October 18 2025, remains a historic day in Tanzania, when thousands of children were able to attend the prayer of the Holy Rosary. This Rosary was prayed as usual by all dioceses through Catholic Church Radio, to ensure that our children pray together nationally. In this year’s rosary, those who led the rosary while others responded were: Archdioceses of Arusha, Dar es Salaam, Dioceses of Bagamoyo, Sumbawanga, Mbinga, Shinyanga and Singida. It is an undeniable fact that, this year the office has again witnessed a significant increase in children compared to previous years. For this we thank God very much and we ask him to continue to strengthen the missionary work more and more so that he continues to be recognized by those who do not know him yet.

Currently, the office has a strategic plan to organize a children’s program related to ADVENT, with the theme: Children and Advent. This program will be aired on Radio Maria and Tumaini, on Fridays and Saturdays from 5:00-600 PM and 1:00-1:300 PM respectively. The main objective of this program is to ensure that children are well prepared for the celebration of Christmas, in line with the celebration of the Children’s Martyrs’ Day, a celebration that will accompany the Congresses.

Prepared by: PMS National Office

Kwajina la Baba na la Mwana naa Roho Mtakatifu …

Bwana Yesu tunakushukuru kwa baraka zako unazotujalia siku hata siku. Tunaomba uendelee kuichochea mioyo yetu ari ya kuwalea watoto wetu huku tukitambua kuwa ni jukumu letu wazazi kuwaonyesha njia njema watoto wetu ili nao wapate kuyakabili maisha yao ya baadae katika hali stahiki.

Tunaomba hayo kwanjia ya Kristo bwana wetu amina

Kwa jina la baba na la mwana…

Wapendwa wasikilizaji wa Redio Maria Sauti ya kikristo nyumbani mwako pamoja na mshirika wake Redio Mbiu Sauti ya Faraja kutoka Kagera, kipindi kilichopita nilizungumzia juu ya aina ya wazazi wawajibikaji na moja kwa moja nikaelezea sifa za wazazi wawajibikaji katika kutoa malezi kwa watoto. Nilisema wazazi wawajibikaji hutoa malezi yaliyo bora kwa watoto wao, tena nikasema kuwa wazazi wawajibikaji wanaifanya familia kuwa kanisa la nyumbani. Vilevile nilisema kuwa wazazi hawa wawajibikaji ni wale wanaoifanya familia kuwa shule ya nyumbani kwani hujitahidi kutoa mafunzo yote stahiki kimaadili kwa watoto wao. Sifa nyingine ya wazazi wawajibikaji niliyoeleza nilisema ni kutoa somo ama mafunzo ya utii kwa watoto wao. Tena nilieleza kuwa wazazi wawajibikaji wanawalea watoto wao kuwa waaminifu. Na nikasema sifa nyingine kwamba, wazazi wawajibikaji katika kutoa malezi kwa watoto wao huwa wanatenga muda wa kukaa na watoto wao ili kuhakikisha kuwa watoto wanapata malezi stahiki. Halafu nikasema, Wanatimiza vema kazi yao wakijua kuwa wanatimiza kwa matendo sehemu ya viapo vyao vya ndoa; yaani kuwalea watoto wao kama ilivyo sheria ya Kristo na Kanisa lake, huku wakiwarithisha watoto wao mila za wazee zilizo njema. (Rej. Mithali 19:18, Waefeso 6:4)

Wapendwa wasikilizaji, wa redio maria sauti ya kikristo nyumbani mwako pamoja na mshirika wake redio mbiu sauti ya faraja kutoka Kagera, ukiachana na hii aina ya wazazi wawajibikaji katika kutoa malezi kwa watoto ambapo kwa hakika ndio aina niliyosema kuwa ndiyo inayopaswa kuigwa, leo napenda nifafanue aina kadhaa za wazazi ambazo nazo leo hii zipo kwenye jamii zetu ijapokuwa hazipaswi kuigwa kabisa. Kwa hakika aina hizi za wazazi ni chukivu kwa Mungu, kwa kanisa na kwa jamii yote kwani aina hizi zimeweza kuzalisha watu majambazi, wahuni, watu wakatili, walevi, wavivu, wapagani, wezi, wajuaji, watu walioathirika kisaikolojia, watoto wasiochukulika, maadui kwa wazazi wao, na kwa ujumla watoto wa tabia mbalimbali ambazo hazipaswi kuigwa hata kidogo kwenye jamii zetu.

Wapendwa wasikilizaji, aina mojawapo ya wazazi ambao ni chukivu ni ile ya wazazi ruksa. Hawa ni wazazi ambao kwakweli hawana sifa ya kuitwa wazazi zaidi ya sifa moja tu ya kuzaa ambayo walau inawaheshimisha. Kwa hakika, wazazi hawa kwanza wenyewe hawana maadili. Mara zote watoto wamekuwa ndio wa kuwaongoza ama kuwaendesha. Daima wazazi wa ruksa wamekuwa wakikubaliana na chochote kile wanachoambiwa na watoto wao. Ee, Mtoto akisema anatoka haulizwi anaenda wapi na wala kwamba huko anakoenda anaenda kufanya nini. Mtoto akisema amechoka na hivyo hataenda kanisani ama shuleni mzazi anasema sawa! Akimwona mwanae anapigana na mtoto wa jirani anashabikia na pengine na yeye kuongezea konzi pasipo kuzuia shari. Kila kitu wazazi hao wanaruhusuruhusu tu. Wazazi wa aina hii hawana neno hapana hata siku moja katika vinywani mwao. Ni wazazi ambao hawana misingi ya kimaadili na kwahiyo kwakuwa hawataki kufikiri zaidi, basi watoto wanawapanda vichwani na hivyo kuamua wanavyotaka siku zote.  Wazazi hawa wanashindwa kujua kuwa Watoto ni riziki kutoka kwa Mwenyezi-Mungu; watoto ni tuzo lake Mungu kwetu sisi. (Zaburi: 127:3) Ndugu zangu watoto waliotoka kwenye familia ya aina hii ya wazazi wenye kuruhusu kila kitu bila ya kuchuja mambo ni lazima maisha yawapige na wala sio kidogo kwani kwakuwa hawakuwahi kusikia neno acha ama hapana kutoka kwenye vinywa vya wazazi wao, wanakuwa wa ajabu kupindukia. Sina shaka msikilizaji wangu ulishawahi kukutana na wazazi wa aina hii.

Wapendwa wasikilizaji, ukiacha hawa wazazi ambao daima hawajui kukataa kitu chochote kutoka kwa watoto wao hata kama ni kibaya, kuna wazazi wengine leo hii ambao ni wazazi wakandamizaji wa watoto wao. Wazazi hawa ni wakatili sana kwa watoto wao. Wao wanachoamini ni kwamba mtoto hapaswi kuongea kitu na akasikilizwa. Wao wanajua tu kuwa njia sahihi ya kumlea mtoto ni kumpiga ama kumnyamazisha asitoe sauti, na hapo watakuwa wamekamilisha zoezi zima la malezi. Ee, unakuta mtoto anamwambia mama. mamaaa, au babaaa naomba… kabla hajamaliza sentensi mama au baba ameshamfokea, tuliaa weweee! Sitaki ujinga wako. Mtoto masikini anaondoka akiwa amenyong’onyea utamwonea huruma. Wazazi hawa siku zote iwe mtoto kafanya jambo jema ama jambo baya kwao ni mtindo mmoja. Hawana masahihisho kwa watoto wao kabisa. Mtoto akikosea kidogo tuu siku hiyo atavimba mwili kwa viboko ama vifinyo. Ama mtoto akijaribu kueleza kitu atanyamazishwa hata kabla ya mzazi kujua kuwa kitu hicho kina tija ama vipi. Tena sauti itakayotolewa na mzazi utadhani ni ile ya askari vitani. Na kama mtoto kiafya ni wale wembamba wembamba basi unaweza kumkuta yuko chini anajikongoja kuamka ajisikilizie. Ndugu zangu kwa hali ya wazazi wa aina hii, Ndio unakuta mtoto anapitia changamoto fulani kubwa tu kama vile masuala ya kikatili yanayowasibu watoto wetu ya ulawiti, ubakaji na au kama alikutana na mtu mwenye dalili ya kumteka! lakini kwakuwa anajua kuwa hatasikilizwa akijieleza, basi anaamua kujikalia na shida yake na mwisho wa siku inakuwa kubwa hata kumuathiri vibaya zaidi kuliko kama angesikilizwa na kusaidiwa mapema.

Ndugu zangu wasikilizaji, watoto waliozaliwa katika familia za tabia ama aina hii, huwa kwa asili wanakuwa watu waoga wasioweza kusimama mbele ya watu na kuongea, watu wasiojiamini kuwa wanaweza jambo, watu wenye maumivu ya ndani, watu wasiojua kupenda wala kupendwa, watu wayamafu, watu ambao daima wanakuwa na mawazo mengi kichwani. Kwa mfano kama unamuuliza kitu unaweza kuhisi amekunyamazia kumbe mwenzako hajakusikia, yupo mbaaaali. Na pengine wanakuwa watu wasiojua thamani ya mzazi katika maisha yao yote kwakuwa nao hawakuthaminiwa. Ni watu ambao nao wataweza kukitendea kizazi chao kama wao walivyotendewa. Na ndugu zangu watu hawa daima huwa wenye tabia nyingi za chinichini, watu wasio wawazi katika mipango yao na mienendo yao kwa ujumla, kwasababu katika maisha yao hawakupata mwanya wa kusikilizwa. Ndugu msikilizaji sina shaka ulishaona wazazi kama hawa katika jamii inayokuzunguka.

Ndugu zangu wasikilizaji, ukiachana na wazazi wa ruksa na wale wakandamizaji, kwenye jamii zetu pia kuna aina ya wazazi wazembe na watepetevu katika kuwalea watoto wao. Wazazi hawa ni wale waliokosa umakini kabisa katika kutelekeza wajibu wao kama wazazi. Wazazi wa aina hii ndugu zangu, hawajali wala hawajui ni yapi yanayowasibu watoto wao. Hata kama mtoto kaumia mzazi hawajibiki ipasavyo kuona ni kwa namna gani mtoto kaumia. Wazazi hawa daima wamekuwa na tabia ya kujisingizia kuwa wapo bize na shughuli tu. Wazazi wa aina hii hata ungewauliza hali za watoto wao, wao hawazijui vizuri! Hawazijui kwakuwa hawana hata muda wa kuwauliza kwamba wameshindaje, au wameamkaje au wanaendeleaje na masomo ama afya zao zikoje. Wazazi hawa watoto wao wakifeli masomo kwao ni sawa tu, wakibainika kuwa na tabia mbaya kimaadili, wao hawatilii shaka yoyote hata wakishtuliwa na wazazi wenzao. Hata wakisikia kuna huu udhalilishaji wa watoto ambao kwa siku hizi umepamba moto, wao huwa hawatilii maanani kwani kwakuwa ni wazembe, hawatakagi kusugua vichwa vyao kutafuta namna nzuri ya kuwalinda watoto wao. Kwasababu hii, hufika wakati kuona kwamba hawawafahamu watoto wao kabisa; hawajui vilio na furaha za wototo wao. Wao wamezama kabisa katika biashara na mambo mengineyo. Ndugu zangu wasikilizaji wazazi wa namna hii katika jamii ni sumu kabisa kwani hupotosha maadili ya watoto wao na hivyo kuathiri pia jamii inayowazunguka. Sina shaka kabisa kuwa na aina ya wazazi ruksa msikilizaji wangu umeshakumbana nayo na huenda ikakukera sana kwamba kwanini mambo yaende au yawe hivi!

Wapendwa wasikilizaji wa Redio Maria Sauti ya Kikristo nyumbani mwako pamoja na mshirika wake Redio Mbiu Sauti ya Faraja kutoka mkoani Kagera, unayenisikiliza muda huu ni mimi Sista Anagladness Mrumah kutoka ofisi ya Mashirika ya Kipapa na katibu wa Utoto mtakatifu taifa, hapa Baraza la Maaskofu Katoliki Tanzania. Utakumbuka kuwa kipindi kilichopita nilizungumzia juu ya sifa za wazazi wawajibikaji katika kutoa malezi kwa watoto. Basi mwanzoni mwa kipindi hiki cha leo nimerudia kwa ufupi zile sifa za wazazi wawajibikaji na halafu nikaenda moja kwa moja kwenye aina za nyingine za wazazi ambao nao hawa wapo katika jamii zetu. Wazazi ambao kwakweli wamekuwa kero katika kudidimiza malezi kwa watoto wao na jamii kwa ujumla. Nimezungumza juu ya wazazi ambao wana tabia ya kuruhusu kila jambo kwa watoto wao bila kuchuja kuwa ni jema ama baya na kwahiyo kuwaweka watoto matatani kwa kukosa mielekeo. Tena nimezungumzia juu ya wazazi wakandamizaji yaani wazazi wakatili ambao kwa hakika wao wanadhani kuwa kumkoromea mtoto ama kumpiga ndio malezi sahihi, kumbe ni kumnyong’onyeza mtoto na hivyo kuathirika kisaikolojia au kumfanya awe wa kufanya mambo kichinichini ili kukwepa adhabu kwa kukosa uhuru. Na halafu nimeelezea juu ya wazazi wazembe katika kutoa malezi kwasababu tu ya ubize wao, jambo ambalo leo hii limezalisha kizazi kichanga ambacho hakijielewi kabisa. Hayo ndiyo niliyotangulia kuyazungumza. Karibu uendelee kunifuatilia.

Wapendwa wasikilizaji, kwenye jamii zetu wapo pia wazazi wapuuziaji wa mambo katika kutoa malezi kwa watoto. Yaani wao daima kila kitu huona kana kwamba hakina maana kumbe kina maana kubwa. Kila kitu kwao wanaona kuwa ni cha kuachilia mbali kwani hakiwahusu. Hata kama utamwambia mzazi wa namna hii kuwa mtoto wake akiaga kwamba anaenda shule huwa hafiki shuleni yeye atakwambia wanamzushia tu mwanangu hana tabia kama hiyo. Utaweza kumwambia kuwa mwanae ana tabia ya wizi halafu yeye akasema muache aibe akishikwa apigwe. Au utaweza kumwambia kuwa mtoto wake anajihusisha na mahusiano mabaya na yeye akakujibu kuwa wanamuonea mwanae, na mambo mengine kama hayo. Wazazi wa wapuuziaji wa mambo huwa na hulka ya kutokujali mambo wayaonayo kwa macho yao ama wanayoyasikia kwa watu wengine juu ya watoto wao. Wao huchukulia mambo kirahisirahisi tu. Hata wakisikia habari mbaya juu ya watoto wao, wao wanapuuzia au hata pengine kutetea upuuzi wa watoto wao. Hawaweki umakini wa kutosha katika habari wanazozisikia juu ya watoto wao. Matokeo yake kutokana na hali yao ya kupuuzia mambo, watoto wao wanawaozea mikononi mwao na inakuwa ni kero kwao wenyewe, kwa majirani, kero mashuleni kwao na kero kanisani. Unakuta mtu misa inaendelea yeye anachati. Ama mipango mikakati ya kuendeleza jumuiya ndogondogo, kigango, parokia ama jimbo inawekwa, lakini yeye anaona kuwa sio mpango wake wa kwanza kichwani mwake. Kumbe wazazi hawa wangekuwa makini na yale yasemwayo juu ya watoto wao, walao wangeweza kuwasaidia na kuwaunda katika utu wema.

Na tena wazazi wa aina hii huwa hawaoni aibu kuleta mfano mbaya kwa watoto wao. Watapigana mbele ya watoto, watatukanana mbele ya watoto, watadhalilishana, watafanya kila kufuru mbele za watoto. Watatenda matendo mabovu machoni pa watoto wao, wakisingizia eti ndiyo maisha ya kizungu. Si wana hulka ya kupuuzia mambo? Matokeo yake watoto wao nao wakifanya upuuzi wanakosa nguvu kabisa ya kuwanidhamisha kwasababu wanaona soni kuwa watawaambia kuwa na wao wanayafanya. Bila shaka na aina hii ya wazazi wapuuziaji wa mambo nayo ulishaishuhudia katika maisha yako mpendwa msikilizaji wangu!

Wapendwa wasikilizaji, kuna aina ya wazazi inayoitwa wazazi bubu. Wazazi bubu ndio basi tena. Kwenye familia zao hawana hulka ya kufundisha watoto, wala kuelekeza, au kuonya watoto, na wala kuwasahihisha wanapokosea. Wao wapo tu kama hawapo. Familia ya namna hii inakuwa na mporomoko mkubwa sana wa maadili; na ni hatari kubwa sana kwa majirani. Eti mzazi anaona akimsahihisha mwanae atakuwa anamwonea, Kweli? Wapendwa wasikilizaji, tusiwe wazazi bubu! La sivyo, tutajitengenezea wenyewe mabomu ndani ya familia zetu, ambapo siku yakilipuka yataanza na sisi wa karibu! Kutopenda kuongea chochote kinachohusu malezi ni kuwapa watoto fursa ya kuendelea na yao. Sasa kwakuwa mzazi ni dereva na watoto ni abiria, hebu dereva ahakikishe kuwa taratibu zote za safari zipo sawa, ili kusudi awafikishe abiria (ndio watoto wake) kwenye sehemu sahihi, watoto wasije wakachukua jukumu la kukupelekesha wewe mzazi usipopastahili. Eheeee, msikilizaji, hujawahi kuona ama kusikia wazazi bubu kwenye mazingira yako?

Aina nyingine wapendwa wasikilizaji ni ile ya wazazi wasinziaji. Hawa husinzia sana katika utendaji wao wa mambo. Wazazi hawa hawana ule wepesi wa kutatua matatizo ya familia zao kwa wakati mwafaka. Daima wao huacha mambo hadi yanaoza ndio wanakurupuka. Hata kama mtoto ameshaonyesha dalili za kuumwa, kwao si rahisi kuchukua tahadhari ya kwenda hospitali mtoto akachekiwe mapema na kisha kupata dawa. watasubiri kwanza weee, mpaka awe hoi ndipo pilika pilika za kumkimbiza ilipo hospitali huanza. Wao maamuzi hufanywa baada ya mambo kuanza kuharibika. Wanakuwa kama lile gari la zima moto ambalo kama hakuna moto huwa halina kazi, linaegeshwa mahali hadi hapo kutakapotokea dhara mahali. Ukija kwenye masuala ya shule, watoto ni lazima wayumbe. Wazazi wasinziaji Hawaandai malipo yanayohitajiwa shuleni kwa ajili ya watoto wao kama vile ada, matumizi binafsi ya watoto pamoja na michango mingine kwa wakati unaofaa. Matokeo yake watoto wao daima wanakuwa ni watu wa kuchelewa sana kwenda mashuleni au wanapofika mashuleni kurudishwa nyumbani wakalete mambo yanayohitajiwa ambayo kwa kusinzia kwa wazazi wao hawakufanikiwa kuja nayo. Katika mambo ya kanisa pia hawawajibiki kwa wakati mwafaka, muda wote wamezinzia wanaota ndoto za kimweri. Msikilizaji kama hujakutana na aina hii ya wazazi wasinziaji, ipo siku utakutana nayo kwani wapo wazazi wengi ambao ni wasinziaji kwenye kutekeleza jambo la kimalezi kwa wakati wake.

Wapendwa wasikilizaji wa Redio Maria Sauti ya Kikristo nyumbani mwako pamoja na mshirika wake Redio Mbiu Sauti ya Faraja kutoka mkoani Kagera, Aina ya mwisho ni ile ya wazazi wenye hatia. aina hii ya wazazi inatokana na matokeo hasi ya aina hizi nyingine ambazo nimezijadili leo kama vile, wazazi ruksa, wazazi wakandamizaji, wazazi wazembe na watepetevu na wazazi wasinziaji. wazazi wenye hatia ni aina ya wazazi ambao wana majuto makubwa ambayo yanasababishwa na yale waliyokengeuka katika kutoa malezi kwa watoto wao. Kwa kifupi haya ni majuto wanayoyapata wazazi ambao walishindwa kuwajibika vyema kuwalea watoto wao. hujiona kuwa ni watu wenye hatia daima. Watoto wanapokuwa mbali, wazazi ambao hawakutimiza wajibu zao vema huona kama wanaadhibiwa kutokana na dhambi walizozifanya. Au hata kama watoto wao watawatunza vizuri, ile hali ya aibu kwamba kwa kweli sikuwatendea watoto wangu haki, nilimtesa sana mama yao, niliifilisi familia na sasa wao wananitunza; sijui wananifikiriaje’! au mama kama alishawahi kuacha ndoa na kurudi kwao na kuwaacha watoto wanayongayonga, akifikia uzeeni anaumwa na roho. Badala afurahie maisha kwasababu wanawe wana chochote kitu, kwake vinamsuta tu.  Na pengine anaweza akawaza kuwa hata hicho watoto wanachompatia huenda hawampi kingi cha kuridhisha kwakuwa aliwatesa. Daima anakuwa mtu wa kujilalamisha tu. Hata kama watoto wanawapatia wazazi wao nguo za kila aina baada ya kufanikiwa kimaisha ama kujaza kila kitu cha kula kizuri ndani, bado wazazi hawa hawataonekana kwamba wana kila kitu kwasababu ya kufinywa na dhamiri zao kwa ajili ya makosa waliyowafanyia watoto wao huko nyuma! Tafiti zinatuonesha kuwa wazazi wa namna hii hufa mapema sana na wanapokea kifo wakiwa na majonzi mengi sana. Bila shaka kati ya wasikilizaji wangi wa muda huu mmeshawahi kukutana na wazazi wenye hatia.

Wapendwa wasikilizaji, nihitimishe kipindi kwa kusema hiviiii, hebu jamani kila mzazi awe muwajibikaji katika kutoa malezi stahiki kwa watoto ama mtoto wake. katika shamba, mkulima huvuna mazao bora kama na kama tu aliweza kutunza mazao haya tangu aliposia mbegu hadi kufikia muda wa mavuno. Sasa na sisi, ikiwa tunatarajia kuwa na watoto ambao ni vijana na watu wazima wa baadaye wazuri, basi na tuwe tunahakikisha kwamba tunawalea kiaminifu sawasawa na matarajio yetu. Tusitarajie kuwa vitu vizuri vinapatikana katika ndoto za usiku, hapana, ndoto nyingine hata hazina uhalisia kabisa. Waweza kuwa usingizini na kuhisi umepata fedha nyingi sana za kutatua shida zako zote, au kumiliki kitu kizuri cha thamani lakini cha kushangaza asubuhi unaamkia patupu. Sasa na sisi wazazi wakati ndio sasa wa kuwalea watoto wetu wakingali wadogo, tena tuwalee tukiwa na malengo makubwa ya kuwafikisha sehemu nzuri kimaisha, ili baadae badala ya kuwa wazazi wenye simanzi, tuwe wazazi wanaofurahia uzao wao. Hima, kipindi cha kung’ang’ana na malezi ni hiki watoto wakingali wadogo, kwani mtoto umleavyo ndivyo akuavyo. Ukimkuza vizuri ni Baraka kwako na ukimlea tofauti, majuto yatakufuata.

Sr Anagladness Mrumah

Katibu wa Utoto Mtakatifu Taifa

On July 12th 2025, the PMS National Director Fr. Alfred Kwene, made a missionary trip to the Archdiocese of Mbeya, with the aim of meeting the PMS Diocesan leadership which is under the leadership of Fr Exavery Mwaifimbo. In addition, in this visit, the specific objective was to encourage the leaders for the good missionary work they do day by day. It was during these days; the Mbeya PMS Office was able to share with the National PMS Director their strategic plans that they have set for themselves in achieving their mission in that diocese.

Prepared by: Fr. Exavery, PMS Diocesan Director

Leo tarehe 8 Aprili, 2025 Utoto mtakatifu Jimbo Kuu la Dar es Salaam waliadhimisha misa ya shukrani baada ya kumaliza Kongamano la Kanda ya Mashariki ambalo mwaka huu lilifanyika jimboni DSM kuanzia tarehe 19 –23 Juni, 2025 katika Parokia ya Kristo Mfalme Tabata. Katika kongamano hilo la kikanda, washiriki watoto kutoka majimbo saba (Jimbo kuu la DSM, Jimbo la Bagamoyo, Zanzibar, Tanga, Morogoro, Ifakara na Mahenge), walikuwa takribani 2600.

Misa ya shukrani kwa ajili ya kufanikisha zoezi hilo muhimu ilifanyika katika parokia ya Mt. Peter Clavery – Mbezi Louis. Mwazimishaji wa ibada ya misa takatifu alikuwa ni Padre Denis Agness Wigira, Mkurugenzi wa Mashirika ya Kipapa Jimbo Kuu la Dar es Salaam. Katika homilia yake Pd. Wigira aliwapongeza watoto pamoja na walezi kwa kuchukulia siku hii muhimu kwao kwani shukrani ni jambo muhimu sana katika maisha ya mwanadamu. Hivyo aliwaasa waendelee kuona fahari katika hilo pamoja na kufurahia utume wao wa kimisionari siku zote. Misa hii ilihudhuriwa pia na wawakilishi kutoka Ofisi ya Mashirika ya Kipapa (Sr Anagladness Mrumah, Katibu wa Utoto Mtakatifu Taifa pamoja na Sr Idda John Mketi ambaye ni katibu Muhtasi wa ofisi ya Mashirika ya Kipapa) ili kushirikiana na wanajimbo katika kumshukuru Mwenyezi Mungu kwa makuu yake aliyowatendea.

Imeandaliwa na Sr Anagladness Mrumah, Katibu wa Utoto Mtakatifu Taifa

Kwa jina la baba na la mwana na la roho mtakatifu Amina

Atukuzwe baba na mwana na roho mtakatifu, kama mwanzo na sasa na siku zote na milele amina

Bikira Maria Malkia wa familia, utuombee

Kwa jina la baba…………………..

Wapendwa wasikilizaji, hewani ni mimi Sr. Anagladness Mrumah wa shirika la Masista wa Usambara (COLU). Mimi ni katibu mtendaji wa Utoto Mtakatifu taifa, katika Baraza la Maaskofu Katoliki Tanzania. Karibu uu ngane name tangu mwanzo hadi mwisho wa kipindi hiki.

Mada ya leo ni kuhusu sifa za wazazi wawajibikaji

Ndugu zangu wasikilizaji, ni dhahiri katika jamii zetu malezi yamekuwa kila mara yanatofautiana kutoka mtoto mmoja na mwingine, kwasababu ya wahusika wakuu yaani wazazi ambao wapo katika aina tofauti tofauti. Kwa ajili ya hali hii, kwenye jamii kumekuwa na watoto wanaofaidi malezi thabiti kwa wazazi wao, wengine wakiwa wanapokea malezi vuguvugu, huku wengine kukosa malezi kabisa kutoka kwa wazazi wao, ambao wameonekana kuwa na mitazamo tofauti kwenye malezi.

Ndio maana mara nyingi wewe na mimi pengine tunajiuliza, ni kwanini mtoto huyu ana tabia hii, mwingine ile.  Kumbe ni kwasababu ya namna wazazi wanavyojiweka mbele ya watoto wao. Kwamfano, ukikuta mzazi ni muwajibikaji, basi watoto watapata malezi stahiki, mzazi akiwa ni yule wa kuruhusu kila kitu kiende katika familia, basi utakuta watoto nao wanateketea, ukikutana na wazazi wanaowakandamiza watoto kwenye familia, basi ujue hapa utakutana na watoto walioathirika kisaikolojia. Na kwenye familia nyingine kama utakutana na wazazi wazembe na watepetevu basi ujue malezi ya watoto wao yanakuwa na hali mbaya. Wazazi wengine kama watakuwa wapuuziaji wa mambo ujue kila kitu kitaenda kombo kwa watoto. Na kama wazazi wengine ni wale wasinziaji, ndio basi tena, kwenye jamii utakutana na watoto wasio na mwelekeo. Ndugu zangu hizi zote ni aina za wazazi ambao wanaishi katika jamii zetu yaani:

• Wazazi wawajibikaji
• Wazazi wa ruksa
• Wazazi wakandamizaji
• Wazazi wazembe na watepetevu
• Wazazi wapuuziaji
• Wazazi bubu
• Wazazi wasinziaji
• Wazazi wenye hatia

Wapendwa wasikilizaji, shabaha yangu ni kuelezea hizi aina za wazazi na sifa zao ili kusudi kila mzazi aweze kujifahamu kuwa je, yeye yupo katika aina ipi. Kama akijitambua kuwa yupo kwenye aina isiyotakiwa katika jamii kwenye kutoa malezi basi na ajinasue huko ili kuwa katika sehemu sahihi. Leo nitaanza kuelezea juu ya aina ya wazazi wawajibikaji kwa kujikita katika kuelezea sifa zao.

Wapendwa wasikilizaji, Wazazi wawajibikaji ni wazazi ambao wanatambua vema wajibu wao na hivyo wako tayari daima kuutimiza wajibu huo wakijua fika kuwa ni katika kutoa malezi bora, wanalijenga Kanisa la nyumbani na taifa la kesho. Wazazi wawajibikaji ni waalimu wa shule hii ya mwanzo kabisa (yaani shule ya malezi). Kipindi kilichopita nimeeleza kuwa familia ni shule ya kwanza kabisa katika kumuunda mtoto kimwili na kiroho. Katika shule hii ya awali kabisa kwa mtoto, nilieleza kuwa, waalimu wa shule hii yaani familia, ni baba mama. Kumbe, kama baba na mama ni waalimu kwenye familia zao, basi kwa hakika hawa ndio wanapaswa  kuangalia nidhamu za watoto wao, afya za watoto wao, makuzi ya watoto wao, taaluma za watoto, Imani thabiti ya kimungu wanayopaswa kuwa nayo watoto wao, kwa kutaja machache.

Ndugu zangu, baba na mama wana wajibu mwingi sana katika familia. Suala la kumlisha na kumvisha mtoto tu halimfanyi mzazi kuitwa kuwa ni muwajibikaji. Uwajibikaji upo kwenye mambo kadhaa katika familia. Pengine ningesema kuwa, familia ni kanisa la nyumbani, na viongozi wa kanisa hili la nyumbani ni baba na mama ambao ndio kwa hakika wanapaswa kuhakikisha uimara na uthabiti wa kanisa hili la nyumbani. Kama Kristo anavyotafsiriwa katika maandiko matakatifu kuwa ni kichwa cha kanisa (Rej. wakolosai 1:18), basi itoshe kusema kuwa wazazi nao wakiwa ndani ya familia ni vichwa katika kuwaongoza watoto wao kumfahamu na kumuishi Kristo.

Wapendwa wasikilizaji, wazazi wawajibikaji, ni wale wanaotambua kuwa, familia ni shule ya sala, na kwahiyo, muda wote wanahakikisha kuwa watoto wanasali asubuhi, mchana na jioni. Ni wazazi wanaotenga muda wa kusali na watoto wao, ni wazazi wanaofundisha watoto wao kusali, ni wazazi wanaowafundisha watoto wao namna ya kukaa kwa utulivu wakati wa kusali, tena ni wazazi wanaowafundisha watoto wao kusali sala zinazotoka moyoni na si kusali kwa kutimiza wajibu wa kusali, kwani wanaelewa kuwa sala ni maongezi kati ya mtu na muumba wake. Tena, wazazi wawajibikaji ni wazazi wanaohakikisha kuwa wanasali pamoja kama familia wakiamini kuwa wanaposali pamoja Mungu anajiunga nao na kukaa mahali pale kwa wakati ule kama alivyosema; walipo wawili au watatu wamekusanyika kwa jina langu, nami nipo papo hapo katikati yao. (Matayo 18:20)

Wapendwa wasikilizaji, wazazi wawajibikaji ni wazazi wanaotambua kuwa, familia ni shule ya upendo, na kama familia ni shule ya upendo, wanajitahidi kuonyeshana upendo na kuzuia tofauti zao. Wazazi hawa wawajibikaji ambao wanatambua kuwa familia ni shule ya upendo, wanajua kuwa wao ndio waalimu wa somo la upendo kwa watoto wao. Tena upendo kwa Mungu na kwa jirani. Wazazi wawajibikaji wanahakikisha kuwa Watoto wao wanapendana wao kwa wao  katika familia, watoto wanalelewa namna ya kuwapenda majirani, ndugu na watu wote kwakuwa wanaaminishwa kuwa kila mwanadamu ameumbwa kwa sura na mfano wa Mungu (Rej. kitabu cha Mwanzo 1:27). Wazazi wanaowajibika kuwafundisha watoto wao, watoto wao ni wale ambao wamekuwa daima wenye kujitoa katika majukumu mbalimbali bila ya hata kujibakiza, na ndio maana wamekuwa na sifa makazini mwao. wazazi wawajibikaji katika kutoa shule ya upendo kwenye familia zao, watoto wao wanakuwa wasio na choyo, wakarimu, watoto wao hawana lugha za matusi, watoto wao wanakuwa na mahusiano mazuri na jamii zinaowazunguka, wanakuwa watatuzi wa shida za watu wengine kwa shauri zao zenye tija.

Kadhalika ni watoto wasio na hila katika maisha yao. Daima wazazi wawajibikaji katika kuwafundisha watoto wao juu ya upendo, watoto wao maisha yao yanasambaza harufu ya upendo kwa vizazi vyao. Ndo maana utasikia, ukitaka mke bora, ama mfanyakazi bora ama msimamizi mzuri wa kitu ama jambo fulani, nenda wa watoto wa mzee Joseph. Hii ni kwa sababu ya uwajibikaji mahiri wa wazazi unatengeneza mafanikio ya watoto kwa sasa na baadaye.

Kipindi hewani kipindi ni kutoka Baraza la Maaskofu Katoliki Tanzania, unayenisikiliza ni Sr Anagladness Mrumah wa Shirika la Masista Wa Usambara (COLU). Leo nimependa kuzungumzia juu ya aina ya wazazi kwenye kutoa malezi ambapo aina hizo za kiutoaji malezi zina athari hasi na chanya. Nimesema kuna aina za wazazi kama vile:

• Wazazi wawajibikaji
• Wazazi wa ruksa
• Wazazi wakandamizaji
• Wazazi wazembe na watepetevu
• Wazazi wapuuziaji
• Wazazi bubu
• Wazazi wasinziaji
• Wazazi wenye hatia

Lakini katika aina hizi, leo nimeanza na ile aina ya wazazi wawajibikaji ambayo kwa uhalisia ndiyo aina bora ambayo inapaswa kuigwa na kila mzazi katika kutoa malezi.

Wapendwa wasikilizaji, wazazi wawajibikaji ni wale wanaotoa mafunzo ya utii kwa watoto wao wakijua kuwa, familia ni shule ya utii. Wazazi wawajibikaji ni wazazi wanaoanza kuwafundisha watoto wao utii tangu wakiwa wachanga kwa kutumia ishara na baadaye wanapoendelea kukua wanatumia maneno na matendo yanaomdai mtoto kuwa mtii. Ni wazazi wanaowajibika kuwafundisha watoto wao wawatii wao wazazi kwakuwa hata Yesu anawataka watoto kuwatii wazazi wao; Enyi watoto watiini wazazi wenu (waefeso 6:1-4). Wazazi wawajibikaji wanawafundisha watoto waonyeshe utii kati yao watoto. wazazi wawajibikaji wanawafundisha watoto kutii wakubwa na wadogo. Wazazi wawajibikaji, wanafundishwa watoto wao kuwatii waalimu mashuleni na, Zaidi sana, wazazi wawajibikaji wanawafundisha watoto wao kutofautisha utii mzuri na mbaya wakiwa wanaamini kuwa kuna watu wanaoweza kutumia dhana ya utii na kuwaathiri. Mzazi muwajibikaji anafinyanga kizazi chenye utii.

Wapendwa wasikilizaji, wazazi wawajibikaji wanafundisha watoto wao somo la uaminifu.  Daima wazazi hawa huhakikisha watoto wao ni waaminifu, wasio na hila, wenye kuridhika na walichokuwa nacho, wanawafundisha watoto wao kuzuia tabia ya udokozi, wanawafundisha watoto wao kuwa waaminifu katika misimamo yao na si kusababisha shida kwa wengine kwa ajili ya kukosa uaminifu. Wazazi wawajiikaji huhakikisha kuwa wanafuatilia taratibu kila hatua ya mtoto ili kuona kama huenda mtoto ana tabia mbaya anayoificha, ili akibaini amrudishe kwenye mstari.

Wapendwa wasikilizaji, Wazazi wawajibikaji ni shule ya fadhila nyingi.  Wanatimiza vema kazi yao wakijua kuwa wanatimiza kwa matendo sehemu ya viapo vyao vya ndoa; (Rej. Mithali 19:18, Waefeso 6:4) yaani kuwalea watoto wao kama ilivyo sheria ya Kristo na Kanisa lake, huku wakiwarithisha watoto wao mila za wazee zilizo njema.

Wapendwa wasikilizaji, Wazazi wawajibikaji daima huwa na muda kwa ajili ya watoto wao. Hufuatilia kwa karibu kama watoto wametimiza wajibu zao katika elimu, au kama wamefanya vizuri katika kazi za nyumbani. Mzazi mwajibikaji humuunda mtu mzimamzima. Haishii tu kuzaa, bali huendelea kumzaa mtoto wake, kimaadili, kiimani, kielimu, kimahusiano na ki-uwajibikaji pia. Wazazi wawajibikaji, huunda watoto wenye kutimiza wajibu pia.

Kwa kuhitimisha Wapendwa wasikilizaji, hii ndiyo aina ya wazazi wawajibikaji katika kutoa malezi kwa watoto wao. Kwa hakika, nilizozitaja ndizo baadhi tu ya sifa wanazokuwa nazo wazazi wawajibikaji. Ningetamani na wewe msikilizaji wangu kutafakari kwa kina juu ya sifa hizi ili uweze kuwa mwalimu na balozi mzuri wa kusambaza sifa hizi katika jamii inayokuzunguka, kwa njia ya ushauri kwa wazazi wenzako, ili hatimaye watoto ambao ndio kizazi cha sasa na baadaye, waweze kupokea misingi imara itakayowasaidia kuwa watu wenye utu, watu timamu na watu wenye elimu ya malezi kwa watoto wao vizazi baada ya vizazi.

Tumalize kwa sala

Kwa jina la baba na la mwana na Roho Mtakatifu amina

Atukuzwe baba na mwana na Roho Mtakatifu kama mwanzo na sasa na siku zote……

Kwa jina la baba na la mwana na Roho Mtakatifu amina

Sala: Kwa Jina la Baba na la Mwana nala Roho Mtakatifu Amina.

Salamu Maria umejaa neema, bwana yu nawe, umebarikiwa kuliko wanawake wote, na Yesu mzao wa tumbo lako amebarikiwa/ Maria mtakatifu mama wa Mungu, utuombee sisi wakosefu, sasa na saa ya kufa kwetu Amina.

Bikira Maria Malkia wa Familia, Utuombee

Kwa jina la baba na la mwana na la Roho mtakatifu amina.

Kutoka hapa Baraza la Maaskofu Katoliki Tanzania, unayenisikiliza muda huu ni mimi Sr Anagladness Mrumah, ambaye ni Katibu wa Utoto Mtakatifu Taifa.

Wapendwa wasikilizaji wa Redio Maria Sauti ya kikristo nyumbani mwako pamoja na mshirika wake Redio Mbiu kutoka Bunena, leo napenda Kuwaasa Wazazi kuwasaidia Watoto wao kuziishi Amri za Mungu na za Kanisa kwani inaonekana hii ni changamoto kwa wazazi wengi. watoto wanaishia kuzifundishwa hizi amri kwenye mafundisho yao huko kanisani tu, wakifika nyumbani wazazi hawana habari kwamba ndio wanaopaswa kuhakikisha kuwa watoto wanaziishi hizi amri.

Wapendwa wasikilizaji, pengine imekuwa sasa ni tabia ya sisi wazazi kuona kuwa ni wajibu wa viongozi wa kanisa kufundisha juu ya amri za mungu na za kanisa kwa watoto wetu, ingawaje hata sisi wazazi tayari tunazifahamu. Haidhuru hata kama ni wajibu wao viongozi wa kanisa kuzielezea kwa watoto wetu, lakini watoto wamekuwa wengi wao wanakengeuka yaani hawazishiki wala kuziishi vyema kwani sisi wazazi tumeshindwa kuwasisitiza ili waweze kuziishi ndani ya familia zetu.

Wapendwa wasikilizaji, wengi wetu tunashindwa kuwakazania watoto wetu waziishi vyema amri za Mungu na za Kanisa, kwakuwa sisi nasi tumeshindwa kuziishi. Hii ndiyo sababu tunashindwa kusisitiza, kitu ambacho wenyewe hatukiishi. Kwamfano, amri ya kwanza ya kanisa inayosema, Hudhuria Misa Takatifu na Dominika zilizoamriwa! Sasa kama mzazi mwenyewe mlango wa kanisa anauona kama kituo cha polisi, je, ataweza kumsisitiza mwanae juu ya amri hii ya kuhudhuria misa takatifu? Je kama katika umri huo alionao mzazi hajaona thamani ya maadhimisho ya misa takatifu ambayo ni kilele ya ibada zote, ataonaje ulazima wa kumlea mtoto katika kutambua kwa matendo thamani ya kuhudhuria misa takatifu? Jibu ni haiwezekani kwakuwa mtu hutoa kile alichonacho moyoni mwake. Ndugu zangu kuhusu kuhudhuria misa ama kutokuhudhuria misa kwa mtoto, hilo ni jukumu la mzazi. Kwahiyo tuwahimize waende kanisani, tusisubiri mapadre wakahimize watoto kufika kanisani wakati sisi ndio viongozi wa familia ambao tuna wajibu wote wa kutekeleza jukumu hili. Na ndugu zangu wazazi, niseme tu kwamba, kama sisi tunaonekana kupuuzia mambo haya matakatifu, ndio maana hata watoto mara nyigine wanalegea katika Imani kwani daima mtoto anaangalia na kuiga kile kinachofanywa na mzazi.

Vile vile wapendwa wasikilizaji, ni vyema sisi kuwasisitizia watoto wetu hasa wale ambao wameshapata komunyo ya kwanza, kupokea ekaristi ambayo ni amri ya kanisa, tena wakiwa wamejiandaa vyema kwani ekaristi takatifu ni Yesu Kristo mwenyewe. (Rejea Mt 26:26-28) Ni chakula cha kipekee kuliko vyakula vyote tunavyokula katika maisha yetu. Ekaristi takatifu ni uzima wetu, ni dawa ya kiroho. Ingekuwa vizuri kama mzazi angeona njaa ya kiroho kama hakupata nafasi ya kupokea ekaristi takatifu. lingekuwa ni jambo la maana kama mzazi naye angeendelea kumkazia mtoto juu ya thamani ya Ekaristi Takatifu. lingekuwa ni jambo la busara kama mzazi kabla mtoto hajaenda kanisani, angepata wakati wa kumkumbushia namna ya kupokea ekaristi takatifu viganjani. Tena Lingekuwa jambo jema kama mzazi angeweza mara kwa mara kumkumbushia mwanae kumwambia yesu maombi yake wakati anapokula mwili wa Kristo yaani ekaristi katatifu. Sishangai kwamba wengi wetu tunashindwa kuyafanya haya yote kwakuwa sisi nasi hatuioni thamani ya ekaristi takatifu na pengine hatushiriki hii ekaristi.

Kwanini, kwasababu eti mzazi ametenda dhambi na hataki kuiungama wazi na hii kumpelekea kukosa huduma hii muhimu ya kiroho. Wengine tumekuwa tukikubali kuchanganywa na madhehebu ambayo yanapinga uwepo wa Yesu ndani ya Hostia Takatifu. Sasa kwakuwa mzazi anakubali kuchanganywa, basi naye anakosa ujasiri wa kuhamasisha wanae juu ya ukuu wa ekaristi takatifu, na hivyo kufanya watoto kukosa mwamko katika kuyashiriki matakatifu. Na pengine mzazi mwingine ni mvivu wa kwenda kanisani na kwahiyo hapati hii nafasi ya kushiriki ekaristi takatifu. Na wengine wanajishikilia sana na shughuli za ulimwengu huu pasipokuona kuwa ipo haja ya kutenga siku moja hii muhimu kwa ajili ya Mungu na hivyo kuweza kuiishi amri ya tatu ya Mungu inayosema, Shika Kitakatifu Siku ya Mungu. (Kumb 5:12)

Mbaya zaidi wapendwa wasikilizaji, wengine kwakuwa siku za katikati ya wiki alikuwa amebanwa na shughuli, basi anaona kuwa jumapili niya mapumziko. Ndio ni ya mapumziko ila kwa mkristo mkatoliki mapumziko kwa siku ya jumpili yanaanza mara baada ya kushiriki misa takatifu. Kumbe ndugu zangu wazazi, baada ya mtoto wako kupokea mafundisho juu ya namna ya kupokea ekaristi, shule ya nyumbani ndiyo inapaswa kuchukua mkondo wake wa kuendelea kuhamasisha matakatifu kwa watoto wetu. Vitu hivi tungevifanya sisi wazazi kama majukumu ya mzazi kwa mtoto wake, hakika kiroho watoto wetu wangekuwa mbali. Sasa sisi tumezoea kwamba mtoto akishamaliza mafundisho ya sakramenti husika inatosha, Jambo ambalo si sahihi. Kwa hulka ya mwanadamu ili akili yake iweze kukaa sawa, ni lazima akumbushwe mara nyingi juu ya jambo muhimu, ili jambo lile liweze kumkaa kama sehemu ya maisha yake.

Wapendwa wasikilizaji, hebu ona umuhimu wa wewe kumfundisha mtoto wako juu ya kutoa zaka. Pengine utasema kwamba zaka ni fungu la kumi la pato la mtu na mtoto hana pato kwakuwa anakutegemea wewe mzazi. Lakini ndugu zangu wazazi, hebu jaribu kumshirikisha mtoto kwamba kama unampatia shilingi elfu moja, basi mia moja amtolee mungu kama zaka yake. Lengo msingi hapa ni kumzoeza mtoto kufahamu au kupata uelewa huu akingali mdogo ili akishakuwa mkubwa na kumiliki hela yake mwenyewe, awe tayari anajua kuwa kama mwanakanisa anapaswa kutoa zaka kwani hii ni amri ya tano ya kanisa. Tusiwaache hawa watoto wakaziimba tu hizi amri pasipo kuzielewa kwa undani.

Kwamfano mtoto kila asubuhi na jioni anaimba amri ya tatu ya Mungu, Ungama dhambi zako walau mara moja kwa mwaka. Lakini tangu mtoto wako alipoungama akiwa anapata komunio ya kwanza, hakuwahi tena kuliona sanduku la maungamo. Kwanini, kwasababu wewe mzazi unaona hilo sio jukumu lako la kujua kwamba mtoto anaendeleaje kiroho. Kumbe katika udogo wake, hata akimpiga mwenzake, akiiba sukari, akitukana watu, ungeweza kumsihi aende kuungama! Hii ingemfanya aiishi amri ya 3 ya kanisa! Familia ni shule jamani, na waalimu ni wewe baba na mama

Wapendwa wasikilizaji, kama sisi wazazi tungekuwa tunawasisitiza sana watoto wetu kujihami juu ya uvunjifu wa amri za Mungu kwa mfano amri ya  ya tano ya mungu inayosema USIUE, hakika tusingeshuhudia mauaji ya kiroho ama ya kimwili ambayo yamekuwa yakitendeka hapa na pale, kwani mtu anayethubutu kuua mwingine kiroho kwa maneno yake machafu ambayo yanaweza kumchafua mwingine nahata kushusha hadhi yake, au kimwili yaani kuutoa uhai wake, huyu ni yule ambaye hajui athari ya kuua wala thamani ya utu wa mtu mwingine. Na mtu yeyote anayefanya kitendo hicho ni yule ambaye hakufundwa na wazazi wake na ndio maana anaweza kuona tu kwamba ni jambo la kawaida. Ndio maana wazazi, leo nimeamua nizungumzie juu ya jambo hili kwani tumekuwa tukikariri amri za mungu na za kanisa lakini wengi wetu hatuziweki katika matendo. Ni jukumu letu wazazi kuwasisitiza watoto wetu juu ya kuyaacha yale matendo ambayo mungu ameyakataa kwani hayo ni chukizo kwake. Kama watoto watakuwa wanakuwa na hofu ya Mungu na kuona kuwa jambo baya hawapaswi kulitenda pindi wakiwa wadogo, basi vitendo viovu havitaweze kutendeka katika jamii zetu. Lakini kama tutasubiri makatekista, masista na mapadre wafundishe na halafu itoshe, basi tutakuwa tunapoteza vizazi vya mbele yetu, kwani wahimizaji wa mambo haya ni sisi wazazi ambao tunaweza kufuatilia mienendo yao siku zote kwani wao ni sehemu ya familia zetu.

Kipindi hewani ni kutoka Baraza la Maaskofu Katoliki Tanzania, unayenisikiliza muda huu ni mimi, Sr Anagladness Mrumah. Ndugu zangu wasikilizaji leo nimeamua kuwasisitiza wazazi kuhakikisha kuwa wanawahimiza watoto kuzishika na kuziishi amri za Mungu na za kanisa barabara kwakuwa amri hizi baada ya kufundishwa kwenye mafundisho, hazishikwi barabara kwa kuwa wazazi walio wengi hawawahamashishi watoto kuziishi wala kuziishi.

Ndugu zangu wazazi, kama sisi wazazi tungewasisitiza watoto wetu juu ya kushikilia amri za mungu tungeweza kuzuia maovu mengi. Kwamfano, kama unaona mtoto ana hali ya udokozi, ingekuwa ni vizuri kumkumbusha kwa kumsisitiza kuwa asirudie tena kwani ni amri ya saba ya mungu. Kwa msisitizo kama anajua kusoma unafungua biblia kabisa aone kwamba ni kweli kumbukumbu la torati sura ya 5:19 Mungu anasema usiibe. Yaani asione tu kwamba ni amri yako wewe unayompa ya kutofanya kitendo kile, bali kwamba ni amri kutoka kwa mungu kwamba kuiba hakuruhusiwi kabisa. Sasa sisi tunalea pasipo kuonyesha rejea kwenye mambo matakatifu ambapo mtoto angeweza kushikilia vizuri zaidi baada ya kujua kuwa mzazi na mungu hawataki jambo la kuiba kwani ni baya. Ndugu zangu hakuna mtu anayeweza kuiba kama katika maisha ya utoto wake aliaswa kwamba jambo hili ni chukizo kwa Mungu. Kwahivyo tuwahimize watoto kuziishi amri za mungu, wasikariri tu.

Wapendwa wasikilizaji matendo ya uovu kama yale ya kusema uongo, usaliti kwenye ndoa ama uvunjifu wa ndoa visingekuwapo kama sisi wazazi tungekuwa tuko mstari wa mbele kuwalea watoto wetu katika kushikilia mambo kama hayo. Tazama leo watu wanazushiana uongo hata wa kuingizana jela, au kuua dhamiri za wengine kwa maneno yao ya uongo. Kwanini? Kwakuwa hawana hofu ya Mungu. Wazazi wao hawawazi wala kukaa na kuwahimiza watoto wao kuwa wasijethubutu kuyatenda hata kabla hayajatukia. Wazazi wengine kwa uongo wameshawarithisha watoto wao hadi mtoto anaona uongo ni sehemu ya maslahi au mafanikio yake. Mtoto mwingine anashindwa kutulia kwenye ndoa yake, awe wa kiume ama wa kike kwakuwa mzazi hakuwahi kukemea kabla. Na pengine wazazi nao wanashindwa kuzungumzia hayo kwakuwa baba na mama wote ni wasaliti wa amri hiyo ya mungu. Kwahiyo kwa mantiki hii watoto wanashindwa kushika amri ya nane ya mungu inayosema Usiseme Uongo kwani wazazi hawako tayari kulizungumzia jambo hilo kwakuwa nao wapo kwenye shimo hilo hilo la uongo, wala kukemea juu ya usaliti kwani wamekuwa wakiuendesha usaliti ama bado wameukumbatia.

Kwahiyo ndugu zangu wasikilizaji wa Redio Maria na mshirika wake Redio Mbiu, tunapaswa kuwa mfano wa kuigwa na watoto wetu. Tunapaswa kuhakikisha kuwa amri za mungu na za kanisa zinashikwa. Tukumbuke kuwa mtoto anaposikia na kutenda, jambo hilo linakaa akilini zaidi na hivyo kulichukua kama sehemu ya maisha yake ya kila siku. Kwamfano, kama mtoto amesikia juu ya amri sita za kanisa na halafu mzazi akawa wa kwanza kumsaidia kuziishi kwa kumshirikisha kiutekelezaji, hakika mtoto hata akiwa mtu mzima hataacha kushika amri za kanisa. Ee, ataenda kanisani, atapokea ekaristi kama ameshapokea sakramenti ya ekaristi, atatoa zaka kama mzazi amekuwa akimtolea na kumwelewesha maana yake, na amri zote za kanisa

Hali kadhalika, kama mzazi atamsisitiza mtoto wake kushika amri za Mungu, mtoto ataweza kutambua kuwa ni yapi Mungu anamtaka ayafuate na ni yapi anamkataza asiyafanye. Hebu wazazi tusome tena amri za Mungu ambazo zinapatikana katika kitabu cha Kumbukumbu la Torati 5:1-21 ili tuone maagizo haya kutoka kwa Mungu. Kwa kweli mimi naamini kwamba kama mtoto hazishiki amri za Mungu kwasababu ya uzembe wa mzazi, basi mzazi huyo ndiye anayeathirika kwanza kabla ya jamii. Maana, Amri hizi tumepewa na Mungu tuzishike illi zitusaidie kuishi kwanza kitakatifu na pili kiadilifu katika familia na jamii zetu. Kama hatuzizingatii tutakuwa tunafuga katika jamii watu wezi, waongo, wasio na heshima, wasaliti, washirikina, wauaji na wasiojua wajibu wao ndani ya kanisa lao. Kwa leo ni haya nilipenda wasikilizaji wa Redio Maria na Mshirika wake Redio Mbiu tujikumbushie.

Ni mimi mtangazaji wako Sr Anagladness Mrumah kutoka Baraza la Maaskofu Katoliki Tanzania (TEC)

Mwezi Juni 2025, walezi 172 wa kanda ya kati ambayo inaunganisha majimbo matatu yaani: (Dodoma, Singida na Kondoa), waliweza kupatiwa semina yao na Katibu wa Utoto mtakatifu, Sr Anagladness Mrumah.  Aidha, semina hiyo ilikuwa na malengo matatu muhimu. Lengo la kwanza lilikuwa ni kuwasisitiza walezi mambo msingi ambayo watoto wanapaswa kufundishwa ambayo kwa hakika ndiyo yatakayowakuza kiroho, kiakili, kifikra na kisaikolojia. Lengo la pili lilikuwa ni kuwaeleza walezi njia mbalimbali ambazo wanapaswa kuzitumia wakati wa kuwasilisha mada zao kwa watoto ili kuhakikisha kuwa yale waliyonuia kuyaeleza kwa watoto yanaeleweka kwa urahisi. Lengo la tatu lilikuwa ni kuwaeleza walezi mambo ya muhimu ambayo wanapaswa kuyashikilia katika kazi yao ya malezi ili kusudi yawajenge na hivyo kuwa walezi bora, na hivyo kumudu utume wao.

Kwakweli ni jambo la kushukuru kuwa semina ilienda vyema kwani walezi wote walionyesha kupokea mafundisho vizuri kabisa, na kwa upande mwingine kushauriana wao wenyewe, kuuliza maswali mbalimbali na hata kuchangia hoja. Moja ya mambo mazuri ya kipekee yaliyoonyeshwa na walezi wa kanda hii ilikuwa ni uthabiti na utayari wa kuwalea watoto ambao walikuwa ndani ya kongamano lao kwa kipindi hicho yaani kuanzia tarehe 25 – 29 Juni, 2025.

Sambamba na semina hii, mababa maaskofu (mhashamu Askofu Edward Mapunda na Askofu Wilibrod Kibozi), katika homilia zao waliwatia moyo mkuu na kuutambua utume wa walezi hawa kuwa ni wa thamani na Baraka kwa Mungu. Hivyo waliwaomba kujisikia kuwa watu wa thamani katika kanisa kwani watoto ndio kanisa lenyewe.

Imetayarishwa na: Ofisi ya PMS Taifa

Mnamo tarehe 19- 21 mwezi Juni, kumekuwa na Kongamano la utoto mtakatifu kanda yaMwanza, kanda ambayo inaundwa na majimbo nane: (Mwanza, Shinyanga, Geita, Musoma, Bunda, Kayanga, Bukoba na Rulenge Ngara) kongamano hili lilikusanya watoto zaidi ya 5000. Kongamano hili lilikuwa la Hija ya watoto kanda ya ziwa kuenzi mwaka wa Jubilei 2025.

Aidha, kwa upande wa jimbo la Shinyanga washiriki watoto walikuwa ni 182, walezi 9 watawa 4 na Padre 1. Miongoni mwa mada zilizofundishwa ilikuwa ni kuhusu Bikira Maria alivyowatokea watoto watatu (Lucia, Francis na Yasinta) kule Fatima. Mada hii iliwasilishwa na Mhashamu baba Askofu Jovitus Mwijage wa jimbo katoliki la Bukoba ambaye ni Rais wa Mashirika ya Kipapa Taifa na Mwenyekiti wa mashirika ya kipapa katika kanda ya Mwanza.

Misa ya Ufunguzi wa Kongamano la kanda iliongozwa na mhashamu Jovitus Mwijage, Askofu wa jimbo katoliki la Bukoba. Watoto wa jimbo katoliki la Shinyanga nao kama washiriki wa kongamano hili, waliandaa   burudani ya wimbo pamoja na ngoma ya kisukuma ingawa muda haukutosha kuonyesha vitu hivyo vyote.

Watoto walifurahi sana kukutana na kundi kubwa la watoto wenzao na pia wengine. Kwa upande mwingine, kongamano lilikuwa kama fursa kwa watoto wengine kwani  ilikuwa ndio mara yao ya kwanza kufika jiji la Mwanza. Safari ya kwenda ilikuwa nzuri sana maana hapakuwa na changamoto lakini safariya kurudi kulikuwa na changamaoto kidogo maana tulikaa sana barabarani kwa sababu ya msafara wa Rais.

Misa ya kufunga kongamano iliongozwa na baba Askofu Flavian Katindi Kasala wa jimbo la Geita

Mimi kama mlezi, kwenye kongamano hili la kanda nimefurahishwa sana na mahudhurio ya watoto kwa ujumla na kwaya katika maadhimisho ya misa ambayo iliongozwa na watoto wenyewe. Aidha, namshukuru sana Mungu kwa baraka zake maana tulianza salama na kumaliza kongamano letu la kikanda salama.

Imeandaliwa na Pd. Francis Kamani, Mkurugenzi PMS jimbo

• Introduction

This Article explains several issues that are very important for any Animator who leads young children. These things will be very useful in a special way, the animators of the Holy Childhood Society, since the main purpose of clarifying these issues is to first strengthen the animator himself/herself, so that he/she can also build his/her ability to lead the group of children entrusted to him, whether in a parish , diocesan and or national level

• Avoiding Favoritism

An animator of the Holy Childhood Society who is elected or who volunteers to care for children, must remove the poison of favoritism from his/her heart. He/she should never show any sign of favoritism towards some children for his own personal reasons of interest or resentment. Animator should remember that children find great comfort when they are given equal love without excluding them and making others the companions of the group. It should be remembered that in any place, be it at home, school or church, children cannot receive what they are told if the one who guides them has a preferential attitude towards some other children.

For example, at various conferences, whether national, regional or parish, animator should not have the attitude of looking only at his own child if he/she is present or from the area where he appeared and thinking that the others do not concern him. No way! By doing so, he will create a separation between the children who actually build unity while attending those lectures. The guardian’s role is to unite all the children from each area with those from his own so long as he looks after their safety, and it should not be a criterion for excluding children. Let us love all children and if it happens that children from other areas have mixed with ours, especially at mealtimes out of ignorance, let us not chase them away with sad words but rather direct them well to where they should get food/drink so that they can enjoy participating in those events again. Let us avoid words like: “this is not our Parish… go to your parish… or leave and go to your parish…” such words cause a psychological problem for the child and make him feel worthless in that group and make him not want to come to another Holy Childhood conference again. If it becomes a habit to face that situation every time, he will never be seen again in the

Holy Childhood and in the Church either.

In the whole matter of giving gifts, the animator should be very careful so that this act is constructive and not destructive. For example, when the Guardian asks questions and the child tries, he should not give him a gift but give it to all equally or as planned, without creating a situation of favoritism, something that will make children not come to church. In workshops or diocesan or Parish conferences, gifts should be given at least in rotation and not as gifts aimed at only one group. Even those who come and try should be given gifts to make them come again to the Conference or so. We must think that, some parishes are far away and so the children strive to reach even three or fewer and competing is difficult for them, those with what they have prepared should be given gifts and will attract more children to come to the Holy Childhood conferences.

Therefore, we animators must ensure that we do not show favoritism when we have children and then we will make them see that the Church is for them and needs them to move forward. We will also make them want to come to the Church where it is their home, and they will say the words of the Child Jesus “Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” Luke 2:49. That will be their desire to stay in their Church.

If animator has this defect of favoritism and feels that he/she cannot get rid of it, it is better for him/her to tell the church that he cannot continue with the work of raising these missionaries so that he does not hinder the church of tomorrow with his disgusting behavior. The Holy Scriptures say that whoever causes one of these little ones to stumble, let a stone be hung around his neck and thrown into the sea (Reference Mt 18:1-20). Let us get rid of this tendency towards favoritism that is evident in some guardians, because in order for our offering of raising children to be pure and pleasing to God, we need to truly dedicate ourselves and not pretend to do God’s work.

• Staying with children

The animator of the Holy Childhood occupies the position of a parent at home and also as a guardian for the child. Therefore, he must always be close to the children during worship and Holy Masses for children alone or those with adults. By staying close to them, he will be able to follow them and direct them in how to follow the liturgy with words and actions, while doing all this with a motherly or fatherly heart when the child or children make mistakes. In addition, it is in staying with the children that the guardian will be able to know their negative or positive changes as he continues to raise them in the faith.

When the animator leaves the children alone, he cannot recognize the behavior of the children and he/she cannot correct them. That is to say, a guardian who stays away from the children cannot be a guardian, or he/she will have to correct himself. It is in staying close to the children, they can explain the things that bother them and even what they encounter at home, at school and in various places. Similarly, in staying with children, the caregiver will be more aware of the strengths of the group he has and the weaknesses of his children’s group, and thus provide information at the relevant level.

When the animator stays with children, it is good to also strive to remember their names because for them it is valuable to see them recognized among their peers. It would be strange to fail to recognize the names of the children the caregiver is raising, if there are too many then it does not matter if he seeks any identity as long as the child does not feel bad that he is unknown. It is clear that it is in staying close to the children and also getting to know them that we will help them easily and they will love us. It is in this way, they will even like to come to Church because they taste the love from their caregivers, and if there is a vacation time in schools they will be able to come to share various things that concern themselves.

So, caregivers and even parents should be filled with joy when we stay close to the children and see how they carry out the instructions given to them. By doing so, children will be filled with joy and will not wander outside the church because everything they want is inside the church.

• Animators should be pious and have good character to emulate

Since animators have a great responsibility to make children turn to God, it would be a good thing to evaluate their lives first before leading this group of children on the path of following God. In evaluating themselves first, they will be able to change certain behaviors and behaviors that may cause obstacles to children, because they learn by seeing what their elders do. That is to say, if the guardian is a good pious person and has good character, the children will imitate the behavior of their guardian and vice versa.

For example, in attending various services or Holy Masses, the animators must be the first so that when the children meet him or when he encourages them, they can imitate his example. Likewise, if a guardian has a habit of speaking bad words to his or her peers and even to children, it is best to avoid it because children can imitate it and make it their normal language, which is not appropriate.

It should be noted that, in general, the behavior of a Animators should be imitated inside and outside the church because guardianship for a child is not only when he or she is a child but also becomes an example for his or her life even when he or she is an adult. Therefore, the guardian must avoid a life of acting when he or she is in church and then when he or she leaves, he or she lives another life that is not in line with his or her calling as a Baptized person and guardian of the Holy Childhood.

Recognizing that raising children is a gift and not everyone can do it, it is a call for spiritual leaders in the Parish to choose believers who have strong faith and good character. No one should be appointed as a guardian for reasons that are outside the guardianship of children and take it as a certain position, no. If the selection is done well, children will be attracted to church because of the character of their guardians and also the church that comes will have strong Christians who adhere to the values ​​and firm faith of the Catholic Church.

• Parents should learn to recognize children’s talents

A parent does not just know the characteristics of their children but goes a long way to learn and understand their children’s talents, so that they can use them well when they are together. For example, an important way to recognize children’s talent/talents is to be close to them and see how they relate to their peers and their actions. That is how the parent will recognize what the child prefers outside and inside the church.

In addition, it is important to understand that children with various talents need to be motivated, awakened or stimulated by their parents so that they can use them properly.

Therefore, the parent has a great responsibility to recognize the talent of each child. For example, there are children who like to read the Bible and memorize verses, sing religious songs, lead prayers, dance in the choir, join their peers in activities, play the piano, give speeches in front of people, mediators, aid providers, religious actors, etc. The guardian should recognize all of these and strengthen these talents by using the children in missionary activities for the benefit of the church. It should be remembered that developing the talents of children in the church does not mean eliminating other worldly talents, because our children do not live outside the world but are in a world surrounded by many things and therefore there are worldly talents that children should also show.

The failure of the animator to understand the child’s talent makes the child feel isolated from his or her peers. This situation causes poor attendance by children in their meetings, and that is when they go to other denominations. We animators should read the signs of the times, because these days there are many denominations that are specifically looking to capture a group of children so if we have not recognized their talents, it is a loss because they are considered as chicks that lack protection from their guardians.

• Relationships between animators and church leadership

In order for the Animator of the Holy Childhood to be successful in his or her mission, he or she is required to be obedient to the church leaders. At the diocesan level, the local Bishop is the supreme leader and those he has appointed on his behalf in the organization of the Holy Childhood and in our parishes are the parishioners. Thus, the guardian, having cooperation with these leaders, will bring success as he will share with them various issues that need to be done or resolved in order to make the mission move forward.

Thus, when the Animator builds close relationships with church leaders, he becomes a bridge connecting children with the church leadership as he will remind the Priests to deal with children in teaching, Holy Mass, upbringing and parish strategic plans regarding the children’s community. He will also take instructions from them and guide the children where they are needed according to the guidelines of the Church.

Therefore, the animator should consider the instructions from the church leadership and make the children recognize the desires of the church so that when they meet children from other parishes or other provinces, they feel equal to their fellow children without feeling inferior. On the other hand, it will help the children to know the Catholic Church in depth, love it and serve it with all their hearts.

• The animator should build good relationships with the parents of the children

To help the child grow spiritually and physically, the guardian should realize that he is the parent of the children of the Holy Childhood. He should also realize that he stands in the place of the parents of the children whenever he is with those children. Therefore, it is important for him to build a relationship with the parents or animators of each child in order to be able to know the condition of the children in terms of personal, spiritual and behavioral upbringing. For example, he will help the parents in finding a good method of raising children according to the signs of the times.

Considering that there are groups of parents, for example; parents who are responsible for their children and ensure that they grow spiritually and those who are negligent in raising their children, the animators, collaborating with parents of both types, can be a catalyst to remind parents of their responsibility to raise children in the divine values ​​​​and of the Catholic Church.

A good relationship between the guardian of the Holy Childhood and the parents or guardians of the children, brings great benefits to the church as it brings and returns children who only stay at home and become Catholics in name. It also helps parents remember their basic responsibility for the good upbringing of their children, namely to give them a Catholic education.

• Animators should consider knowing the conditions of the Children

The Animators of the Holy Childhood should know the real conditions of the children he leads; psychologically, spiritually, physically and mentally. The guardian, for example, should have the habit of questioning or talking to his children to know whether they are happy or peaceful of spirit? Is the child mentally well developed? Is he psychologically okay or does he have problems? Does the family get enough needs or sometimes does he lack basic needs such as food, shelter and clothing? All of these are important for the guardian to consider so that he knows what kind of life situation he is raising the children in. By considering this, the guardian will be able to deal with the different conditions of the children while treating them spiritually, physically and psychologically in his work, although he will not be able to fulfill everything in their situations but it will help him at least to deal with them without arguing with them because he will already have understood what situations they are in.

• Parents should talk about the issue of protection and safety for children

The time has come to remove the shame and talk to children about their protection and safety as there is a big cloud that has arisen regarding the lack of protection and safety for children. Parents should explain to children the current situation while using knowledge in their explanations so as not to threaten children but to make them understand the current situation. Make it clear to children that they should not allow anyone, even a brother, sister, father, uncle, cousin, home servants, to play with their bodies, especially their private parts. Parents should tell children that, when they encounter people with such behavior, they should report it to their parents or guardians so that the behavior can be stopped. Children should also be prohibited from receiving gifts from people and told not to talk about what is being done to them at home. This is how we will be able to save children from this cruelty that destroys their dignity. You, the animator, will achieve all of this if you are close to the entire group of children entrusted to you (without bias), as the child cannot reveal himself to you if he/she does not see you. His animator is his close friend who can explain to you the details of these serious issues, considering that they are told not to speak.

Prepared By: Sr Anagladness Mrumah, National Holy Childhood Secretary

Introduction

This article explains the basic things that the children of the Holy Childhood should be taught. It has been explained that when taught in depth and repeated regularly, the children will be built in the missionary spirit and thus be able to develop the church in Tanzania in the present and future times. These things are explained in detail as follows:

• About Jesus Christ

The basic and first thing for the children of the Holy Childhood society is to know our Lord Jesus Christ, that is, to know who he is and what he did. They should be explained the love of our Lord Jesus Christ for them as children and for the whole world. They should also be made aware of God’s expectations for them as children of God, namely to know him, love him, serve him and ultimately reach him in heaven. In knowing Him, they will know that Jesus is the Word who became flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:14), they will know that Jesus is coming to us (Luke 1:26-38), the Birth of Jesus (Luke 2:1-7), the Life of Jesus (Matthew 5:1-12), the Miracles of Jesus, the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Jesus, they will also recognize His Ascension to Heaven and finally that He is with us in the Holy Eucharist.

The animator should teach the Bible and the Catechism of the Catholic Church or the Catechism of the Diocese. He should also use methods that children can easily grasp and not forget. An example of such methods is, putting in the form of short stories about the life of Jesus Christ, as many children are drawn to listening more to stories, proverbs and even plays because through them they build more memories.

• They should be taught about achieving holiness.

Recognizing that every Christian is called to know God, love Him, serve Him, and ultimately reach heaven, it is the calling of every Christian to reach Holiness (CCC 2013), regardless of their age. Based on this calling, our children of Holy Childhood must be taught the ways to reach holiness from a very young age so that they grow up realizing what God has planned for them as Christians.

This fundamental responsibility to teach children the way to reach Holiness, first concerns the family, which is a school of faith, where parents are required to strive to teach children the good values ​​of Christianity and build them in the good virtues of Christian ethics. The second place is given to guardians who are always with children often in the Church and in various jobs. Here guardians are Priests, Deacons, Nuns, Catechists, and lay people chosen for this fundamental task of raising children. All of these, through words and actions, must teach children how to reach holiness in their daily lives.

We may wonder, what exactly should children be taught so that they can achieve holiness? In reality, children should be taught the best Christian life, that is, to keep and live the commandments of God, pray, help the poor and needy, fast and love their neighbors without limits. Let us analyze these things briefly:

• Keeping and living the Commandments of God and the Church

Children should be taught by their animators about the commandments of God and the church, know them, and keep them without constraint, realizing that they have been called to be saints. The animators should use every means to see that children understand what God wants in his commandments. They should understand that he wants them to worship him alone, to honor his name, to keep the Lord’s day and not work. They should honor their father and mother and those who are older than them. Above all, they should be taught how to value their lives as a precious gift from God. They should also be taught how to maintain purity of heart by not reading indecent information, watching pornographic videos and not getting involved in the business of their own bodies.

In teaching them this, they should see God as love and that He has given them rich guidelines to reach the truth. It is good for our children to be taught the lives of holy children who were able to defend the truth and reached the kingdom of God. Examples of these saints are; Mary Goreth, St. Felomena etc., and while the guardian emphasizes the life of the child Jesus in the Holy Bible.

Since we want our children to understand their church in depth, they must be taught in depth about the commandments of the church, so that they begin to keep them while they are still young because it is through the commandments of the church and of God, our children will be able to earn holiness.

• Prayer

For St. Therese of the Child Jesus, prayer is the raising of the heart, the raising of the gaze towards heaven, the cry of thanksgiving in both trials and joys. (Ref. CCC 2559). Therefore, our children must know that they speak to God through prayer. It is in prayer that they are taught that Christ meets each one, (CCC 2560), and that he asks us for water to drink because he is thirsty. It is in prayer that Jesus’ thirst and ours meet. Thus, we must teach children to ask God for the water of life, which will quench our thirst, that is, Holiness.

It should be remembered that we cannot teach children how to pray if we ourselves do not pray. Guardians and parents must be an example in prayer. The Church has established different prayers, morning prayers, evening prayers, prayers after and before teaching, prayers before and after eating. All this will make the child see that “Prayer is the spiritual life” (CCC 2697), and in this way he/she will build himself/herself in his/her daily life as a Christian guided by prayer.

Above all, in the life of prayer, children should be taught to attend Holy Mass, to respect the Holy Eucharist, and also to pray the holy rosary of the Virgin Mary, as excellent aids for them in their search for Holiness.

We as guardians must ensure that we are an example in the life of prayer. Set aside time to pray with children in common prayers and personal prayers.

• Helping the Poor and the Vulnerable

It is the responsibility of the animator to ensure that children see Jesus Christ in the poor and the vulnerable. They should join the Church in performing acts of mercy for their fellow human beings, especially: the needy, the sick, the poor, the elderly and the vulnerable. First, they should start in a group of their peers, when their peer is in trouble, help them as a group by contributing whatever they have as part of their comfort. Also, their peers who lack basic needs should be the first to help them and defend their basic rights. By doing so, this will be the basis for achieving holiness. They should be taught gently so that they can be built up in the value of helping even when they become adults, in order to achieve perfection/holiness.

The goal is to free children from the chains of selfishness and self-assertion with the wealth they have, so that they can see that God wants these assets, even if they are small, to be used to help the poor and all those in need. However, since not all children can earn money or wealth, it is good for them to be taught to go and do small tasks for the needy, for example, fetching water, washing clothes, cleaning the environment, etc., while they are accompanied by their guardians. This should be considered especially during the Lenten period.

• Fasting

Although children are taught to pray, they should also be taught to deny themselves through fasting. They should be reminded of the Church’s commandment “Fast on Ash Wednesday, do not eat meat on Good Friday.” Children should not only be scolded, but they should be made to understand in their hearts that by doing so they will attain holiness.

The small things they have, for example; sweets, pastries, juice, biscuits, peanuts, cashew nuts, etc., should be recognized that there are others who do not have them and therefore they also need to have them. Thus, when they fast, they should be taught to give to their needy peers from the heart, as a sign of fasting and abstinence. During Lent, the parent or guardian should train the child to see different situations, especially in matters of food, for example, if a child really likes chips, he should know that he should reduce the number of days he eats those chips per week and eat other foods so that he can help another child who, in his case, can get those chips a few times a year. Then the children will be able to recognize the way to attain holiness in daily life.

• Love for God and Neighbor.

Holiness is linked to Love for God and Neighbor. Parents should strive hard to encourage good behavior in children in ordinary matters, for example; greeting, obeying, helping the elderly, the sick, parents, and all people. And let them know that is their job as missionaries, and then the love of God that is in them will be seen.

Respect and wisdom for our children should prevail, let us realize that today’s world has so many things, children learn without analyzing words and actions. Therefore, it is our job as parents and guardians, to make sure that we show the way but also which one to take so that they can reach Holiness.

• Teachings on the Lives of the Saints.

It is obvious that our children want to be saints. This act of becoming saints can be achieved more easily if they learn through real examples of the lives of the saints in heaven. The role of the guardian is to ensure that he teaches the children through stories and songs about the lives of the saints. In this way, the children will see the example of those who lived a life on earth and finally reached perfection (Holiness).

It is good for the animator to recognize many saints by studying their own lives so that he can teach the children easily and briefly. It is especially good when the guardian recognizes the holy children and teaches the children, because they really want to see their companion who is a witness to the Christian truth. For example, teaching them about the holy angels, the Virgin Mary, the Apostles, the martyrs (the Ugandan martyrs and the child martyrs), St. Felomena, St. Theresa of the Child Jesus, St. Bakhita, St. Benedict the Abbot, St. Augustine, etc.

Children should imitate from the saints, love, a life of prayer, self-denial, defending the Faith until death, praying and fasting and also giving themselves to God for themselves and their neighbors. In teaching them the lives of the Saints, the guardian should be careful to choose the basic things that the children will learn and live in their daily lives.

Likewise, he should explain to the children the days that the Church has set aside for children as days to obtain Plenary Mercy; namely; the Feast of the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple, the Day of St. Therese of the Child Jesus (October 1), the Feast of St. Francis Xavier (December 3), the Feast of the Child Martyrs (December 28), the Feast of St. Joseph (March 19), the Feast of the Guardian Angels (October 2) and the feast of the anniversary of their baptism as children. On these days, the guardian should ensure that the children gather to pray for these Mercy.

• Receiving and Honoring the Sacraments.

Sacramental life for any Catholic is a very important pillar, as it is his identity as a strong Catholic. Therefore, children must learn to receive and respect the Sacraments established by Mother Church from an early age. It is the responsibility of parents, working with guardians, to ensure that children are in a strong faith and the Sacraments. The big question here for parents and guardians is how can I teach children so that they not only understand but can participate in the sacraments? The explanation of each Sacrament should be brief for children so that they can easily understand. For example:

Baptism: Children should understand that we are all born with sin, that is, original sin, which we inherited from our first parents, Adam and Eve. When we are baptized, that sin is removed and we now become children of God and are incorporated into the Church. In this way, children will be able to understand it easily. Explain that Baptism is the Sacrament that enables us to be born again of water and the Holy Spirit, is the door (entrance) to all the other sacraments and is the key to eternal life. (Jn 3:3, Mt 28:19; CCC n. 1213, 1277,).

Holy Eucharist: Children should recognize from an early age the meaning and importance of the Holy Eucharist in their Christian life. Thus, they should be explained that the Holy Eucharist is the Sacrament of the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ, God-Man in the forms of bread and wine (Jn 6:1-71, Mt 26:26-28). And they should also realize that this Sacrament was instituted on Holy Thursday evening (I Cor 11:23). At the last supper, Jesus took bread and gave thanks, broke it, and gave it to his disciples saying: Take, all of you, eat; this is my body, which is given for you. In the same way, after supper, he took the cup of wine, gave thanks again, and gave it to his disciples, saying: Take this, all of you, and drink of it; this is the cup of my blood, the blood of the new and everlasting covenant, which is shed for you and for many for the remission of sins. Do this in remembrance of me.

It is good for children to be informed that the people who celebrate the Holy Eucharist are Bishops and Priests. (I Cor 11:23-25). They should be encouraged to attend Holy Mass regularly, where the Holy Eucharist is celebrated. They should be made aware that Holy Communion brings us these graces: first, it preserves and increases the grace of sanctification, which is the life of our souls. Second, it removes venial sins and reduces the risk of committing serious sins. Third, it gives us the zeal and strength to do good by increasing our faith, hope, and love. Fourth, it brings unity in the Church, not only with Christ, but also with one another.

Confirmation: It is the responsibility of the Guardian to inform the child of the meaning and importance of the Sacrament of Confirmation. Let them know that Confirmation is a Sacrament that brings us the Holy Spirit and His grace to make us strong Christians and valiant soldiers of Jesus Christ, so that we can testify to our faith in words and deeds. (CCC n. 1316). Also let them know that they are strengthened to defend their Faith wherever they are.

Penance or Reconciliation: Children should know that Penance or Reconciliation is a Sacrament for the remission of sins we committed after baptism (Mt 16:18-19, 18:18). Since many denominations oppose this Sacrament, children should be clearly explained that they should confess because Jesus requires them to do so. They should be told that this sacrament was instituted after the resurrection of Christ with the testimony of these words; Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven, and whose sins you retain are retained (Jn 20:22-23). ​​

Above all, they should realize that this Sacrament of Penance absolves us of our sins and eternal punishment, sanctifies our souls and makes us steadfast in doing good. In addition, children should be explained that the one who celebrates this sacrament is only a Priest or Bishop. It is very good for children to be explained the steps of doing penance and reconciling themselves with God.

Anointing of the Sick: Children should be briefly explained that, Anointing of the Sick, is a Sacrament offered to those burdened by illness and old age so that they may receive special grace and comfort in spirit and body, and even be healed if it is good for their salvation. (James 5:14-15, Mark 6:13). Children should also know the circumstances or situation that makes a Christian receive this sacrament, for example; illness, accident, operation or old age. It is a Bishop or priest who offers the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick.

They should also be made aware that in this sacrament the sick person receives these graces: (i) Strength to endure suffering and to unite it with his own suffering and that of Christ Jesus, (ii) Forgiveness of all sins that he cannot confess, (iii) Relief of the body, even if life is necessary for the salvation of his soul. (iv) Grace to prepare to depart from this world and enter eternal life. Holy Orders; children should know what the meaning of Holy Orders is and how God calls believers to Holy Orders. Explain to children that Holy Orders or Priesthood is a Sacrament that gives a Catholic man the sacred power to: (i) offer the sacrifice of the Holy Mass, (ii) share the sacraments with others, (iii) preach and teach people officially (Heb 5:1-4; 1 Cor 11:24-25), (iv) guide people and give blessings, (CCC. n. 1592, 1598). It is good for guardians to guide children to realize that every Catholic man with a vocation and the desire to dedicate himself to helping people’s salvation and who is accepted by the elders of the Church can become a priest (I Tim 3:1-3, Heb 5:4-6; CCC. n. 1598).

Marriage: Children should be explained in detail about the Sacrament of Marriage, which is the first school of the Faith. They should be built on the habit of respecting their father and mother, who are their teachers. Above all, they should recognize their fundamental role in the family. Thus, they should respect marriage as they can respect the Holy Order. Since there is a great wave of advocacy for same-sex marriage, it is good for children to be explained the true meaning of marriage in the plan of God and His Church in order to avoid such negative concepts.

They should realize that Marriage is a covenant between one man and one woman (Gen 2:24, Matt 19:3-6). Christian marriage is the sacrament of the union of two Christians, one husband and one wife, according to the law of the Catholic Church (Eph 5:21-33). Marriage is instituted by God himself and Jesus Christ has elevated it to a sacrament (Gen 2:18, Mt 19:1-12).

N.B. It would be wise for guardians to be proactive in receiving the Sacraments as much as possible, especially the Holy Eucharist and Penance, so that children can see that what is being taught is consistent with the real lives of their guardians and not just talk and stories without action. It is very important that guardians avoid unnecessary obstacles that will prevent them from participating in the Sacraments of God.

• The method of reading and meditating on the Holy Bible

Parents should encourage children to have a culture of reading the Bible. They should show children an easy way to open the Bible without taking much time to find the parts they want to read, because the Bible has many books and many pages. Therefore, it is good for children to be shown the first pages of the Bible book that show references to books in the Bible. Likewise, children should be taught how to meditate on lessons in the Bible and not just read like a newspaper or other books. Especially, children should be taught how to meditate on lessons in the Bible and not just read like a newspaper, story or other books of worldly knowledge. They should be taught how to relate the word of God to the ordinary daily life they live. They should be given the opportunity to read and meditate on the holy scriptures regularly so that they can gain that experience.

Parents should have the habit of preparing their children well before reading the word of God, especially by telling them that after the lesson is read, they should say which book, which chapter and which verse/s the lesson is from. Also, explain to them that after the lesson is read, they should briefly say what the lesson was about and what it teaches them in their lives. By doing so, the children will be building attention when the lesson is read because they will know that they will have to answer several questions immediately after reading the lesson. Also, to make the children calm during the Sunday school days, they should give the children the task of writing down which books the Sunday school lessons came from and what teachings they were giving. All of this is to keep the child from wandering while in church, because it is obvious that if they are not kept busy, they can continue with their own affairs while the Holy Mass is being celebrated.

• Children should know the History of the Holy Childhood Society

It is very important for guardians to first understand the history of the Holy Childhood Society after being chosen as guardians of this organization. This will help them mature in the role of guardianship, because a guardian cannot call himself a guardian of holy childhood if he himself does not know in what roots his mission is based. Therefore, the guardian should make sure that he/she understands in depth the dreams of the founder of this organization (Bishop Charles de Fobin Janson) the gifts, goals and works of this organization so that he/she can teach his/her children. (Refer to the manual).

It is very important that children know the entire history of the establishment of their society so that they can understand their roles within their mission, because if they do not understand this, they will not grow in the spirit of the organization but will only be like actors. Therefore, teach children about this history even if through narratives since most of them are still young, and then take them to reality, that is, actions (pray for pagan children, orphans, give things to needy children, have devotion to the baby Jesus, etc.) and in this way they will understand what they should do even when they are adults.

• Fearing God (Proverbs 1:7, 8:13, 10:23, 14:26. ​​Mark 10:29)

Parents should teach children to be pious when they are still young so that they can grow in that knowledge. Furthermore, fearing God means; loving Him, obeying Him, serving Him, doing His (God’s) will, having the fear of God in doing what is displeasing to Him, standing firm in the true faith and defending justice and truth. When a child is raised and grows in all these conditions, he will later be able to become a strong missionary of Christ in living out the things of Christ.

• Children should be taught in depth about Missionary Work

Every guardian of the Holy Childhood should teach children about missionary work, since the main goal of the Holy Childhood Organization is to awaken, motivate, encourage and develop the missionary spirit in children. Therefore, in teaching them, it is important to direct them to receive the apostolic work entrusted to them by God. The guardian is the helper for the child so that he hears the voice that says “Come, follow me” and “Go and preach the Gospel.” (Mk 16:15-18, Mt19:21)

Children should be taught to see that God believes in them and that is why He wants to share them in the work of Missionary Work. So, for them it is to respond “Yes” so that they can go to the field where the workers are few. Guardians should tell children that God wants them to “Help their fellow children to know Him.” It is the job of caregivers to “read the signs of the times” and make them clear to children, that is, to explain to them about the large group of children who do not know Jesus Christ and thus let them know that they are needed in the Lord’s field.

Children should be explained that there are children living in difficult circumstances such as extreme poverty and social exclusion, due to which they find themselves involved in child labor, bad behavior (insults, theft, stubbornness, truancy, etc.) and sexual abuse and humiliation. It should also be made clear that there are their peers who live without parents due to the loss of their parents or running away from difficult circumstances at home, for example: lack of food, beatings, parental disagreements or rejection by father, mother or caregivers.

Caregivers should explain to children how Jesus loved them even saying “Let the little children come to me…” (Mt 19:14) so ​​they should know that they have a mission to share that love of Christ with their fellow children with various problems and thus strive to do everything good for children with these challenges.

• Prayer and Offering

The guardian of holy childhood must teach the children how to pray. It is good that everything the guardian does when he is with the children should begin with prayer, again with the sign of the Cross. This way, the children will know that there is an importance of praying in every work and step they reach. Children should be taught to pray communal prayers such as the Holy Rosary, the prayer of the Angel of the Lord/Queen of Heaven and personal prayers wherever they are.

They should be taught to pray for their fellow children so that they may believe in Christ and his Gospel. They should also pray for their fellow children who live in difficult circumstances due to war, famine, epidemics, earthquakes (natural disasters) and those who are isolated from their communities. They should also be taught to pray to God for parents, guardians and the church so that the whole world may be saved through their prayers. They should also pray for sinners, especially those who bring religious, ethnic, political, racial beliefs and thus cause war, hatred and division instead of peace. The guardian should ensure that each child has a prayer book and can pray by reading and or even keeping the prayers in their hearts.

In terms of charity, children should learn to offer their lives as a sacrifice, that is, to live for their fellow human beings in need and accept suffering, attaching it to the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross, who with great love agreed to die for us all. Offer them a temporary sacrifice, that is: visiting the elderly, the sick, orphans, widows, prisoners, the poor and the disabled. Learn to give the wealth they have that is part of their daily use at home, at school and elsewhere, even if it is small, and their talents (dancing, singing, acting, reading, leading, etc.) for the mission. In this way, they will taste how Jesus wants them to serve him. Children should always do acts of mercy, again from the “heart” and there will be a better generation in the future church.

• Children understand the Church and the things in it

The animator has the responsibility to show them, direct them or provide all the procedures that children should follow while still in church. For example, it is his responsibility to teach them the song or songs that are appropriate for singing in the Catholic Church. Also, how to enter and sit with decency, respect and a spirit of worship in the Church. It is also the responsibility of the guardian to know that the children he is raising know the various prayers that are prayed in the holy mass service, for example the sign of the cross and they also know the correct use of the Holy Water.

They should be instructed on how to kneel before the Tabernacle, pay respect before the cross, avoid playing with the utensils used on the altar during worship as well as priestly vestments. Along with that, the guardian should build in the children a sense of the presence of Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist in the Tabernacle and also show them the eternal flame while explaining it to them so that they understand the difference between that (holy) flame and other flames they are familiar with. They should also be shown the Bible, the Altar Missal and the study book, as well as being informed about the difference between these holy books and the ones they are used to, namely the stories and the World Education lessons.

If the Church has pictures of the Saints and the Stations of the Cross, it is the responsibility of the guardian to show them these and teach them to offer their prayers through these pictures. It is also wise to direct the children to their places of sitting during prayers and various services so that it is easier for him to guide them and perhaps avoid unnecessary conflicts with adults at that time. Therefore, the guardian should be a compass for the children in the whole matter of believing in, respecting and honoring the saints within the Catholic Church.

• How to love God and neighbor (Lk 12:22-38, Gen 22:1-18, Lk 10:30-37)

Love is a virtue that we are given to love God and neighbor. Animators should focus on teaching children unconditional love. Children should share what little they have with love without favoritism. The guardian should be an example by loving all regardless of the living conditions of each child, that is, he should not turn to children for whom he knows that their parents are certainly capable of giving him anything, but should turn to all (those who have and those who do not), following the example of Jesus Christ who loved all men to the point of dying on the cross for them all (poor and rich).

Children should be taught that God is love (Ref. 1 Jn. 4:7-10) and he wants them as Missionaries of the Holy Childhood to share this love with their fellow children and with the whole world. They should imitate the example of Jesus who showed love for the sick, the poor, the lame, the elderly, widows and the disabled. Thus, they too, as young missionaries, should show this love to their fellow children and to the world.

It is through boundless love that they will be able to attract many children and convert them to Catholicism. Also, a strong society with dignity will come from the foundation of a child’s upbringing and thus find a strong church. Parents should ensure that they have genuine love and share this love with their children, which will guide them in all the missionary activities of the Holy Childhood.

• Teach them the Importance of Education (Proverbs 4:13)

Since education is the key to life, parents should always remind their children about the importance of education, as it is their responsibility to build the child physically and spiritually. Any human being must be able to understand how to cope with his environment (that is, our children). Therefore, children should be advised to study hard at school, obey their teachers and guardians, follow school rules, and avoid bad groups of students with obstacles (homosexuality, sodomy, theft, insults, too many games without studying, gossip, gossiping about teachers, etc.). If they take all of this into account, they will succeed in their studies and will continue to remain spiritually mature children because if they are not advised to study and abandon bad habits, even when they return from vacation, the guardians will no longer be able to continue with them in missionary upbringing.

• The Effects of Social Media (Phones and Television)

It is clear that social media has been a great help in facilitating communication among people and thus promoting and developing our religion, politics, economy and culture. On the other hand, these networks have also become toxic in society because of human misuse. Therefore, animator should explain to children the effects of using these networks so that they do not affect their lives. For example, children should be told that they have no reason to use their parents’ phones to steal without their parents’ consent, because by using these phones fraudulently, they engage in unproductive conversations with people who do not have good intentions.

Animators should tell children (especially older ones) to refuse young people who ask for their parents’ numbers to call them when they are away from their parents, or to give them phones so that they can communicate with them. Explain to them that these methods are bad because when they have the habit of talking on the phone all the time, they will be tempted and indulge in their body’s emotions, which will make them want to meet them physically and thus ruin their lives. Similarly, children should be warned against watching bad channels on television that do not build them up but destroy their morals. For example, they should be discouraged from watching sex videos that have largely ruined children and adults. Children should always be directed to watch things related to education, religious matters as well as other information that has the concept of educating the community.

Prepared by: Sr Anagladness Mrumah, National Holy Childhood Secretary