On the evening of 23^rd June, a climate of recollection was recommended. The next morning, we woke up in joy. Everything seemed beautiful to us, and the song of the birds invited us to praise, to sing, and to admire the greatness and love of God towards us, his creatures. The 24th of June, an important date for the SCJM Congregation, commemorates the death of Father Peter-Joseph Triest, our founder.

For a number of years, in the D.R. Congo, and more particularly in the Province of St. Bernard, this commemoration has been crowned by the first religious vows of novices who finished their formation and the renewal of vows of young sisters in different communities. Since the Congolese population is obliged, since 19/03/2020, to live in lockdown because of COVID-19, in order to avoid any risk of contamination by this pandemic disease, this Wednesday 24/06/2020 was celebrated according to the initiatives and realities of each community.

The members of our community of Notre Dame d’Afrique in Muanda-sur-mer celebrated a thanksgiving Mass to give thanks to the Lord for the gift of religious vocation in a special way. In this way, each Sister celebrated the number of years of religious life that is proper to her: 61 years for Sister Christiane KAPINGA, 53 years for Sister Elisabeth ONGADI, 36 years for Sister Scholastica NGALULA, 30 years for Sister Jacqueline MVIKA, 29 years for Sister Jeanne Claudine MBUYI, 12 years for Sister Marcelline MAMBWE, 11 years for Sister Marie Reine BOKWE, 8 years for Sister Ivonne KUNDJI, and 2 years for Sister Madeleine MBIDI who also renewed her vows for one year. Mass was concelebrated by three priests from our parish.

Immediately after the morning Eucharistic celebration, we were all invited for breakfast. At 1:30 pm, the community shared a festive meal with the priests of the parish and two hospital officials.

It should be noted that the entire organisation was done in strict respect of the barrier gestures to avoid the spread of coronavirus. We felt and observed the joy that inhabited each one of us. Here are some pictures of the event:

Sr. Marcelline MAMBWE