Inculturating the Gospel Message

(BICI, May-June 1991, pp.73-74.)

 

Kieran Shorten, of the Order’s Zambian mission, has, in recent years, worked hard and successfully in producing catechetical materials in local languages. One of his first efforts was a catechism of basic Christian doctrine in 319 questions. Written originally in Silozi, a Zambian language, it has recently been produced in English also.

He has also produced The Way, the Truth and the Life, a statement of Christian teaching based substantially on the pattern of the Nicene Creed, and published in English. More recently he has revised a prayer book in Silozi; it has gone through several printings and is very popular with the people. It is known in Silozi as Buka ya Litapelo.

In 1990, he produced a handbook for leaders of church councils to help them conduct Sunday services, funeral services, and other prayers for use with traditional initiation ceremonies. Called in Silozi Lu Sebeleze Mulimu (Let us serve God), it also contains teachings on matters useful to anyone taking part in prayer services at whatever level. It has been widely welcomed by church leaders throughout Zambia.
He has also worked on translations of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults into Silozi and Siluvale, the two principal languages of the diocese, and, at the present time, has other projects in various stages of planning. All of these writings have been beneficial to the faithful and to the pastors of the diocese. Without them, the growth of the faith would be hindered and frustrated.