Vishawishi vya majaribu huweza kuua, lakini Neno la Yesu huokoa.

(Vatican) Kushinda upotofu wa vishawishi vya majaribu inawezekana tu kwa kusikiliza Neno la Yesu. Papa Francisko alieleza katika homilia yake wakati wa Ibada ya Misa ya Jumanne asubuhi, aliyo iongoza katika Kanisa dogo la Mtakatifu Marta mjini Vatican. Alisema pamoja na udhaifu wetu , daima Kristo hutupatia imani na kufungua upeo wa macho na uwezo, katika kuiona mipaka yetu.

Majaribu huonekana kama kivutio poa ambacho taratibu humwingiza mtu dani ya ngome na kumfanya kuwa mtumwa na kiziwi kwa neno la Mungu. Hotuba ya Papa Francisko ilieleza ukweli huo kufanya rejea mfululizo wa maelezo ya Mtakatifu Yakobo, kama ilivyokuwa katika somo la Liturujia. Papa alieleza Ukweli kwamba Mungu hamtengi binadamu yoyote, ila binadamu hujitenga mwenyewe kwa nia na tamaa zake mbaya . Mtume Yakobo anasema, tamaa huzalisha dhambi. Na dhambi huzalisha mauti.

Papa aliendelea kuuliza majaribu hutoka wapi ?

Baba Mtakatifu Francisko , Jumapili iliyopita majira ya jioni alifanya ziara ya Kichungaji katika Parokia ya Mtakatifu Thomas Mtume iliyoko nje kidogo ya jiji la Roma, kwa nia ya kuvuvia na kuhamasisha uhusiano ukweli, uaminifu, na usafi wa moyo. Pia kutabaruki Kanisa Jipya katika eneo hilo. Kwa ajili hiyo, Papa aliongoza Ibada ya Misa iliyohudhuriwa na maelfu ya wakazi wa eneo hilo la Infernetto, Parokia ya Kusini mwa jiji la Roma ambayo ni sehemu ya Jimbo la Roma.

Papa katika Parokia hiyo alikaribishwa na umati mkubwa wa waaamini wakiongozwa na Kardinali Agostino Vallini , Vika wa Jimbo la Roma, akiwepo pia , Askofu msaidizi wa eneo hilo, Msgr Paolino Schiavon na Paroko Antonio D' Errico.

Akiwa katika Parokia hiyo, Papa alisalimiana na watoto na kuwapatia kile kilichiiotwa tiketi ya kuanza safari ya kutembea katika imani, akiwaambia siri ya kumpenda Yesu ni kumwachia yeye afanye kazi katika maisha yetu. Kwa kuwa Yeye alitupenda kwanza. Watoto hao wadogo wakiwa na nyuso za tabasamu waliinyosha mikono yao kwa Papa , huku wakisema, "Wewe ni rafiki yetu , na baadhi walipiga nae tano, Kisha alikutana na wazazi wa watoto waliobatizwa hivi karibuni wazee, wagonjwa , mapadre, na Chama cha Familia cha watoto wenye ulemavu. Na kabla ya Misa, alipata muda wa kuwaungamisha waaamini kadhaa.

Wakati wa Ibada , Papa aliangalisha homilia yake, katika somo la Injili , ambamo Mtakatifu Matayo anahimiza uhusiano mzuri kati ya mtu na mtu na hasa katika maeneo madogo ambamo watu hufahamiana kirahisi kwamba , ni lazima kuongozwa na misingi ya uaminifu na Ukweli . Ukweli unaotoka ndani ya moyo.

Papa aliwataka wote waliokuwa wamefika katika Ibada hyo, kila mmoja wao kuitafakari hali ya nafsi yake kama ni safi au chafu , ni kufikiri kilichomo ndani ya moyo na kuoana kama "Kuna upendo? Au kuna chuki ? Na iwapo kuna tabia ya msamaha kwa wale wanaotukosea na kutuumiza kimaisha au kuna tabia ya kulipa kisasi . Alikazia ni muhimu kujiuliza kilichomo ndani kwa sababu ndani ya hutoka yote matenda uovu, au wema . Na wema huupata uhuru moyo kuliko uovu.

Papa amekiri, ni kweli, kusamehe na kuwa mtu mwema si rahisi, lakini ni muhimu katika kuyatembea maisha matakatifu hasa katika kumpokea Bwana,na kuomba aingilie kati maisha yetu. Ni daima kuiomba neema hii ya kujua nini kinaendelea ndani ya moyo, na daima kufanya uchaguzi sahihi , uchaguzi wa mzuri. Ni kukumbuka kwamba matendo maovu katika maisha yetu huchafua roho zetu na kutuweka mbali na Bwana. Tuombe Bwana atusaidie daima, kuwa karibu nae, Papa alisisitiza. .

Hii ilikuw ani Parokia ya nne kutembelewa na Papa Francisko tangu kuanza utume wake mwaka jana. Mwishoni mwa Misa, Papa alitoa na shukrani kwa Paroko Padre Antonio d' Errico wa Parokia ya Mtakatifu Thomas Mtume, ambayo iko katika eneo lenye hili maarufu la Infernettalenye wakazi wapatao 25,000.

Andalia Video ya Godwin Ngosso - Siku Ya Kufa

Daily Reading for Tuesday, February 18th, 2014

---

Reading 1, James 1:12-18

¹² Blessed is anyone who perseveres when trials come. Such a person is of proven worth and will win the prize of life, the crown that the Lord has promised to those who love him.
¹³ Never, when you are being put to the test, say, 'God is tempting me'; God cannot be tempted by evil, and he does not put anybody to the test .
¹⁴ Everyone is put to the test by being attracted and seduced by that person's own wrong desire.
¹⁵ Then the desire conceives and gives birth to sin, and when sin reaches full growth, it gives birth to death.
¹⁶ Make no mistake about this, my dear brothers:
¹⁷ all that is good, all that is perfect, is given us from above; it comes down from the Father of all light; with him there is no such thing as alteration, no shadow caused by change.
¹⁸ By his own choice he gave birth to us by the message of the truth so that we should be a sort of first-fruits of all his creation.

---

Responsorial Psalm, Psalms 94:12-13, 14-15, 18-19

¹² How blessed are those you instruct, Yahweh, whom you teach by means of your law,
¹³ to give them respite in evil times, till a pit is dug for the wicked.
¹⁴ Yahweh will not abandon his people, he will not desert his heritage;
¹⁵ for judgement will again become saving justice, and in its wake all upright hearts will follow.
¹⁸ I need only say, 'I am slipping,' for your faithful love, Yahweh, to support me;
¹⁹ however great the anxiety of my heart, your consolations soothe me.

---

Gospel, Mark 8:14-21

¹⁴ The disciples had forgotten to take any bread and they had only one loaf with them in the boat.
¹⁵ Then he gave them this warning, 'Keep your eyes open; look out for the yeast of the Pharisees and the yeast of Herod.'
¹⁶ And they said to one another, 'It is because we have no bread.'
¹⁷ And Jesus knew it, and he said to them, 'Why are you talking about having no bread? Do you still not understand, still not realise? Are your minds closed?
¹⁸ Have you eyes and do not see, ears and do not hear? Or do you not remember?
¹⁹ When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many baskets full of scraps did you collect?' They answered, 'Twelve.'
²⁰ 'And when I broke the seven loaves for the four thousand, how many baskets full of scraps did you collect?' And they answered, 'Seven.'
²¹ Then he said to them, 'Do you still not realise?'

St. Simon

Feastday: February 18

In St. Matthew's Gospel, we read of St. Simon or Simeon who is described as one of our Lord's brethren or kinsmen. His father was Cleophas, St. Joseph's brother, and his mother, according to some writers, was our Lady's sister. He would therefore be our Lord's first cousin and is supposed to have been about eight years older than He. No doubt he is one of those brethren of Christ who are  mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles as having received the Holy Spirit on Pentecost. St. Epiphanius says that when the Jews massacred St. James the Lesser, his brother Simeon upbraided them for their cruelty. The apostles and disciples afterwards met together to appoint a successor to James as bishop of Jerusalem, and they unanimously chose Simeon, who had probably assisted his brother in the government of that church. In the year 66 civil war broke out in Palestine, as a consequence of Jewish opposition to the Romans. The Christians in Jerusalem were warned of the impending destruction of the city and appear to have been divinely ordered to leave it. Accordingly that same year, before Vespasian entered Judaea, they retired with St. Simeon at their head to the other side of the Jordan, occupying a small city called Pella. After the capture and burning of Jerusalem, the Christians returned and settled among the ruins until the Emperor Hadrian afterwards entirely razed it. We are told by St. Epiphanius and by Eusebius that the church here flourished greatly, and that many Jews were converted by the miracles wrought by the saints. When Vespasian and Domitian had ordered the destruction of all who were of the race of David, St. Simeon had escaped their search; but when Trajan gave a similar injunction, he was denounced as being not only one of David's descendants, but also a Christian, and he was brought before Atticus, the Roman governor. He was condemned to death and, after being tortured, was crucified. Although he was extremely old - tradition reports him to have attained the age of 120 - Simeon endured his sufferings with a degree of fortitude which roused the admiration of Atticus himself. His feast day is February 18

A nutrient found in spinach and eggs could help sharpen reflexes and therefore improve road safety.

So says a team of researchers from Leiden University and the University of Amsterdam, who conducted a study on the impact of intake of tyrosine, a nutrient found in foods including spinach, eggs, cheese and soy.
For their research, scientists tested the reaction times of participants on a computer screen. Whenever a green arrow appeared, they were instructed to press the corresponding button as quickly as possible. Buttons had to match direction of the arrow -- either left or right. When a red arrow appeared, participants were instructed to do nothing.
Sessions were divided into two tests: on one occasion, participants were given a tyrosine-enriched orange juice before the task, and on the other, a glass of orange juice that contained a placebo.
Results showed that candidates showed improved reflexes after drinking the orange juice with tyrosine.
Researchers hypothesize that increased intake of tyrosine-rich foods and supplements could have implications on road safety, improving drivers’ reaction times to braking for children or pile-ups.
Low levels of tyrosine are also linked to lower levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine, which can lead to depression and apathy.

Askofu Gervas Nyaisonga ateuliwa kuwa Askofu Mpya wa Jimbo katoliki Mpanda

Baba Mtakatifu Francisko amemteua Askofu Gervas Nyaisonga kuwa Askofu mpya wa Jimbo Katoliki Mpanda, Tanzania. Itakumbukwa kwamba, Jimbo Katoliki Mpanda lilikuwa wazi baada ya kufariki dunia kwa Askofu Pascal Kikoti hapo tarehe 28 Agosti 2012.

Baba Mtakatifu mstaafu Benedikto wa kumi na sita, tarehe 9 Januari, 2011 alimteua Mheshimiwa Padre Gervas Nyaisonga kuwa Askofu wa Jimbo Katoliki la Dodoma, baada ya Baba Mtakatifu Benedikto wa kumi na sita, kumhamisha Askofu Yuda Thadeus Ruwaichi toka Jimbo Katoliki la Dodoma na kwenda Jimbo kuu la Mwanza kama Askofu mkuu.

Askofu Gervas John Mwasikwabhila Nyaisonga aliwewa kuwekwa wakfu kuwa Askofu wa Jimbo Katoliki la Dodoma, hapo tarehe 19 Marchi, 2011, kwenye Kanisa kuu la Mtakatifu Paulo wa Msalaba.

Askofu Gervas John Mwasikwabhila

HILLSONG - video song How Great is our God

Rubani aliteka ndege ya Ethiopia

Ndege iliyokuwa imetekwa

Rubani msaidizi wa ndege ya abiria ya shirika la ndege la Ethiopia ndiye aliyeiteka nyara .

Maafisa mini Geneva wanasema kuwa naibu huyo wa rubani alichukua usukani wa ndege hiyo rubani wake alipokwenda msalani kwa haja.
Tukio hilo inaripotiwa kutokea ndege hiyo aina ya Boeing 767-300 ilipokuwa ikipaa katika anga ya Sudan.
Rubani huyo msaidizi alibadili mkondo wa ndege hiyo iliyokuwa ikielekea Rome Italia ,na kuipaa hadi Uswisi alipoitua katika uwanja wa ndege wa Geneva.
Katika taarifa kwa vyombo vya habari shirika hilo linasema kuwa abiria wote 200 wako salama .
Ripoti ya idara inayosimamia usafiri wa ndege ya Uswisi inasema kuwa rubani huyo msaidizi aliomba uraiya kabla ya kutua ndege hiyo na akajisalimisha kwa maafisa wa usalama waliokuwa wameizingira ndege hiyo.
Polisi walimtia mbaroni mara moja .

Becoming a Catholic

Interested In Learning More About The Catholic Church ?

Welcome! This page explains the process by which one can - through their local Catholic church - learn more about the faith. We hope this information is helpful to you!
The process by which adults come into the Church has come to be known as "the RCIA", which is short for "The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults."

Who is the process for?

1. The unbaptized. The primary focus of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is on those who are not already Christian and have not been catechized.
2. Baptized but uncatechized. Those who have been baptized either as Roman Catholics or as members of another Christian community but did not receive further catechetical formation or instruction. These typically have also not celebrated confirmation nor Eucharist.
3. Those seeking full Catholic Communion. These are baptized, practicing Christians from other denominations who seek entry into the Catholic Church.

In the case of children who have reached the age of reason, the proper pastor should be consulted for information about Baptism and the other Sacraments of Initiation.
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is not for adult candidates for confirmation who have already received their First Eucharist in the Catholic Church. They should have their own formation process and be confirmed at a celebration other than the Easter Vigil.

What does the process look like?

The Rite of Christian Initiation is based on the principle that the process of conversion proceeds gradually, in stages. Progress from one stage to the next is marked by a liturgical celebration in the midst of the parish community. The experience and needs of those in each category described above differ, and so the length of time may vary for each person. Nevertheless, there are certain similarities among all the groups and the process they will experience, and these can be listed as follows:

Precatechumenate

The first stage is called the period of inquiry (or the precatechumenate). This is when the individual first expresses an interest in becoming a Christian or a Catholic, and begins to explore, with the help of the parish community, what his or her relationship with Christ might be and how that might be enriched and deepened by joining this Christian community. There is no liturgical rite to mark the beginning of this stage. This period of inquiry may last several months or several years and ends either when the inquirer decides against continuing in this direction or when the inquirer feels ready to move on and the community is prepared to welcome him or her.

Catechumenate

The second stage is called the catechumenate and, for the unbaptized listed above, who are now called catechumens, should last no less than one full year. For the baptized but uncatechized the period should be a similar length. For the candidates for full communion, this stage could well be much shorter. The Rite of Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens and the Rite of Welcoming mark the beginning of this stage. Catechesis for this period is rooted in the Lectionary and the Word as it is proclaimed in the midst of the community. This is also a time for the catechumen or candidate to learn how to live as a Catholic Christian. This period ends when the catechumens and candidates express their desire to receive the sacraments of initiation and the community acknowledges their readiness.

Purification and Enlightenment

The third stage is the period of purification and enlightenment and coincides with Lent. During this time the elect (formerly the catechumens) and the candidates enter into a period of intense preparation and prayer which includes the three public celebrations of the scrutinies and is marked by the presentations of the Creed and the Lord's Prayer. The Rite of Election and the Call to Continuing Conversion are celebrated at the beginning of this stage. This period ends with the celebration of baptism, confirmation, and Eucharist at the Easter Vigil. (Note: only the elect are baptized. All the groups are confirmed and welcomed to the table.)

Mystagogy

The fourth stage is the period of post baptismal catechesis or mystagogy. At this time, the newly initiated explore their experience of being fully initiated through participation with all the faithful at Sunday Eucharist and through appropriate catechesis. The period formally lasts through the Easter season and may be marked by a parish celebration on or near Pentecost. On a more informal level, mystagogy is a lifelong process, one that all Christians are engaged in, as we all work to deepen our sense of what it means to live the Christian life.
It is important to note that those who fall into the third category above (candidates for full communion) do not always need to take part in the full process. Especially if they have been actively living the Christian life in another denomination, they are likely in need of very little catechesis and may be welcomed into the Church on any Sunday after a short period of preparation. According to the National Statutes for the Catechumenate, "Those baptized persons who have lived as Christians and need only instruction in the Catholic tradition and a degree of probation within the Catholic community should not be asked to undergo a full program parallel to the catechumenate."

I'm interested. What should my first step be?

Contact your nearest Catholic parish . Your Catholic priest can discuss with you the specifics of the initiation process at your local parish. Know that the prayers of a 65 million Catholics in the United States and the 1.2 Billion Catholics around the world are with you as you complete your journey. Best wishes!

Daily Reading for Monday, February 17th, 2014

---

Reading 1, James 1:1-11

¹ From James, servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ. Greetings to the twelve tribes of the Dispersion.
² My brothers, consider it a great joy when trials of many kinds come upon you,
³ for you well know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance, and
⁴ perseverance must complete its work so that you will become fully developed, complete, not deficient in any way.
⁵ Any of you who lacks wisdom must ask God, who gives to all generously and without scolding; it will be given.
⁶ But the prayer must be made with faith, and no trace of doubt, because a person who has doubts is like the waves thrown up in the sea by the buffeting of the wind.
⁷ That sort of person, in two minds,
⁸ inconsistent in every activity, must not expect to receive anything from the Lord.
⁹ It is right that the brother in humble circumstances should glory in being lifted up,
¹⁰ and the rich in being brought low. For the rich will last no longer than the wild flower;
¹¹ the scorching sun comes up, and the grass withers, its flower falls, its beauty is lost. It is the same with the rich: in the middle of a busy life, the rich will wither.

---

Responsorial Psalm, Psalms 119:67, 68, 71, 72, 75, 76

⁶⁷ Before I was punished I used to go astray, but now I keep to your promise.
⁶⁸ You are generous and act generously, teach me your will.
⁷¹ It was good for me that I had to suffer, the better to learn your judgements.
⁷² The Law you have uttered is more precious to me than all the wealth in the world.
⁷⁵ I know, Yahweh, that your judgements are upright, and in punishing me you show your constancy.
⁷⁶ Your faithful love must be my consolation, as you have promised your servant.

---

Gospel, Mark 8:11-13

¹¹ The Pharisees came up and started a discussion with him; they demanded of him a sign from heaven, to put him to the test.
¹² And with a profound sigh he said, 'Why does this generation demand a sign? In truth I tell you, no sign shall be given to this generation.'
¹³ And, leaving them again, he re-embarked and went away to the other side.

St. Daniel

Feastday: February 16

Died in 309, He and four companions, Elias, Isaias, Jeremy and Samuel were Egyptians who visited Christians condemned to work in the mines of Cilicia during Maximus persecution, to comfort them. Apprehended at the gates of Caesarea, Palestine, they were brought before the governor, Firmilian and accused of being Christians. They were all tortured and then beheaded. When Porphyry, a servant of St. Pamphilus demanded that the bodies be buried, he was tortured and then burned to death when it was found he was a Christian. Seleucus witnessed his death and applauded his constancy in the face of his terrible death; whereupon he was arrested by the soldiers involved in the execution, borught before the governor and was beheaded at Firmilian's order. Feast day Feb. 16.

البابا فرنسيس يستقبل رئيس جمهورية قبرص السيد نيكوس أناستاسيادس

استقبل البابا فرنسيس هذا السبت في القصر الرسولي بالفاتيكان رئيس جمهورية قبرص السيد نيكوس أناستاسيادس الذي اجتمع لاحقا بأمين سر دولة حاضرة الفاتيكان المطران بيترو بارولين وأمين سر الدولة للعلاقات مع الدول المطران دومينيك مامبرتي. وجاء في بيان نشرته دار الصحافة التابعة للكرسي الرسولي أنه تم التطرق خلال المحادثات الودية إلى العلاقات الجيدة القائمة بين الكرسي الرسولي وجمهورية قبرص، إضافة لبعض المسائل ذات الاهتمام المشترك، كالدور الإيجابي للديانة في المجتمع وحماية الحق في الحرية الدينية. وأضاف البيان الصادر عن دار الصحافة الفاتيكانية أنه تمت الإشارة بارتياح لاستئناف المحادثات الهادفة إلى حل متقاسم لتخطي الوضع الحالي للجزيرة، وتم التعبير أيضا عن القلق إزاء النزاعات وغياب الاستقرار السياسي في منطقة الشرق الأدنى والأوسط، ما يسبب آلاما خطيرة للسكان المدنيين، مع الأمل بأن تتمكن الجماعات المسيحية في البلدان المختلفة من مواصلة تقديم إسهامها لبناء مستقبل من الخير المادي والروحي.

هذا واستقبل البابا فرنسيس هذا السبت في الفاتيكان بطريرك الروم الملكيين الكاثوليك صاحب الغبطة غريغوريوس الثالث لحام ورئيس أساقفة ساو باولو في البرازيل، الكاردينال أوديلو شيرير.

Raslimali ya nchi itumike kwa ajili ya mafao ya wengi!

Kardinali John Onaiyekan wa Jimbo kuu la Abuja, Nigeria, hivi karibuni wakati wa Maadhimisho ya Ibada ya Misa takatifu katika kumbu kumbu ya Jubilee ya Miaka 70 tangu kuzinduliwa kwa Kanisa la Bikira Maria Malkia wa Nigeria, Jimbo kuu la Abuja amewataka viongozi wa Serikali na kutoka katika sekta ya watu binafsi kutumia vyema rasilimali ya nchi kwa ajili ya ustawi na maendeleo ya wananchi wote wa Nigeria.

Kardinali Onaiyekan anasema kwamba, Mwenyezi Mungu ameikirimia Nigeria utajiri mkubwa wa maliasili ambayo kimsingi inapaswa kutumiwa kwa ajili ya ustawi na maendeleo ya wananchi wote wa Nigeria bila upendeleo, kama kielelezo cha utekelezaji wa misingi ya haki, amani na maendeleo endelevu. Huu unaweza kuwa ni mchango mkubwa katika kukabiliana na changamoto mbali mbali zinazoendelea kujitokeza nchini Nigeria: ukosefu wa amani na utulivu unaoweza kuchangiwa kutokana na umaskini;

Wazee, hazina ya familia na Jamii....

Tunaendelea kujielimisha na masuala mbalimbali yanayohusiana na maisha mchanganyiko, tukiwa ndani ya familia ambamo kwa kawaida tuna baba , mama, watoto na wazee na wagonjwa. Wanasayansi wanasema kuzeeka ni suala la maendeleo kimaisha. Wazee ni chemchemi ya maisha

HISTORIA YA WAFRANSISKO

1.1. NDUGU WADOGO KUPAMBANA HADI KUTENGANISHWA (1226-1517)

 

1.1.1. MWANZO WA MAPAMBANO (1226-1318)

 

Mt. Fransisko alipokuwa hai alisongwa na kundi la Watumishi na wasomi wa utawa wake, likisaidiwa na viongozi wa juu wa Kanisa, ili alegeze masharti ya ufukara na kulinganisha zaidi shirika lake na yale ya zamani. Kwa karama yake ya pekee aliweza kukabili upinzani huo wote. Juhudi yake ya mwisho ya kuzuia shirika lisipotoke ni wasia aliouandika ili kusisitiza msimamo wake, kudai kanuni yake isifafanuliwe, pamoja na kukataza wanashirika wasimuombe Papa hati yoyote. Alipokufa utawa ukabaki mikononi mwa Watumishi hao, wakiongozwa na nd. Elia Bombarone, Mkuu wa shirika miaka 1221-1227, halafu 1232-1239.

Katikati ya hivyo vipindi vyake viwili vya uongozi, Mtumishi mkuu alikuwa nd. Yohane Parenti. Chini yake yalizuka mabishano makali kati ya walioshikilia wasia huo na wale waliotaka shirika lishindane na mashirika mengine. Yeye na Watumishi wengine wakadhani utatuzi unaweza kutokea kwa viongozi wa Kanisa tu. Akipokea ombi lao, Gregori IX (1227-1241)

Ombeeni amani Barani Afrika!

Vita, kinzani na migogoro inayoendelea kujitokeza Barani Afrika imekuwa ni chanzo kikubwa cha taabu na mahangaiko ya watu wasiokuwa na hatia. Kuna watu wanalazimika kuyakimbia makazi yao, wanateseka kwa njaa na magonjwa kutokana na ukosefu wa amani na utulivu.

Baba Mtakatifu Francisko kwa kuguswa na mahangaiko ya wananchi wa Jamhuri ya Afrika ya Kati, anawaalika watumiaji wa mitandao ya kijamii, kumuunga mkono katika kusali kwa ajili ya kuombea amani na utulivu huko Jamhuri ya Watu wa Afrika ya Kati na Sudan ya Kusini.

Rais wa Cyprus akutana na Papa!

Baba Mtakatifu Francisko Jumamosi, tarehe 15 Februari 2014 amekutana na kuzungumza na Rais Nicos Anastasiades ambaye baadaye alikutana na Kardinali mteule Pietro Parolin, Katibu mkuu wa Vatican aliyekuwa ameambata na Askofu mkuu Dominique Mamberti, Katibu mkuu wa mambo ya nchi za nje na ushirikiano wa kimataifa mjini Vatican.

Viongozi hawa wawili wamejadili pamoja na mambo mengine kuhusu uhusiano kati ya Cyprus na Vatican; mchango mkubwa unaotolewa na Kanisa Katoliki nchini humo pamoja na umuhimu wa kuendelea kusimama kidete kulinda na kutetea uhuru wa kidini. Kwa pamoja wameonesha matumaini makubwa baada ya kuanza tena majadiliano ya kisiasa yanayopania kupata ufumbuzi wa kudumu kutokana na hali ngumu inayoendelea nchini Cyprus kwa sasa.

Baba Mtakatifu na mgeni wake wameangalia pia kinzani, migogoro na vita huko Mashariki ya Kati ambayo imesababisha maafa makubwa kwa watu na mali zao. Ni matumaini ya viongozi hawa kwamba, Jumuiya za Kikristo huko Mashariki ya kati zitachangia katika ustawi na maendeleo ya Ukanda huu.

10 Top Churches in Norfolk

There were over 1,000 medieval churches built in Norfolk and 659 still remain, this is the greatest concentration in the world. Not only are these beautiful internationally important buildings, but they contain hundreds of medieval works of art and craftsmanship. The simple and easily built round towers of early times gave way to the rich and spacious buildings in the prosperous Middle Ages, many noted for their beautiful rood screens, decorated roofs and bench carvings. The decline in the population of Norfolk left many churches isolated from their villages, but their towers still dominate the Norfolk landscape. Each of these wonderful buildings, offers a great place to escape our busy lives and experience peace and tranquility. Make sure you get to visit some of these magnificent medieval churches during your stay in Norfolk.
The Norfolk Churches Site

A Map of Norfolk Churches

View a detailed tourist information map of Norfolk

10 Top Churches in Norfolk

Norwich Cathedral The Cathedral dominates the skyline of the city of Norwich. The building was started in 1096 and took nearly 200 years to complete, with stone shipped from Caen in Normandy. After the townsfolk set fire to the cathedral in the riots of 1272, the timber roofs were replaced with stone vaulting with carved and painted roof bosses. It is one of the finest Cathedrals in England.	Norwich Anglican Cathedral
St Helens in Ranworth The tower of St. Helens church dominates the skyline and has served the villagers since 1390. It is well worth tackling the ladders inside the church tower and climb to the top for the wonderful views over the landscape. The church bears the nickname the Cathedral of the Broads and it is easy to understand why when from its heights on clear days you can see five Norfolk Broads. The church also has a fine example of a medieval painted rood screen and some lovely stained glass. Next to the church is a Visitors Centre in a converted old coach house, which houses a tea room and a display of photographs of East Anglican churches.	The Cathedral of the Broads at Ranworth
All Saints in Burnham Thorpe Burnham Thorpe is the birthplace of Horatio Nelson. His father, Edmund Nelson, moved to Burnham Thorpe in 1755, after his marriage. Horatio, the 6th of their 11 children was born on 29th September 1758 in a house called the Shooting Box! Horatio went away to study and after his early years in the Navy, he returned for 5 years to Burnham Thorpe with his new wife. Nelson was given his first role as Captain after this and the rest is history. The church where his father was Rector, is well worth a visit as it is full of Nelson family memorabilia, including a cross and lectern made from wood from HMS Victory.	The church of All Saints in Burnham Thorpe
St Nicholas in Blakeney The large village church of St Nicholas has a small turret at the corner of the chancel where a light would burn as a beacon to guide ships safely into Blakeney Harbour. The church tower (100ft) is one of the highest in Norfolk and is a landmark for miles around. Inside, the church has a lovely early English chancel, built in 1220. You will also find some splendid wood carving and fine stained glass windows.	Blakeney Church of St Mary's
St Mary's in Happisburgh In a commanding position, overlooking the sea is the large village church of St Mary's in Happisburgh. It has a very tall tower (110 feet). Inside, the church is very spacious and contains some medieval features, such as the backlight to the rood at the east end of the nave. The church also has a splendid 15th century octagonal font and a stained glass window showing an English knight.	Happisburgh church
St Mary's at Sandringham Within the gardens at Sandringham, you will find the lovely church of St Mary Magdalene. The church dates back to the 16th century and is considered to be one of the finest carrstone buildings in existence.  St Mary's was built as Sandringham parish church, but it is regularly used as a place of worship by the Royal Family and inside are many memorials to various members of the Royal family.	Sandringham Church of St Mary Magdalene
St Margaret in Cley next the sea The parish church of St. Margaret of Antioch, dating back to the 13th century. Dominating this end of the village, it seems at times almost too cathedral like for the small village. The church is vast and contains many interesting features including a seven sacrament font, bench ends depicting people and mythical creatures, brasses and old stained glass.	Cley next the sea Church
St Nicholas at Salthouse The church of St Nicholas at Salthouse stands between the village and high ridge and is high enough to avoid any flood water. The best view of the church is from Salthouse Heath. Inside, the nave and chancel were rebuilt in the 15th century at a time of great prosperity. The church contains a fine font with lions and a painted rood screen.	Salthouse church from Salthouse Heath
St. Marys, West Somerton This ancient, peaceful church is one of the best in Norfolk, partly due to its location, perched on a hill overlooking the surrounding countryside and views to the coast at Winterton. People have worshipped here for over 900 years and the building contains craftsmanship from various dates and periods.	West Somerton Village Church
Booton St Michael, near Reepham Booton Church of St Michael and All Angels is a highly individual church. It was created on the shell of a medieval building in the 19th century by the rector Revd Whitwell Elwin over a period of 50 years. Its a gothic fantasy, with palace-like towers on the outside, and hosts of oak angels and stained glass on the inside. No tour of Norfolk's churches is complete without a visit to Booton!	St Michael the Archangel Church Booton near Reepham

Tafakari ya neno la Mungu, Jumapili ya VI ya Kipindi cha Mwaka A wa Kanisa

Ninakuleteeni tena ujumbe wa Neno la Mungu katika Dominika ya VI ya kipindi cha mwaka A. Neno la Mungu latukumbusha kuwa Kristu Mwana wa Mungu hakuja kutangua Torati bali kuikamilisha. Kristo ni sheria mpya na hivi analeta ukamilifu wa sheria ya Mungu. Katika Somo la kwanza toka kitabu cha Yoshua bin Sira, Mungu anatangaza uhuru kamili kwa mwanadamu.

Anamtaka mwanadamu aamue mwenyewe kumchagua Mungu au kumchagua shetani! Anatumia alama za moto na maji, uzima au mauti akitaka mtu aone katika uhuru wake mwenyewe wajibu wa kuchagua jema au baya. Kwa hakika ni alama yakwamba mwanadamu alizaliwa akiwa huru na hivi matendo yote ya nje hayawi ya kutenda tu bali mwanadamu anawajibika kuchagua kwa kuwa anao uwezo huo. Kama anataka maisha ya kiroho basi atachagua amri za Mungu, kama anataka kifo cha kiroho basi atachagua rushwa na vionjo vya mwili!

Katika somo la II mtume Paulo anaendelea kuwasisitizia Wakorinto juu ya hekima ya Mungu yakuwa ni siri ambayo haikufunuliwa kwa watawala wa dunia bali ilifunuliwa kwa Mitume. Kwa kuthibitisha hilo anasema kama wangalipewa hekima hiyo wasingalimtundika msalabani Mwana wa Mungu. Ndiyo kusema hekima waliyonayo wakristu si hekima ya kawaida ya kidunia bali hekima ya kimungu. Ni hekima ambayo inakuja kwetu kwa njia ya mpango wa Mungu ulio wa milele. Siri ya hekima hii ni kwamba wanaijua wale waliokomaa katika imani na tumaini la kweli katika Kristo Yesu.

Katika somo la Injili , Mwinjili Matayo akinukuu maneno ya Bwana anasema sikuja kuondoa hata yodi moja wala nukta moja bali kuifanya sheria ya Mungu iweze kueleweka vizuri zaidi katikati ya watu. Nimekuja kuifanya sheria iwe kwa ajili ya watu wa Mungu yaani kuwajengea uhuru kamili.

Mpendwa msikilizaji, Bwana anao uwezo wa kutafsiri sheria katika mtazamo wa mapendo kwa watu. Ona jinsi anavyowapenda wanadamu na hata akathubutu hata kuivunja Sabato. Anachotafuta kwa uhakika ni kuipa sheria uwezo wa ndani unaozaa mapendo kwa mwanadamu. Sheria iliyokuwa kavu anaipa nyama na hivi inaweza kutafunwa kwa urahisi!

Anakazia pia maana na namna ya kutafsiri sheria, akitaka tusiishie katika kile kilichoandikwa katika mwonekano wa kawaida, mfano usiue, kwa namna ya kutambua kuua kama ile hali ya kuondoa maisha kimwili, bali tutazame ndani na kugundua kuwa hata wale walio na lugha chafu, hasira, chuki wanashiriki katika mauaji ya wenzao.

Anatoa mfano wa kunawa hata viwiko ulio utamaduni wa Wayahudi kabla ya kwenda Hekaluni kwa ajili ya kutolea sadaka, hili kwake halina maana kama mmoja haangalii moyo wake. Matendo haya ya kilitrujia hayatoshi kama hayaambatani na toba ya ndani na upatanisho na wenzetu. Bwana akisonga mbele na mafundisho yake anakazia amri ya ndoa yakwamba kadiri ya mpango wa Mungu ndoa haitenganishwi. Ndiyo kusema katika mantiki ya ndoa ya kudumu, yafaa kukazia maisha ya unyenyekevu ili kuweza kuhimili vitimbwi nyemelezi dhidi ya familia. Hii haina maana yakwamba wale walioanguka katika utengano wadharauliwe katika jumuiya bali waombewe daima kwa ajili ya mabadiliko yao ya ndani.

Mpendwa mwanatafakari, Bwana anazidi kufunua namna ambavyo mkristu anapaswa afanye anapojikuta mbele ya kutoa ahadi na kiapo. Anawaalika wakristu daima wawe ni watu wa kusema ukweli daima. Maneno yao yawe ya unyoofu, wasiishi undumilakuwili yaani katika mazingira fulani ndiyo na katika mazingira tofauti siyo kwa jambo lilelile. Hii ni sumu kwa familia na jumuiya kwa ujumla, ni sumu wa serkali na utawala wa nchi.

Basi mpendwa jaribu kufuata hatua kwa hatua mafundisho ya Bwana kwa ajili ya kukua kiroho katika tumaini la kweli litakalokupa uzima wa milele. Nikutakie furaha na matumaini katika kushika mausia ya Bwana ambayo ndiyo sasa dira kamilifu na itupayo uhuru kamili wa wana wa Mungu.
Tumsifu Yesu Kristo.
Tafakari hii imeletwa kwako na Padre Richard Tiganya, C.PP.S

Majibu ya Papa Francisko kwa wanandoa watarajiwa!

Baba Mtakatifu Francisko katika Maadhimisho ya Siku ya Wapendanao Duniani kwa Mwaka 2014 amewataka vijana kukuza na kujenga ndani mwao upendo unaodumu hadi kifo kitakapowatenganisha; wajitahidi kumwilisha ndani mwao mtindo wa maisha ya wanandoa ili kukabiliana na changamoto za maisha ya ndoa na familia pamoja na kuthamini adhimisho la Sakramenti ya Ndoa ya Kikristo, kwani hapo wanajichotea neema na baraka katika mchakato wa utakatifu wa maisha.

Baba Mtakatifu anasema, upendo wa maisha ya ndoa ni wa kudumu hadi pale kifo kitakapowatenganisha kwani haya ni mahusiano kati ya Bwana na Bibi, yanayokuwa na kukomaa hatua kwa hatua, kwa kutambua kwamba, hii ni zawadi kubwa kutoka kwa Mwenyezi Mungu. Huu ni upendo unaowashirikisha wanandoa kazi ya uumbaji na kamwe si upendo mpito usioguswa na mahangaiko ya mwenzi wake. Upendo huu hauna budi kurutubishwa kwa kukutana na Yesu kwa njia ya: Sala, Sakramenti za Kanisa, Neno la Mungu na Matendo ya huruma.

Ubora wa ndoa unajikita katika udumifu wake, changamoto kubwa kwa wanandoa Wakristo. Pale wanandoa wanapohisi kwamba, wamepungukiwa na divai ya upendo na udumifu wasisite kumshirikisha Kristo katika upendo wao wa kila siku; ili wapendane na kutakiana mema.

Baba Mtakatifu anawaambia wanandoa watarajiwa kwamba, kuishi kwa pamoja ni sanaa na hija inayohitaji uvumilivu, inapendeza na kushangaza; ni safari inayojikita katika maneno: tafadhali, asante na samahani. Huu ni urithi ambao wanandoa wanapaswa kuwarithisha watoto wao. Ikumbukwe kwamba, unyenyekevu ni fadhila inaondoa chuki na kujenga upendo.

Si rahisi sana watu kujenga utamaduni wa kushuruku, lakini wanandoa wajenga na kuimarisha utamaduni wa kushuruku kwani mwenzi wako ni zawadi kutoka kwa Mwenyezi Mungu. Kukosa na kukoseana ni ubinadamu, kusamehe na kusahau ni kuanza hija ya utakatifu wa maisha. Wanandoa wajifunze kutambua mapungufu yao ya kibinadamu na kuwa tayari kukiri makosa yao, tayari kuanza tena upya. Wajenge utamaduni wa kusikilizana kwa makini, ili kujenga na kuimarisha familia ya Kikristo.

Baba Mtakatifu anasema hakuna Familia inayoweza kujidai kwamba ni kamilifu na takatifu; wala hakuna Bwana au Bibi ambaye ni mkamilifu, kila mtu ana fadhila na kasoro na mapungufu yake, changamoto ya kujenga utamaduni wa kuomba na kutoa msamaha kila siku na kwa njia hii Ndoa zinaweza kudumu daima.

Maadhimisho ya Sakramenti ya Ndoa Kanisani yazingatie umuhimu wa Sakramenti ya Ndoa na kiasi bila kumezwa mno na malimwengu. Watambue uwepo wa Yesu Kristo anayeendelea kufanya miujiza kwa wanandoa kama alivyofanya takribani miaka elfu mbili iliyopita kwenye Arusi ya Kana. Kila kitu kiwe na kiasi na kielelezo cha furaha ya ndani na baraka kutoka kwa Mwenyezi Mungu. Wanandoa wawashirikishe jirani zao ile furaha na kumbu kumbu ya maisha yao ya ndoa.

Haya ndiyo yaliyojiri katika Maadhimisho ya Siku ya Wapendanao Duniani kwa Mwaka 2014, tukio ambalo litakumbukwa na wanandoa hawa watarajiwa katika hija ya maisha yao ya ndoa na familia. Mji wa Roma, umefurika umati wa vijana na wasichana wanaotembea huku wameshikana mikono na maua ya waridi mikononi mwao alama ya upendo!

Friday, February 14, 2014 HISTORIA FUPI YA SIKU YA WAPENDANAO

Sikukuu ya wapendanao inasherekewa kila ifikapo tarehe 14 mwezi wa pili kila mwaka.

Watu wengi wanaosherekea siku hii kwa Nchi za Afrika Mashariki ni vijana walio kati ya miaka 18 hadi 35.

Historia ya sikukuu hii inaanzia miaka mingi jijini, Roma, Italia ikiwa inahusishwa na mtakatifu Valentine au Valentinus aliyekuwa akiishi jijini humo katika karne hiyo. Wakati wa maisha ya mtakatifu Valentine Roma ilikuwa ikitawaliwa na Kaisari, Claudius II, ambaye alipata hisia wakati huo kuwa askari mkakamavu na bora zaidi ni yule asiyekuwa na mke wala familia. 

Claudius alilifanyia kazi wazo lake na aliamua kupiga marufuku ndoa zote kwa askari wa nchi hiyo, jambo ambalo halikukubaliwa na mtakatifu, Valentinus. Hivyo Valentinus alichukua jukumu la kukaidi amri ile na kuendelea kuwafungisha ndoa kwa siri maaskari waliokuwa wakitaka kufungishwa ndoa.

 

Haikuchukua muda mrefu, taarifa zilimfikia mfalme, Claudius na alipopata habari hizo aliamuru kukamatwa na kufungwa gerezani na kisha Valentinus aliuawa kwa amri ya Kaisari. Kuna taarifa zinadai kuwa kabla ya kuuawa kwa Valentine wakati huo akiwa amefungwa, mtakatifu Valentine aliandika barua ya salamu kwa binti aliyekuwa amekwenda  kumsalimia gerezani. Na mwisho wa barua kulisomeka maneno yaliyoandikwa ‘From your Valentine’.

Tangu hapo Valentine akawa anakumbukwa kama mtetezi wa wapendanao na siku hii ikawa inaadhimishwa duniani kote.

Baada ya kufariki kwa mtakatifu huyo ndipo wananchi wengi duniani wakaamua kuadhimisha siku hii kama sherehe ya kumkumbuka Mtakatifu Valentinus. 

Baraza la Kipapa tarehe 18 hadi 20 Februari 2014 litaadhimisha Kongamano la Kimataifa

Baraza la Kipapa la Ibada na nidhamu ya Sakramenti za Kanisa kuanzia tarehe 18 hadi 20 Februari 2014 litaadhimisha Kongamano la Kimataifa, kuhusu Jubilee ya Miaka 50 tangu Mababa wa Mtaguso mkuu wa Pili wa Vatican walipochapisha Waraka kuhusu Liturujia ya Kanisa "Sacrosanctum Concilium", litakaloongozwa na kauli mbiu Waraka wa Liturujia, shukrani na dhamana kwa ajili ya mabadiliko ya Kikanisa".

Kongamano hili litawashirikisha wadau kutoka sehemu mbali mbali za dunia na utakuwa ni muda muafaka kwa ajili ya kusali, kutafakari, kuabudu na kuadhimisha Mafumbo ya Kanisa. Ni kipindi cha kuonjeshana uzoefu na mang'amuzi ya Liturujia ya Kanisa, tayari kutwika hadi kilindini kwa ajili ya

Sheikh Hassan Bashir amwagiwa tindikali!

IMAMU wa Msikiti wa Sawiyatu Qadiria, Hassan Bashir (33) amejeruhiwa vibaya usoni na sehemu ya bega la kushoto baada ya kumwagiwa kimiminika kinachodhaniwa kuwa ni tindikali.
Akizungumza na akiwa kwenye wodi ya wagonjwa katika Hospitali ya Mkoa ya Mount Meru anakopatiwa matibabu, imamu huyo alisema tukio hilo lilitokea juzi majira ya kati ya saa 3:30 na saa 4:00 usiku karibu na Msikiti wa Tindiga, uliopo eneo la Unga Ltd.
Alisema ana maumivu makali sehemu ya uso pamoja na bega la upande wa kushoto.
Sheikh huyo ambaye alikuwa akizungumza kwa shida kutokana na maumivu makali, alisema alikumbwa na mkasa huo muda mfupi baada ya kumaliza mazungumzo na babu yake ambaye pia ni Mwenyekiti wa Msikiti, Ismail Olomi na Mwenyekiti wa Ujenzi, Abdalah Kaduma, juu ya maandalizi ya Maulid yanayotazamiwa kufanyika msikitini hapo.
 “Tulipomaliza kuzungumza mimi nikawa

Maaskofu KKKT Karagwe wacharuka Mchungaji Kanyiginya, kunyimwa dhamana

 

MAASKOFU, wachungaji na waumini wa Kanisa la Kiinjili la Kilutheri Tanzania (KKKT), Dayosisi ya Karagwe, wamecharuka na kuvamia Kituo cha Polisi cha Karagwe wakipinga Mchungaji wao, Jackson Kanyiginya, kunyimwa dhamana katika mazingira tata na kuswekwa rumande.
Mchungaji huyo ambaye jana alipandishwa kizimbani kwa kosa la kumpiga mfanyabiashara, Joseph Gareba, alinyimwa dhamana baada ya Mwendesha Mashitaka, Meja Juma Litafa, kuzikataa barua za wadhamini hadi azifanyie uhakiki.
Akizungumza na gazeti hili kutoka Karagwe jana, Askofu mstaafu wa KKKT Dayosisi ya Karagwe, Bagonza, alisema mchungaji Jackson  alikuwa kwenye mkutano na viongozi wote wa kanisa hilo kwa ajili ya kufanya mafungo.
Alisema akiwa katika kituo cha mafungo, alipata wito wa polisi wa kumtaka afike mahakamani juzi kwa ajili ya kujibu kesi iliyofunguliwa kwa siri ya

Sunday Gospel Feb 16 2014

In this week's edition of There's More in the Gospel than Meets the Eye, Jill Bevilacqua and Seàn-Patrick Lovett bring us readings and reflections for the Sixth Sunday of the Year.
Listen:

Gospel Mt 5:20-22A,27-28,33-34, 37

Jesus said to his disciples:
“I tell you, unless your righteousness surpasses
that of the scribes and Pharisees,
you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.

“You have heard that it was said to your ancestors,
You shall not kill; and whoever kills will be liable to judgment.
But I say to you,
whoever is angry with brother
will be liable to judgment.

“You have heard that it was said, You shall not commit adultery.
But I say to you,
everyone who looks at a woman with lust
has already committed adultery with her in his heart.

“Again you have heard that it was said to your ancestors,
Do not take a false oath,
but make good to the Lord all that you vow.
But I say to you, do not swear at all.
Let your ‘Yes’ mean ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No’ mean ‘No.’
Anything more is from the evil one.”


Text from page http://en.radiovaticana.va/news/2014/02/13/sunday_gospel_feb_16_2014/en1-772758
of the Vatican Radio website