Dear Brothers,

A duty given to me by the Superior General, who is actually in the Congo (Zaire) to celebrate the centenary of our presence, is to communicate to you the name of the new member of the general council.

After extensive consultation, the Superior General, on December 17, 1997, with the deliberative vote of his council, under norm 130.4 of the GD, has named Fr. Zolile Petros Mpambani as the sixth general councilor, substituting for Fr. Tomé Makhwéliha, who has been named Bishop elect of Pemba (Mozambique).

The consultation and selection fully respect the spirit of the recent general chapter in wanting significant representation from the continent of Africa. Fr. Zolile Peter Mpambani was born February 20 1957, at Umliali (Republic of South Africa). He made his first profession on January 28, 1982, and was ordained on April 25, 1987. His initial assignment was in parochial ministry. After the erection of the South African Province he was elected as vicar provincial (02/02/95), in addition to his service as novice master.

Fr. Zolile Petros Mpambani will be responsible for the geographic area of Africa. According to the Program Document of the General Administration, he will be in entrusted with the category of Initial and Ongoing Formation, as well as, assisting Fr. Ryszard Mis in the category of Missions.

The Superior General wishes to offer special appreciation to the young province of South Africa for being open to offer to the congregation one of its own, who has been involved in the government of the province and in formation ministry. The Lord will generously reward them for those who have little have given out of their necessity.

On my part, and on behalf of the other members of the council, we renew our greetings to one and all for a Blessed Christmas and Happy New Year.