Jubilees of Religious Life in Rome: Fr. Enzo Brena and Fr. Yudis in Thanksgiving

It was in a fraternal atmosphere of thanksgiving and prayer that the solemn celebration of the jubilee of religious life of two confreres from the International College, serving at the General Curia, took place on Saturday, October 11, 2026. They are Father Enzo Brena, Councillor General, celebrating 50 years of religious life, and Father Yudistiro Adifitrityassanto, Coordinator of the Dehonian Studies Center, celebrating 25 years of religious life. The celebration took place in the community chapel of the International College at the General House in Rome, with the participation of the entire community and several guests.

“My Song of Love to the Lord”

The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Father Enzo. During his homily, filled with deep emotion and profound spirituality, the golden jubilarian began by offering a meditative prayer to the Lord, which he himself called “My song of love to the Lord,” a prayer of gratitude for the love and faithfulness that the Lord has always renewed for him over these five decades. In an interview he granted us the day after the celebration of this golden jubilee of religious life, he reflected on his religious experience over the past five decades, with a particular emphasis on fraternity in religious life: “I believe in the words of Jesus: they will know you by how you love one another, meaning that fraternity is the first testimony and our first ministry.” Furthermore, this is the advice on fraternity he offers to young religious to remain faithful to their vocation, because:

“No one can bear the challenges of life alone. It is always necessary to have someone to accompany us, someone we trust and with whom we walk together: a spiritual director, a confessor, a companion, a confrere, or several confreres. This company of fraternity is fundamental: one cannot live in a community alone. In my opinion, this is the most important aspect.”

“Guard”: Listening to and Meditating on the Gift Received

Father Yudis, for his part, celebrating his 25th anniversary of religious profession, delivered a message of thanks at the end of the Mass. He expressed his gratitude around the Italian verb custodire—which evokes the action of preserving what is precious, safeguarding, but also listening and meditating in the image of the Virgin Mary: “I would like to guard the memory of God’s gifts in my life.” To this end, he places great value on personal experiences in both his spiritual life and his fraternal and relational life.

A Symbolic Gift on Behalf of the Community

On behalf of the entire community of the International College, the Superior, Father Gilbert Kamta, wished to express the gratitude and joy of all the confreres. He presented them with a gift of very special spiritual value: a papal blessing granted on the occasion of these jubilees of religious life.

The day continued in warmth and fraternal joy with a festive gathering, marking a new chapter of fidelity in service to Christ and the Church for these two sons of Father Dehon.