Beauty Within-Vol 12_reduced

Editorial

CELEBRATING the GIRL CHILD!

PAULINES PUBLICATIONS AFRICA Photo by: Sr Sergia Ballini, fsp of women one
needs to look
P. O. Box 49026 00100 Nairobi GPO (Kenya) Dear friends, at the girl child
Tel. (020) 4447202/03 Fax 4442097 who is a woman
E-mail: [email protected] Here we are with our 12th of tomorrow. To
Website: www.paulinesafrica.org issue of Beauty Within. have an empow-
This time we shall be ered woman it is
Editor: sharing about the girl child. We important that
Sr Beatrice Iguem, fsp are all created in the image of we start with the
the triune God. We read in Gen girl child. Only
Assistant Editors: 1:27 “in the image of God he when we visu-
Sr Josephine Idowu, fsp created him, male and female, alise a female
Sr Augustine Nemer, fsp he created them.” Every person child with high
Sylvia Dand created in this image of God self-esteem not
is unrepeatable, special and merely in recipient roles but
Graphic Design & Typesetting: unique. in active productive roles with
Elizabeth W. Kagwe-Rioba There is talk all around about a concern for human dignity
the emancipation of the wom- will society have strong and
Cover photo credit: Sr Beatrice Iguem, fsp an and women wait for the 8th empowered women.
of March to celebrate their fe- Dear friends, regardless of what
Printed by: maleness! We may ask what all life has defined you to be, nev-
Don Bosco Printing Press, that fuss about “women days” er stop dreaming. Yesterday’s
P.O. Box 158, 01020 Makuyu (Kenya) amount to. One thing which is dream can become the reality
clear is that it is an outcry for of tomorrow, and the innova-
If you would like to know more about the the woman to be allowed to tell tion of the future. When we
Daughters of St Paul please contact: her own story, not the story that dedicate our lives to what is
DAUGHTERS OF ST PAUL society, culture or tradition has in our hearts, we dedicate our
P. O. Box 49026 00100 Nairobi GPO (Kenya) carved out for her! Every girl lives to living out our dreams.
Tel. (020) 4450001 Fax 4442144 child wants her own place in So I encourage you to never
Cell: 0723727418 society, and longs to live her stop believing in your dreams,
E-mail: [email protected] dream like any other child no matter what life is willing
Website: www.paulinesafrica.org born in this world. Therefore to throw at you as a girl child.
to try and improve the position Your voice still counts and the
Contents difference that you can make is
yours alone. Have courage so
Editorial......................................... 2 that you will be able to tell your
Mail Box ........................................ 3 own story, not the story that
Tradition and the Girl child!...... 4 culture, tradition and society
The Prison Warden ..................... 6 has already written for you. Be
Growing Up as a Girl ...................... 8 blessed as you flip through this
Empowering the Girl child/... …. 10 special selection prepared espe-
St Paul and Women ................... 12 cially for you!
Cirrhosis of the Liver ................ 14
Angélique Namaika ....................... 16
Proverbs....................................... 18
Rebekah ...................................... 19
The Joy of Cooking.................... 20
Film review ................................. 21
Laugh and Live Longer ............. 22
Wisdom of Aunt Lucy............... 23

BEAUTY WITHIN is a Bi-annual news-
letter of the Daughters of St Paul, an in-
ternational religious congregation, using
press, radio, TV and films to spread the
gospel message and to promote the dig-
nity of all people.
© St Paul’s Communications/Daughters
of St Paul.

2

Q. Why do I have to confess directly to God was sufficient? minded of the waters of the Red
Confession motivates the need Sea which the people of Israel
my sins to a priest? Is con- to open up and to be listened to walked through before they
fessing directly to God not so as to receive absolution. We reached the promised land.
enough? I feel so uncomfort- need this purifying experience Also remember the waters of
able with the whole idea of in order to put our sins behind baptism which opened for us
talking about my sins to a us, knowing that God gives us the gate to the house of God’s
man. a fresh start, another opportu- children. So, to bless yourself
nity to grow. Through the priest with Holy Water is a beautiful
Dear friend, various answers God forgives us and renews us practice and when next you dip
can be offered, some more sat- deep down in our hearts, so your finger into the Holy Water
isfactory than others. However, that we may grasp the depth of font, you could
one thing I want you to know his love and become once again say the words of
is that as human beings we his beloved children. So I en- Psalm 51:4:
need an external sign of God’s courage you not to be afraid or “O Lord, wash
forgiveness, to hear the for- uncomfortable to approach this away all my
giving words of Jesus spoken beautiful sacrament of recon- guilt. And
to us so that we are truly rec- ciliation. cleanse me
onciled with God and others. from my
Besides, when we commit sin, Q. I would like to know why sins.”
we choose to break our cove-
nant relationship not only with do I have to use Holy Water 33
God but also with each other. before entering the Church
In James 5:16 we read “confess and what makes Holy Water
your sins to one another and Holy?
pray for one another, that you Let me start with the second
may be healed.” These are the question. Holy Water is water
words of the Apostle James, that is blessed by a priest. He
which stress the importance prays over the water and asks
of opening one’s heart to oth- God to strengthen the faith of
ers and to experience healing, all those who are going to use it.
in the context of prayer. Why is The priest adds salt to the wa-
James saying this if confessing ter which reminds the faithful
that they should become “salt
of the earth” to the world and
preserve their faith in God. So
with this faith, when you bless
yourself with Holy Water, be re-

daily living and relationshiips

Tradition and the

Photo by: Omar Lateef was guided by the understand-
ing of the human person, the
Whenever people form formed norms, that is, practices world and environment at that
a group of any kind, such as how to behave in various time. To make sure that the laws
they always set norms circumstances, rituals and rites they formed were obeyed, our
to govern their lives in order to accompany time and seasons ancestors formulated proverbs,
to meet their basic needs and and beliefs in God, spirits and stories and myths to explain the
make their lives comfortable. the unseen world. With time, laws and so formed pillars that
This is exactly what our ances- this way of life became culture supported them.
tors did. As soon as they be- which is also called tradition. As the understanding of the
came a group and a tribe, they The creation of these norms human person and the world
4 developed through scientific
discoveries and Christian-
ity, people began to realise that
some aspects and beliefs in their
traditional cultures were based
on limited knowledge. These
discoveries gave a new under-
standing to the human person.
Another reality of traditional
norms on behavior and beliefs
is that the law that governs the
animal world also governed
and continues to govern human
beings. This law includes the
“pecking” order and “territo-
rial” rights and survival of the
fittest. According to these laws,
the lower in the scale submits
to pecking from one higher in
the scale without fear of retali-
ation. Realities like survival of
the fittest made stronger com-
munities fight and rob weaker
neighbours.
The pecking order put women
in a disadvantaged position. The
law-makers made laws to put
women in a subservient posi-
tion. Women were also consid-

Girl child! As mentioned before, myths
were created that ensured that
ered like children in intelligence stronger physically he assumed no one dared break the prac-
and they together with family more power and authority in tice. Such myths included be-
property belonged to the male the family and society. When liefs that uncircumcised wom-
members of the family. Women female roles were stipulated, en become barren, circumcised
and children had no rights, for the laws governing men as pro- women give births more easily,
their rights as we know them tectors of the tribe allocated attending to uncut woman dur-
were held by the husband or the household chores and care of ing child birth makes the mid-
father. Similar to the discipline children to women. Men were wife blind; the uncut women
measures meted out to the chil- expected to be courageous and does not know how to cook,
dren, women were given physi- always on the alert in case of at- such a woman remains a child
cal, mental and psychological tack by other tribes. Men were all her life, she cannot keep
punishments. A husband could not permitted to hold or play tribal secrets, etc.
beat his wife, maltreat her and with babies for this was con- The motherly instinct makes
she had no recourse. Govern- sidered as a sign of weakness. women assume the role of
ment laws on rape and marriage In reality it was to keep men the custodians of the tribe, its
favoured men at the expense of always “on their marks” and propagation and survival, and
women; women were treated as ready for war. thus of the traditions. It fol-
the property of the male. The di- Of importance is the practice lowed, ironically, that women
vision of labour also favoured the of Female Genital Mutilation continue till today, to perpetu-
male who was stronger physical- (FGM) a practice that was in- ate the cultures that harm their
ly and at the same time the law- troduced in most communities fellow women. In this way,
maker. At the same time fright- in Africa to favour men who women have contributed to-
ening myths ensured that these were pastoralists and traders in wards the subservient positions
laws were kept and enacted. North Africa. The men often of women.
This is how our ancestors cre- went away from home for long Modern understanding of man
ated traditional cultures many periods to hunt, graze animals and woman, their physique,
of which still operate in soci- during dry periods or for trade mental and emotional make
ety today. Since the male was in faraway places. FGM was up can help us see the truth.
made in such a way that women Our faith will help one under-
were forced to space births be- stand how God sees man and
cause the ordeal of child deliv- woman and the rights of each
ery made a woman choose to person. Education and scien-
wait for many years before the tific study of the world and of
next birth. The woman suf- our environment will also help
fered very much because of the us understand our traditional
FG mutilation and did not wish religions, beliefs and myths,
to have similar experiences proverbs and their origins. Fi-
in quick succession. This was nally, the power of the Holy
good for the tribe because ba- Spirit will enlighten the minds,
bies were healthier as each had strengthen the will, humanize
ample time to breast-feed. the hearts so that people may
weigh their tradition in correct
scales and resolve to keep what
is good and discard what is bad.

Sr Ephigenia Gachiri IBVM

5

The Prison

WARDEN

THE NAIROBI COUNTY My formation with the Loreto Activities
CATHOLIC CHAPLAINCY Sisters has been a good basic
COORDINATOR preparation for my present • Development of effective re-
ministry. Later, I attended the habilitation programmes,
Iam (Mrs.) Lilian Waweru, Amani Counselling and Train- including the Celebration of
a widow, mother of three ing Institute for Higher Diploma the Liturgy, the teaching of
young girls. At the moment in Counselling and Trainer of catechism; offering spiritual
I am working with the Catho- Trainers course. I am currently guidance; involving them in
lic Church, as an employee of pursuing BA in Sustainable the life of the community as
the Kenya Prisons Department. Human Development at the spiritual animators, mem-
Catholic University of Eastern bers of the choir, in times of
6 Africa. prayer; or the Mass; all this
to affirm their dignity and
I worked for 17 years in Lan- help them develop their tal-
gata Women’s Maximum pris- ents, also through art con-
on; then for two years at the tests, cultural days, crafts
Prisons’ Headquarters and for production, etc.
the last two years I have been
working as Coordinator of the • Improve spiritual welfare
religious programmes within of the inmates, of staff and
Nairobi County. Within Nairo- their families.
bi there are eight prisons, with
approximately 8,200 inmates. • Provide material for pasto-
ral workers.
The prisoners are very vulner-
able people, often forgotten by • Help staff and their fami-
their families and abandoned lies, assisting in legal advice
by the community to which one and support for the reinte-
day they should return. gration of inmates.

The members of the chaplaincy • Monitoring and evaluation
personnel, under my supervi- of chaplaincy projects and
sion, are sixteen, distributed in programmes.
the different prisons.
• Pastoral care to the sick in-
mates, staff and their fami-
lies.

What makes me passionate prayer. A room is needed for a can be no peace without justice,
about my work is service to the more effective ministry. and no justice without respect
inmates, especially to those in for human rights. It is neces-
need of integral and holistic 4- Recognition sary to create employment and
care. Holistic care means to Prison pastoral care should be help people acquire self-reliant
care for the physical-psycho- recognised as a necessary ser- skills, while encouraging pov-
logical-social-economic and vice. It merits support from erty alleviation and good gov-
spiritual needs of the persons everyone. ernance programmes.
affected by crime. A prisoner
is a person created in the image 5- Finances Lilian Waweru (Mrs)
and likeness of God. Despite his Prison pastoral care so far has I was in prison and you visited
mistakes God still loves the per- been carried out as voluntary me. (Mt 25:36)
son and is ready to forgive him work by good-hearted Chris-
his sins. Jesus goes as far as to tians or chaplains and coor- 7
identify himself with prisoners: dinators, without any support
‘I was in Prison and you visited from either the Government or
me’ (Mt 25:36). It is he, Christ, the Church. It is a service, and
who is in prison, in the person needs to be valued and justly
of the criminal. This makes the remunerated.
prison a privileged place to en-
counter Christ, or discover his 7- Restorative Justice
face. • Aware of the fact that crim-

Challenges inal behaviour could be
recurrent, especially when
1- Collaboration and prisoners receive no help
Support to overcome their hurt
Prison pastoral care still needs and destructive emotions,
more collaboration and support we recommend that ‘Re-
from the Dioceses. storative Justice’ be applied
to help people affected by
2- Need for Initial and On- crime: Reformation, Reha-
going Formation of the bilitation, Restoration, Re-
‘Care Giver’: insertion into Society.
• Initial formation: to intro-
8- Prayer
duce the person into the There is great need of prayer,
‘milieu’ of the prisoners. of initiatives to support and
• On-going formation on spe- strengthen the pastoral work-
cific issues, like: psychology, ers in their challenging min-
counselling, spiritual direc- istry.
tion, catechesis, pastoral ‘When we attend to the needs
care, bible studies; to moti- of those in want, we give them
vate the people to improve what is theirs, not ours. More
their service. than performing works of
mercy, we are paying a debt
3- Infrastructures of Justice (St Gregory the
Most of our prisons do not have Great). The Church needs
a room where prisoners can be to reach out to meet the
received for counselling, spir- needs of the people. There
itual direction or for private

Growing Up
as a GIRL

Photo: Femi Idowu Young girls are pre- up my heritage, and carved my
cious, young girls name in our genealogy. How-
are strong, young ever, growing up as a girl came
girls are the future of the with its interesting peaks and
world. This is a simple valleys.
truth, and from the time Life as a girl, an African girl,
we are born our destiny is sometimes rife with stereo-
is set, we hold the assign- types: cook, clean, make a home,
ment to be mothers of the marry and have children. These
earth, not just by procrea- are good, but the life of the Af-
tion but by the different rican girl is also more than that,
roles involved in nurtur- as our lives show daily. The Af-
ing and maintaining this rican girl serves the Lord God
earth for future gene- in all ways and ministries, she
rations. The earth relies goes to school, she has dreams
on young girls to bring and these dreams come true.
laughter, joy, peace and She realises her dreams daily as
most of all love for all who she rises when she falls.
come across them, they The African girl is a precious
are important, they mat- being who needs to be nur-
ter. tured, loved, and educated,
Before I grew into a wom- among other things. I enjoyed
an, I was once a young my formal education in the
girl, and before that I was best schools my parents sacri-
a bouncing baby girl born ficed to afford for me. It was in
in Yaounde, Cameroon, these schools that my love for
but my formative years reading, writing and singing
were spent in Bamenda, became more alive. Although
in the North West Prov- general education was a must, I
ince of Cameroon. As a knew that no matter what I did
young girl growing up in in life, somewhere in there, was
this beautiful West Afri- a writer waiting to write nov-
can country, in the cul- els, poems, articles and verses.
ture-rich cities, the fourth I loved the folk tales that my
of six children, I took grandmothers told me while
pride in my roots, soaked

8

sitting by the fireside roasting father from one job to the Photo: Mah Mekolle (Mrs)growth. I grew a deeper and
fresh corn and eating boiled other, or the change from stronger relationship with God,
groundnuts and plums. Oh the one neighbourhood to the and this closeness with my
rich heritage, listening to my fa- other. I lost friends, had to Father in Heaven brought me
ther tell tales of his life and my make new ones, then the great peace through the storms
mother inform me of the cul- move to another neigh- and great joys. I married my
tures and traditions. I remem- bourhood, and new friends husband, produced two sons
ber evenings with my cousins again. The good news is, and now I enjoy my life as a
and aunties, and as we got our it was always an opportu- Registered Nurse, a Spiritual
plates of food, fufu and veg- nity to start all over again, and Life Coach and a writer.
etables, or the regular rice and afresh, correct mistakes, I dug deep and rekindled my
stew, the storyteller drew our start new dreams. passion and gift for writing
attention by saying With the teenage years poetry, prose, articles and now
“kwale eh!” came teenage insecurities: no I blog at pearlsofourlives.com,
“Leh nkwa” we answered, and matter how many admiring where one can find all kinds of
so the stories and riddles start- glances you got, you always inspirational offerings.
ed, and went on for hours. Yes, wanted to change something: Life as a girl is beautiful, it is
I loved my peaks. This brings hair wasn’t long enough, legs a gift, and magnificent, full of
me to some of the valleys of not lanky enough, eyes not challenges, full of greatness,
life as a girl, separation, anxi- wide enough, teeth not straight and all we have to do, is believe!
ety. We moved a bit either from enough, waistline not narrow
one town to the other, following enough: and there was always Mah Mekolle (Mrs)
the government transfer of my something that we wanted to
change. However, as time went 9
I am fearfully by, and I matured, I realised
and wonderfully that God made me so incred-
made, therefore ibly perfect, that there was no
my flaws don’t other person out there in the
universe like me. Like it is said
make me less in the Psalms, I am fearfully
than equal to and wonderfully made, there-
fore my flaws don’t make me
any other. less than equal to any other,
they make me a humble hu-
man being.
By my twenties I mig-
rated to the United
States of America
where I have resid-
ed for the last dec-
ade now. Again, a
journey from girl
to woman. Many
trials and tribu-
lations along the
way, just like any
other journey in
life, but so much

The Integrity of the Human Person

EMPOWERING THE

Photo: Captain Koki GIRL CHILD/WOMAN

Have you ever regretted be- The good news, however, is that ceremonies that tend to be the
ing a girl? Have you ever today there is great awareness buying and selling of women
felt that you are not on an and campaign to rid our rather than uniting the two
equal footing with boys or men, society of this gender im- families, refusing girls to go to
at home, in school and even in balance. school, female genital mutila-
society? Have you ever asked tion, etc.
yourself why the situation is like This is a pro- Social: when society sees a
this and why you feel this way? cess that needs woman as an object of service
It is not an easy thing to under- to involve everyone. to man and as a beauty product.
stand this gender imbalance in So what is the way for- Sexual: This is a common in-
our families and society. This is ward? We first of all need justice against girls and women,
because as girls we are social- to know what injures the dig- when women are used merely as
ised consciously and uncon- nity of a woman. This is what sex objects within and outside
sciously to feel second class to we call violence or injustices marriage against their will.
boys and men. We are confused against girls and women. These Economic: This is very com-
about this when we are young injustices can be at different mon and it is reckoned that in
and then when we grow up we levels: Physical: this is when Africa women are the most re-
even resent it but ironically someone misuses your body in sourceful in Agriculture and the
continue with the same sociali- any undignified manner, uses workforce, yet remain the poor-
sation of elevating the boy child physical force or makes fun of est members of society. This is
at the expense of the girl child. your physical appearance; because women often take care
Psychological: this is when single-handedly of the needs
10 someone uses or plays with of the family, are not given an
your emotions for selfish rea- equal footing in the job market
sons or denies you your de- and whose services to society,
served and genuine emotional such as housework and commu-
support; nity service, are not monetary-
Cultural: when traditions and recognised in the society.
cultural practices are used Political: This is the sphere
to facilitate the oppression of where women are least repre-
women: these include denying sented. Many people do not con-
women to own property, dowry sider women as good leaders and
very few women offer themselves
to be in leadership positions.
These are just some examples
of injustices against women.
There are many reasons for this
situation which include: hav-

ing a male-dominated society and beauty of the woman/girl, against women and girls. This
or patriarchal society that gives needs to be cultivated. Jane, in is more so when this is done at
the first place to men; Or the the example I mentioned at the home and in a familiar environ-
way we are socialised at home beginning of this article is still ment. It is good to look at the
allowing the boy child to play riddled with guilt, fear and an- experiences one has and analyze
while his sister is busy doing ger at being treated differently. them, first to see how they are
household chores. Our culture She would like to do something affecting us, especially on the
and traditions are loaded with but she feels overwhelmed with level of our emotions and also in
practices that oppress the girl the situation; in fact, she has the way we view society at large.
child, and our State laws have no deep desire to be married In many cases we are not able
certain limitations that can because she feels she will not to overcome these injustices by
contribute to injustices against have a good deal in marriage. ourselves and we may need to
girls and women which need to There is, however, a way out for seek help from competent peo-
be looked into. Jane and many other girls and ple. It is not a sign of weakness
How can we empower our- to ask for help and fight to end a
selves as women and girls in women who suffer vari- particular injustice.
the face of all this? There are ous injustices:
many initiatives that are be- 3. Focusing on ones goals:
ing done to empower women 1. Self-affirmation:
and girls. Of course, speaking To be able to empower oneself,
out about this situation, edu- As a woman you have one needs to have goals and fo-
cation, and creating awareness to find a place of safety, cus on them seriously. This is
obviously top the list of what meaning where you feel most important in the area of
should be done. However, there at home with who you education and career. For many
is another and probably more are and your environ- women and girls their future
important route: Women and ment. For many women and destiny is either already
girls must have faith in the dig- they are not at home decided by others or they have
nity and beauty of a woman/ with themselves and resigned themselves to fate. For
girl, nothing is more important their environment. For women and girls to be able to
for a girl or a woman than to example, many girls and face the challenges of injustices
know that being a woman is a women have this weird and gender imbalance they need
special gift of God. It is not an notion that they are not to aim high and be ready to give
accident that one is born a girl. beautiful enough (according to their all to achieve this against
This deep faith in the dignity the criteria set for them by so- many odds, otherwise giving in
ciety or should we say bluntly, to other peoples’ decisions over
men!), and end up using beauty one’s life can lead to resentment
products that spoil their beauti- and an unfulfilled life.
ful natural looks, or out of fear There are many other ways
and lack of self-confidence they we can empower ourselves as
remain in abusive environment women and girls and we can
at home, work-place and society add them to our list. It is im-
without doing anything about it. portant to know that the jour-
You alone can take the decision ney to a more gender-balanced
to liberate yourself and this can society has begun and we need
bear fruit with the help of others. to be part of it individually and
in society. Thank God we are
2. Being aware of the women, custodians and nurtur-
injustices against women ers of life.
and girls:
Sr Wanjiku Njau B, fsp
Many of us live in denial of the 11
injustices that are committed

“TwmheeersefwGidegaehohw(fehoPteoniednhnmlidpIgNlew4ttetnhoo,aw2es-s3”)

Painting: Paolino Grzegorek Paul

St Paul and Women

Women are the bed- But if you read other texts, like: have a role to play whether male
rock of humanity. 1 Cor 11,5 or Rom 16:3-5, you or female, for they were all cre-
You either love them might be led to change your ated by God with equal dignity,
or dislike them. But it takes an mind. as children of God, but with dis-
ungrateful mind not to love or Notice: He greets Prisca and tinctive roles. ( see: Gal 3: 26-28).
appreciate them for their ‘beau- Aquila, as “my co-workers in The cultural situation at the
ty’ and unique place in the plan Christ Jesus, who risked death time of Paul dictated the roles
of God. to save my life”; He greets Mary, of women.
Junia, Julia, and Nereus’ sister, It was common for Greek and
Was Paul a friend or Tryphena, Tryphosa, who “la- Roman women to receive edu-
bour for the Lord’s work”, Ru- cation, but it was a different
foe of women? fus’ “mother, who has been a reality for Jewish women. The
mother to me too”,... and others. few Jewish people who were
If you read this quote: “…As in Here you can see how Paul res- educated were mostly men, so
all the churches of the holy ones, pected and valued woman’s the role of teaching usually fell
the women should keep silent in ‘Gift’ and her collaboration. on them. People would listen
the churches. For they are not to great speakers and ask them
allowed to speak, but should be But then, what did Paul questions. Since women were
subordinate. as even the Law mean? normally less educated than
says. But if they want to learn men, not to embarrass them,
anything, they should ask their He simply meant that women Paul suggested they stop asking
husbands at home....” (1 Cor should not be looked down questions, and learn rather from
14:34), you would definitely upon or side-lined in the church their husbands, at home.
say that Paul does not ‘favour’ or in society. He believed all
women.

12

Painting: Aquila & Priscilla by Gilbert Beers Paul’s suggestion confirmed Junia and Andronicus - In the today who, animated by his pas-
not only women’s ability to same letter, Paul also speaks of sion for Christ and for human-
learn but also that they could two fellow-apostles: Androni- ity, dedicate their life at the ser-
access standards equal to men. cus and Junia. They are the vice of the Gospel, to make its
Among the women who collab- only couple, associated with message available to all people,
orated with Paul we remember: Rome, greeted as ‘apostles’. everywhere in the world.
Phoebe - Paul, in his letter to Paul praises them as “outstand- They are his Daughters:
the Romans (Rom 16:1ff), de- ing apostles, fellow prisoners,
scribes this lady as a Deacon- who became Christians before DAUGHTERS OF ST PAUL!
ess, a ‘servant’ of the chuch of me.” The Daughters of St Paul are
Cenchreae, a person of integ- John Chrysostom writes: “How today doing just what St Paul
rity, honest and faithful, who great this woman’s love of wis- would do in the world, if he
carried out an important ser- dom must have been, to merit were here today. They are called
vice of leadership in the com- her inclusion among the apos- to be Paul, living today!
munity. tles”, to be identified as a true These are women who believe
Of her he says: “She has been a protagonist in the work of that the world can be trans-
benefactor to many and to me evangelisation. formed by the Word of God, by
as well” (Rom 16,1). In his letter to the Philippians, the values of the Gospel, pro-
Prisca - In the same letter, Paul refers again to the minis- claimed and shared through
among the people to be greet- try of two women: the powerful media of social
ed, Paul mentions the couple Evodia and Syntyche, who, communication, the fastest way
Prisca and Aquila. He listed like his other collaborators, are of reaching out to people every-
them among his most signifi- called “fellow-workers for the where in the world today.
cant ministers and closest col- Gospel: “These women were These women are called to use
the latest means one can think
laborators. He mentions them a help to me when I was of to bring the Word of God to
also in 2 Tm 4,19; and 1 Cor fighting to defend the people… Why don’t you check
16,19. Good News” (Phil 4,2-3). them out…?
Usually Prisca is mentioned www.paulinesafrica.org
before her husband. This, in Lydia - is another prom-
the Roman world, would mean inent figure in Paul’s And You?
higher dignity on some ground ministry. After listening
or the other. to him preaching, she If Paul were living today he
embraced the faith with would still support women and
all her family members. encourage them to bring out
the best in themselves. Women
The apostle accepted are gifted in many ways and
her hospitality and she intellectually they have made a
provided for the neces- great impact in the world today.
sities of the apostolic You are a woman too. What im-
group, making of her pact do you think you can make
house a domestic church (cf in the world today? And how?
Acts 16:14-15). The whole world could become
a “better place” because of you!
Daughters of St Paul You can make a difference!
Write to: [email protected]
There were evidently many
women, in the early Christian Sr Josephine Idowu, fsp
communities, who worked with 13
St Paul. There are many more

I ssueHEALTH CIRRHOSIS
of the LIVER

What is cirrhosis? brutal. There is an alteration of the vascular
system of the liver in this situation. This dis-
The liver is an important organ in the human ease can be, for long, asymptomatic. Most pa-
body. Some of its vital functions are: the pro- tients especially in Africa are diagnosed only
duction of certain proteins for blood plasma, when the consequences are evident though
storage of iron, purification of the blood from some could be discovered earlier during a
poisonous substances and drugs, production medical checkup. It should be noted that ac-
of immune factors and elimination of bacte- cording to the National Institute of Health it
ria from the blood and the transformation of is the 12th leading cause of death by disease.
excess glucose to glycogen for storage. Thus
our liver plays a very vital role in keeping us The two types of liver cirrhosis are:
alive and in good health.
Cirrhosis is a consequence of chronic liver • Compensated cirrhosis in which the body
disease characterised by replacement of liver functions fairly well despite the failure of
tissue by fibrosis, scar tissue and regenerative the liver and few symptoms.
nodules, leading to loss of liver function. The
discovery of liver cirrhosis may take many • Decompensated cirrhosis with severe
years to be evocative because it is a disease liver damage and many symptoms and
that occurs in a progressive mode and is not complications are apparent. Though liver
cirrhosis occurs in a slow manner, its eti-
Normal Liver ologies are diverse.

Liver with Cirrhosis Causes of Cirrhosis

The most incriminating cause of liver cir-
rhosis is alcohol. Alcohol causes lesions in
the liver thus exposing the liver to other dis-
eases such as steatohepatitis (fatty liver with
inflammation). Chronic alcoholism causes
liver cirrhosis.
Another cause of liver cirrhosis is liver
infections like hepatitis B or C (viral) existing
for years in the liver which can lead to liver
cirrhosis. This is due to the fact that Hepatitis
B becomes chronic hepatitis which may
progressively cause liver cirrhosis and even
liver cancer. The attack of the body’s own
cells and organs can cause liver cirrhosis.
This situation in the liver is referred to as
autoimmune hepatitis which is frequent in
women between the ages of 15 – 40 years.

14

Primary biliary cirrhosis and primary scle- The complications are: ascitis which is the
rosing cholangitis are results of bile duct dis- intraperitoneal collection (progressive) of
orders that contribute liver inflammations liquid caused mostly by liver cirrhosis (alco-
leading to cirrhosis. hol mostly incriminated in this) ascitis will
Other Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Diseases cause discomfort and difficult breathing
(NAFLD) and Non alcoholic Steatohepatitis to the patient. The appearance of variceal
(NASH) contribute immensely to liver cir- bleeding is a complication of liver cirrho-
rhosis. There is the accumulation of iron in sis. Portal hypertension causes enlargement
liver that results from disorder of iron me- of veins with high risk of vein rupture that
tabolism known as haemochromatosis which causes variceal intestinal bleeding. Hepatic
leads to excess deposits of iron in the liver encephalopathy can develop in the patient
that contribute to liver cirrhosis. Another with signs of forgetfulness, unresponsive-
non alcoholic cause of liver cirrhosis espe- ness and troubles of concentration. Sponta-
cially in Africa, Asia and South America is neous bacterial infections are frequent with
a disease known as Schistosomiasis. This fever, chills, confusion as a witness to these
disease has consequence to the liver that can infections. Liver cancer is a consequence too
result to liver cirrhosis. Long term use of in the long run. Other consequences include
drugs and exposure to certain chemicals like osteoporosis, kidney and heart failures.
methotrexate, arsenic, toxic doses of Vitamin
A, can be of great harm to the liver hence ex- Any treatment?
posed to liver cirrhosis.
Treatment of cirrhosis is designed to prevent
Symptoms of Liver Cirrhosis further damage to the liver and to reduce
the rate of progression because it is an irre-
The disfunctioning of a noble organ like the versible situation. The liver damage done by
liver cannot occur without symptoms even cirrhosis can’t be undone. But if liver cirrho-
though it may come up late. In the early stage sis is diagnosed early and the cause treated,
we can have symptoms like fatigue, nausea, further damage can be limited. Currently no
abdominal pain, while as it progresses we drugs are available though researchers are
can have fluid buildup like oedema of the moving on with research on the treatment of
legs, ascitis, jaundice, pruiritis, palmar ery- liver cirrhosis.
thema (reddish palm), swelling breast and Transplantation of the liver is becoming an
shrinkage of testicles in men. important option for treating patients with
advanced cirrhosis. Are you controlling your
alcohol consumption? Do you take drugs
without prescription for long periods? Do
you go for regular medical checkup?
For more details read: http://www.nytimes.
com/health/guides/disease/cirrhosis/print.
html
c au s e ht t p: //u m m .e du / he a lt h /me d ic a l /re -
ports/articles/cirrhosis

Br Ketchen Jacob, OH

15

TodayWomen Photo by: Warwick Saint

ANGÉLIQUE NAMAIKA - Giving hope to women!

Angélique Namaika is a painful lessons about human ent. The LRA threat peaked
Roman Catholic nun of nature and did not like con- in 2009 when the group came
the Augustine Sisters of flicts. In 1990, she started her briefly to Dungu. She decided
Dungu and Doruma from the formation to become a Roman to flee with other nuns and see-
Democratic Republic of the Catholic nun. She was inspired ing children crying and women
Congo (DRC). She speaks Kiba- by a German nun, Sister Tone, looking for their kids, this ex-
rambo, Panzade, Lingala and who used to go to her village perience motivated her passion
French. Sr. Angélique has been to treat the sick. She decided to to help vulnerable women and
working in Congo since 2008 dedicate her life to helping the gave her the determination to
to assist women and girls who most vulnerable, particularly continue on her path. She got
have been abused by the Lord’s the young, and she soon began the Nansen Refugee Award
Resistance Army (LRA). She is using her bicycle to help her from UNHCR in 2013 and
the 2013 recipient of the United reach those in need. In Dungu also got a chance to meet the
Nations High Commissioner she and her bike have become a Pope. The help she wanted was
for Refugees’ Nansen Refugee regular comforting sight. found and she is grateful. This
Award for her work with Con- extraordinary woman is deter-
golese refugee women. Her Reaching out mined to remain ordinary.
Centre for Reintegration and
Development is located in Dun- In 2003, Sr. Angélique was sent Corinne Koki
gu, Orientale Province in the to teach and train nuns in Dun- Jomo Kenyatta University,
northeast of the DRC. Dungu gu. That move changed her life.
has been the centre for interna- She started teaching sewing, Kenya
tional humanitarian efforts for cooking and literacy classes.
women and children who have She also set up the Centre for Photo: unhcr.org.au
been displaced by violence and Reintegration and Development
war in the area. hiring women and men. She
first helped women who were
Early Life deprived, but after the Lord’s
Resistance Army arrived in the
Angélique had a long journey area in 2005, later sowing terror
that brought her to Geneva. She and causing displacement, she
was sick as a child who suffered had a whole group of abused
a lot and there was little hope women to help. She visited
that she would survive. In fact them in the camps or villages,
her life almost ended during her was touched by their trauma
childhood visit in the village after the LRA, so she taught
of Kembisa in Orientale Prov- them how to read and write and
ince. Then Angélique learnt the helped them become independ-
16

Books
HOW TO GET MY LIFE RIGHT

In his book How to Get My Life Right, Roca makes
the question of what our vocation may be in this
life a grave concern for whoever has struggled with
the search for meaning in his or her life. He starts by
asserting that the whole of humanity is on a journey
towards an end and this end in view is a life of unity with
God who created each person for a purpose. For this
reason, our journey to self-discovery and actualisation
of our being needs a personal commitment, dedication,
openness to the truth and to the promptings of the Holy
Spirit. For in being true and free to the voice that calls,
we can encounter our vocation. He adds that we are all
called by God to a holy life, a life of love and service; as
an imitation of Divine love, the love with which God cre-
ated us all making this love our principal vocation.

13P4riPcaeg: e$s2;c.o0n0socalaltleiodsnttaocco,lemfesea.srS,oitnhm,eRedooecfastihrseeasytoes,dmTofoihnfarfieiisnc;wutijaeotltiuiinaserrsnoeeeunccyracanaftprpoeabsebesudleleraoleftmo-cedfod,ifgsauicnnnlofidisbvlleieomndrtgahya,ntishynh:eteodetproshnuuaearbyrplstsaos,.nsHiinsedofwnewooxherttavewetarhrnwn,iaceglherfoaeewbsaeey-tl

were created with the strength of love. In this light, we should first of all know and acknowledge
that we are loved by God and should open up our hearts and eyes to accept and imitate that life of
love which was greatly manifested in Jesus. Lastly, Roca says that the trust we have in God’s plan for
us is a trajectory of the enthusiasm that enables us to discover what we are worth as individuals,
consequently leading to a life of appreciation that we are truly worth.

If you desire to know or question the purpose of your being here on earth, this book will serve as
a great tool.

Published by Paulines Publications Africa

Alexander Kimbi Toaghng, mhm

17

Proverbs A wise man
who knows
The Wisdom of our Ancestors Proverbs can
reconcile
difficulties.

• “Honour a child and it will honour you.” Voice of a Girl Child
AFRICA
Ssshssh…! Listen
• “A child who asks questions is not stupid.” Do you hear that?
GHANA That is the voice of a girl child
A child who is a future teacher
• “It takes a whole village to raise a child.” A future doctor and a future pilot
NIGERIA If only my dreams are not shattered
I think of myself as a star
• “Children talk with God.” BOTSWANA With my own passion of light
• “Work the clay while it is still wet.” I can shine if given the opportunity
Opportunity to follow my brothers to school
TANZANIA Opportunity to grow up and learn more from the
• “Let your child shout but do not shout at it.” teachers
If only my dreams are not shattered
NORTH AFRICA I think of myself as a giraffe
• “Do not put fear into a child.” KENYA My sight set high
• “A stray chick is a target for birds of prey.” Big vision on big things
You don’t have to marry me off to an old man
TANZANIA Just because you think school is not the right
• “If you cannot hold a child in your arms, hold place for a girl
I need to go to school and pursue my goals
it in your heart.” ETHIOPIA I think of myself as a live engine
• “What you help a child to love is more impor- Always going never slowing
Time is elapsing
tant than what you help him to learn.” Let my education not be a hot spot
BOTSWANA The old man is waiting for my hand in marriage
• Your family is your castle.” AFRICA The old woman is waiting with a knife
annettamiller.weebly.com/proverbs-on-children- I need to go to school and pursue my goals
I think of myself as a lion
-parenting.html To roar loud and be heard
You don’t have to take me as your wife
The Best of Just because I am a beautiful girl
African Proverbs Instead teach me a mathematical formula
So that my dreams are not shattered
18 I think of myself as a star
I think of myself as a live engine
I think of myself as a giraffe
I think of myself as a lion
Dear teacher, parents and guardians
Give me the rights I am entitled to.

Kowsar Asad Warsame

Photo: www.freebibleimages.org Rebekah job. After providing Abraham’s Lessons from Rebekah’s
servants with water, Rebekah story
Rebekah was the assured him that there was
daughter of Bethuel enough room in her parents’ Hospitality in most cases is a
son of Milcah, the house to accommodate him breeding ground for blessings
wife of Abraham’s brother Na- and his camels for the night. and prosperity. This is clearly
hor. Rebekah was a beautiful Again, her kind heart led her to seen in the story of Rebekah.
young woman and virgin. help a stranger. This again ex- Like her, we are invited to have a
posed her to the blessing of God warm and caring heart towards
The test of the Carmel and led to her betrothal. strangers and the homeless.
Rebekah faced an immense Rebekah teaches us that a wel-
Rebekah’s beautiful story is told decision in her life leaving the coming heart is not passive
in Genesis, chapter 24. Abraham, home and family she would but active both in word and
Isaac’s father, sent his trusted never see again, traveling with deed. At the well her actions
servant back to his country and a total stranger, to marry a man are depicted as active ones. She
people to choose a wife for his she had never met. Her family quickly lowered her jug of water
son. The servant travelled from called her in and said, “Will you for Abraham’s servant to drink,
Canaan with camels and gifts go with this man?” And she said, she quickly emptied her jug into
from his master and made his “I will go”. It was her assurance drinking trough for the camels
way to the city of Nahor praying of God’s sovereign direction that and she ran home to get them
to the Lord God that he finds a motivated her decision, and it accommodation.
suitable wife for his master. The revealed her courage and trust. We learn that it is important to
sign would be a girl who shows have room always in our homes
kindness to him by offering him The Twins for those who pass by. To be
and his camels a jug of water to attentive to their needs for it
quench their thirst. After being barren for some is in this welcoming that God
Rebekah, inspired by a caring years, Isaac entreated the Lord himself reveals his plans for us.
heart, drew water, not only for on behalf of his wife for chil- Jesus himself reminds us of our
the servant but also for his cam- dren. The Lord heard this last judgement based on our
els. Supplying water for thirsty prayer and thus Rebekah be- welcoming strangers: “I was a
camels is a very demanding came pregnant. The twins in stranger and you welcomed
the womb began fighting each me”. This earns us a place in the
other and Rebekah couldn’t see kingdom of God.
the sense of living. After con- Rebekah also teaches us the
sulting the Lord why so, the need to persevere in our com-
Lord explained to her about the mitment even when we do not
two nations that will contend see the fruits. In her barrenness
with each other and this pre- she trusted in God who gave her
figures the conflict and the ten- twins. Let our hospitality begin
sion that will be a characteristic always by welcoming Jesus in
of the relationship between her our hearts. “Behold, I stand at
sons, Jacob and Esau, the ances- the door and knock, if anyone
tors of Israel and Edom. hears my voice and opens the
door, I will enter his house and
dine with him and he with me”.

Sr Praxides Nafula, fsp

19

The joy of

cooking

Ndole and Plantain Procedure: Chop the onions and tomatoes,
then use the oil to fry them in a
African cuisine exhibits Chop bitter-leaf and wash till separate pan until cooked, and
great diversity and superb there is no trace of bitterness or add to the boiling pot and stir.
taste. The scientific name boil water, add a small amount Let it cook for about 15 min-
of the vegetable used to prepare of lime stone into it and pour utes. Make sure the water is just
Ndole is Vernonia amygdalina the bitter-leaf while stirring. enough to produce a nice, not
but commonly called bitter Make sure it doesn’t become very thick soup. Your soup will
leaf. The plant is named be- too soft. Remove it from the be ready.
cause of its natural bitter taste; fire. Serve hot with your boiled or
it requires a complex but fasci- fried plantain. Enjoy your meal!
nating washing process to re- Add some cold water, then
duce its acidity. However, once wash it until there is no bitter- Sr Norine Kenfack, fsp
cooked with tasty spices, dried ness. If you choose to wash the
fish, beef, and ground peanuts, bitter-leaf without boiling with
this vegetable delicacy becomes lime stone, then after washing,
a savory, mouth-watering meal, you have to boil it separately
especially when served with first for about 15 minutes and
ripe, boiled, or fried plantains. keep it aside.

Ingredients Put another pot on the fire
with water and boil the
Ripe plantain meat to half cook then
Bitter-leaf add fish plus salt.
Lime stone Soak the groundnuts
2 big onions before if it is dry for
5 medium size tomatoes about 3 hours then
1kg meat peel and blend into
2 smoked/dry fish paste, including the
Small quantity of garlic and garlic and ginger.
ginger Add the paste to
¼ cup Vegetable oil the boiling pot and
1kg groundnuts cook for about 10
3 Maggi cubes to 15 minutes, then
Salt to taste add the bitter-leaf and
Maggi cubes.
20

St Peter becomes a dedicated follower Peter. The tension between the Image: www.freerepublic.com
and radically lives and dies for Christians and Romans follow-
St Peter is a Biblical movie Christ. ing the death and resurrection
with Award-winning ac- The film cuts across all cul- of Jesus Christ and the unwa-
tor Omar Sharif who does tures, races and creeds. We see vering faith of the disciples
an outstanding job in the title two families whose lives are makes them the target of per-
role as Peter. connected by love and faith. secution in the Roman Empire.
This film begins with the death Claudius Maximus (Ettore Peter realises the demands of
and resurrection of Jesus, and Basi), the son of wealthy Ro- Christian faith may endure the
moves into the book of “Acts” man, Persius (Ennio Caltorti), same humiliation and suffering
such as: Peter raising a lame who falls in love with a Chris- that Jesus experienced when
man, preaching and convert- tian girl, Silvia (Bianca Guac- crucified on the cross.
ing many people, the renewal cero). The visit of Cornelius in Cae-
of Pentecost, the decision to In the other family, Trachus’ ef- sarea, the Eucharist in prison,
baptise pagans, persecutions fort to live in two worlds can- the symbolic moment of joy at
from Jews, the miraculous sto- not last forever. He has to stand Christ’s resurrection, the con-
ry of Saul/Paul, the Apostles’ before the choice... earthly or versation with a prostitute, is so
dispersal and ending with Pe- spiritual freedom? inspiring.
ter’s journey to the heart of the Omar Sharif is great with that I also loved the moment of ret-
empire, Rome. While initially blink in his eyes that probably rospection in time. “You are the
fearing and doubting the pow- the real saint Peter had, and at rock and on this rock I shall
er of Christ’s message, Peter showing love for all men that build my Church”.
the real saint Peter learned The end is also unbelievably
from his Lord. The pace of the beautiful and touching. Rome
movie is excellent, the acting has changed forever and the
superb, and most of all the whole world too since the Re-
historical representation. deemer makes all things new.
The cinematic film captures Should you be interested in
the essence of Christ, and building your dignity, freedom
the impact of the Holy Spirit and love for every human be-
after his resurrection. ing, then, St Peter is a must-see
In the second half, the film!
events take place primar-
ily in Rome. St Peter goes Sr Roselyne Wambani, fsp
to Rome to join Paul. Paul’s
death brings a crisis to 21
Rome’s Christians and to

...and live longer

“I’m guilty of the sin of van- Judy was only five years old. “She told us,” replied Mary,
ity,” admitted the woman She was quite talkative at “that God is a very loving and
to her confessor. “Only this times especially when she forgiving Father.”
morning I looked in the mirror went visiting the neighbours. “But”, said John, “did He not
and yielded to the temptation One day she remarked to the get angry with the people of
of thinking myself beautiful.” lady who lived next door, “I Sodom and destroyed them
don’t think my mama knows completely?”
“Is that all, my daughter?” much about raising children.”
asked the priest. “Yes,” answered Mary, “that
“How so?” asked the lady. was before God became a
“Yes, father”, was the reply. Christian!”
“Then go in peace, my daugh- “Well,” spoke up Judy, “she
ter,” instructed the confessor, makes me go to bed when I’m Johnnie listened for a moment
“for to be mistaken is not a not sleepy, and she makes me to his brother yelling in his
sin.” get up when I am sleepy.” crib.

“Always remember we are A pastor was speaking to a “Mom, did he come from
here to help others,” said a group of children on the hu- Heaven?” he asked.
mother as she explained the man nature of Christ. “Now
Golden Rule. Her little one let me ask you, children,” he “Yes, dear,” his mother an-
thought for a moment and ended, “was He not a man like swered.
inquired, “Well, what are the myself?”
others here for?” “No wonder they put him out!”

“Oh no, sir,” spoke up a bright The doctor told the patient’s
little boy. “He was a good wife, “Your husband must
man.” have rest and quiet. I am go-
ing to prescribe these sleeping
One day Mary and her brother pills.”
John were walking home after
their catechism class. “Thank you, doctor,” said the
“Mary, what did your teacher wife, “when do I give them to
say today?” asked John. him?”

“Oh,” said the doctor, “I don’t
mean to give them to him. I
want you to take them your-
self.”

Compiled by: Sr Beatrice Iguem, fsp
22

The Wisdom of

Aunt Lucy

Dear Friend, and masculinity as boys. In to make for him a helper” (Gn
God’s eyes, our “femaleness” 2:18). This complementarity is
It is a joy to welcome you to and “maleness” is perfect, for not just for the purposes of re-
this special page of Aunt he made it so. Remember that production but for companion-
Lucy who is always ea- God made the male and female ship. Naturally boys enjoy and
ger and happy to share some from head to toe. God carefully actually desire girl’s company
thoughts with you. I hope that designed all that which consti- and girls too desire and enjoy
since our last sharing you have tutes your uniqueness in being the company of boys. So God
celebrated your uniqueness and male or female. To be able to made the two sexes uniquely
been able to manage the stress better appreciate who you are, a so that they play different roles
which complement each other.
that comes with peer pressure. proper understand- Even in our African cultures
In this issue we shall look at ing of your own sex- there were and still are, cer-
sexuality and how we comple- uality is important. tain things which are expected
ment each other as male and The answer you give for men and for women. This
female. to the question of difference is not meant to hu-
What is sexuality? Sexuality is what it means for miliate one over the other or
that which makes you male or you to be a boy or to demonstrate the superiority
female or in other words being a girl will shape the of one over the other. Each has
a boy or a girl. You can also say way you act. a unique role to play which the
that it is your total make up, Before puberty, ex- other cannot. Are you happy
that is our femininity as girls cept for the repro- to be male or female? Each day
ductive organs, the celebrate your maleness and
boys and the girls femaleness and thank God for
do not seem to have creating you just as you as you
many differences. are! You are you for a purpose;
At puberty, about find it and express it as one cre-
11-14 years, howev- ated in the image and likeness
er, differences occur of God. I leave you with these
which characterise thoughts to ponder until we
very specifically the meet next time. Be blessed, dear
“male” and “female” friend!
which indicate that the boy and
girl are no longer children 23
but maturing into adults.
You may ask, why did
God decide to create male
and female so differently?
When God decided to
create a woman, it was
because he had found that
“it is not good for man to
be alone, so he decided