Held at the Mgr Grison Center in Kisangani, this perpetual vows formation session brought together a dynamic and diverse group of ten Scholastics from different African entities: five from the Cameroon Province, two from the Congo Province, two from the South African Province, and one from the Angola District. The program offered participants an opportunity for theological deepening, personal reflection, intercultural exchange, and spiritual renewal in the spirit of Father Dehon. It also highlighted the dimension of internationality as it is nurtured and experienced in the African region and showcased the richness of cultural diversity, creating a unique learning environment and stronger fraternal cohesion among participants.
Teachings
The session began with a reflection by Father Michel Mandey, SCJ, Provincial Superior of Congo, on the challenges of religious life in today’s world. Drawing on his pastoral experience and insights from psychology, he invited the brothers to face both internal and external challenges with courage, maturity, and renewed zeal. On July 3 and 4, Father Célestin Tshimbundu, SCJ, presented the canonical aspects of religious life, providing valuable insights into the ecclesiastical legal framework of religious profession. His contribution helped participants better understand their rights, responsibilities, and the spiritual weight of their lifelong commitment.
The theme of interculturality and internationality, addressed on July 7 by Father Jean-Robert Limbaya, SCJ, took on special meaning given the group’s international makeup. He urged the brothers to go beyond mere tolerance and strive for genuine intercultural communion, inspired by the spirit of openness and fraternity at the heart of the Dehonian tradition. On July 8, Father Ignace Tatsopa, SCJ, explored the impact of the internet and social media on religious life, offering concrete guidelines for ethical use of digital tools while preserving inner silence and personal witness.
On July 9 and 10, Father Olivier Bolombo, SCJ, led a rich session on the psycho-religious dimensions of living the vows. He emphasized the importance of affective maturity, emotional integration, and psychological resilience in living the vows authentically. His approach, grounded in both pastoral psychology and spiritual theology, deeply moved the participants. On July 11, Father Pontien Biajila, SCJ, guided the brothers in rediscovering the Dehonian charism and spirituality, inviting them to immerse themselves in the spirituality of the heart promoted by Father Léon Dehon—a spirituality of reparation, social commitment, and self-offering in union with the Heart of Christ.
The program continued on July 14 and 15 with a session led by Father Willy Samiay, SCJ, on consecrated life in a society marked by anti-values. Inspired by the Virgin Mary’s “Yes,” he encouraged the brothers to live their vocation with boldness, purity of heart, and unwavering trust in God. On July 16, Father Modeste, SCJ, presented a detailed historical retrospective on Father Dehon and the founding of the Congregation, reminding participants of their spiritual heritage and the Founder’s prophetic vision.
On July 17 and 18, Father Jean-Claude, SCJ, addressed how to live the vows in the Dehonian spirit. He emphasized that poverty, chastity, and obedience are not merely disciplines but expressions of love and freedom when lived in the light of the Gospel. His reflection invited participants to internalize the vows as paths toward deeper union with Christ and greater solidarity with the poor. The session concluded on July 21 in Kinshasa with an inspiring conference by Father François Muway, SCJ, on the sense of belonging, responsible stewardship, and the spirit of entrepreneurship. He encouraged the brothers to become active and accountable members of their communities and apostolates, capable of initiative and leadership rooted in Gospel values.
Fraternity and Recreation
It is worth noting that beyond the theological and pastoral content, the session also offered valuable moments of fraternity and relaxation. On weekends, the brothers visited local parishes, engaging with the faithful and experiencing the vitality of the Church in Kisangani and Kinshasa. These pastoral encounters strengthened their missionary spirit and brought them closer to the realities of grassroots ministry. In a spirit of celebration and cultural sharing, the participants also enjoyed a picnic outing in Kinshasa—a time for informal exchanges, music, and laughter in a truly family-like atmosphere.
Participant Satisfaction
Feedback from the participants was unanimously positive. They described the session as a time of grace, marked by deep spiritual enrichment, significant intellectual growth, and meaningful human encounters. The warm hospitality, availability of the formators, and the serene atmosphere of the Mgr Grison Center contributed to a climate of trust and openness. Several brothers expressed their gratitude for this unique opportunity to meet across borders and reflect seriously on their life commitment within the global Dehonian family.
Ultimately, this 2025 formation session in preparation for perpetual vows will remain a milestone in the lives of these young religious. It strengthened their Dehonian identity, rekindled their passion for mission, and prepared them spiritually and humanly to make their final “yes.” As they return to their respective entities and apostolates, they carry not only knowledge and tools but also a shared experience of community life, prayer, and intercultural fraternity—powerful signs of hope for a world in transformation.
