Fr Michael Targett MAfr RIP

This morning at around 6.15, Fr Michael Targett MAfr returned to the Father. Michael returned to UK from many years in Ghana and was a lively and valued member of our community in Little Ealing Lane, taking part in everything and bringing his own deep spirituality to community liturgies.. He continued his work of spiritual direction until he began to be troubled with various medical difficulties, which meant that he had to receive treatment in Ealing hospital. The difficulties seemed to multiply and Michael’s health became more and more fragile and his breathing more and more laboured. Over the last few days he received many visits from family and confreres and received the Last Sacrament. Michael was lucid and well prepared to meet His Lord calmly and trustingly. May he rest in the Peace which he preached to others for so many years. let us pray for him and his family, and we trust that now he is praying for us.

The Requiem Mass for Fr Mike will be celebrated on Thursday 6th March 2025 at St John the Evangelist Church at 11 am.

The burial will take place at 1 pm at St Mary’s Cemetery , Kensal Rise.

There will be a reception after the burial at Little Ealing Lane.

Fr John Slinger MAfr May He Rest in Peace

Our confrere Fr John Slinger passed away peacefully and unexpectedly 2 days ago in Mwanza, Tanzania after having prepared the altar for morning Mass.

We will publish more about John, his life and his death later. However since there will be a Mass for him today in Mwanza and his requiem and burial tomorrow, it is important that those who know and care about him be informed as quickly as possible.

From Fr Oswald Mallya, We will have a requeim Mass for John tomorrow Sunday 22/12/24 starting from 17h East African time (2pm GMT) in Nyakato parish in Mwanza where John has served and where he was booked for Mass on the same Sunday morning. The funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday 23/12/24 at 10 a.m (7am GMT) East African time in Nyakato and it'll be presided by the archbishop of Mwanza and another bishop. After the Mass, the body of John will be brought for burial in Nyegezi cemetery where the other Missionaries of Africa and diocesan priests are buried. The cemetery is near our community of Nyegezi in Mwanza.

Dear Father Hugh and Father Oswald Mallya,

Thank you very much for reading our message to John. We loved and will continue to love him very much. We are sad that we were not able to get flights in time for his funeral but we hope to visit his place of rest soon. Please could you kindly send us the link to the live streaming when and if it becomes available. Thank you once again for everyone’s support. Please let us know if we can contribute in any way at all. Thank you.

From John Slinger’s niece, Annie

The eulogy to be read at John’s funeral.

Our Great Uncle John touched the lives of so many people. He was full of life and was the heart and soul of many gatherings. He lived life to the full and remained young in his heart always. We are all truly shocked to learn of his passing. He maintained his fitness throughout his life and shamefully, we could never quite keep up with him! To us, his mind was his youth, he had the most positive outlook on life, and that positivity was a gift he shared with everyone around him. He was happy to share, happy to listen, happy to help, happy to teach, happy to learn and happy to love every one. He embraced all walks of life, all religions and always did his best to remember everybody.
We loved hearing all about his life, and when he was in Africa he would think of all his friends and family outside of Africa and when he was here with us, he would remember all of his friends and family in Africa. He never forgot any of us and we will never forget our Great Uncle John. He has always said that Africa is his home. It was his wish that he would remain in Africa should anything ever happen to him and we are glad that his wish can be fulfilled.
We are grateful that he has lived a beautiful life but grieve with extreme sadness that we cannot speak with him again. We know he would say “Don’t Worry! Everything will be ok!” but we will miss him, today, tomorrow and for the rest of our lives.  We are blessed because John loved to take photographs and share videos and we can continue to see him playing the guitar and hear him singing songs and he will continue to live in our hearts. 
Our Great Uncle John was not only Great because he was our daughters’ Great Uncle but because he was a Great person who loved all people, animals - especially cats, Everton football club, playing his guitar, Guinness and above all, God. He is an exceptional person and God has called our Great Uncle John to join them in Heaven and we pray that we may laugh with him again someday. 
We love you Great Uncle John, thank you for loving us and thank you Africa for being the home of our beloved Great Uncle John.
This is one of our favourite moments with our Great Uncle John as this photo captures the adoration that we have for him. The light that he brings to our hearts and how natural he is with every one. He is playing with his great niece and joy and happiness radiates from their interaction and this moment sums up our love for John.

The events will be livestreamed from this Facebook page
https://m.facebook.com/MissioPastoralis/

Fr. Francis Nolan MAfr 90th Birthday

On 6th November 2024, the communities of Missionaries of Africa and Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Africa came together in Little Ealing Lane to celebrate the 90 years of life and service of Fr Frank Nolan.

Frank was the main celebrant at the Mass of thanksgiving and afterwards he took part in and was the centre of the buffet supper which we all shared.

Frank has spent very many years in Tanzania both teaching and in parish ministry, but although now he is based in Little Ealing Lane, he is part of the History Project of the Society and continues studies of the Society and various great figures of our White Father history. He publishes some but also gives live lectures, as on the recent Feast of Our Founder, Cardinal Lavigerie.

We thank God for Frank’s gifts and his presence amongst us. God has given him 90 years so far, may He continue to be generous.

Award to Cardinal Michael for his work of dialogue

On 2nd October 2024, Cardinal Michael Fitzgerald’s lifelong work for dialogue and understanding between Muslims and Christians, particularly in Africa, was recognised in an award ceremony. He was awarded the “St Francis and Claire of Assisi” 32nd International Award for Dialogue Between Peoples and Cultures. The award was made by the International Franciscan Centre for Dialogue between Peoples.

Requiem Mass for Fr Edward (Eddie) Man-Ko Woo MAfr

The requiem Mass of our confrere Fr Edward (Eddie) Man-Ko Woo MAfr was celebrated on 25th June 2024 at St. Patrick’s Church, Soho.

Praying all together were confreres from Eddie’s community in Northfields, Eddie’s family represented by his godson Henry, wife Patsy and their daughter Clara Cheong who had come from Hong Kong to be present at this Mass. After returning from Africa, Eddie ministered for a number of years to the Chinese community in London. The Chinese community was well represented by parishioners and also by the present Chinese Chaplain and the Parish Priest of Kentish Town.

Fr Eddie was born in Hong Kong, but was sent to school in UK, eventually going on to take his degree in Accountancy. It was as a young adult that he came into contact with the Missionaries of Africa (White Fathers) and after studies in Osterley (for late vocations) he studied with the White Fathers and was ordained priest on 28th June 1969. Since at that time he did not have a full UK passport he spent several years on Vocations out of Sutton Coldfield.

Eventually, armed with his new UK passport he went to Africa, first in Tanzania, then to Kenya where he put his Accountancy expertise to good use in Nairobi. Returning eventually to London, and after a spell as Chaplain to the Chinese community in London, he stayed in Little Ealing Lane Community until his death on 22nd June 2024, 5 days short of his 55th anniversary of Priesthood. In later years he suffered from debilitating deafness. This isolated him rather, but he still tried to get to the chapel for Mass and Divine Office with his confreres.

Whilst he was still active Eddie would often invite confreres to a meal in Chinatown, so it was appropriate that after the Requiem Mass, presided over by Fr Hugh Seenan MAfr, Provincial Delegate, the Missionary community and Fr Eddie’s family and friends went together to share a meal in a Chinese restaurant in Soho Chinatown.

The cremation took place the next day (26th June) and the final burial will take place at the Missionaries of Africa plot in Kensal Green, London sometime in September, when Fr Eddie’s family will be able to be present, coming from Hong Kong.

May Almighty God receive our brother into His Kingdom and may He comfort all those who mourn Fr Eddie’s death.

Fr. Eddie Woo MAfr RIP

Fr. Eddie Woo MAfr died peacefully in his sleep in the morning of Sunday 9th June 2024. Fr. Eddie was a Missionary of Africa for 55 years serving the People of God in Tanzania, Kenya and UK.

His funeral will be at St. Patrick’s Church, Soho Square, London at 10.30 on Tuesday 25 June 2024.

May He Rest in Peace.

New Bishop of Wa

The Holy Father has just nominated Fr Francis Bomansaan MAfr as Bishop of Wa, Ghana Upper West). Fr Francis is at present First Councillor on the General Council in Rome. Born in Wa diocese in 1962, Francis worked in Tanzania as a student, then in Poland (Vocations), UK (St Edward’s College as bursar), Ghana/Nigeria (Provincial). The former Bishop of Wa was Cardinal Richard Baawobr MAfr who tragically and suddenly died weeks after receiving the Cardinal’s hat from Pope Francis. May God bless Fr Francis and give him the strength, the courage and the faith to serve his brothers and sisters in Wa and in Ghana.

Another 4 Missionaries of Africa

On the 8th December 2023, Fr Stanley Lubunga MAfr, Superior General of the Missionaries of Africa received the Missionary Oath of four young men in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. With this life-long commitment they became full members of the Society of Missionaries of Africa. These new missionaries, from Ghana, Kenya and Nigeria, were subsequently ordained to the Diaconate along with young men of several other orders and congregations also in Abidjan on the 9th December 2023, May God bless them all in their ministry and may they live fulfilled, faithful and joy filled lives at the service of their brothers and sisters.

15 New Missionaries of Africa

On Friday 24th November 2023 in Kinshasa, DR Congo, 15 young Africans committed themselves until death to the mission of the Church as Missionaries of Africa. In a ceremony which lasted over 3 hours, these young men from Mozambique, Ghana, DR Congo, Burkina Faso, Zambia, Burundi, Nigeria, Kenya, and Uganda. They took their Missionary Oath of obedience to the Superior General represented by Fr Anselme Tarpaga, MAfr. (Assistant General) in celibacy and simplicity of life and commitment to the Mission of Jesus Christ in Africa.

On Saturday,25th 2023 they were ordained as deacons by the Bishop to serve the Church as helpers of the bishop wherever they work. The Mass lasted for over 5 hours. Next day, the Feast of Christ the King, they began their work as deacons in various parishes in Kinshasa whilst finishing their final year of studying Theology. God willing, they will all be ordained as priests in 2024 in their own countries before being sent on their first appointment as Missionaries of Africa. May Almighty God bless them, may they be happy missionaries never regretting the “blank cheque” they signed on 24th November 2023

Fr Ha-Jo Lohre Freed in Mali

After a year of captivity by a Jihadist related group in Mali, Fr Ha-Jo Lohre MAfr was released on Sunday, 26th November 2023, the day we Missionaries of Africa were celebrating our Founder, Cardinal Charles Lavigerie. We thank God for the release of Ha-Jo, and we thank all those who have been praying for him over the last year. To read further please follow the link - www.vaticannews.va>world>news>mali-ger

Our Kidnapped Confreres Freed!

This morning we heard the welcome news that our kidnapped confreres, Paul and Melchior had been released in a neighbouring parish. No details have yet been received, but ws far as we know they are both safe and well.

Many thanks to all those who have prayed with us for them. God be praised for hearing our prayers.

We continue to pray for Fr. Ha-Jo Lohrer who was kidnapped in Bamako, Mali last November and who is still missing without news.

Melchior

Please pray for Mahinini Dominic Merik (known as Melchior) aged 27, kidnapped 3rd August 2023 in Minna, Nigeria. Melchior is a Missionary of Africa student from Tanzania in the 2nd year of his Pastoral Experience in Nigeria before continuing to Theology and priesthood. Please pray also for his family in Tanzania who must be very worried.

Fr Paul Sanogo MAfr

Please pray for the release of Fr Paul, kidnapped on 3rd August 2023 in Minna, Nigeria. Fr Paul is from Mali. Please pray also for his family and community who must be very worried, and that Almighty God might touch the hearts of the kidnappers.

Kidnapped confreres in Nigeria

Yesterday 2 of our confreres, Fr Paul Sanogo aged 32 from Mali and Melchior a young Tanzanian Missionary of Africa student there for 2 years pastoral experience, were abducted/kidnapped from Gyedna parish in Minna Diocese near Abuja, Northern Nigeria. No details are known as yet, except that the other priests, Frs Dago (Mozambique), Otto (Uganda) and Edmond (Burkina Faso) are safe, either because they escaped or were absent.

Please pray for them both, for their families, for the Church in Nigeria which is suffering so much at the present time and for their captors that they have a change of heart and realise the harm they are causing innocent people and indeed themselves.

More news will be published here as it becomes available.

Sr. Patricia Kent, MSOLA. 21st February 1932 - 10th June 2023

Today the community of Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Africa here in London said goodbye to Sister Pat Kent MSOLA at Maryvale Nursing Home, The Butts, Brentford . The requiem Mass was celebrated by Fr. Hugh Seenan, MAfr.

Sister Pat was known, and described, as an excellent teacher, administrator, bursar, secretary, talented singer, dancer and pleasant companion. Her delightful, and often self-deprecating, sense of humour lightened the atmosphere and did everyone good! 

She loved her Missionary Vocation, working in Tanzania and Malawi for many years as a teacher and in UK serving on the Provincial Council and  working for Vocations . Wherever she was and whatever service she was asked to do, Sister Patricia did it very well with great dedication. She had a deep spiritual life nourished by prayer, study and reading.

Sr. Pat had been moved to the Butts after her health deteriorated with a number of serious health issues but it had seemed to be gradually picking up after a hip replacement. Therefore despite being 91, it came to everyone as a shock when she suddenly died on 10th June. Sr. Pat returned to her Lord quietly, peacefully and without fuss.

Her sisters, and all who knew her, thank God for her life and for all that she shared with us here and  in Africa. Her journey over, may she rest in everlasting peace.

ANNUAL REUNION 2nd Day

The second day of the Reunion was much lighter even than the first. The morning consisted of a trip out to Sion House and finished with lunch there. This year we were lucky because of the magnificent weather.

The afternoon was free and at 5.30 we celebrated Mass for the two confreres, Tom Cummins and Chris Wallbank, who were thanking God for 50 years of Missionary Oath this year. We also remembered Aylward Shorter and Richard Baawobr who died since our last Reunion as well as Dick Kinlen whose anniversary it was. It was also a time for remembering those who could not be with us, Don Anderson, Patrick O’Reilly and Patrick Harrity who are in care as well as the 3 confreres in Rutherglen who couldn’t make it.

We were also fortunate to have 3 MSOLA with us. We remembered Sr Marion who died a short time ago and Sr Pat Kent who died only a few days ago.

After the Mass, since the weather was still gorgeous, we sat and chatted in the garden with a buffet supper and a cake for the Jubilarians.

More photographs can be found on our Facebook Page Missionaries of Africa GB

ANNUAL REUNION

This year the Annual Reunion of the British Sector of the European Province took place 21-22 June in Little Ealing Lane. A good number of confreres attended.

The first morning was devoted to a talk given by Mgr Rod Strange on John Henry Newman. It was much appreciated, and one confrere was heard to say that he had been motivated to buy a copy of Pro Vita Sua.

The first afternoon was taken up with General News - Finances, Safeguarding, the Provincial project in Liverpool and Bill Turnbull (on home leave from Malawi) spoke about his work.

There has been an increase of British confreres back home since last year - Mike Targett and Trevor Robinson home from Ghana. Justin Sebakunzi is also back here for studies.

The first day terminated with a birthday Mass for Peter Smith who celebrated his 80th birthday.

Mass to be said in Westminster Cathedral on Cardinal Richard Baawobr's 64th Birthday

On Wednesday 21 June, I have arranged for Mass to said for the repose of the soul of the late Cardinal His Eminence Richard Kuuia Baawobr [MAfr] at Westminster Cathedral. It will be the 1230 Mass and thus live-streamed. Given that the Cardinal - a friend of mine from his study days in London during the 1980s - was from Ghana and on the date in question he would have celebrated his 64th birthday, I thought to share the information in case anyone wished to watch or to attend in person.
Would you be so kind as to spread the message. Thank you. Best wishes, James "Josh" Stewart

Sister Marion Carabott MSOLA RIP

Born in Valetta, Malta on 11th August 2035. Deceased in Maryville Care Home on 10th April, 2023

 Sister Marion Carabott who passed away on Easter Monday will be very much missed by many, both in and outside the MSOLA (White Sisters) Congregation.

 Before entering the Congregation, she obtained her degree in Malta and taught physics in a secondary school for five years.  In 1960 she left for England to start her formation as a Missionary Sister of Our Lady of Africa. 

After her first vows she was sent to Tanzania where she taught physics.  She then spent a number of years in formation ministry - first as postulant mistress and was then asked to be responsible for the noviciate. In 1975 she was elected to the General Council and in 1981 she became Superior General with responsibility for the whole Congregation.   After this service, she was again appointed as novice mistress, but this time for a young indigenous Congregation in Rwanda: The Abizeramariya, who appreciated her greatly.  She then served for many more years in the congregation leadership in Rwanda and U.K. and then as secretary to the Provincial Council until the structure changed in 2014. 

In her late seventies and into her eighties, Sr. Marion served in ministry for rehabilitating prisoners and later for trafficked women.  She continued this right up to the age of 84, when she was obliged to stop due to the lockdown imposed by the Coronavirus Pandemic. 

 Sr. Marion was a woman of relationships.  People everywhere responded to her warm friendliness, constant kindness and deep caring, loving concern.  She was always ready to give a service and up until her last weeks she was an active and greatly valued member of the MSOLA community in Ealing. 

She lived her missionary commitment to the full throughout her life.

Fr. Aylward Shorter MAfr. May he rest in peace.

Fr. Aylward Shorter MAfr died in the early morning of Sunday 29th January 2003 in his 91st year of life and 61st year of priesthood. He had been living in community in Little Ealing Lane, London until very recently when he needed more specialised care.

Aylward was born in 1932 in Southwark and was ordained 30 years later in Totteridge, North London as a Missionary of Africa.

Immediately after ordination he was sent for further studies, first in Rome, then at Oxford. From then on apart from a brief time in a parish in Tanzania, his life was very much devoted to Education’ particularly concerning Anthropology and Missiology. Ggaba Institute in Uganda, AMECA Pastoral Centre in Eldoret, Kenya, Kipalapala Major Seminary in Tabora, Tanzania, and Eastleigh in Nairobi were all places where he taught. Later he spent time as President of the Missionary Institute London (MIL), North London and as Principal of Tangaza College, Nairobi.

In the later years of his life he lived and prayed in community in Little Ealing Lane, London.

It is difficult to do justice to the long life of such a confrere without simply churning out lists of places and jobs. Suffice it to say that he will be well remembered by the hundreds, if not thousands of students whose lives he impacted and the many colleagues and confreres with whom he lived and worked.

May the Lord who called him to serve the people of Africa so many years ago, now welcome him into the Eternal Life which he proclaimed and for which he was created. May he rest in peace.