Thursday, 08 November 2018 16:26

Novitiate “The Cenacle”: first religious profession of 11 novices from Africa

 

On the feast of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary, 8 September 2018, in Senegal, eleven novices having completed the novitiate pronounced their first religious profession in the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament. These newly professed are: Fredrick Bungembe and Emmanuel Byaruhanga from Uganda, Gérard Mangala from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Stéphane Amoikon, Victor Faye and Théophile Sarr from Senegal, Aubin N’siantimane, Berna Mampouya, Marcel Bissouaki, Romaric Ndzouba and Auguy Youlou from Congo Brazzaville.

The Eucharistic celebration, during which the novices made their vows, took place in the parish of Saint Peter-Julian Eymard at Koudiadiene. The celebration was presided over by the Regional Superior of the Cardinal Emile Biayenda Region of Congo Brazzaville and President of the African Conference (AC), Father Brel Malela Daouda sss, who had preached the retreat, with the participation of some Senegalese confreres and some priests from the Diocese of Thies, members of the Eymardian family (from the Aggregation), without omitting to mention the families and friends of the novices.

In his homily Father Brel reminded the novices of the principle of the “three suitcases”: the first containing patience towards themselves; the second, patience towards others; and the third, patience towards God. He also recalled that they were being consecrated to the mission of the Congregation to “live and reveal to people the glory of God” (cf. RL n.1), and while doing this, in accord with the Founder’s desire, they commit themselves to be identified with Christ the Teacher – the way, truth and life – so as to be able to say like the Apostle Paul: “it is no long I who live, but Christ who lives in me” (Gal 2:20).

Following the Mass, all were invited to refreshments in the friendly atmosphere of the parish hall of Saint Peter-Julian Eymard parish and to rejoice with the newly professed.


Brother Aubin N’siantimane, sss