On 15 February 2025, an exceptional gala dinner of our religious family in Senegal took place. The young sss religious got together with their associates: the Associates of the Blessed Sacrament, the Eymardian Youth, the Saint Peter Julian Eymard choir, other members of the community, numerous benefactors and friends. All took part in this dinner as an evening of sharing, solidarity and celebration. This event, held in the parish of Saint Joseph de Médina, took place in a convivial atmosphere of peace and joy, and enabled us to raise funds for the formation of future priests in the Province.

The dinner began at around 10pm. The opening prayer was led by Father Abraham Faye, sss, the parish priest hosting the event. Following the opening prayer, the parish priest recalled the importance of the mission of the priests Religious of the Blessed Sacrament in the spiritual life and their commitment to society.

Father Yves M. Sagna, Provincial Superior, gave a presentation on the cost of formation for the philosophy cycle, the novitiate stage and the theology cycle. After the religious authorities had spoken, Bergère Marie Angélique of the Divin Amour community delivered a speech on behalf of her community, which had been chosen as the event's “godmother”.

The organising committee of the gala dinner took the opportunity to thank the Divin Amour community in person: “May the Lord bless your community and your activities. We thank you for your generosity, your enthusiasm and your availability.”

Following the speeches, the banquet was opened so that guests could sample the many dishes on the menu provided by Dina Traiteur.

The Saint Peter Julian Eymard choir, one of the best in Senegal and the region, treated us to some beautiful songs in an extraordinary performance.

We were also enchanted by the performance of the Divin Amour community choir and Father Jean-Luc E. Diémé's short play on the vocation and life of a SSS priest.

As we were raising funds to support the cost of formation for our young Province, the inter-African novitiate Le Cénacle joined us to offer us a multicultural diversity performance.

The Province of Our Lady of Africa of the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament would like to thank you for your great participation, while reminding you of the importance of continuing to walk together as pilgrims of Hope with Jesus our Big Brother.

Dr. Michèle Bakam
Eymardian Youth
extract from the PNDA SSS Bulletin
N.1 - 15 March 2025