Spiritual Communion in the Face of Covid-19

The world is currently in a deep-doldrum following the announcement of a terrible respiratory disease-Covid-19 caused by a virus called corona-virus. The infectious disease causes respiratory illness, like the flu, with symptoms such as a cough, fever, and in more severe cases, difficulty in breathing. It is a fact, even those saved by the blood of Jesus are encouraged to follow World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines to protect themselves from the virus at the same time asking God- Almighty for an immediate answer. Many are still grappling, including the Christian Community across the world, on why God has abandoned his people. The cumbersomeness of the disease has sent a wave of fear, stress, helplessness, economic and political instability; given that there has not been registered success to find the medical formula for its cure. 

The Lenten period (Lent) reminds us of how God will not abandon his people; in whatever situation, our Lord is above board. The suffering on the Cross is enough evidence for every believer that, the: fear, stress, helplessness among others have been dealt with at the Cross. In times of difficulties, we are called to put our faith in Jesus and look up to him for solutions. Deuteronomy 31:6 says, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you or forsake you”. Psalms also emphasize how God will not abandon his children. He is God of justice, what he requires from us, is faith, and more to this Lenten period; Prayer and helping others who are in need. (The Lord will not abandon his people; he will not desert those who belong to him -Psalms: 94:14-23).  As cited in Catechesis of Divine Mercy, God is merciful. He is Love poured out for us, and He wants all of us to turn to Him with trust in repentance and conversation while there is still time.

In the face of Covid-19, where we are faced with many restrictions, in other cases not able to receive the Body of Christ, Spiritual Communion will fill our void and unite us with Christ. Spiritual Communion is a Christian practice of desiring union with Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist. It is used as a preparation for Holy Mass and by individuals who cannot receive Holy Communion. As noted by one Catholic Writer, “The great desire of Jesus to unite with us is infinite and omnipotent: it has no other barrier than our liberty. Jesus has multiplied the miracles to give Himself to us in the Eucharist.”

The Catechism of the Council of Trent which is the compendium of the Roman doctrine, states that “It is necessary that the pastors of souls teach that there is not only one way of receiving the admirable fruits of the Sacrament of Eucharist, but two: Sacramental Communion and Spiritual Communion.” The latter is not very well known, and it is practiced by a very few faithful, nonetheless it is an incomparable and special myriad and fountain of graces. As noted by the history of faith, countless souls have attained a high degree of perfection through it.

Saint Teresa of Avila noted that “When you do not receive Communion and you do not attend Mass, you can make a Spiritual Communion, which is a most beneficial practice; by it, the love of God will be greatly impressed on you."

Our Lord said to Saint Matilda: “Every time your heart desires Me, you attract Me into you. A desire or a longing is enough to make Me yours.” He said to Saint Margaret of Alacoque: “My daughter, your desire has pierced My Heart so deeply that if I had not already instituted this Sacrament, I would do so now to become your food.” Our Lord also requested Saint Margaret of Cortona to remind a religious the words of Saint Augustine, “Believe and you have eaten already”; that is, make an act of Faith and desire towards the Eucharist, and you will be fed by this divine food.

Below is An Act of Spiritual Communion with the Prayer of St Alphonsus Maria of Liguori:

My Jesus,
I believe that You are present in the Most Holy Sacrament.
I love You above all things,
and I desire to receive You into my soul.
Since I cannot at this moment receive You sacramentally,
come at least spiritually into my heart.

(Pause in Silence for Adoration)

 I embrace You as if You were already there and unite myself wholly to You. Never permit me to be separated from You.

Amen.

Article by Misheck Gondo:  Misheck Gondo is a Catholic Catechist, Researcher, Writer and Blogger who writes in his personal capacity. He can be contacted at gondo.gism@gmail.com  

Acknowledgments:

Catechesis of Divine Mercy (Rev. Francis X.McGerty)

Catholicity Blog.com

ZIMBABWE YOUTH SECTOR

ABSTRACT 
 

The participation of youth in Zimbabwe can be traced to the time before independence, young people playing a liberation role. After attaining independence in 1980, the post-war government made remarkable steps to institute a ministry responsible for youth and also it was led by a young woman. However, the institutional establishment did not translate to the practical empowerment of young people who now constitutes 67 percent of the total population. The growing poverty in the new millennium, lack opportunities, limited academic freedoms, unemployment, drug abuse, exorbitant health care, human rights abuse and shrinking civic space has epitomized modern-day Zimbabwe; with young people absorbing the brunt of economic collapse. The National Constitution, Section 20 which is within the Africa Union Youth Framework; provides for the effective participation of youth in political, social, economic and cultural affairs of te country. To celebrate the 2nd National People ‘s Convention hosted by the Citizens Manifesto, this paper introduces key fundamentals and solution-oriented interventions on the role of youth in the political economy of Zimbabwe. The paper uses the Youth Development Model (YDM) that spells out the four-lens approach and seven key principles of youth development. Given the contextual reality, the paper argues that practical youth development must involve youth themselves, dealing with institutional deficiencies, and human development must form part of Zimbabwe ‘s conversations. The paper also suggests that human development should be done through, the transformation of the education system to promote innovation, enacting policies that enable youth development, preserving space for collective action and organizing, locating dialogue on the future of work or the decent work and social justice agenda. 

Keywords: Youth, Inclusion, Zimbabwe, Participation, Policies, Citizen ‘s Convention, Agency 

Executive Summary 

The youth bulge phenomenon, prevalent in Zimbabwe where demographically youths constitute 67.7% of the population, has been manipulated by the political elite to perpetuate violent conflicts as youth are more susceptible to manipulation by both politicians and government. Urdal (2006) notes that conflicts occur when the proportion of youth bulge exceeds 20%. The percentage of youth bulge in Zimbabwe exceeds this threshold by over 40%: this at the backdrop of an external debt hovering at 146% of the country’s GDP, over 90% unemployment rate, poor governance and accountability practices, politicization of societal life and dwindling civic voice and trust; has furthered youth marginalization. Youths have thus become a pool for recruitment and conscription into youth militia groups by political parties for deployment to carry out atrocities that further political party agendas. The vigilant groups are known for torturing, intimidating and killing citizens with differing political ideologies. Examples include Chipangano in Mbare, Harare and the Al-Shabab styled organization in Kwekwe in the Midlands Province. Outright manipulation of youth by politicians who promise economic rewards such as employment, land, and pay-outs has seen youths perpetrating violence at alarming rates. Urdal (2006) further states that risk increases under times of political, economic and educational stress, and Zimbabwe has been under such stress for a decade. Consequently, election times in the country have been characterized by a violent contest among unemployed youth across the political divide and marred with outright violence, voter intimidation, and victimization, with youths taking the lead. The growing marginalization of young people in Zimbabwe is not only political but also structural, the political mentality that youth are the leaders of tomorrow continue to shrink the youth space. Zimbabwe ‘s youth development space is epitomized by violations of basic rights, that is lack of decent jobs, exorbitant education, limited access to health care, drug abuse, lack of civic space to innovate and participate. This paper seeks to articulate a solution-oriented approach to these challenges, through raising home ground nuggets and the paper is also raising key questions that need to be addressed to move forward as a country.

Paper published by Citizen's Manifesto written by Misheck Gondo 

For the full paper read here:  http://citizens-manifesto.org/2019/09/19/zimbabwe-youth-sector/

Necrologue to F.r Ignatius M. Zvarevashe (S.J); A life of Humility and Spiritual Nourishment

By Misheck Gondo

His life is worthy of a celebration!  The time he lived on earth was capacious for every member of the church.  He was known for having ample time to satisfy the spiritual void of the faithful. Well known as Baba Zvararevashe of the Society of Jesus; a religious order of the Catholic Church, whose priests and members are called Jesuits. His given name Ignatius is not a spiritual coincident; he was ordained as a priest within the order of the religion founded by St. Ignatius of Loyola.

Ignatius M. Zvarevashe worked as a pastoral priest for 38 years in Chinhoyi and Harare dioceses in Zimbabwe and as an Assistant Novice Director for two years in Zambia. In November 2019, he celebrated 50th anniversary as a Jesuit and 40 years as a priest.  He will also be remembered as a man of intellectual propriety and decorum, spiritual stamina and teaching- proficiency and a perfectionist. He did his theological studies at Heythrop College in London and at the Gregorian Pontifical University in Rome. A member of the Marian Movement; one of his zeal was to unpack the importance of Mary Mother of Jesus to Catholics and non-Catholics. In one of his books, “Mariya Amai VaJesu Naamai Vedu”, he chronicled the sanctity, the importance, the respect Mary deserves and the truth about her and why Catholic Church gives Mary such an honor.

Born in Gutu on December 15, 1943, Fr. Zvarevashe, a veteran and prolific author, a transformational teacher whose realm of influence permeated beyond the jurisdiction of the catholic church. There is an adage that says, ‘writing is not only a cup of knowledge to those with wisdom, but a legacy for generations.’ Fr. Ignatius wrote several novels, and spirituals books, some of them include:  Authentic Inculturation and Reconciliation: A Catholic Perspective, A Short Investigation of The Catholic Church: From the Council of Jerusalem to The Council of Trent, Marwadzo neMbiri YaJesu Kristu, Kurauone, Tsumo, Chimbo naMadimikira,  Tsumo, zvirevo zvechimbo, namadimikira : (mangadza avaera shiri kuramba hungwe huku vachidya), Museve wade nyama, Gonawapotera, Ngano dzinozipa dzapasichigare, Gwararenhamo, and Dzinza ravagovera vaChirumhanzu Namutasa. He has also penned a number of articles in English, published in Moto, Hekima Review,   Afer, Catholic Chuch News, and Mukai-Vukani.

His teachings were based on spiritual edification rather than doctrinal instruction, he has been known as man of thoughtful and constructive criticism, in one of his books: “A short Investigation of the Catholic Church” he concurred with Pope John Paul on this question, “Where have we deviated from the Gospel” as he re-opens Catholicism heated debate after the Second Vatican Council, he laid down the past faults of the church and how the church can be guided by Holy Spirit to correct the wrongs.

 His homilies called for the people to repentance, conversion, humility, and growth in a spirit of trust in God's Mercy.  Through-out his teachings, he made sure everyone, regardless of age or level of literacy could understand the word of God. His famous style of calling the congregants to repeat after his important words-for mastery, for example, “Kuzvidukupisa, Kuzvidukupisa, Kuzvidukupisa”. He was a student of unfathomable Divine Mercy, he allowed in his lifetime for the message of divine mercy to reach the ordinary people.

 The Author of this Article had a double-leveled privilege to interface with Fr. Zvarevashe in the two dioceses, Chinhoyi at St. Boniface Mission, where the deceased served as a priest and his last pastoral assignment at St Francis Xavier Parish Braeside-which sub-houses St. Martins. He always unveiled himself to parishioners for personal, family or community prayers, even the time he was in great agony, he could attend his daily obligations, on his last days suffering from cancer, a resemblance of St. Ignatius of Loyola.

 His deep understanding and great command of the Shona language was amazing! He loved traditional food too. A week before his sad departure from mother-earth, at St. Martins Parish, the famous Hosi Yedenga (Maria Guild) had prepared his loved dish, a hamper full of copious-cuisines.  In the consummation of time, only to receive the sad news that the spiritual legend has left the troubled world,  going to where the Christians describe as the real or final home.  His life is a life of legacy, his knowledge of scripture shall be remembered,  he left us with a positive challenge, a call to perfect our ways through humility (Kuzvidukupisa), love (Rudo), Confession (Rupinduko) and intricate love of God (Kuda Mwari zvakanyanya). As Fr. Ignatius Padya said through his obituary assertion,  "You are now a saint of God in heaven"

  

May Your Soul Rest in Eternal Peace.

(John 16:22: "Therefore you too have grief now, but I will see you again, and your heart will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you…”)

Contact: gondo.gism@gmail.com

Eulogy to our Community Heroine; Amai Mugoro.

“Sad news, we have a big loss, Mai Mugoro no longer with us. May her soul rest in eternal peace” Those were the words just posted on one of the followed social network service sites, the Face Book.  When Munya Mazere posted this unexpected and perturbing message, the author of this encomium was far away in the west of Africa, at the backdrop of Nigeria Presidential Elections. A vast pentagon of pain gripped him, a feeling of pensive sadness with realization that distance cannot be a measure of pain, but can further embed the pain. Few minutes later, WhatsApp messages started to trickle in, a sad confirmation of the reality and a taste of melancholia.

Amai Mugoro as affectionately and she was popularly known in Mashonaland West Province, left a big void not only to the place of origin; Zvipani, but to the entire populace that had the opportunity within her vicinity of life; having interacted with her. Soft spoken, prayerful and motivator can not only describe her life virtues and rectitude, but also epitomized with love and mother-ship.

 As a piously-devout Catholic, a prolific Choir Conductor and a singer, with an art of directing musical performances. I remember during our childhood, she was a primary school teacher at Matau, she could lead in church Service and Mass at Holy Cross Catholic Church among other dedicated missions of pilgrimage, with a melodious voice that rains the congregants to a prayerful and introspective church sessions. Her life was sanctimonious.

 Mai Mugoro did not wait until death in order to pass on the legacy-baton of leadership, as evidenced by her children’s participation in the body of Christ and community work, a lesson every individual must embrace. Legacy is not imposed but it is created.  

The connection with Mugoro family is not only relational and propinquity, but also spiritual. During my childhood at St Boniface Catholic Mission, it is the Mugoro family that carried the spiritual thesis to be my God parents upon my holy baptism, a commitment in the Catholic Church that comes with responsibility to always pray, guide and mentor the newly born in Christ.

Indeed, it is a desolate moment that has engulfed our land, with this level of pain, what of the children and Mr. Jacob Mugoro the husband. However, we can only throw ourselves in the comfort of the Lord, by reflecting on the scripture: “but our commonwealth is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will change our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power which enables him even to subject all things to himself” (Philippians 3:20-21).

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)

May the Lord, our God the redeemer of human race comforts the Mugoro family, church members, friends and the entire community for this woebegone loss.

 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:38-39)

May her soul rest in eternal peace!

Eulogy by

Misheck Gondo 

Published at  https://one-voiceour-voice.blogspot.com