The archdiocese of Kinshasa, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, vibrated this weekend to the rhythm of the festivities of the Blessed Sacrament religious. From Friday 27 to Sunday 29 August 2021, the province of Isidore Bakanja celebrated the perpetual vows of brothers Alfred Kumanzembe Frays (DRC), Boniface Wagane Faye (Senegal), and Christian Mukuwa Hamba (DRC), followed by their diagonal ordination and the priestly ordination of deacon Felix Muko, sss.
These events were crowned by the presence of Bishop Martin Boucar Tine, former Vicar General of our Congregation, and current Bishop of Kaolack in Senegal.
Prior to these events, an 8-day spiritual preparation was arranged by the Province at the Saint Peter-Julian Eymard Eucharistic Centre in Mont Ngafula, Kinshasa. This was the annual retreat for all the religious of the Province, including those preparing for the renewal of temporary vows, perpetual vows and sacred orders. Brother Bienvenue, op, during his talks had asked retreatants to respond to three fundamental questions: where am I with God? where am I with myself? and where am I with the others? These three questions, according to him, constitute the basis of community life.
During the Eucharistic celebration of perpetual vows on Friday 27 August at the Blessed Anuarite parish, Bishop Martin Boucar Tine took the opportunity to thank the Christians of this parish who welcomed him as vicar of the parish for 7 years and “gave him what he is today”. It was his first Mass at Blessed Virgin parish since he became bishop.
On Saturday 28 August, the Congregation gathered again in the parish of the Blessed Sacrament in Binza, to celebrate the 75th birthday of Mgr Edouard Kisonga, sss, the auxiliary bishop and vicar general of the archdiocese of Kinshasa, and of Br Kizito Prosper Joseph Ntongo, sss. Bishop Martin and Father Antoine Makela, former master of novices, also celebrated 25 years of Eucharistic service in the Lord’s vineyard.
Sunday was marked by the diaconal ordinations of Brothers Alfred Frays, Boniface Faye, and Christian Mukuwa. Deacon Felix Muko also received the Sacrament of Priestly Orders at the Parish of the Blessed Sacrament in Delvaux Binza. During his homily, Bishop Martin Boucar thanked the Christians of this parish for their prayers and their support. He encouraged the newly ordained to be true messengers of the Eucharistic message and to be aware of the commitment and demands of the life they have freely undertaken.
At the end of the Eucharistic celebration, Father Anaclet Bambala, the Provincial Superior, thanked Bishop Martin Boucar Tine for being available to respond to the call of the Province. He also encouraged the newly ordained and thanked the people of God who came in large numbers to celebrate with the Congregation. At the end of the day, a fraternal meal was offered by the Province to the guests.
Brother David Kah, sss
Scholastic
