A 4-Day Annual Retreat of Anglophone Africa Delegation
MANGOCHI, Malawi - Recognizing the importance of maintaining who we are as well as actualizing the spirit of ongoing conversion, Anglophone Africa General Delegation had a 4-day annual retreat, from 3rd to 7th October 2021 at the Montfort Lakehouse Namiasi, Mangochi-Malawi. Besides gathering as one family of Montfort Fathers working in Malawi, we were joined by 4 Daughters of Wisdom and 4 Lay Associates. Fr. Wismick Jean-Charles, SMM, Assistant General of the Company of Mary, passionately and joyfully facilitated the retreat on the theme: “Coming Home to our Montfortian Identity”.
In his presentation, Fr. Wismick emphasized on our need to realize that we are not alone in our journey of seeking Wisdom. We are on the road together with St. Louis-Marie de Montfort and Blessed Marie Louise. And this should give us confidence.
Fr. Wismick facilitated the retreat in a simple Montfortian way that made it so attractive. He encouraged all the members to emulate St. Louis-Marie de Montfort who was using simple and creative ways to help simple people to understand Jesus Incarnate Wisdom. He pointed out that Montfortian Spirituality is attractive and since Wisdom is beautiful and attracts us, the members, to live her so that we can attract other people to her as well.
During the sessions, Fr. Wismick reminded us of the constant need to “be who we are”, seekers of Wisdom, of true devotion, of prayer, of community, of service, being very close to the poor, and being creative. He called upon us to build community life and speak the language of the head, heart and hands as a way of living, sharing and celebrating who we are. The members were really happy with the presentation and pledged to integrate the sessions in their daily lives.
Lastly, Fr. Paul Lonely Mashonga, SMM, the Superior Delegate of the Anglophone Africa Delegation, thanked Fr. Wismick for his availability and for accepting to facilitate the annual retreat. Sr. Emma, DW recommended the spirit of working together as one Montfortian family. In his closing remarks, Fr. Wismick appreciated the spirit of collaboration, good governance, and of trusting young confreres to take up responsibilities which is being noticed in the Anglophone Africa Delegation. Indeed, it was good to be together and share our life and gifts as Montfortians.
Fr. Joseph Kudzala, SMM
Zambia
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