First Religious Profession, Francophone Africa

Published by Cryspin MUHINDO Kisimbiri, Novice in Africa Francophone · Saturday 08 Nov 2025 · 2:45
Tags: NU, AFF, 1310

[FR]

KINSHASA, Democratic Republic of Congo, - On Saturday, August 16, 2025, in the chapel of the Novitiate community of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary, novices Désiré BAYIZERE, Fiston NSENGIYUMVA, and Jean-Louis LOKONDO Monga-Mokengi made their first religious profession in the Congregation of the Montfort Missionaries.

The Eucharist was celebrated by Father Louis-Guelord ASEME MUKE, SMM, Superior Delegate,co-celebrated by the Montfort Fathers: Father Jean de Dieu Ekanga, Animator of the Sub-Parish of Saint Philomena, Father Frédéric BOLUMBU, SMM Father Constantin ATALIPA, SMM and two scholastics, Brother Vincent and Brother Yannick, both alumni of the first group of novices (2022-2023).

In his homily, the Superior Delegate first gave thanks to God for the magnificent work accomplished within the Delegation, particularly the construction of the new house that now houses the Novitiate, after three years of renting from the Consolata Missionaries. To the future professed, Father Aseme addressed the call to recognize the Lord's authority in their consecration, to serve Him faithfully by ridding themselves of everything that might hinder their vocational journey (Joshua 24:14-29; Matthew 19:13-15).

After a moment of dialogue with the Superior Delegate, representing the Reverend Superior General, Désiré, Fiston, and Jean-Louis pronounced their vows of chastity, poverty, and obedience according to the constitutions of the Missionaries of the Company of Mary (C151). They committed themselves to being a sign of the Gospel, manifesting heavenly blessings here on earth wherever they are, bearing witness to the existence of a new and eternal life given by the redemption of Jesus Christ, and also proclaiming the future resurrection and the glory of the kingdom of heaven (Lumen Gentium 44).

This grace of profession was received with gratitude by all those present at the Eucharist, including the Montfort Missionaries, the Resurrection Choir from the Sub-Parish of Saint Philomena which animated the liturgy during Mass, Brother Jean-Louis's family, the novices, the Daughters of Saint Mary of the Presentation, and the guests as witnesses to the welcoming ceremony of these new professed members into the Company of Mary.

After the Eucharist, everyone gathered in the Novitiate community for a meal, to share in the joy of this gift of three new professed members. Sincere thanks to Brother Théophile SMM for organizing this reception.

One month after their profession, the newly professed members were still at the novitiate. Providence smiled upon them, and on September 19th, Brothers Désiré and Fiston traveled to Burundi via Uganda Airlines to continue their theological studies in preparation for the priesthood. They were unable to travel through Goma as was their usual practice due to the ongoing war in eastern Congo. Brother Jean-Louis, who was still awaiting an invitation from the Foreign Ministry's Immigration Office to obtain his passport, left Kinshasa to join the others on Thursday, October 2nd, passing through Kalemie and then Kigoma in Tanzania before finally arriving in Burundi.

Let us give thanks to God for everything!

Cryspin MUHINDO Kisimbiri, Novice

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