Union of our Brothers teaching at Mtendere primary school

On the photo you are just looking at in front of you, we have, among those standing, Brother David Kachoka on the left, shouldering his arm to Br. Mphatso in the middle and Mphatso shoulders his arm to Jean Bapstiste our second year novice in a white shirt.

Among those seated, you see on your right Atibu Angel in a white shirt, our second year novice with a lay member of staff besides him. You are realizing the adage of, ? We meet to part, we part to meet.? That is exactly the reality of life, more when you are in the same Province. May you enjoy good health in your work our apostles.

When people who had been together for a year or so meet again, stories to share are many. David and Mphatso are now full time community members at Marist Secondary School and Mtendere Secondary School communities but teaching at Mtendere Primary School. The two novices were privileged to meet former companions already established in the school and settling down did not become a big issue.

A lay member of staff demonstrates our reality today that we cannot afford to isolate ourselves from lay colleagues. Our novices have now completed two months in their formative activities and the news that reach us are very positive.

Mtendere means peace in the local language and it was adopted soon after the second world war. The whole area is often known as Mtendere Campus. It is within this campus the sector of Malawi has a big stretch of land which they call a home. Their neighbours are St. Kizito Seminary, Catechetical Training Centre or CTC, Presentation Sisters Formation House, Teresian Sisters Hospital, Mtendere Technical Skill Centre and Mtendere parish. The unity that exists among them demonstrate the very spirit that existed in the early church.

Mtendere Primary School has long Marist connection. Majority of us a new generation of brothers had our teaching experiences there as novices. It is a typical rural area but Christianity is deeply rooted in the people.

Look down here at the picture of the new Mtendere pupils who have the privileged of being taught by our brothers following the footsteps of the pioneer brothers. Joyful faces indeed. How happy Champagnat would be to see the new generation of the Little Brothers of Mary still at the service of the young children in the rural area. He would congratulate them for remaining true to the tradition and to his dream, to the rural area among the marginalized. He would repeat to you what he said to Br. Barthelemy in February,1831, ? ?.your many children will owe their salvation to you. Their whole life will be the echo of what you will have taught them. Exert yourself, spare nothing to form their hearts to virtue??

Thanks David, Mphatso, Jean Bapstiste and Atibu Angel for representing us at Mtendere primary school and know that we have you in our prayers. Help these young fellows to draw closer to Jesus. Our mission is to make Jesus known and loved. These young ones believe in you and you can help them grow into good Christians and good citizens.

_____________
Simeon fms, Matola.