Final Commitments
After
a preparation of some years, the Missionary Sisters
of Our Lady of Africa make a
commitment for life to God, lived at the service of
his people of Africa.
This
gift of their being to God is expressed by the vows.
As
preparation to this event, the sisters spend
some months of reflection and prayer.
Names of the sisters and dates of their final commitment 2008
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Sr Margreth Kibola Ephraim fromTanzania, will do her final commitment
in her home parish in Tanzania, 3 January 2009 .
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Sr Véronique Hégron
from France made her final commitment 13 September 2008 in the diocese of Nantes, France.
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The People of God gather to celebrate!
On September 13th, at 4.30 a.m. the "people" of the Missionaries of Africa (29 sisters, 3 priests and a friend-family climbed into the bus which was to carry them for 5 hours from Sceaux to Le Bignon! Warm welcome from Veronique's family! Then we took our places in the area reserved for us in the church where we saw Jacob's well and a beautiful panel telling us: "If you but knew the gift of God!" Many relatives, friends, parishioners and young people were present. At 10.30 the Eucharistic celebration for Veronique's perpetual commitment began. Cecile Dile presented the meaning of all the steps.
In the entry procession, five MSOLA brought to the altar the symbols of our Congregation. These were explained to the very attentive assembly. It is to "Keep alive the memory of the Lord." Everyone participated fully right to the end.
The parish priest, Father Albert, from Rwanda, welcomed us and invited us to join Veronique around Jacob's well. Interviewed by Marie-Jose Blain, she explained how the source of Living Water had changed her life. In Baptism she had been plunged into the living waters and became a child of God. Jesus became for her a light, reinforced when she decided to leave all to follow Christ. The Assembly too was invited to be purified by the "Spirit of truth, the wind who revives, the Spirit of God!
Marie-Jose continued the dialogue with Veronique. Having received from her family a wonderful Christian education Veronique put this into practice through various commitments: girl scouts, teaching, volunteering her help at Lourdes, in Haiti, etc. Seized by Jesus Christ, she felt a strong desire to give herself to others. But How? What was the meaning of this call? Little by little the Lord made it known to her…she would become a Missionary Sister of Our Lady of Africa and hand on to everyone, the living water which had so filled her own life—"a fire, never extinguished."
The first Reading was taken from our Constitutions.
The book of the Word of God—light of our lives, was brought in, accompanied by Veronique's nieces and nephews. They wore kitenges and carried lamps. As you probably guessed, the gospel was from John about the Samaritan woman. It was read by Fr. Guy Vuillemin, Provincial of France; Fr. Sébastien de Groulard took the part of Jesus and a young lady, the Samaritan woman. The scene was carried out around the well. Afterwards, young people who had recently been confirmed declared that they too believed in Jesus because of his word.
The homily was given by Fr. George Jacques, Assistant General of the Missionaries of Africa. He had come from Rome to preside at the ceremony. He showed how Jesus was free to break the barriers and live fully beyond the frontiers. As he did for the Samaritan woman, he reveals to us who we are, and he sends us forth in mission. The living water of God's love, freely received cannot be kept in a jar. It must overflow to all people thirsting for love. This is what Veronique will do and it is what we are all called to live.
Then came the moment for Veronique to commit herself for life to spread God's gifts all around her, principally in Africa. There was the prostration, Litany of Saints, dialogue with Marie-Jose about the three vows, commitment, blessing and putting the ring on her finger. The whole assembly lived this experience intensely and with much emotion they clapped with joy.
The Eucharist continued. Girls dressed in kitenges carried in the fruits of the earth of Bignon and Ghana together with the bread and wine. They danced to the rhythm of the hymn: "Take our lives for your praise. Accept all that we are. The Lord Jesus is here, living in the midst of us and we eat his body to become what we receive. Filled with the bread of Life we now have only one heart and one soul.Strengthened by the love of Christ, now we can love as he did" Yes, Magnificat—for today Christ calls us. He sends us forth to be witnesses in the footsteps of the Servant.
As we left the church, the assembly was invited to a little reception—a joyful occasion to send their young lady to bring the Good News of Jesus to Africa. The feast for the close relatives and friends revealed family warmth, simple joys and hearts turned toward Mission.
Then, back to Sceaux. The Missionaries of Africa arrived very tired, but full of joy and hope.
Sr Marie-Vincente Brouca |
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Sr Celina Natanek
made her final vows 7th September 2008 in her home-parish Tarnawa, in Poland.
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Sr Celina Natanek (right) receiving the ring from Sr Piluca Benavente, General Superior. |
Sr Celina Natanek
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Top: Sr Celina Natanek at the "high table".
Below: Polish Folk dance.
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„I have become all to all, because I have said to the God of all:
I am all yours.” Cardinal Lavigerie
“I commit myself “until death” to follow Christ in the Congregation of the Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Africa……”
7th of Sept. 2008 was a great day for Sr. Celina Natanek and the whole Congregation. She vowed herself to follow Christ in our Congregation for the whole life.
The celebration took place in her home-parish, Tarnawa in the archdiocese of Cracovie, where she was baptized and received her first Communion. The parish, her family and many friends committed themselves to prepare the feast. Our Superior General, Sr. Piluca Benavente, the Provincial Superoir, Sr. Gertrud Glotzbach, the community of Lublin, Sr. Agnes Nouyrigat from France, ten young women and some friends arrived the evening before in Tarnawa, about 50 km in the south of Cracovie.
On Saturday evening, our Postulants and Candidates prepared a vigil, prayer-time to thank God for the call of Sr Celina, for her parents and Grands-parents for educating her to listen to the call of Christ. It was also a time of presentation of our Congregation. The vigil ended with a dance of light done by sr Celina’s nephews and nieces. The youngest was five years old.
The next morning Celina together with her parents were accompanied by a group of small girls in traditional dresses carrying a wreath {garland} of oak leaves to the Church. This is a tradition in Poland. Then the parents of Celina lighted a well decorated candle at the Easter-candle and handed it to Celina to remember that religious life is continuation of baptism. Before that Celina witnessed in a few meaningful words her journey of faith and the reason why she has chosen our Congregation.
There were many diocesan priests among which was a Tanzanian Priest, Fr Paterni Patrik Mangi who gave a witness about the work of our sisters in Tanzania. His presence was very much appreciated by the people gathered for the feast. There were other priests, friends of Celina from the diocese and different congregations
Different groups from the Parish were singing African Songs and dancing in presenting gifts brought to the altar. The church was far too small to allow all the participants to see the different gestures of the celebration. The weather was good and many people commented that even the weather speak of Africa.
After the Eucharist celebration Celina was received at the entrance door of the school by Sr. Piluca and Sr. Gertrud with a loaf of bred and salt, symbol of goodness and of life. All the guests stood at the door to wait for this gesture. After that a feast meal prepared by volunteers of the parish was served in the school rooms. The director of this school is a former teacher of Celina and he wanted to express his joy for having contributed to this vocation. Gratulations took place and later on in the courtyard of the school, sketches and dances in polish traditions were executed by children and youth. The whole parish was involved in this celebration and the warm weather helped to enjoy this feast. Thanks to the presence of sisters and fathers from abroad people could hear more about Africa and our Mission. During the following days Celina received a lot of feedback how meaningful this celebration was to the people. It was the first time that the parish could be witness such celebration.
The community of Lublin |
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Sr Jeanne d'Arc Ouattara
Her final commitment took place
6 September 2008 in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
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The offertory procession
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Jeanne d'Arc Ouattara |
"I vow on the Holy Gospels..." |
SOMETHING NEVER SEEN in BURKINA FASO
It is in fact the first time a Burkinabe Msola, Jeanne D'Arc Ouattara, made her final commitment in our congregation. It was on the 6th September, 2008 that priests, religious men and women, friends and many others gathered at Toussiana, her home parish to celebrate this unique event. MSOLA novices and postulants were well represented in number and from different nationalities to support our sister in her total gift to God.
The entry procession was accompanied by the sound of the balafon and traditional dances. These led us into the celebration according to the Toussian culture. Jeanne D'Arc was accompanied by her mother, her uncle, her god-mother, and the parishioners, all so happy to introduce her to Msgr Anselme, Archbishop of Bobo-Dioulasso. After a dialogue between her and the bishop, there followed the congregation ritual. This was symbolized by a local drink called "bangui" made from the fruit of the “ronier”. The bangui was blessed by the celebrant then offered as a drink to Jeanne D'Arc by the regional superior, who also drank some. This gesture showed not only the welcome of Jeanne D'Arc into her religious family but was also a meaningful symbol of her milieu and culture.
The gospel of Jean 15 was well chosen – a meditation on Jesus the true vine and our belonging first of all to God who calls us. The celebrant, in his homily reminded us how a vocation is a gift of God, by grace through the Church and our baptismal faith. When God calls, it is not just to remain quietly by his side but it is for a prophetic mission. The prophet speaks truth, even if others do not agree. S/he shows also that barriers do not count. The bishop said with humour that the MSOLA do not reap where they sow, because they never served in Toussiana. Several symbols were brought to the foot of the altar as a sign of offering to God—a photo of Cardinal Lavigerie, of Mother Marie Salome, Africa, the pelican, and besides all this a calabash with a ladle, representing the Toussiane-woman (Jeanne D'Arc).
After the Mass Jeanne D'Arc gave a brief history of her vocation. She spoke mainly to the children. It happened when she brought her younger brother to register for the catechumenate in Sia, Bobo, that she met a MSOLA. "There the Lord caught me, first by one finger, then by two and then three, until today, my whole self." It was also beautiful to hear the witness of her parish priest who also said he owed his vocation to meeting a MSOLA, Sr. Alma Maier.
After sharing the Eucharist, we had a beautiful festive meal thanks to the wonderful welcome of the Christian Brothers.
In the afternoon, we paid a short visit to the family, then we brought Jeanne D'Arc with us to Bobo for an evening of fun animated by the sisters and the young ones in formation.
"It is not you who have chosen me but I have chosen you, to go and bear much fruit."
Jeanne D'Arc we pray for you and for your mission in Burundi.
May Our Lord keep you faithful to his call and grant you many young sisters!
by Sabine Dakouo |
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Final Commitment of Zawadi Barungu and Lucile Habimana in Bukavu
On August 17, our sisters Zawadi Barungu et Lucille Habimana pronounced their final vows at St. Francis Xavier Church in Kadutu, Bukavu, DR Congo. |
The sisters receive the ring from
Sr Marivi Elia Ansa, the Regional Superior of Central Africa..
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"From the 'All to You' flowed the 'All to all'." These few words, full of meaning are what welcomed us on this feast day and launched us into the day's celebration. All of us MSOLA had been involved with the preparation of the feast - whether spiritually or materially. We put into practice the counsel of our Venerable Mother Marie Salome: "To be true sisters for one another."
The sisters sing their joy and gratitude to God.
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The parish church gave us a warm welcome while the Lavigerie choir intoned the most beautiful hymns in their repertoire. "How beautiful to enter your dwelling place." The celebration was made even more joyful by the rhythm and the variety of the hymns in different languages: French, Kiswahili, Mashi, Lingala and even in Latin! Young dancers performed--to the rhythm of tam-tams--cultural dances adapted to the Liturgy. The celebration was presided over by His Excellency Msgr. Francois Xavier Maroy, Archbishop of Bukavu. In his homily he invited the assembly to listen faithfully to the Word of God and put it into practice. The faith of the Canaanite woman was given as an example.
Our sister Marivi Elia Ansa, regional superior, received the vows of our 2 sisters. This was a moment long awaited and very impressive. From the crowd there came congratulations, applause and the traditional "youyou" It was also a touching moment when our two sisters intoned the hymn of their consecration:
"O Lord, you have joined me to your work of love.
I consecrate myself to you for the world.
Receive me, that I might be a perfect offering.
Then the parents were invited to speak to the provincial and to our sisters. Everyone expressed their joy to see these young sisters commit themselves to proclaim Christ, as a missionary sister forever. The parents understood that they must prayerfully support them on their journey, and also pray that the Lord might stir in the hearts of other young people the desire to serve him.
Sister Sophie Kitoga, in the name of Sister Marivi Elia Ansa and all of us, thanked everyone for joining us in this feast. She insisted on the fact that it is all of us who make this commitment with Zawadi and Lucille. In his final word at the end, Msgr Maroy strongly insisted on the continuing need for a missionary presence in his diocese and throughout Africa.
"You, fathers and sisters, missionaries, you have founded this diocese. Today you are less numerous. And yet, the need to announce the Reign of God continues. Let us pray the master of the harvest to grant to our Church many missionary vocations. We are all missionaries by our baptism, but we need specifically missionary vocations to keep the flame burning. You young people, listen to the voice of the Lord and follow him so that everyone might know and love him."
This event invites us all to renew our personal commitment as we live the "All to You" so as to truly live the "All to All." After this liturgy, long but full of life, the invited guests gathered for refreshments in the courtyard of the Kadutu community.
Tina Antonissen |
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Final Profession of Sr Hortência Sizalande Filipe ( from Mozambique)
Her final commitment took place 10 August 2008 in her home parish in Mozambique.
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Sr Hortencia is brought by her mother and
welcomed by Sr Vicky into the MSOLA family.
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The prostration is a sign of the total gift
to Christ and his mission.
Sr Hortencia signs the formula of vows
in the presence of Sr Vicky,
Regional Superior for East Africa. |
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On the Sunday 10th of August, already at 8.30, our sisters from Lilongwe together with a good delegation of Theresian Sisters, Presentation Sisters and friends were there. It was such an excitement. The Eucharist started at 10 am. The celebration was held in Chichewa.
All the eight MSOLA from Malawi were in the procession. Just before the priests were Hortencia, her mother and uncle escorting her. The ceremony was very prayerful and lively at the same time.
The main celebrant, a Mozambican Jesuit encouraged Hortencia to remain rooted in the Lord to whom she has publically given herself. Nothing should disturb her from him, not even problems of her mother, he said.
It followed the dialogue that Hortencia had prepared before hand and the rest of the ceremony as we know it. It was simple but very clear for everyone to understand that her commitment was no joke. It was the fruit of a long and serious discernment.
When Hortencia's mother spoke in a deep voice, full of a motherly love and pride for her firstborn daughter, we understood that we were celebrating an exceptional love story between Hortencia and her God: Neither the long war in Mozambique, nor the hardships of being a refugee in Malawi for many years managed to stop this love story.
The mother went on encouraging the other mothers to be open to God’s call on their children. She sent Hortencia to bring the Good News to other people in Africa and not to worry about her as God cares for her and for the whole family. Hearing that from a mother who lost her husband last year, was a challenge and an encouragement for each one of us. It is only a woman of strong faith that can speak the way she did.
Another peak moment of the ceremony was the moment of bringing the gifts to Hortencia. Almost all the people, big and small, lined up to bring whatever they had: food, money or any other gift. It made me think of the widow’s mite. Hortencia was beaming and so was each one of us. The ceremony lasted 4 hours, bBut we didn’t notice the length as we were deeply taken in.
After the Eucharistic celebration, we were invited by Revocate to go to the hall for a good meal. Everyone had something to eat. The meal was crowned by three beautiful cakes in shape of a heart, brought to Mozambique by friends of ours. The children tried to cheat us in order to get as many pieces of those cakes as they could!
People showed their joy and appreciation by singing and dancing. Some of us were going back to Lilongwe with the bus that brought our sisters and the invited guests in the morning. Rita stayed to attend the party at Hortencia's home the next day. We are very grateful to God and to all those who helped to make this day a real gift for all.
Sr Victoria Ciharhula
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Sr Hortencia with her mother at the celebration
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FINAL PROFESSIONS 2008
The following sisters will do their final commitment
(by date of final commitment):
Sr Hortência Sizalande Filipe from Mozambique, she worked in Mozambique and Tanzania. Her final commitment took place 10 August 2008 in Mozambique.
Sr Lucile Habimana Nzigire from DR Congo, she worked in Burkina Faso.
Her final commitment took place 17 August 2008 in Bukavu, D.R. Congo.
Sr Barungu Namakoma Zawadi from DR Congo, she worked in Rwanda.
Her final commitment took place 17 August 2008 in Bukavu, D.R. Congo.
Sr Jeanne d'Arc Ouattara from Burkina Faso, she worked in Burundi.
Her final commitment took place 6 September 2008 in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
Sr Natanek Celina from Poland, she worked in Tanzania.
Her final commitment will took 7 September 2008 in Poland.
Sr Véronique Hégron from France, she worked in Ghana.
Her final commitment took place 13 September 2008 in the diocese of Nantes, France.
Sr Margreth Kibola Ephraim fromTanzania, she worked in Ghana for several years.
Her final commitment will take place 3 January 2009 in her home parish in Tanzania.
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The sisters who will do their final commitment
in the MSOLA family in 2008:
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Final
profession in 2007
- Sr. Laurence Huard , from France, celebrated
her final profession in the MSOLA congregation,
on March 25th, 2007 in Petit Mars, France.
Final
profession in 2006
- Sr.
Julie Prudence Nkanda Wasey, from DR Congo, celebrated
her final profession in the MSOLA congregation,
on the 11th June 2006, at St. Gabriel Parish, Yolo-Kinshasa.
- Sr.
Florence Mwamba Malunga, from DR Congo, will pronounce
her final vows in ther native parish in Kalemie
(DR Congo) in July 2006.
Final
profession in 2005
- Sr
Maria Dombrecht (from Belgium) missionary
at Nouakchott( Mauritania) did her final profession
in her parish in Belgium, on the 4th February
2005.
- Sr
Leticia Garduno Mejia (from Mexico) did
her final commitment at Queretaro (Mexico),
her town of origin on the 10th April 2005. On
the 17th April, at the cathedral of Morelia,
she received the Missionary sending by the Bishop
of Morelia.
- Marie
Kanyoni Bagayandusha ( from DR Congo) did
her final vows at Goma (DR Congo) in her parish
of origin, on the 30th April 2005.
- Sr
Angela Kapitingana (from Tanzania) did her final commitment in
September 2005, in Arusha (Tanzania).
- Sr
Victoire Niyonzima (from Burundi),
did her final commitment in October 2005, in
Burundi.
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