Im Gespräch bleiben - Provinzial Pater Scharler bei der Visitation in Nigeria
Seliger Michael Iwene Tansi aus Nigeria
Cyprian Michael Iwene Tansi OSCO, der erste Selige von Nigeria, war ein römisch-katholischer Priester aus dem Igbo-Stamm und Mitglied des Trappistenordens. Am 22. März 1998 wurde er von Papst Johannes Paul II. in Onitsha seliggesprochen.

"You Are a Part of Us"

Exchange and Support – Provincial Leadership Visits Nigeria

Ten Days in Nigeria: Provincial Leadership’s Canonical Visitation

For ten days, our Provincial Leadership visited Nigeria for the canonical visitation, focusing on project inspections, strengthening contacts, and, most importantly, engaging in conversations with all brothers. Provincial Father Helmut Scharler, Vice Provincial Father Michael Pfenning, Provincial Councilor and Mission Secretary Father Markus Hau, and Provincial Economist Father Rainer Schneiders engaged in dialogue wherever possible.

Nigeria is still a young part of the Heart of Jesus Province. This development, alongside the pioneering work of Fr. Peter Hillen, is largely thanks to the initiative of Provincial Father Scharler, explains Vice Provincial Father Michael Pfenning. Father Scharler opened the doors to this African country and brought the topic of Africa into the German-Austrian Province.

“We spoke with everyone—students, novices, postulants,” says Fr. Pfenning. The message was consistent: “We belong together. You are part of the Province and just as important as the brothers in Germany or Austria.” The delegation aimed to listen carefully, understanding the challenges and concerns.

Bringing the Pallottine Vision to the Nigerian Church

One concern, according to Fr. Pfenning, revolves around the direction of the Church in Nigeria, which is often conservative, hierarchical, and clerical, presenting difficulties for today’s Nigerian youth. “The Pallottine vision of a brotherly Church could offer an opportunity, an answer to these challenges, and an alternative,” Fr. Pfenning believes.

However, it’s essential to consider that Nigeria is a country where daily survival is a priority, the average lifespan is low, and access to healthcare is often unaffordable. “People there have different concerns,” says Fr. Pfenning. Survival is at the forefront, but even so, the Pallottines can contribute to the Church’s development.

The youth center, formation house, and Pallottine center projects were also key topics, focusing on strengthening connections with the district governor, the local king, and the bishops. The youth center’s mission is to instill Christian values and offer young people hopeful perspectives.

Gruppenbild mit Bischof Peter von Ekwulobia
Vizeprovinzial P. Michael Pfenning (Mitte), Missionssekretär P. Markus Hau (rechts) und Provinzökonom P. Rainer Schneiders (links) mit Bischof Peter von Ekwulobia. Das Bistum wurde gerade erst gegründet. Die Baustelle im Hintergrund soll eine Schule und das Generalvikariat beherbergen.

Strong People with a Will for the Future

The Pallottine students also need space for their growing community, as the young people are a true treasure, says Fr. Pfenning, who speaks of the Nigerian people with a certain admiration. It is a young, emerging nation, made up of strong individuals with a determination for the future. The lines of communication, strengthened during this visit, should no longer face such long interruptions as during the pandemic, assured the Vice Provincial. He emphasized the need for stronger networking between the Provincial and Delegature leadership to enhance exchange and intercultural learning.

However, the training of future Pallottines requires more than just buildings—it needs a functional structure and administration. Provincial Economist Fr. Rainer Schneiders joined the visit to review finances and get a comprehensive view of records, Excel sheets, and bookkeeping.

Further Donations Needed

Fr. Schneiders concluded: “We need an office here to support accounting. Properties need clear designation, and as a non-profit organization, it’s essential to grant signing authority to specific individuals.” The organization of health insurance, arranged through a local hospital in Nigeria, as well as Mass intentions, also need to be managed.

Thus, support from Germany does not only involve financing buildings but also encompasses establishing organizational structure and transparency on-site, stresses Vice Provincial Fr. Michael Pfenning. He notes that those interested can donate specifically to Nigeria.

Abschlussmesse bei der Visitation in Nigeria 2022
Gruppenbild nach der Abschlussmesse im Postulat: Die Zelebranten sind P. Markus Hau als Hauptzelebrant (im roten Messgewand), Provinzial P. Helmut Scharler, P. Michael Pfenning, P. Rainer Schneiders, P. Cosmas Onwukwe (Delegat Nigeria) und der Postulatsleiter P. Stanley Muokwue zusammen mit den Postulanten.

More Travel Reports

Provincial Norbert Hannapel visited Nigeria in 2001; the first Nigerian Pallottine, John Ndidi Nwaocha, was ordained a priest in 2010
Responsibility for the Nigeria Delegation is now increasingly in Nigerian hands – with the inauguration of the new buildings
Pallottine Profession and Diaconate Ordination Ceremony
Pallottines from Germany, Austria, Nigeria, Malawi and South Africa met at Province Day
Sacred art objects from Pallottine branches go to Nigeria
"I need both - contemplation and action," says our missionary secretary, who meditates early in the morning and is on the move the rest of the day
The Church Fathers used the butterfly to symbolise the transformation from death to life
Bishop Wilhelm Krautwaschl of Graz confers honorary degrees on eight priests
On 14th March our confrere Archbishop Tadeusz Wojda SAC was elected President of the Polish Bishops' Conference
The patronal feast of Our Lady of Sorrows has an eventful history, not only in the pilgrimage church of Herrgottsruh
Understanding mission is changing to better respond to new challenges
It takes 90 minutes, the length of a crime thriller on TV in the evening: the complete Gospel of Mark in one go!
"The Church must be on the side of freedom, the Church must be on the side of the weaker members of our society"
Vicar General Father Sascha-Philipp Geißler during his visit to a school in Blankenese (Hamburg)
Father Henkes openly defended his Christian convictions, which his family and confreres called unreasonable and unwise
We remember the example of Father Richard Henkes at a time when defenceless people are once again being murdered
The Charity Christmas Market once again raised a record sum for a good cause
This year, the Provincial, Fr Markus Hau, organised the meeting under the motto: "Becoming Disciples, Making Decisions"
Kohlhagen - a place of faith and encounter - attracts people
Provinzial calls for commitment against right-wing extremism
The Pallottine missionaries are usually looked after in their old home. How do they cope with this?
The anniversary "St. Jakob - 50 years of the Pallottine parish" will be celebrated on Pallottine Day, 21 January at 6:00 pm
The parish of St James in Friedberg, Bavaria, has gained self-confidence over the last 50 years
"We must learn to discern what is important"
Great atmosphere at the anniversary academy at the Vinzenz Pallotti University
From Malawi's capital Lilongwe to Mannheim in Germany
We Pallottine Fathers ask you for donations for our projects - for many roofs that make life possible
There is a future and life in our departure in Nigeria and Malawi
Provincial Father Markus Hau appointed the house leaders of the local communities and the Nigeria Council of Delegates
The Pallottine Major Superiors for Africa made decisions for the future of the community in Rwanda's capital Kigali
Many thanks to all donors to the hunger campaign. "Because every cent makes you full."
The Pallottines in Germany and Austria are following the elections in Nigeria
The pastoral care of vocations was the focus of this year's Candlemas meeting
A joyful event for the Pallottine community in Nigeria
Friends and guests joined the Pallotti Family in celebrating the Feast of St. Vincent Pallotti
House dedications open up new opportunities in pastoral care and formation for the Pallottine Fathers in Malawi
Anniversary: It’s been 100 years since the Pallottines came to Africa
"It needs a place where dialogue can take place"
Provincial Assembly in the Bavarian Town of Friedberg
Six brothers commit themselves to the Society of the Pallottines
Every day people ask our brothers for help. Hunger is coming back - help us!
Grundsteinlegung für das neue Zentrum der nigerianischen Pallottiner in Mbaukwu
The provincial leadership was warmly welcomed by the confreres in Nigeria
Drive out the dark, make room for the good!
Einladung zum Dialog über Papst-Wort: „Es geht nicht darum, eine andere Kirche zu schaffen, sondern eine Kirche, die anders ist.“
How does one actually become a missionary secretary? Fr Markus Hau lets us participate in his mission
Brother Bruno promised to consecrate himself to God and definitively join the Pallottine community.
"With my God I overcome walls", was the motto of Patrick Stortz at his First Profession
Through his unexpected death, the Pallottine community in Nigeria loses a friend and companion.
Excerpt from the Pallotti Church. Now our great time in Rheinbach has come to an end!
A truly inspiring film. A must-see for every Pallotti enthusiast and everyone who wants to become one.
Farewell in Rheinbach: Pallotti Church will be profaned on February 6th, 2021.
Focus of Academy Day 2021: Revealing what we have learned and can still learn during the pandemic!
Folding cards with the motif of St. Martin are sold in Olpe for the benefit of our youth center in Mbaukwu.
Our parish was host for a month. Many Christians took advantage of the offers in Kaphatika with great enthusiasm.
In Malawi's capital Lilongwe there is now a Postulancy formation house for young men who want to become Pallottines.
It’s the happiest day a society can celebrate.
Our parish in Kaphatika is preparing for the month of mission.
On July 18th, 2020, our Confrere Fr. Peter Hillen SAC died at the age of 68, after 42 years of profession and 41 years of priesthood.
On July 18th, 2020, our Confrere Fr. Peter Hillen SAC died at the age of 68, after 42 years of profession and 41 years of priesthood.
Pallottines in Malawi are hopeful. In many places new projects are emerging. Now two confreres have been ordained priests.
The visit to our province begins with conversations.
Farewell lecture, appointment and certificates at the end of the semester at the Theological Faculty in Vallendar.
Fr. Alexander Holzbach had been editor-in-chief of the Pallottine magazines for 30 years.
How can people live their vocation?
Managing Director Walder now cooking for Salzburg’s Street People
Young men want to become Pallottines. Postulate to start in Malawi.
The poor aren’t able to get food due to the stay-at-home order. An interview with Fr. Markus Hau is invoking for help there.
Vincent Pallotti was born 225 years ago on April 21st, 1795
It is for three places to celebrate: Friedberg, Bavaria; Washington D.C. and Vinkovici in Croatia.
A very personal travelog from Malawi. Patrizia Bauer works in the mission office of the Pallottines in Germany.
Vietnamese parish members very much contribute to making parish life vivid and colorful.
Bishop Bruno Ateba reported on the construction progress and thanked the benefactors for their help.
International Community to meet for Provincial Assembly
The world's mission is changing. As Christians, we are at the forefront
The guests experienced a worthy celebration in the cathedral, a colorful, sunny event in the Bischofsgarten and a grand finale in the Limburg Mission House.
In Mbaukwu (Nigeria) two confreres made their perpetual and one confrere his first consecration.
At the university in Vallendar, the semester ended with honors. At the start of the holiday there was the traditional summer festival.
On the 20th July 2019, three Nigerian Confreres of the Heart of Jesus Province were ordained priests.
Fr. Heinz Goldkuhle took part in the conference of catholic civil aviation chaplains.
We are happy about our newly consecrated brothers!
The Nigerian Pallottines hostet the Deaconate Ordination at St Dominic parish Mbaukwu.
The constitutional meeting of the Austrian Unio took place on February 10th, 2019 at Johannes Schlössl in Salzburg, Austria.
The Pallottine Continental Meeting of those in responsibility for the African unity took place at a time when temperatures rose up to 30 degrees Celsius.
We are very happy about our five new confreres in Nigeria
Temperatures were rising to 30 degrees Celsius as 5 young Nigerian confreres were given their perpetual consecration in Mbaukwu, Nigeria.
World Mission Sunday in the Pallotti Church of the Provincialate in Friedberg, Bavaria.
Colorful, multicultural and in tune with the times, that is the pastoral training at the Pallottine Pastoral Theological Institute (PthI). A report.
Bishop Atebas diocese is in the wild north of cameroon, the Pallottine charism and the Pallottines themselves are of tremendous assistance
Provincial Father Helmut Scharler and Mission Secretary Father Markus Hau visited the confreres in Nigeria
The so-called “Yam Festival” is celebrated every year in Nigeria. Fr Peter Hillen SAC has now been honored...
He has been committed to the people of Africa for 32 years. He has lived and worked in Nigeria for 10 years.
In an interview Pallottine General Rev. Fr. Jacob Nampudakam talks about past, present and future tasks for the Pallottine family and the church in general.
After 10 years of waiting of the Pallottine Mission in Malawi, the dream has been finally realized.
A special success story in word and pictures. A great THANK YOU to all our benefactors and benefactoresses who through prayer and donations supported us. The Lord will reward you.
At the Pallottine Provincial Congress, confreres in six countries on two continents gathered

Das könnte Sie auch interessieren

Mitreden, Mitmachen, Mithelfen!

In Kontakt bleiben. Kostenlos 12 x pro Jahr!

Liken, kommentieren, abonnieren

Herzliche Einladung: Reden Sie mit!

Öffnen Sie sich Räume

Gemeinsam die Welt verändern!