Testimonial: Bethany Postulancy, a community that lives by manual labour

Whoever does not work does not eat either, Saint Paul tells us. Manual work plays special place in our life. It fosters a sense of responsibility for the survival of our community. Taking responsibility and being independent honours human beings, earning them respect in society.

By means of manual work, we dispel notions spread in public opinion such as 'in the convent one collect money', 'in the convent manna falls from heaven', etc. As living witnesses to experience proving the very opposite of these prejudices, we understand through this activity that religious life, like all life, is not always rosy.

In our postulancy community, manual work is scheduled on Monday and Friday afternoons, from 3.30 pm to 5.30 pm. It is organised in various ways. Specifically, manual labour in our community revolves around work outdoors (gardens and fields). This is complemented by work such as cleaning the interior courtyard of the house, cleaning the premises, and embellishing or decorating the courtyard by planting flowers.

It is not just a question of talking about manual work in its productive phase, but also important to appreciate its essential meaning. Work is essentially based on willpower, commitment and determination.

We carry out this manual exercise with joy, even though laborious, because we know that it is done not for someone else but for ourselves and our survival and that of our society.

 Ariel-Michel Muzin-Ga
Postulant

From Monday 26 to Friday 30 August 2024, the Eucharistic Centre hosted a spiritual retreat in preparation for the renewal of vows by scholastic confreres. The retreat was led by Father Magloire Makengo, the formator at the Bethany Postulancy. The inspiring theme was "Following Jesus, we carry a treasure in clay vessels".

Father Makengo, renowned for his profound spirituality and his commitment to the formation of young postulants, guided the participants through a series of reflections and meditations on the meaning of their vocation. The theme chosen, "Following Jesus, we carry a treasure in clay vessels", provided a valuable framework for exploring human fragility in relation to the greatness of the Eucharistic mission as SSS religious.

The days were punctuated by conferences, periods of prayer before the Blessed Sacrament and the Eucharist, and times of silence. Participants were invited to deepen their understanding of their vocation, while reflecting on how they can integrate Christian wisdom into their community and academic life.

This week at the Eucharistic Centre was an important time of preparation and renewal, offering everyone the opportunity to rediscover and reaffirm their dedication to following Jesus in the Eucharist.