On Apostolicam Actuositatem and Ad Gentes

                            It is incredible how rich the Church's teachings and liturgical wealth are lived from one continent to another. Although we have seven sacraments worldwide, there are administered different as we venture ourselves through the Ritual Churches or from nation to nation. I could not help but reminisce over my last year before moving to Canada when covering Vatican II's document on the Apostolate for the Lay People - Apostolicam Actuositatem.

@ former classmate. Same promotion.

~ Different generations ~

Let me put things into context; It is an all Girls College run by religious women determined to maintain high educational standards. We are the first promotion, and it is my second year before our good Lord ships me to a new land; Canada.  Sacraments are still offered in the school context along with the regular curriculum. But in the midst of the seven sacraments, there is, in Benin, this step between the Sacrament of Confirmation and the last one (Holy Orders, religious Life or Marriage) called Engagement Solennelle (Solemn Engagement). It is quite taken seriously for it for you can  call that year where the challenge to think about your vocation begins, if you had not before. For others, it is to let the Holy Spirit dig your heart and reveal to you what your apostolate is to be. Looking back, you could call Our Entry in Society. Here, it is from faith perspective, but it would not be much different from what you witnessed during the period of the Renaissance in Europe. Matter of fact, were we not learning British English as a 2nd official language. I recall it being a strenuous exercise for me. By then, I did know my vocation, but my apostolate? My life had been so enriched spiritually by then that, I did not know what to choose. See we were told, you say only one thing! So as the days got closer, one thing became clearer that all complemented each other. And Lo behold, the day came where just like the many young ladies, I stood before the assembly and with palpitations in my heart, spoke loudly in the microphone handed to me and with conviction the words that would continuously remind me that I was to be Catholic bound. And indeed as mentioned in the decree on the Apostolate of Lay People, whatever He calls us too , he will give us the grace to live out that vocation.  So the Holy Trinity, by the power of the Holy Spirit has been granting me the grace to see my life in Christ refined, making me worthy in my unworthiness to grow as co-heir of a rich kingdom, meanwhile being led to others in this same kingdom who through their testimonies fortify my faith.

@ St Bernard Parish with foundress Marie-Josette Bonneval & local sisters.

Thus, it was that I was blessed one evening in my parish to meet the co-foundress of a religious order that found home in our diocese from Brazil that same year by Msgr Alberto Taveira, and among the parishes that welcomed them, our shepherd did open to them the doors;The Seeds of the Word  from the Portuguese Sementes do Verbo. Not only among the orders we had welcomed that year, I confess I had been intrigued by them, but my holy curiosity began to be fed when it was slowly taken to their roots. Yes, this lay woman by whose side I have the privilege to stand in this photo started this community in Europe. If someone would have ever told her so, she would not have believed it. Upon an ill caught by her husband, co-founder and now Deacon Georges Bonneval of the same community, she promised our Lord that if He was to heal him, she would consecrate her life to him. Lo behold, our sweet Lord Jesus loves such deals, so at the surprise of the doctors in the early stage of their married life, the miraculous healing came to pass.  Their apostolate went beyond the parish apostolates (often referred to as ministries as clarified in Apostolicam Actuositatem. As their community grew, she narrated to me how they were invited to start a community in Brazil by one of the Monsignor. Today, they've planted their seeds not just in Europe, in the Americas (Canada, Brazil), but the door has now opened for them in Africa through Cameroon. As reminded to us by Father John Trigilio in regards to Apostolicam Actuositatem, par 7 that "the whole goal of the laity is to sanctify the world", thus through this apostolate they have, and today the Seeds of the Word Community has religious women, priests, lay people. It offers lay people the opportunity to take a Sabbatical Year based on three pillars; a season of formation, a season to practice living out St Benedict Rule of Ora et Labora, and a season for vocation discernment. 
Through their apostolate, they've become a  light to the nations reflected for the greater glory of the Heavenly Father the decree on the Church's missionary activity (Ad Gentes). During that same visit, in our exchanges, I also learned that she was among those who laid hand on the deceased Jean Pliya, 

one of the pillars and leading faces of the Catholic Charismatic Movement in Benin. This was a man who was a professor, wrote on countless subjects, was on the point to retire when the Lord called him forth and busied him further. For a Catholic Layman, he was a zealous predicator of the Holy Spirit who took the Good News to all continents. He did start any order, but meanwhile wearing additional hats to those cited (husband, writer, father), he paved the way not just by living out that call of Vatican II in Ad Gentes to be missionary by offering Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit, but He formed the next generation of Charismatic Leaders in Benin. Among them were my mother, now Dr. Kossou Leocadie, a biker working at the Ministry of Finances, who wanting nothing to do with the gifts of the Holy Spirit initially was swept away by His power and the patience of this Holy Man who saw much more in her than a government worker. Over the years, she was seen releasing the Chaplet of Love with the imprimatur (approval) of Msgr Blais in Quebec, Canada;  one that distributed to nations in these four continents so far (Americas, Europe, Asia and Africa).

 By then, I was witnessing how the Catholic Missionary world in Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit  was getting smaller as I stood before foundress Bonneval, bringing not clergy, or religious but lay people from one continent to the other together. It was another experience of Christ's actions two thousand years ago going from town to town to pick disciples and apostles. Here, He was moving from nation to nation, continent to continent.

Fanny Magnificat, MZRB.    
find me on Google, Twitter and Youtube

... On TWO Bishops...

It is easy day after day to cite the name of bishops, look at their duties either complement them, admire them or criticize them. It is easy to either approve papal nominations of elevating these men to the fullness of the priesthood  as quoted in Christus Dominus, Vatican II's decree written on the pastoral office of Bishops, or be apprehensive or question or even pray about it. Truth is the faithful are not questioned on whether they desire this holy man as their diocesan shepherd. They do not campaign like candidates on the political scene.
Here, shepherding a diocese by being elevated to the rank of Bishop is matter entrusted to the Holy See. And we can trust that the Holy Spirit is at work whether that diocesan father is good, bad, handsome or ugly. One thing that we are often encouraged to do in our liturgical celebrations is to offer them in prayer, their intentions, their work and whatever else they have in the going. That seems easy! However, taking time to learn about their duties is another level of commitment; it is definitively prayer in action that somehow bears fruits intellectually and, gives a direction to our prayers. What is interesting is that the Lord often seems to hear the prayers of the faithful, and when following closely the life of some, we marvel at what the Spirit of the Lord did through them. We wonder if the pope when nominating them to this or that diocese had perceived the direction their mandate would take. So here, I'll direct my attention to two men; Blessed Nykyta Budka, Martyr and Msgr. Isidore de Souza.
   Christus Dominus  in regards to a Bishop perpetuating the work of Christ, not being an administrator. And this perception is not even after reading a full length biography of his, rather one senses the zeal he was filled during his mandate. It transpires in the lines that summarize the testimonies given about his life, and is nothing less but inspiring. However, it is also one who suffered to achieve such success in Christ since he was also serving during a season where the Soviet Union's influences were not little. It would be by the power of the Holy Spirit that he managed to keep His flock Catholic both culturally and spiritually for the glory of the Father in the name of Christ who He had embodied eucharistically.
  Over the recent years, the name of Msgr. Budka (June 7, 1877 - Oct 1, 1949) popped quite a bit in the liturgical celebrations, so much so that it undeniably poked my curiosity beyond the hourly Eucharistic celebration. So this year, as the Catholic Church celebrated him on June 27, 2018, I rose from my ignorance. Lo behold, I was taken aback to not only learn that he is one of our many Canadian Bishops. You see the more I heard the name the more I thought he came from one of the Oriental Churches or from Russia. Msgr Budka  was not a bishop in the Roman Rite, but the diocesan shepherd of the Ukrainian Rite. Under him, The Ukrainian Ritual Church flourished exponentially. According to me, he wore very well his hat as a bishop; His life echoes the words of
        Another man who heroically lived out his calling as a Bishop using in surpassing ways the universal faculties passed on to him by the Holy See is the Most Reverend Isidore de Souza.
Msgr de Souza (April 4, 1934 - March 13, 1999), Archbishop of Cotonou. This is little compared to the numerous acts he accomplished that impacted me growing up I dreamed, and I dare to share it here. I dreamed to one produce  a movie on his life regardless of what would be there. Needless to say that besides grooming the faithfuls of his diocese, leading peacefully my native land, Benin Republic, from Marxism Leninism to a system of Democracy, he knew as well to empower. And this he did when invited to the University of Laval by Dr. Kossou Leocadie who was responsible of the Catholic Charismatic prayer that met weekly in the Chapel built for students on campus; a place that remained opened every day of the week anytime.I never thought or even imagined in my wildest dreams that I would one day meet this holy man face to face. Even better stand so close to him that He would dedicate me more than few minutes with words that still resonnate with me. You would think that after having addressed the countless students who had packed the Chapel he would be tired. No, regardless of his health conditions, He was radiating the love of Christ. In our exchanges, he was so proud of the Catholic Faith in Benin that he did not want to sacrifice it for anything. Thus he clearly expressed to me that if ever a choice had to be made,  He preferred  a country poor financially but rich spiritually "Je prefere un Benin pauvre materiellement, mais rich dans la foi."  These words I forever cherished and belted in my soul.

Fanny Magnificat, MZRB
For other works, find me on Google, Twitter and Youtube

Lumen Gentium through the Life of Saint John XXIII

This might come across as a review of  a movie, but it is a reflection on seeing Saint John XXIII  through the eyes of one of the documents of Vatican II; Lumen Gentium.

'John XXIII - The Pope of Peace' is a feature length production of 200 min on the life of Saint John XXIII. This production takes through the event filled life of St John XXIII who was the initiator of the Second Vatican Council, however never got to see it completion. 

Having seen this movie myself, it seemed fitted when reflecting On the Dogmatic Constitution of the Church <>   to put it into perspective by seeing how Christ through the life of this Vicar of Christ became a light to the nations. 

I do not mean to give away the whole movie, but his life truly exhibits not just holiness, but compassion, disappointments at times, and however creative solutions. He remains faithful to the Church, but he finds ways to stay close to the people of God. There is a striking scene in this biographical production where a parish that he is assigned too is so low in resources that he awaits and awaits and awaits  for help that does not see to come. Therefore, whenever the creditors were showing up he would pay with valuables of the church from furnitures to gold ornaments, chalices of the church. All he could do to keep sanctuary even if that meant to remain with little as long as he could serve the faithful he did. Here, and in many other ways, his actions echo the fact he knew the lay played a pivotal role in the body of Christ, so he served them wholeheartedly. 

Although, Lumen Gentium, par. 22, emphasizes that the unity and the relations between the hierarchy of the church among clergy at different levels especially the College of Bishops, the trials he experienced at times when lacking communication with those who were in position to help and from whom he needed either approval or support, some may say that he did his own things. However, in submitting in mind and will (obsequious, par 25) to the Church, he moved with courage, thus leading to heights by the power of the Holy Spirit no one could ever imagine; the papacy. 

Not only his life is worth knowing, but one never gets tired of watching again this production  that can enlighten us on the heart of the man who open the doors to this Vatican II, and whose canonization I was privileged to stay up and watch. 

Fanny Magnificat

Shea Butter and I... my discoveries

So in my previous writing, I gave you a taste of my experience with Shea Butter. However, since life is not the sum of what we think, I also sought in finding what are others saying about Shea Butter thus taking this time apart for you to research. Needless to say that there are so many resources that it was not easy to narrow down, nut I hope you will enjoy my discoveries about Shea Butter!

                     Shea Butter, originating from the Savannah Tree also known as the Shea Tree called Vitellaria paradoxa,  is a tree only found in Africa: That is why it is often referred as the African Shea Butter or the African Shea Tree. Present in over twenty countries (Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Ethiopia,Eritrea, Ghana, Guinea Bissau, Ivory Coast, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Sudan, Togo, Uganda, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya and Guinea) out of fifty three African countries, Shea Butter is usually yellow or white, but can be used unrefined, refined or ultra-refined. The research community defines is as being a triglyceride from stearic acid and oleic acid.

The American Shea Butter Institute is a potential best friend for those who have dry skin, it fights and visibly wrinkles after four to six weeks of use. Mother Nature Network  shares the benefits of its use in haircare products such as its sealing effects in moisturizing, its conditioning of the scalp, its alleviation of dandruff, its voluminous effect when applied to the roots.

Other researchers praise its richness in Vitamin A and E and how compared to other oils its healing effects and is highly recommended for the treatment of blemishes, itching, sunburns, small skin wounds, eczema, skin allergies caused by poison ivy, poison oak, insect bites, frost bite, dermatitis, skin cracks.
In Latin, it is also known as the Butyrospermum parkii, and some researchers suggest that it is incredibly nourishing and moisturizing, and can last  approximately two years on shelf, though I must acknowledge that we've kept it for longer than that.
In French, Shea Butter is known as Beurre de Karite. In Bambara, it is known as shiriyi or shisu (a language from Mali). In Wolof (a language from Senegal), the tree is called ghariti. In Hausa (one of the language spoken in Benin, Niger, Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, Cote D'Ivoire, Togo, Central Africa and Libya), Shea of Shea Butter is known as Kade or Kadanya. 

Furthermore, to complete these discoveries shared with you, why not watch this testimonial?

For more about my journey with Gdd's Creation, subscribe to my Botanica Theologia and 
find me on GooglePlus, twitter, youtube

Fanny Magnificat

Shea Butter and I...

         Just as some are trained on the job rather than being given lenghty training, I did not learned about Shea butter from the books; NO! My story with Shea Butter was experiential. It was hands-on. Now  my desire to deepen my knowledge about God's creation has led to research more about it. So what is Shea Butter to me?

The 'Shea Butter' I was introduced to in my native land in Benin Republic as a toddler is this raw unrefined stinking butter. Every friday, my hardcore natural hair was submitted to a regiment that was mixed with this butter. A portion would be cut, put in a pan to be melted or grinded in between the palms of her hands in order to become this oil that would then either be used to massage my scalp, or used  in a mix to dwell in my hair either for few hours or for an overnight before being submitted to a wash. Its fruits over the years can be seen for as long as I allowed this practice to be carried; my hair has gone from hardcore natural to being moist and softened. I've gone from not being able to keep my natural for more than few hours out to being able to style it and leave it out naturally for few days if so was my wish. I very much so like Shea Butter, and I do not think there are words to describe how fond I grew and became of this butter that was often purchased from the city mobile business women or at the open air market of Dantokpa.
Eventually coming to North America with Shea Butter also saved my life as for a while, my skin needed to find the right lotion. Every skincare product I used caused my body to react in these early months. Now until my mother was recommended to take me to a dermatologist, Shea Butter rescued my skin. I still remember the early winter months. I applied to my skin; it felt weird. It was hard, but it saved my skin from the cracks and kept it moisturized all day long. This was new to me. It kept me going until I eventually met with a dermatologist who recommended the appropriate skin care.

credit picture:www.amazon.com

Shea Butter! Our family has used it for multiple uses. I still remember when I told that in the North of Benin it was actually used as a cooking oil. I imagined what it would taste like to cook with this stinking unrefined butter, not the fine one that you see sold in stores these days. So there came the season we had little at home, and ran out of cooking oil. I turned to Shea Butter. Since I knew that it naturally melts in the pan, the next phase was to add ingredients. Well, Oh well! it turned out delicious, for the meal was being cooked with a healthy oil. Then Shea Butter became more prevalent in Canada, in products, but as for me I still enjoyed purchased the Raw Shea Butter, whether refined or unrefined.                   (... To be continued ... )

Fanny Magnificat - Check out my Botanica Theologia