Message from the Jesuit Province of Eastern Africa (AOR)

Dear Companions and Friends,

Welcome-Karibuni!

The Jesuit Province of Eastern Africa (AOR) is pleased to welcome delegates to the 70thCongregation of Procurators and to Nairobi, Kenya. AOR consists of six countries: Ethiopia, Kenya, Sudan, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda; it has 212 men working in a diversity of apostolates, including: education, spirituality, communication, social justice and parishes.

As the host of the 70thCongregation of Procurators, to be held from29 June to 16 July 2012, we would like to convey some practical information on the forthcoming event. It is our intention to make your stay as comfortable and pleasant as possible.

In the following paragraphs we would like to inform you about Kenya, the venue for the meeting,and provide other relevant information about your stay in Nairobi. Please take a few minutes to go through this booklet. However, this guide is not exhaustive. Do not hesitate to ask members of theLocal Organizing Committee (LOC) for additional information.

Attached to the booklet, you will find a map to help you find your way around Nairobi.

We wish you a pleasant stay.

Agbonkhianmeghe E. Orobator, SJ

Provincial

70thProcurators’ Congregation

The Congregation will be held atChemi Chemi ya Uzima Centrein Karen, Nairobi. Chemi Chemi is the preferred venue for congregations and chapters in East Africa. All delegates of the Procurators’ Congregation will be staying at two centres, which are within walking distance from each other:

a)Chemi Chemi ya Uzima Centre

b)Mwangaza Jesuit Spiritual Centre

The venues are located approximately 25km from the airport and 20km southwest of the city centre.

Telephone Numbers

The phone numbers for Chemi Chemi ya Uzima are0706738594 or 0789884996

The phone numbers for Mwangaza Jesuit Spiritual Centre are (254-20) 251 3392

Making international calls can be quite costly. When making international calls from either a mobile or landline, first dial 000 then the country code and number e.g. 000 254 7222222. Getting a local phone line, Safaricom or Zain, costs Ksh.100 (approximately $1.50). LOC members will be happy to assist should you wish to purchase a local SIM card.

Translation

During the Congregation, translation services shall be available to all participants in the following languages:

  • English French
  • SpanishItalian

Weather

Nairobi lies at an altitude of 1,680m above sea level and generally experiences cold weather in the months of June and July. The temperature range is between 50-68°F and 10-20°C. Warm clothing is therefore advised.

Health

Nairobi is a low risk area for malaria, but one shouldmake arrangements for prophylactics if you feel it is necessary. Please contact your own health care service for further information. We advise delegates not to drink tap water. Bottled water will be provided during the sessions and at meals.

Immunization Card: Please ensure your standard vaccinations are up-to-date and that you have your immunization card.Some countries are required to produce Yellow Fever vaccinations upon arrival in Nairobi or after the return to their home countries.

Medical emergencies:In case of medical emergencies, Mwangaza Jesuit Spiritual Centre has a doctor on-call and resident nurse available throughout the Congregation meeting. For health purposes, the Congregation shall be served by Karen Hospital and Camillian Dispensary; both centres are situated close to the venues of residence and meeting. Please callFr. Miguel on (254) 728607745, Sr. Idah Akeyo on (254) 714 581462/ 020 8075088 or Diana on (254) 723 679108to request for medical assistance.

Food and Nutrition during the congregation

A form for your dietary preferences is enclosed in your welcome folder. Delegates are required to fill in the form and return it to the reception areas in Chemi Chemi and Mwangaza.

Please note that there will be socials every evening after dinner in both venues of accommodation. Drinks and snacks will be provided. All delegates are invited.

Security

On the whole, Nairobi is safe; however delegates are advised to secure their bags when walking around in the city. Delegates who have come with valuablesmust be responsible for their items. Passports and plane tickets can be locked in the delegate’s room. There shall be added security at the two centres of residence during the Congregation.However, delegates are advised not to go out in the night. For emergencies, please call Fr. Miguel on 0728 607745, Fr. Jim on 0733 686663 or Fr. Orobator on 0735 106681.

Taxis

For security reasons, delegates are advised to only use recommended taxi companies. The following are the particulars of the taxis recommended for use during the Congregation:

  • Baraza: 0723 543028
  • Reuben: 0725 860229 or 0733 886214

Cash and credit card transactions

The LOCfinance team will assist delegates transact money exchange at the nearby shopping complex in Karen. One can use MasterCard, Visa, Amexco and Diners in most supermarkets and shops in town. There are ATM machines within the proximity of the meeting centre where you can get cash with your bank or credit cards. The local currency is the Kenyan shilling.

*A vehicle will be designated in between the breaks, i.e. 1.30pm - 2.30pm for delegates who wish to change money or to run small errands. Please call Fr. Nzyokion (254) 723 151183, or contact a member of the LOC,if you wish to use these services.

Power Voltage

The power voltage is 220 (380) volts using a 3 pin ‘British’ plug as shown in the sketch below:

Adaptors are available at the accommodation venues upon request at an extra fee.

Tourism in Kenya

Kenya has more than 20 National Parks and reserves. You might be interested in visiting some of these areas during your stay in Nairobi. The visits shall be coordinated by the LOC Transport & Logistics team and delegates shall be informed of trips in advance.

Nairobi National Museum

Situated 10 minutes from the city centre on Museum Hill. It offers a chance to learn about our history, culture, wildlife and many more. For more information about the Nairobi National Museum, please see the brochure in your folder.

Nairobi Animal Orphanage/National Park

Situated 40 minutes from Karen, along Langata road, Nairobi National Park is a unique ecosystem by being the only protected area in the world close to a capital city.The orphanage is home to over 100 mammals and presents a rare opportunity for guests to see lions, cheetahs, different species of monkeys, and many other animals. You can also take a walk on the nature trail within the park and see the animals in their natural habitat. For more information on the Nairobi Animal Orphanage, please see the brochure in your folder.

Bomas of Kenya

Situated about 30 minutes from Karen, Bomas of Kenya offers guests an opportunity to interact with various ethnic groups of Kenya. There are currently 47 different traditional dances collected from the different tribes of Kenya. For more information on Bomas of Kenya, please see the brochure in your folder.

Giraffe Centre

Situated 10 minutes-drive from Chemi Chemi ya Uzima and Mwangaza Jesuit Spiritual Centre, the giraffe center is a wonderful and refreshing experience that gives a completely up close and personal interaction where guests have the opportunity to view giraffes as well as feed them.

Open Day: Sunday, 8 July, 2012

The following tour packages have been put together for the open day. Delegates are advised to fill out only one preferred option in the form in your folders. Please hand in the forms at the reception areas in Chemi Chemi and Mwangaza, latest 30 June 2012for delegates who arrive before 1stJuly and 6July 2012for delegates who arrive after 1stJuly.

Option 1: St. Joseph the Worker ParishChrist the King, Kangemi - Bomas of Kenya

In two groups, delegates take part in a Mass celebrated in Kiswahili at St. Joseph the Worker parish and Christ the King church. The Masses start at 9.00am and end at 11.00am. Delegates will have lunch at the Parish and thereafter visit the Bomas of Kenya and then Nairobi Safari Walk. Departure is at 8.00am for participants in Mwangaza (in front of Manresa Hall) and 8.10am at Chemi Chemi (parking lot).

Option 2: St. Paul’s Chapel - Nairobi National Museum

Mass at St. Paul’s Chaplaincy, located near the Nairobi Central Business District, starts at 9.10am. Delegates will have packed lunch provided by Mwangaza Jesuit Spiritual Centre. After Mass, they will proceed to Nairobi National Museum for a tour then return to their accommodation venues. Departure is at 8.00am for participants in Mwangaza (in front of Manresa Hall) and 8.10am at Chemi Chemi (parking lot).

Option 3: Mwangaza Jesuit Spiritual Centre- Nairobi National Park

Delegates will be treated to an early morning game drive at the National Park. Mass will be celebrated at Mwangaza after the game drive. Departure is at 6.00 am.

Note that for this package, delegates will have to cater for their own park fees and transport. See details below for park rates:

  1. Game drive: 40USD per personTour Company rates: 81USD (9 people)
  2. Nairobi Safari Walk: 20USD per personTour Company rates: 65 USD (9 people)
  3. Animal Orphanage: 15USD per personTour Company rates: 65 USD (9 people)

After the tour, delegates will be dropped at the pick-up points.For Enquiries on any of the above packages, please call Fr. Nzyoki on (254) 723 151183

Mass

There will be four different language group Masses during the congregation. Please see venue details for your preferred group:

  • English Group -Chemi Chemi Chapel
  • Spanish Group -Manresa Hall, Mwangaza Jesuit Spiritual Centre
  • Italian Group -Oratory, Mwangaza Jesuit Spiritual Centre
  • French Group -McGarrity Hall, Mwangaza Jesuit Spiritual Centre

Please note that the common Eucharisticcelebrations will be held at Pedro Arrupe Chapel (PAC) at Mwangaza Jesuit Spiritual Centre.

Albs & Stoles

All delegates are advised to pick up albs and stolesfrom the Sacristyof Pedro Arrupe Community Chapel before the Opening Mass on 9 July 2012. Please keep your alb and stole for the rest of the congregation.

Note:

  • The albsshould be returned to the sacristy at the end of the congregation.
  • The stoles are souvenirs from the Jesuit Province of Eastern Africa (AOR).Kindly offer a prayer for the intention of the mission of the Society in AOR anytime you preside at Mass wearing this stole.

Ordination

There will be priestly ordination for Deacons James Ayaga, SJ, and Douglas Onjala, SJ (AOR) on 17 July 2012. The ordination will start at 10.00am at St. Joseph the Worker Parish, Kangemi. Delegates of the Congregation who plan to stay beyond 17 July 2012 are invited. Please RSVP with Fr. Stephen Nzyoki, SJ, email , tel.(+254)723 151183 for planning purposes.

List of LOC members; Nairobi 2012

NO. / NAME / PHONE / EMAIL
1 / Fr. Miguel Garcia, SJ / +254 728 607745 /
2 / Fr. Agbonkhianmeghe Orobator, SJ / +254 735 106681 /
3 / Fr. Paschal Mwijage, SJ / +254 722 663293 /
4 / Fr. Joseph Afulo, SJ / +254 725 524871 /
5 / Fr. Stephen Nzyoki, SJ / +254 723 151183 /
6 / Fr. Jim Strzok / +254 733 686663 /
7 / Br. Charles Kizza, SJ / +254 715 373414 /
8 / Kyara Corbinian, SJ / +254 700 709106 /
9 / Cyriac Malasi, SJ / +254 728 429533 /
10 / Fr. Kabutta Leander, SJ / 254 721 650154 /
11 / Ms. Elizabeth D’Souza / +254 020 2513392 /
12 / Ms. Jackie Sipalla / +254 020 3870436 /
13 / Ms. Diana Karua / +254 020 3870436 /

The 70th Congregation of Procurators–Information Kit | 1