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Edition February 2003

In memory of Leader Edgar

On December 30th, I received a very sad phone call. People from Chiro Philippines called me to tell me about the death of Edgar Montiano, their dear Leader Edgar, who has been the general responsible of Chiro Philippines, for the last years. The news, in the middle of Christmas time, was quite a shock for all of us. Personally, I met Edgar last summer, during our trip to the Philippines to prepare the next world camp. He was so lovely. He always had such an enlightened face, thanks to his nice smile. He used to be that person who always finds a solution to solve a problem, and who never has a negative answer for nobody or for nothing. He used to have lots of ideas, lots of projects. He was somebody who believed, more than anybody else, in the strength of the educational work with children and youngsters. He was somebody who really believed in Fimcap.

Personally, I feel I’ve lost a friend, but I firmly believe that wherever he is now, he is among us more than ever and he will enlighten our organisations. Let’s pray for him, for his family and for Chiro Philippines!

From here, a big kiss for you Edgar! See you!

Carme Carrion i Ribas

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World Camp

Hello! I am Marie Gutierrez from Chiro Philippines. On December 30, 2002, our national leader, Edgar Montiano, died during the National Chiro Congress held in Manila. He was 33 years old. As the leader in charge, Edgar was supposed to give the opening talk for the last day and then discuss the World Camp. He didn’t live to give his talk, but left us the message anyway - the topic for his talk that day was “Carry On!” For most of us, that was his last will and testament.

So, while we still mourn his sad and untimely death, Chiro Philippines shall carry on in supporting and hosting World Camp 2003!

We look forward to working with FIMCAP and meeting you.

Marie Gutierrez

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Afroconference 2002 South Africa

The Afroconference is the General Assembly of Fimcap Africa This year, the General Assembly was held in the Koinonia Centre, Durban (Botha’s Hill) between the 4th - 8th December 2002.
The following organisations were present: Chiro Burundi, Chiro Southern Africa, NACAYUL/Namibia, CYO Ghana, CYO Sierra Leone, Xaveri Burundi, Xaveri Uganda and Xaveri Rwanda. The guests were: Zeger Van Besien, General Secretary, and Alveiro Vasquez International Chaplain, as well as Bert Van den Bossche who translated whenever needed.

The study theme was ‘UBUNTU’. A term that you can find in the majority of the black African countries and which means “all the values that characterise a really human person”. These African values have vanished during the last decades and the Afro-conference felt it important to actualise them again in order to enable societies to recover their lost identity and to give young generations role models to follow. With the help of experts from Burundi and from Southern Africa (Kwazulu Natal), the participants shared experiences and ideas on this vast subject.

The participants also had the opportunity to share experiences about the situation in the different countries, especially Burundi, where the situation is soothing progressively as a cease-fire agreement has been signed at the beginning of December. In Rwanda, there are efforts towards national reconciliation, and for Uganda and Namibia the priorities are: the organisation of work camps and youth training camps. For Sierra Leone the war ended with multiple nasty effects. Reconstruction is seriously needed and CYO Sierra Leone has started to restructure itself.

During the General Assembly, the participants discussed new working methods to meet the challenges of deficient communication in such a big continent. The idea to create a permanent Bureau for Fimcap Africa was raised, but the practicality must be examined. The functions at the regional level were also discussed but at the end the participants decided to keep the structures as stipulated by the statute. There is one innovation : Each region has a co-ordinator from now on.

During the Assembly there were also elections. The new president of Fimcap Africa is Zénon Manirakiza (Chiro Burundi), the chaplain, Father Gérard Nzeyimana (Chiro Burundi), the secretary : Sylvestre Nyamuhwata (Xaveri Burundi), the Vice President : Father Daniel Yeboah (CYO Sierra Leone), who is a co-ordinator for the region of West Africa as well. The Co-ordinator for the central region is: François Hakizima (Xaveri Rwanda) and the Co- ordinator for the southern region is: Mary Diergaart (Nacayul/ Namibia).

At the end of the Assembly, recommendations were set up, aiming at inserting Ubuntu in the normal work of the different organisations through different activities, like the organisation of seminars, training sessions, the construction of a monument dedicated to Ubuntu during a regional camp, (Africa of the Big Lakes), the use of media and other forms of cultural expression, meetings with political authorities and the common implication of parents and young people in the organisation of activities.

The participants said a warm thank you to Madame Judy Figland who finished her second mandate in this function. They also prayed for an outgoing Bureau member who is critically ill at the moment. The Afroconference ended with an excursion to the Pre Zulu park and the Indian Ocean.

It is important to mention that Xaveri and Chiro Congo did not manage to participate in the Afroconference due to visa problems and insecurity. The participation on the whole was satisfactory, compared to Windhoek (Namibia) in 1999. My best wishes for 2003.

Zénon Manirakiza
President Fimcap Africa

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Porto Alegre (Brazil) for the 3rd World Social Forum 2003

More than 20 000 delegates from more than 4000 organisations from all over the world will meet from 23 to 28 January 2003 in the city of Porto Alegre, 500 km south of Sao Paulo.

The forum will cover five thematic areas and discussions will be held in many different ways. Of course Fimcap will not be absent from this important gathering.

Brazil.
Under the overall title “A different world is possible”, more than 20 000 delegates representing 4 962 organisations will come together in the Brazilian city of Porto Alegre to share their insights and experiences at the Third World Social Forum. Fimcap will also participate in this gathering.
Five thematic areas will be discussed: “Democratic sustainable development”; “Principles and values, human rights, diversity and equality”; “Media, culture and counter-hegemony”; “Political power, civil society and democracy”; “Democratic world order, fight against militarism and promoting peace”.
The five areas will be centred on all men and women and their social development, in order to restore human values as first and foremost principle in light of the ongoing globalising of economy and politics. Furthermore, the forum will certainly offer the possibility to learn and respect diversity, to cherish other cultures and to find the best in every person for the benefit of all humanity.

Activities parallel to the Third World Social Forum
Simultaneously to the World Forum there will be a series of other activities in Porto Alegre. One is the Forum of Local Authorities, where mayors or local council members will participate.
There will be the 3rd World Parliamentary Forum. During the first and second such Forum in 2001 and 2002, an international network of parliament members striving for a mobilisation of the civil society and social movements was created. In the third edition, the objective will be to prepare this year’s campaigns and initiatives of the International Parliamentarian Network. Another important meeting will take place: the Second World Forum of Judges. Their topic: “The judiciary and universalising rights”.

These forums will hopefully take place in an educational, reuniting and musical setting. But no doubt the most important forum will be the Third World Social Forum, which will close on 28 January 2003.

Jaime A. Munoz M.

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Rwanda

A Burundi delegation was invited by the Xaveri Movement National Committee to attend the celebration of the Golden Jubilee of the Xaveri Movement 21-23 December 2002 in Kigali. The delegation consisted of :Zénon Manirakiza President of FIMCAP AFRICA, Jean Claude Minani , National CHIRO Burundi leader, Térence Mbonabuca, National leader of Xaveri Burundi, Ferdinand Nduwayo, Xaveri Adults, Bujumbura, Wynifred Katihabwa, Xaveri Adults – Gitega.

The celebration took place in the Stade National Amahoro on Sunday 22/12/2002 and enjoyed the presence of the highest church and political authorities, like the bishops of the Kabgayi, Kibungo, Byumba and Ruhengeri dioceses as well as his Excellency Vincent BIRUTA, President of the Transition National Assembly, the Minister of Youth, of Sports and Culture.

Rev. Father Georges Defour founder of the Xaveri Movement, Joseph Assimwe and a delegation from Xaveri Uganda and Gustave Lunjwire with a delegation from Xaveri Congo participated as well. Among the numerous guests there was a guest from Belgium: the national leader of Chiro Flanders.

The celebration consisted of a Xaveri parade with about 3.500 participants, the reading of the message of His Holiness Pope Jean Paul II addressed to the Church of Rwanda and to the Xaveri movement of Rwanda, a Eucharist, the speech of the national Chief of Xaveri Rwanda, different cultural group performances, a speech of Father Defour, many testimonies and speeches, the hymn of the Jubilee and a reception.

After these marvellous ceremonies in Kigali, the Burundi delegation decided to organise separately the celebration of the Golden Jubilee of XAVERI BURUNDI and CHIRO BURUNDI with mutual invitation and cultural exchanges (drummers, music groups, dancers) The . messages of the Jubilee will focus on the motto “ Be more even more” for Xaveri Burundi and “We are the apostles of Love, Justice and Peace” for Chiro Burundi , after the sad incidents that marked our countries of the Big Lakes region.

Both movements have committed themselves to involve all those who enjoy human, moral and Christian education and who work on ecclesiastical, political level, the media, the banks and insurance companies.

A new Jubilee hymn will be composed or improved and the hymn of Africa (Nkosi Sikolele Afrika)will be taught in both movements for that occasion. The celebration of the Golden Jubilee has shown the strong mobilisation of the Xaveri youth in general, and especially the implication of the Xaveri Adults Union in all these activities. This is a strong example for our two movements.

Moreover, the presence of high political and ecclesiastical authorities show their interest in the Catholic Action in general and particularly in the support of youth work . For instance, Xaveri Rwanda has a big and well-equipped Xaveri Centre thanks to governmental support. All the people were satisfied. The organisers, the participants and the guests promised to meet again in order to strengthen the good neighbourhood relations and mutual co- operation.

Zénon MANIRAKIZA
President de FIMCAP AFRICA

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St Francois-Xavier feast

On January 12th 2002, a huge number of Xaveri people of the BUJUMBURA diocese gathered in St Michel parish to celebrate the baptism of Jesus, and n the Patron of the Xaveri Movement. Normally the feast of St Francois Xavier is on 3 December, but it was postponed due to school calendar reasons. Mass was concelebrated by several priests, the present and former national chaplains, and other responsible people at other levels. During the day, there were meetings and activities in the meeting hall of the St Michel parish.

The diocesan chief, Ruberintwari Richard started with the presentation of St Francois Xavier’s life. He was born 1506 in Navarra (Spain) and had a quite turbulent youth. He wanted to have a lot of degrees and wealth, but then he met Ignatius of de Loyola in France and everything changed completely. Ignatius of Loyola reminded him that it was no use to strive at material goods while neglecting his soul. François Xavier became priest and member of the Jesuits Congregation and was sent to Asia to evangelise those parts of this continent. He baptised many new Christians. He died before arriving in China.

The Chiro and Xaveri Burundi were happy about the election of Zénon Manirakiza from Chiro Burundi as President of Fimcap Africa, Nyamuhwata Sylvestre, from Xavéri Burundi as General Secretary. and Father Nzeyimana Gérard from Chiro Burundi as general Chaplain of Fimcap Africa. (see article on the Afroconference for all details). They received the best wishes of success for their future work and pastoral tasks.

The Theme “The role of the movements of the Catholic Church in the Peace process” was developed by Térence Mbonabuca, National leader of the Xaveri movement. He reminded all that the Catholic Action movements are part of the Civil Society which have contributed to the peace finding process in Burundi. The Civil Society has sent its delegation to the negotiations on the Arusha agreements. The movements must co-operate together and work within the same frame. That is the reason why they were invited to be part of the several commissions foreseen in the Arusha agreements.

The Civil Society experiences problems linked to the uninhibited purchase of wealth, to ethnical problems, the absence of communication, the creation of small groups, to religious disputes, etc. To avoid these dangers, Xaveri must join the other movements to set up a pressure group in favour of the people’s interests.

The theme “The role of the movements in the institution of “leading citizens” ( Banshingantahe) in Burundi” was presented by Manirakiza Zénon, President of FIMCAP Africa. He briefly but strongly exhorted the youth to say the truth, to avoid criminality, to develop healthy values, to be just and to avoid sexual delinquency. In this way, the youth will prepare themselves to be the real leading citizens of tomorrow.

After some questions about the differences between FIAC and Fimcap and complementary information, the day ended with refreshments.

Sylvestre Nyamuhwata
General secretary of Fimcap-Africa

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Nippac Paraguay

The five day camp in Paso Yobai was unforgettable. The animators came home very satisfied and the children enjoyed it very much. We went to the river for a swim, worked a lot on spiritual issues, had Bible sessions where the children were able to understand the message in a very creative way. We played games, sang songs, had dynamic group sessions, went on excursions, and the kids wrote a song referring to the theme. Father Andrés took good care of the camp, he shared a lot of time with us. Every evening there even was a special program on the local radio.
Two of the participants came from two villages where they might set up a NIPPAC group.

Angélica,
national team of NIPPAC

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Jupach is getting ready for a celebration

2001 was a decisive year for Jupach. All dioceses were present at the General Meeting and they all helped realise the Third National Leader’s Camp 2002 in Pinto.

This is how the whole story started:
The first meetings of the national team was dedicated to finding a topic that would appeal all participants, from North to South, from the sea to the mountains. When we finally settled on “being united is being strong”, with the sub-title “Our mission is to serve and live in harmony”, we started to dream about the camp. The objectives were clear: revive and reinforce our Jupach ideals. It was an ambitious project. For the four days we divided the main theme into the sub-themes: Feel, Talk, Be Active and Celebrate, so we could get to very practical aspects of our work.
At the beginning of the camp, reporters from the mass media of the region were present: radio, TV and newspapers. We wanted to show our expectations of Chile and the national training, to deepen our radical opinion for our people’s children and the characteristics of living in Jupach style.

The participants had to travel from 500 to 1500 km by land before reaching Pinto in the region of Chillán.
So there were Jupach members from Santiago, Concepcion, Los Angeles, Temuco and Villarrica. We also had the pleasure of having two animators from Nippac Paraguay, three animators from Jupae in Ecuador, four friends from Chiro Belgium and the international Fimcap chaplain Fr. Alviero Vazquez at the camp.
More than 250 people had come together for the same goal: Live in Jupach style. A programme full of activities had been prepared by the camp leaders. The first day was centred on the “Me” and our call to discover the invitation from this organisation. The evening was for celebrating, on a large scene with lights and music. Typical dances from every country, songs, theatre and a presentation from each organisation were a much appreciated forum of exchange.
The second day, the Jupach language was reinforced through intense training on identity and reflections on sexuality. Group and individual work enabled us to become informed and abolish prejudices on these issues. On the third day – under a downpour of rain – we talked about the Jupachinos, the children that are member of our movement. A game in the city of Pinto was the ideal setting to try some of our enabler’s skills. A bit later we worked along the age groups in Jupach. What do they want? Where are they going? These were some of the issues discussed.
In the evening we had a big celebration around the campfire to celebrate the insights obtained, and every group presented their talents. We laughed, sang, danced and cherished our culture, going on an imaginary trip through our precious country.

The fourth day was full of sun, and we set off to discover the wonderful region of Chillán between mountains and snow, with natural waterfalls and wild flowers. We enjoyed ourselves, danced, sang and took a bath in some of the thermal baths.
Back at the campsite, the camp slowly came to its end. We celebrated and gave thanks to our Big Friend for this wonderful new opportunity.
That was the end of the camp, but not the end of the story– just as in the song “Jupach is a celebration, a celebration that will never end, it is an adventure that grows and finds life in our unity …” The camp was over, but the work in Chile, Paraguay, Ecuador, Belgium and in Fimcap will continue. In every single local group, diocese, in each country and every organisation.

We would like to thank every animator, chaplain, adult supporter, local group, parish community, our friends from Jupae, Nippac, Chiro and Fimcap, in Pinto, the service and the organising teams, host families and all those working for the dream to come true …

Jupach, let’s celebrate!

Kind regards,
National Jupach Team

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National Assembly of Jupach

The National Assembly of Jupach took place in Chile 10 - 12 January 2003. This year’s motto was: Jupachino, you should move, take your rucksack. Dare it!. During this year we want to invite everybody to discover and reflect on the fact that each one of us is the mirror of what Jupach is. We want to move to know better our own methodologies, to go deeper in our own style and in our spirituality. We want to take our backpack by doing our work well We want to start from our own life experiences and be responsible for each others life. We want at the same time dare to do it and have the courage to say what is going wrong. We want to dare to do everything in a different way, with justice and responsibility towards everybody.

This will be our way next year. I hope that by the end of the year we will be able to say “yes” we really dare to be different. A small step towards a new world.

Jaime Muñoz

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The passing away of Leader Edgar Montiano

In 2002 CHIRO Philippines celebrated its Golden Jubilee with the motto: “Fifty years of service to the Filipino Youth”. What had started with a missionary from Belgium has grown and developed into a tree. It may not be the biggest tree, but a tree with firm and deep roots of service and values. The short leadership of Edgar Montiano has shown that even a few years of service could produce much fruits and harvest. His sudden and untimely death at the age of thirty-three is a great loss for the Movement, not only because of his young age but also because of his inspiration and creative mind that won many young people for CHIRO. Leader Edgar took the lead of the Movement just before Pope John Paul II came to the Philippines to celebrate the 4th World Youth Day in 1996. He took the opportunity of the presence of many delegates of FIMCAP in Manila to organize a linkage meeting between local groups and youth groups of other countries. He was always interested in reaching out to international youth gatherings. He attended meetings and world youth days in Paris and Toronto. He invited CHIRO-Taiwan to the Philippines and was preparing the crown of his international outreach program with the world camp here in the Philippines this coming July.

He also renewed CHIRO internally through the centralization of its services. From a loose group of separate units and platoons, CHIRO emerged now as a National Movement with a National Council of Representatives and a Secretariat at Las Piñas, Rizal.
Training camps for aspirant leaders were held on national level and district leaders were assigned by the national leadership. CHIRO played also a more active role in the National Federation of Youth Organizations, which is an arm of the Catholic Bishop’s Conference of the Philippines. CHIRO was on the move and established itself as a solid National Youth Organization. Old groups were awakened, new groups were organized in the Central Islands of Cebu and Bohol and in Mindanao in the South of the Country.

Also the spiritual dimension got a boost when we made a two day pilgrimage together with the youth of the Diocese of Batangas to our Lady of Lipa City in 1998. We know that movements and organizations can easily age over the years and be petrified in old structures. New ideas, new ways of doing things guarantee the life and the vitality of the Movement. Leader Edgar initiated the new way for CHIRO. He integrated the Movement with its Belgian roots in the Philippine culture and tradition and at the same time opened it to the modern culture of globalization through international linkages. This shift of thinking and doing is Leader Edgar’s great contribution to CHIRO and FIMCAP. His drive and dynamism challenges us to move forward to serve the children and the youth in a modern and efficient way.

Rev. Gerry L. Bouckaert, CICM
National Chaplain
CHIRO, Philippines

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Bureaumeeting in Natoye

The first weekend of February Patro hosted a Bureau meeting of Fimcap Europe at their training centre in Natoye, Belgium. Arriving there after a three and a half hour drive was a wonderful experience. The Patro Relais is situated in a wonderful valley with a nice little stream alongside the property and a small lake and a forest. The whole area was covered with a thick layer of snow. So, before us in the darkness there loomed this beautiful old building in the romantic surroundings. Arriving there was an experience in itself.

At the same time there was an assembly of Patro, so we had the possibility to get to know the people of the organisation. I talked for quite a long time with Julie, the new Patro president. It was nice to meet her. Of course we didn’t have much time so we couldn’t discuss matters at length. But at least we got the chance to get to know each other a little.

Julie is the new president. The former President had her farewell party during the same weekend. We had the privilege to be invited. Though I didn’t understand a word of her farewell speech it was a touching experience. It is quite something to leave an organisation for which you worked for so many years. At times the speech became a little emotional but there were also a lot of laughs. I could just feel the appreciation of the Patro people for all the work she had done. During moments like these one of the strength’s of an organisation is clearly visible. It was like a big family meeting. Everybody is working for the organisation because they believe in its mission. Despite some arguments people stick together because the work has to go on. It truly is like a family.

Euroclass
The Bureau meeting itself was also very good. After the results of the Euroconference we had to take a lot of decisions. There were some new representatives so we had to explain a lot about the working of Fimcap and the different activities. There were also some people present from the Euroclass project - two boys from Hungary and a girl from the Ukraine. It was good to get some first hand information about this project. More organisations are getting enthusiastic about the project now.

One thing which I am very satisfied with is the calendar which we managed to fill. For the next three years most of the activities have already been divided. Only two Bureau meetings are vacant and one Euroforum and one Eurocontact. Considering that this was the first bureau meeting this was not a bad result at all.

World Youth Days
One of the most important decisions we made was that we committed ourselves to get involved in the World Youth Days in Cologne in 2005. A working group will be created to support the organisation of the Fimcap activities there. It is an excellent chance to tell the world about the wonderful possibilities of Fimcap. And it is a very good opportunity to meet many people of Fimcap during these days.

So, all in all the Bureau meeting was a big success. I would like to thank everybody who participated in it. Special thanks to Rebecca, Fabian and the organisation of Patro, who organised everything.

Corno

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Ranfttreffen December 2002

A Walk To Remember!!…..and such a one it was for us three Maltese girls who took part in the walk. Actually we did not know what awaited us…..although we could have imagined. Can you imagine three Maltese girls, never accustomed to walk, following three Chiro people for an unknown destination? This is how our story started.

Well, apart from our survival experience we had a very good time especially in getting to know people and during the sharing of experiences in the workshops. In fact these workshops held at different stops during the walk, led to interesting discussions, which helped us to reflect on the theme IDEE. The workshops in the last stop offered creative opportunities which we thoroughly enjoyed. Although we felt it was a very long and tiring walk for us, the view of the lit-up Ranft valley, by thousands of tiny candles was a rewarding sight.

We are sure we will always treasure this experience and thank the Blauring/ Jungwacht who gave us this opportunity in sharing this annual big event.

Christine, Marvic and Nathalie
ZAK Malta

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New language course programme in 2003

The Directorate of Youth and Sport will propose a new language course programme in 2003. Information and application form will be sent to you by mid-February 2003.

The language courses are specifically reserved for young people actively involved in youth work. The role of the sending organisation will be reinforced and they will be requested to take on a greater responsibility in the selection and in the preparation process of their candidates.

Further information and application forms will be sent the 15th February 2003.

The language course programme:

• 2 English courses (04 – 30 September 2003 and July 2003 – dates to be confirmed)
• 1 French course (17 August – 13 September 2003)
• 1 Russian course (27 July – 23 August 2003)
• 1 German course (03 August – 30 August 2003)
• 1 Spanish course (01 – 25 July 2003 – dates to be confirmed)
• 1 Italian course (07 – 27 September 2003) – must be confirmed.

Travel expenses: to be paid by the participant
Enrolment fees: Board and lodging as well as educational costs are provided and paid for by the Council of Europe. An enrolment fee of €100 per participant per course will be invoiced A recommendation letter for each candidate must be provided by the sending organisations.
Deadlines: The deadline for candidates to present applications to the sending/ nominating organisations is the 15^th March 2003 then the candidate’s application forms and recommendation letters should be forwarded to the Directorate of Youth and Sport by the 31^st March 2003 at the latest (by mail or fax – e-mail will not be accepted).

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