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Another Journey Chris Reano ...parishioner leaves for Zanzibar

Meet Chris Reano, SJA parishioner, who is returning to Africa for three years, this time to work in Zanzibar, an island off the coast of Tanzania. She has been invited to help develop and then facilitate a diocesan program: Women in Development and Dialogue.

At this time there is no job description, but after reading the writings of Bishop Augustine Shou, the bishop of Tanzania Chris began to consider the options. By talking and praying with the Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls, some of whom have returned from working in the schools of Zanzibar, and receiving the encouragement of Fr. Bill Voss, Mission Director for the St. Cloud Diocese who lived and worked in East Africa for 20 years, Chris believes this is where she is to spend her time and talents.

Zanzibar's past, is one that is filled with enchanting and some tragic tales of Sultans, Discoverers, The Slave Trade and political insurgencies. Zanzibar's political history has links to the Arabian Peninsula, the Indian Sub-Continent, the English Empire, the Americas, Germany, Portugal and even France. Zanzibar was under Omani Arab Rule for more than a century. It was also at one point in time, the Capital of Oman. It was the most important port in East Africa, where ships on expeditions would drop anchor to replenish their supply of water, fruits and other necessities for their journeys. Zanzibar was a British Protectorate under its last Sultan, before gaining its 'Independence' in 1963. Today Zanzibar includes much history as well as a modern tourist trade famous for beatiful beaches and sunsets.

Her first experience in Africa was in Uganda where she was a Lay Missioner for The Comboni Missioners. She was a teacher and school administrator and remembers the thrill of overseeing the arrival of 25,000 books from Books for Africa to schools which had none. There was the satisfaction of fighting ignorance, “the worst poverty of all.” An even greater satisfaction was in the trusting relationships she made as she shared daily life with the village people. While working in Uganda, she vacationed two times on the island of Zanzibar; for her, “a happy place.”

Chris returned to Minnesota feeling depleted physically, spiritually and emotionally. She became a Special Education teacher in the Edina School District working primarily with autistic children. She has had great success professionally. Now 5 years later she again feels drawn back to Africa, believing she still has something to give and much to learn. She also loves the excitement of the adventure and the personal satisfaction of managing the many challenges she will, undoubtedly, face. She hopes to build new trust-filled relationships, understanding that it might take all of the three years for this to happen.

Zanzibar’s population is 94% Muslim. The Christian presence is noticeable in the health and education areas. Chris realizes she will be dealing with cultural differences noting that the women do not have much overt power but knowing, too, that the women have a powerful influence in their families. Program possibilities might include literacy training, economic development, self esteem classes, etc.

Now that she has packed and shipped her belongings and bike, Chris is focusing on her financial support. To date, her supporters include The Mission Offices of both St. Cloud and Minneapolis and St. Paul. Though she is working as a lay missionary, she is an independent agent without the financial support of a missionary organization. She is trusting the Spirit will provide and has purchased her ticket for August 23. Persons interested in contributing to her mission account may send a contribution to Mission Office, Catholic Diocese of St. Cloud, 11 S. 8th Avenue, St. Cloud, MN 56301. To the attention of Bill Voss. (Christine Reano Mission Account.) Bishop Shou is providing her housing and 4-6 months of study in Swahili.

When asked what SJA parishioners could do for her while she’s in Zanzibar, Chris mentioned correspondence. During 3 years in Uganda she corresponded with a SJA parishioner she had never met . She also received the SJA bulletin on a regular basis which was “really comforting.” We remarked that now, thanks to the internet, she can listen to the homilies on the SJA website. Finally, Chris mentioned the scarcity of books and how she would appreciate receiving a paperback when the reader has finished it.. Slip it into a padded envelope and send to:

Susan Sell is a member of the Pastoral Council serving as its Trustee. Susan is also a member of SJA's Sister Parish Committee as well as Chairperson of WomenSpirit.

Chris Reano

Bishop’s House

PO Box 3132

Old Stone Town

Zanzibar, East Africa

Her e-mail address as of Sept. 1st is: cmreano@aol.com