Msgr. Grison Center
Kisangani (Congo)
The “Msgr. Grison Center” takes its name from the first Dehonian missionary to arrive in the Democratic Republic of Congo, a pioneer of evangelization, Father Emile Grison, who took the name Gabriel in memory of the angel who brought the message of the Lord to Mary. The Msgr. Grison house was initially a Dehonian community where only professed religious lived. In 1964 it became the provincial residence. Following the transfer of the provincial house to the city in 1985, the house became known as the Msgr. Grison Center, and was used as a retreat house. From 1998 to 2004, part of the center served as the residence for postulants and novices for those wishing to join the Dehonian community. The center has been renovated and enlarged. Currently there are 60 rooms, 4 conference rooms, 2 dining rooms and 2 chapels.
We have two types of activities: spiritual (retreats, conferences, spiritual direction) and social (courses for the formation of lay people). We also offer possibilities of lodging and catering.
In our apostolate a privileged place is given to activities related to our charism, such as Eucharistic adoration, Bible study and social formation fo lay people.
The challenge before us is of a logistical nature and concerns the maintenance of the structure and personnel costs. We are also thinking about the establishment of a team of animators and the possible expansion of the use of our Center