“I will make you exceedingly fruitful” – Genesis 17:6

The Situation of the Pallottines in Germany and Austria

The current situation of the Pallottines in Germany and Austria reflects a high average age among the brothers—74 years—and a shortage of vocations. Our postulancy and novitiate are empty, and there are no students in formation. There is a group of about 45 brothers between the ages of 40 and 70 who will be tasked with guiding the community into the future. To ensure that they have sufficient strength and capacity, the Provincial leadership is focusing on consolidation: houses with significant histories and long traditions unfortunately must be closed. This is deeply painful and, understandably, difficult for some to accept, given that many brothers have devoted years, even decades, to building up the Pallottine mission.

When we, as the German-Austrian Province, decided a few years ago to take on responsibility for the Delegature in Nigeria and begin a mission in Malawi, many brothers viewed this as a wildly ambitious venture. We are an aging province, and yet we want to make a fresh start in Africa? Do we have the strength for this?

“As numerous as the stars in the sky and the sand on the seashore”

Abram and Sarai from Ur in Chaldea once faced a similar situation. Both were of advanced age—ninety and almost one hundred years. They had no children, which was considered a shame at the time. After their deaths, their possessions would be dispersed, and their lives would be over.

In this context, the nearly irrational journey they undertook from their homeland at nearly one hundred years old is easier to understand. It was like grasping at the last straw. For God promised Abram that he and his wife would find life and a future in a foreign land, that Abram would be the father of a great nation, “as numerous as the stars in the sky and the sand on the seashore” (Gen 22). And God did not disappoint: Isaac, the son of these two elderly people, was born.

From June 18 – 30, 2023, I had the opportunity as Mission Secretary to travel to Nigeria for the first time. Together with Provincial Father Markus Hau, I participated in the Delegature Assembly in Nigeria. Twenty brothers gathered in Mbaukwu for four days to share updates on the current work in the parishes and to report on life in the formation houses—where a total of 35 young men are journeying into the community through postulancy, novitiate, and studies in philosophy and theology.

A major focus of the assembly was the discussion of the so-called “G5” projects: farm, eye clinic, school, guest retreat house, and student residence. These projects originated from a futures workshop in March 2023, led by the Provincial and Provincial Councilor Father Alexander Diensberg. The workshop aimed to identify specific fields for pastoral engagement and income-generating opportunities. After the workshop, the brothers were tasked with further developing these projects and bringing them to life. We discussed further plans for these projects at the Delegature Assembly, with the intention of presenting them to the brothers at the Provincial Assembly in October 2023 in Friedberg, Bavaria.

The Commitment and Strength of the Brothers in Nigeria

Participating in the assembly was a truly enriching experience. I also visited some brothers in their parishes and schools, and during these visits, I had the opportunity to see the progress on the “Water Factory” project. Witnessing the dedication and strength of the brothers in Nigeria was inspiring. “Even though we’ve aged, we as a Province have the chance here to nurture and promote new life,” I thought, echoing in my heart and mind. This, to me, defines my mission as Mission Secretary: to support the development in Nigeria and Malawi, helping the brothers give shape to Pallottine life and work on the ground, and to fulfill our mission of spreading the Gospel. I feel very much alive in this role, which is deeply fulfilling for me.

A New Beginning on the African Continent

Perhaps, as an aging community in Germany and Austria, we can see this pioneering work in Africa as a kind of new beginning—not to secure our works here, but rather as an opportunity to experience the joy and vibrancy of seeing new Pallottine life emerge through our experience, support, and strength.

My recent visit to Cameroon reinforced my belief that these efforts are not in vain. From Nigeria, I traveled on to Cameroon, where I witnessed a young community of brothers firmly rooted in a solid foundation, largely laid by German Pallottines.

Abram and Sarai did not remain the same on their journey with God. Trusting in God and believing His word transformed them and gave them a new identity—they became Abraham and Sarah. I am eager to see what new identity will emerge for us from this journey in Nigeria and Malawi. There lies a future and life for us all.

Report & Photos: Mission Secretary Father Reinhold Maise

NIGERIA – CONFLICTS, CRISES, AND PERSPECTIVES

With over 200 million inhabitants, Nigeria is Africa’s most populous country and the continent’s largest economy. It ranks among the world’s leading oil producers.

Nowhere else in the world do so many Christians and Muslims live together in a single state as in this West African nation, where religion plays a central role. Conflicts and crises are often interpreted solely through this lens, although the causes frequently lie elsewhere.

The vast majority of Nigerians live in extreme poverty. Unemployment is high, and corruption has taken on severe proportions. Struggles over grazing land and access to water quickly erupt into violent conflict and increasingly take on an ethno-religious character. Islamist groups like Boko Haram spread terror, while incidents of assault and kidnapping are on the rise. The state fails to distribute resources fairly and to protect its citizens.

A former British colony, Nigeria gained independence in 1960. Roughly 400 ethnic groups live in this nation, shaped by colonial borders. The largest are the Hausa-Fulani in the north, the Yoruba in the southwest, and the Igbo in the east. After long periods of authoritarian military rule, Nigeria returned to democracy in 1999, although elections remain flawed. Alongside widespread poverty, the country faces significant challenges including governance deficits, corruption, economic crisis, security concerns, and terrorist attacks.

Sources: missio, BwZ
Photo of the Nigerian flag: natanaelginting / Adobe Stock

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