masasi. From Masasi through Tunduru to Songea. Then from Songea via Njombe and Makambako to Iringa. Yesterday from Iringa via Kitonga dangerous descent towards Mbuyuni, Mikumi, Morogoro, Chalinze and back to Dar es Salaam.

Took lots of pictures, but since I had no time to get out of the vehicle at every instance, most of them were taken through the windscreen or side window. Not a best option and the quality of most of the pictures is questionable, to put it mildly. Still, I was able to salvage a handful and here are the link to them on Facebook. Enjoy!

Kilwa Kisiwani pictures - click here.

Southern Circuit first album - click here.

Southern Circuit second album - click here.

Iringa to Dar pictures - click here.

And one of my favorite sites - Isamila Prehistoric Site some 20 kilometers from Iringa town. Pictures below.

Into The Unknown

The first day of August marks the beginning of my one week long or so holidays after the hectic July with the most important week of the year 14-20/7/2013 - the ordination of our deacon Augustino Barageti Mapambano, children's fiesta in honor of the newly ordained priests and Thanksgiving Mass of Fr. Augustino in his family home.

Our guest and volunteer, Jane, who decided to spend her annual holidays with us in Kiabakari, has finished her work in our pre-school and yesterday we flew in to Dar es Salaam. Thank God she returned safely back home to Rome, Italy, and sent me a SMS around noon time saying that she is indeed back home.

So, I can begin my short vacations now. Today I went around the town visiting various dealers and suppliers for our development projects, finalizing process of picking up medical equipment for our health center.

Tomorrow morning I will set off from Dar es Salaam heading down south in my quest to visit and explore the so called Southern Circuit. This is the unknown territory to me. Never been there so far. It will take some 2,500 km in general by car, getting me first to Kilwa Kivinje, Kilwa Masoko, Kilwa Kisiwani, then to Selous Game Reserve, Lindi, Mtwara, Masasi, Tunduru, Songea, Makambako, Iringa, Morogoro and back to Dar es Salaam.

I do hope for some good photo opportunities, relaxing time and delicious seafood on the way. All this in my quest to clear up my head from the stress of organizing the past events, restoring my serenity and inner strength to tackle the remaining months of this year and - in particular - finishing successfully our development projects.

Let the adventure begin!

Serengeti Day Trip

Just a few photos from Serengeti day trip we did last week. Dusty and dry as bone, all creation screams to God for mercy - rain... We too in Kiabakari. Three months without a drop of rain... The link to pictures is here.

Kiabakari Open For Business

Having finished a tense period of long preparations of the ordination of Fr. Augustino Mapambano, his thanksgiving Mass and all events related to it, we can go back to work. Kiabakari open for business again. My mind and heart shifting back to parochial pastoral and spiritual life, development projects, daily stuff coming from our educational and healthcare facilities, diocesan events like tomorrow's silver jubilee of Fr. Julius Manyonyi in Masonga Parish which I am going to attend. After all, Father Julius along with Monsignor Aristaric Bahati are my classmates - we were ordained same year, 1988. So, I really look forward to tomorrow's long journey to Masonga parish. Nice day off Kiabakari and its duties.

On Thursday I will accompany our volunteer Jane from Rome who has been working for a couple of weeks in Kiabakari serving children in our pre-school during her annual holidays. Jane is working professionally for Italian Television Rai Tre, but she decided to offer her holidays this year for voluntary work and asked to come to Kiabakari to do so. As she will be leaving next week back home, this week is the last bell for her to reward herself a little with a day trip to Serengeti. I want to make sure that she gets the value for money as the experience shows that when my volunteers go by their own, without the knowledge of Serengeti, sometimes drivers tend to shorten the day and save fuel for which we paid after all, and they come back in the afternoon without even reaching Seronera and Hippo Pool. So, I will go with Father Augustino to make sure we get what we paid for and Jane and us enjoy spectacular views and close encounters with the wildlife. Expect some nice picture soon!

Broad Grin

That's what rules my mood since Saturday afternoon. Just a  broad grin on my face, revealing my satisfaction, relief and sense of huge accomplishment. In simple terms - we did it!

All three days of celebrations went unexpectedly well and we harvest a lot of credit and praise from every corner of the society, from every person who attended the celebrations. I am happy for my people, I am happy for Augustine, our new priest, for his family, for my employees and the whole parochial community.

Thanks be to God and to everybody involved in preparations. As they say - we managed to pull a major stunt, taking into account the true state of our parochial community, their resources and pure numbers.

The Summit

We have been talking about this week for years now. At least since Augustino Mapambano entered the major seminary. It seemed to be so far away in time at that point. But as Swahili proverb rightly says - 'Hayawi, hayawi, yamekuwa!' (not yet, not yet, it is done! in a free translation) - THE WEEK has finally came upon us. The Summit of the Year of Faith in Kiabakari. I think we are ready to tackle the challenge, but who knows. The next six days will tell the truth. We tried our best but doubts will always be there till it is over this Saturday afternoon.

We have been praying Novena to Divine Mercy for the protection of Divine Providence and blessings we need in fulfilling our responsibilities. We ask you, my esteemed readers, to keep your fingers crossed for us and pray for us all involved in the preparations of the ordination, children's fiesta and thanksgiving Mass. I appreciate your kind spiritual involvement in our challenge.

God bless Mapambano! God bless Kiabakari! God bless us all!

All are welcome for the celebrations starting this Thursday.

Neighbors

Kiabakari is not all about Divine Mercy Hill, my mission, health center, pre-school, primary school, nor  about the military camp, prison, defunct gold mine. It is also all about my neighbors in Lutheran Bible School, or these days known as Kiabakari Scripture School, located on the other side of Kiabakari center, just a few kilometers from my place.

I remember the beginnings of the school, when they came to purchase the land, the construction and the opening. I made good friends with several members of the staff, in particular with the former headmaster, Rev. Heslon Byamgwamu and his family. We are still good and close friends and our friendship means a lot to me. I thank God for such a priceless gift of a man of God in my life.

Here is a short presentation of the Bible School in Kiabakari on YouTube.

If you know Norwegian, please visit also their official website (here).

I pray for my neighbors and wish them all the best as they are such valuable asset in our community in Kiabakari. God bless!

Forgotten Sons

Today's Sunday Gospel brings to our attention the true commandos of the Lord, thirty six SEAL teams in the service of the Lord, carrying His Gospel to the people as the groundbreaking mission in preparation of the coming of the Lord and His Apostles:

Request

Our deacons, Augustino Mapambano and William Bahitwa who will be ordained in their home parishes on July 11 (William in Musoma Cathedral) and July 18 (Augustino in Kiabakari), asked me yesterday - as they were heading to Effeta Retreat Center in Makoko, Musoma in the evening to begin their retreat before the priestly ordination - for our prayers for them and for guidance of the Holy Spirit throughout the retreat. So I ask all of you, my esteemed readers, to keep an eye on them in your kind prayers and liturgical celebrations. May Christ, the Good Shepherd, form them in His liking through the power of His Spirit. Thank you in advance for your generous response.

Deja Vu

Deja Vu again. Well, almost. Sixteen years ago Kiabakari was flooded with hundreds of people who came for the official dedication of the Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati and Saint Gemma Galgani parochial church in Kiabakari (which has become since then the Diocesan Shrine of Divine Mercy), official inauguration of Kiabakari parish and the appointment of the first parish priest. I still remember that day as all that happened just yesterday. Great day paid with huge stress and exhaustion.

As I write these words today, on the same date, there are no guests in Kiabakari at this particular point of time. In two weeks time, though, the history is going to repeat itself, in the same manner but for the different reason. This time hundreds of people will flood Kiabakari coming for the ordination to priesthood of our parishioner, deacon Augustino Mapambano. The stress, struggle and challenge is the same if not bigger as I am no longer the vibrant and full of youthful power priest. Time has taken its toll and I can't work 24/7 in full steam anymore. That is why we started preparation well ahead of time. Still, the last two weeks are the most hectic ones and most stressful. I know it very well from my own experience. Gone through that period so many times in my life. I pen these words sitting at the food outlet in Musoma, picking up things for the construction of development projects, buying various items needed for the ordination and thanksgiving Mass, making numerous phone calls here and there. Just to make sure we are ready.

Please, pray for us! And I will pray for you and for all your intentions today, in the afternoon solemn Mass on the day of obligation for the faithful of Kiabakari who will come to thank God that He wanted to be God-with-us and built a house for himself in our midst, which was handed to Him exactly sixteen years ago.

No Half Time

First six months of the year already behind us. Today marks the beginning of the second half of the year. Sadly, no half time in between as the steam roll ahead with full speed closing on the highlights of the Year of Faith in Kiabakari - ordination of our deacon Augustino Mapambano, his Thanksgiving Mass and other celebrations, events and function which are associated with these event. The development projects of Foundation Kiabakari are well underway as well and we are ready to put roofs on the new buildings. The end of this week will see the first volunteer arriving from Italy for one month voluntary experience in our pre-school. Later this year we expect a few more - Polish surgeons coming in August, then volunteers of Foundation Kiabakari. The second half of this year looks even more challenging than the first one. We need to stay focused, determined, committed, in deep prayer and trust, united in purpose and getting down to work with courage. Let us pray for each other!

Hilarious, Inspirational, Sarcastic, Deep - All In One Blog

Just to share with you my light moment that occurred right now when I stumbled upon a Tumblr blog of one theologian with a deep and hilarious sense of humor. Posting amazing gifs in his blog which make me crack, laugh, enjoy and at the same time they make me think, inspire me and give food for thought. Obviously, it is not intended for stiff people with no sense of humor who get offended easily on religious basis. Hope you are not one of them, otherwise do not click here!

Laki Moja

In Swahili, 'Laki Moja' means one hundred thousand. I have noticed that the pageviews of my blog have just exceeded this number. I am not sure if my readers come here by mistake or led by simple curiosity, googling, searching for something they look for or they come on purpose. It does not matter to me, to be honest. I am deeply grateful to each and everyone of you for coming and being a part of my life and my work.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

I pray for each and everyone of you and for all intentions dear to your hearts, as a token of my appreciation and gratitude.

As I wish to continue writing and sharing with you in this place, I ask you to continue with our journey together. God bless you much!

Deep Ocean Diving

Back home in Kiabakari, feeling on the very first day after return as if I dived deep down into the ocean of issues and troubles forcing me immediately to switch to the full working and combat mode. Pity it did not rain since I left for Poland some six weeks ago. Everything has changed so dramatically since then. I left the place green and lush. I found it upon my return dull, dusty, gray and yellow. Trouble, big trouble with water supply for our development projects which I commenced before I left. Guys did a great job anyway and things are moving forward in a decent pace, though they admit if not the water problem, they would be much farther ahead in the construction process. Still, I am impressed! Yesterday I spent most time discussing water issue with relevant authorities. Today we started digging out all pipelines to see who has been connected to our water lines and to make sure everything is in proper order. If I cannot solve the problem with steady supply of water from village pipeline, then I will be forced to use the option of water tanker supplying water from the nearby creek. This will be very costly and I do hope we can avoid it. Let's see what happens in these few days.

Here are some pictures (click here) I took yesterday on my tour of construction site which I posted on Foundation Kiabakari Facebook profile. As always, I count very much on your kind prayers!

Houston, we've got a problem! Water!!!

Visitation - Farewell Pictures

Here is the link to the pictures from the farewell Mass for visiting image of Divine Mercy and Holy Relics of Divine Mercy Apostles - St. Sister Faustina and Bl. John Paul II in our St. Kazimierz parish in Grzegórzki - Kraków. It was a blessed and intense time, full of prayer and spiritual power.

Visitation - Images

Here are images from the arrival of the Divine Mercy Image and Holy Relics of St. Sister Faustina and Bl. John Paul II in our parish of St. Kazimierz and the first Mass presided by His Excellency rt. Rev. Bishop Grzegorz Ryś, the auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Kraków and my classmate. Click here.

Doors Wide Open

In a few hours the doors of Divine Mercy will fly wide open for the community of the faithful of St. Kazimierz parish. My home parish. After the week-long parochial retreat and three days of communal prayers and preparations for the visitation of the Divine Mercy image along with the holy relics of the Divine Mercy Apostles - St. Faustina and Bl. John Paul II, we are ready to welcome the Merciful Lord at Grzegórzki. I look forward to this profound spiritual experience. Starting with 6pm Holy Mass and ending tomorrow with 4.30pm farewell Mass, this will be 24 hours period of intense presence of Divine Mercy in our parish. Merciful Lord comes to respond to our faith, hope and love. He comes to allow us to enter His Ocean of Divine Mercy to find consolation, light, power, resolve. A genuine Spring of the Holy Spirit in our parish. The new Pentecost. Rest assured, I will pray for you and all your needs in this exceptional time of grace.

Teaspoons Not Allowed!

Ninth Sunday of the Ordinary Time is the opportune time for our parochial community at St. Kazimierz in Kraków's Grzegórzki to give thanks to the Lord for the wonderful spiritual journey of our parochial week-long retreat which ended last evening. In front of us three special days of preparations for the visitation of the Sacred Image of Divine Mercy accompanied by the holy relics of the greatest Apostles of Divine Mercy - Saint Sister Faustina and Blessed John Paul II. I spoke about the importance of these three days in my today's homily, asking people to open up completely in trust to Divine Mercy. Divine Mercy is not a syrup which we drink in teaspoons. Nope. If you want to please the Lord, come to Him with trust the size of largest bucket you can afford to carry. The text of the homily in Polish below. Use Google translator on top of the right sidebar to read in your language, please. Have a blessed Sunday!

Retreat - Saturday - Last Day Texts

Finally, we have arrived to the last day of our week-long retreat. Thanks be to God for this amazing time. Here are texts from today's morning and evening final Masses. Thank you all for your spiritual support the whole week. I appreciate it very much. God bless you much!

Retreat - Friday - Sixth Day Texts

The penultimate day of our week-long parochial faith awakening spiritual experience. The day for the sick and the day for the meditation on the mystery of the Cross. The conclusion of the day was the meeting with married couples taking on the issue of the crisis of the father figure in the world. Here are the texts:

Retreat - Corpus Christi Solemnity - Fifth Day Texts

Today the Holy Mother Church is celebrating the Solemnity of Corpus Christi. The Solemnity of the Most Holy Eucharist. Here is today's text of the homily and four short reflection at four altars during the Eucharistic Procession this afternoon in our parish. Please, continue praying for me and for the whole community taking part in this important spiritual exercise in the parish. Thanks in advance!

Retreat - Wednesday - Fourth Day Texts

Here are texts from today's spiritual talks.

Retreat - Tuesday - Third Day Texts

Here they are. Spiritual talk on the mystery of the Communion of Saints, the fifth secret word for children and spiritual talk for the youth and students on their real vocation to fly high. You can also follow the texts on the official website of our St. Kazimierz parish here. Continue participating in the retreat in this virtual way. God will come to you with proper answers and blessings! Let us continue praying for each other!

Silver Jubilee in Wawel Cathedral - Photos

I haven't posted pictures from our jubilee in the cathedral yet. Apologies. Here they come:

Retreat - Monday - Second Day Texts

Here are texts of my spiritual talks from today, the second day of the parochial retreat.

Retreat - Sunday - First Day Texts

As promised, but a bit earlier as I've got a couple of hours of break midday, I would like to share with you the texts from today's homilies on the first day of our parochial retreat, so all of you far away from Kraków may join us and follow the path we have just taken. These are two homilies - one general and one for children's Mass (today we celebrated the first anniversary of the First Communion of children who received the First Communion in May last year). I post original texts in Polish, so please, use the Google translator to choose your language. Continue praying for us. Thank you.

Retreat Texts

In an hour our week-long parochial retreat will begin. I would like to announce that every day in the late evening around 10 P.M. (Eastern European Time - GMT+2) I will be posting daily texts of homilies and spiritual talks that I preached on that given day. Thus enabling all of you to participate in the retreat with us present in the parochial church of St. Kazimierz on Kraków's Grzegórzki district. Let us pray for each other during this time of special grace. As always, use Google Translator provided in the right sidebar to translate texts in your own language, please. God bless us all!

The Journey Within

Rainer Maria Rilke said once - "The only journey is the journey within." And this is precisely what we are about to do starting tomorrow when I begin a week-long parochial retreat as a preparation of the community of the faithful for the upcoming visitation of the sacred image of Divine Mercy in our parish. For the whole week I will try to guide the parochial community in prayer, meditations, spiritual talks and reflections along the main theme of the spiritual journey within ourselves for the sake of the renewal of our parish and our bonds as the family of God. The program of the retreat is here. I ask all of you humbly for your kind prayers and support so that the Almighty and Merciful God may use me as He pleases for the sake of His children in our parish. May the Holy Spirit guide and enlighten us along the spiritual path within and may God's will be done to the fullest. I promise you my sincere prayers for you and for all your needs. God bless us all!

Upper Room

I am sitting in the upper room of the rectory of Ulmerfeld parish in diocese of St. Polten in Austria, in my best friend parish, focusing on the notes for the upcoming parochial week-long retreat in St. Kazimierz parish in Kraków, my home parish, as a preparation for the visitation of the picture of Jesus, the King of Mercy (4-5 June). The retreat will begin this Sunday and I am deeply grateful to Fr. Wiesiek for the opportunity of three calm days in his parish to work on final shapes of the spiritual talks. Please, pray for the parochial community at St. Kazimierz and myself - may the Holy Spirit guide and enlighten us. May the Holy Spirit enable me to speak only what God wants and may these words penetrate the deepest cores of the faithful hearts and consciences. As always, I will pray in a special way for all of you, my esteemed readers. God bless and protect and guide us all!

Goosebumps

Back home from ordination class 1988 jubilee retreat at Totus Tuus retreat center near Zembrzyce. It was a sacred time. I praise the Lord's name for our retreat master, Fr. Kazimierz Duraj, spiritual director from our major seminary. Absolutely mesmerizing spiritual talks and homilies. Tomorrow morning all of us will celebrate the Holy Mass at St. Stanislaus altar in Wawel cathedral presided by His Eminence Cardinal Stanislaw Dziwisz, his three auxiliaries - bishops Jan Zając (our former rector), Jan Szkodoń (our former spiritual director) and our classmate Grzegorz Ryś. we expect most of our colleagues to make it to the cathedral - we are 59 left, so expect a huge concelebration. And all of us vested with the same stole - made for our ordination as deacons. Looking forward to this unique reunion at the same place we were ordained exactly twenty five years ago. We will sing again the same song we sung as newly ordained priests on that day - Pan jest Mocą swojego Ludu! Goosebumps...

Diocesan Synod - Official Opening

Today, on the Solemnity of the Pentecost, the Diocesan Synod for the Diocese of Musoma has been officially opened by His Excellency, Bishop Michael Msonganzila, Bishop of Musoma, in the presence of the clergy, religious and the faithful of our diocese. I commend the proceedings of the synod to the guidance and light of the Holy Spirit and the intercession and protection of our Patron Saint of Musoma Diocese - Holy Mary Mother of God. Please, pray for us, pray for the living community of the diocese. May the Holy Spirit makes anew the face of the People of God of Diocese of Musoma. Come, Holy Spirit!

Reunion

In a couple of hours I will be picked up by my classmate and our class chairman, Fr. Marek Hajdyła, and we will drive up to Zembrzyce, small town near Sucha Beskidzka, for our two days of prayer and ordination class reunion, before we celebrate our Silver Jubilee of Ordination on Wednesday, on the very day of our ordination, twenty five years ago. The Jubilee Mass will be celebrated in the cathedral on  Wawel Hill, presided by His Eminence, Stanisław Cardinal Diwisz, our former rector in major seminary - His Excellency Bishop Jan Zając, our former spiritual director - His Excellency Bishop Jan Szkodoń and our classmate - His Excellency Bishop Grzegorz Ryś.

I will carry all of you in my heart along with all intentions dear to your hearts. I promise my prayers for you and for your intentions. Please, pray for us, so the Holy Spirit on whose Solemnity we received our ordination to priesthood, guide and enlighten us, so may continue to go forth and bring abundant fruit of our faith and good deeds as faithful servants of God and His Church.

Pharmacists Of Kraków

Yesterday I had an opportunity to celebrate the Holy Eucharist for the community of pharmacists of the city of Kraków and Małopolska Region. The Holy Mass and the following meeting with dr Jadzia Żyłka (former doctor volunteer administering the health center in Kiabakari in the period of 2009-2010) was held in Capuching church in Loretańska street. It was a wonderful experience for me. And here is the text of my homily:

Surprise

My Mission Support Team in St. Kazimierz home parish in Kraków, has prepared a surprise party for me, on the occasion of my 50th birthday (delayed, as it was actually on April 22nd). Still, it was a lovely afternoon, with a great cake and blowing out candles, nice talk and sharing. Thank you, ladies and gentlemen!

Switzerland? Nope. Poland!

Silver Jubilee - Photos

Silver Jubilee Homily

I have been asked by many people who attended the Jubilee Mass for copies of my homily. I guess the best way to share it with them and with you is to publish the text here. It is in Polish, so please, use Google translator or other software to get it in your own language.

So, here it goes. And remember, please, to pray for me and Kiabakari. God bless you all!

Radio Interview - Audio File Online

Just to let you know that you can listen to the Radio Bonus interview I gave on Wednesday by clicking the link here. Enjoy.

Diocesan Synod Of Musoma On Facebook

An official Facebook page for Diocesan Synod of Musoma about to begin on Pentecost Sunday has just been launched, being a complimentary of the official page of the Synod which can be accessed here. Feel free to like the page (click here). Your prayers and participation in the synodal works are highly appreciated. May Lord's Will be done through the proceedings of the Synod. Good work of deacon William Bahitwa, working as webmaster of the pages.

Radio Bonus

Yesterday I had an opportunity to talk a bit on various issues concerning myself, my vocation, silver jubilee, my missionary vocation and work, Kiabakari and Divine Mercy and so forth during a radio interview at internet Radio Bonus  in Kraków. The excerpts of the interview have been published just a while ago at the Archdiocese of Kraków portal www.franciszkanska3.pl. The link to the article is here.

For those of you who would like to listen to the recording, I was told it would be aired tomorrow, Friday, May 10th at 5pm Polish time. I was told also that they intend to publish the audio file of the recording, so those of you who cannot access the radio at that particular time, could do so at their convenience.

I wish to express my gratitude to the Radio Bonus staff, in particular to Miss Magda Dobrzyniak and Miss Karolina Putlak who organized the interview, for this unique experience and an opportunity to share. God bless us all!