On Friday 1 September 2023, the parishioners of the Blessed Sacrament parish in the Democratic Republic of the Congo had the joy of celebrating the ceremony in which their parish Podium was blessed (an occasion ushering in various parish activities: a religious concert, the evangelization campaign, the conference, even the Eucharistic celebration).
This event was eagerly awaited by all the parishioners who had worked day and night to finish this elaborate work. Indeed, the ceremony took place in an atmosphere of peace and joy, and in a pleasant climate. The Father Parish Priest, Patrick Adidolo, and all the parishioners have ceaselessly shown their sense of commitment and responsibility within the parish community.
In his inaugural address, Bishop Édouard Kisonga, in the presence of the Provincial Superior Father Olivier Ndondo and many other confreres, artists and parishioners, took the occasion to thank and congratulate all those who had applied themselves in accomplishing this monumental work. After the blessing, a bottle of wine was opened and sprinkled by the bishop in front of the podium to indicate the solemn opening of parish activities. To commemorate this, the parish priest named this podium: “Bishop Édouard Kisonga Podium”.
Note that this event took place in the same parish on the day before the priestly ordination of Father Gerard Mangala by Bishop Edouard Kisonga.
Reason for thanksgiving
The ecclesiastical ministry, instituted by God, is exercised in the diversity of orders by those who, since antiquity, have been called bishops, priests and deacons. (LG 28)
Father Gérard Mangala’s priestly ordination, on 2 September 2023, was an event that conveyed inexpressible joy to the Bakanja Province.
What thanksgiving we owe to the Lord for the growth of this little grain of mustard seed that Father Eymard scattered on the ground and which today has become a large tree, for which he himself wanted to be the fertiliser!
Indeed, the reason for thanking the Lord, the Master of all, is immense, because he is ceaselessly accomplishing great wonders in our Province. As St Jean Marie Vianney said: “the priesthood is the love of the heart of Jesus, it is God’s mercy reaching our humanity.“ This is why we praise God because he is truly just and good.
During the Eucharistic celebration, thanks to the magnificent and well-performed singing by one of the parish choirs, each participant in the Eucharist experienced being in the house of God. After the Mass, a small reception was organized in the large parish hall.
May the Lord continue to bless, through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin, Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament, the SSS missions throughout the world..
Brother Isaïe-Damien Mwela, sss
Scholastic
