Our First Steps After First Profession: An Experience in Bamenda
Four newly professed brothers in Cameroon recount their integration experience at the Scholasticate in Bamenda (Dehon’s Formation House), where, against the backdrop of a socio-political crisis, they are pursuing philosophical studies at the Catholic University of Cameroon.
From Profession to Mission: A New Beginning
Called by grace. Strengthened by hope. Sent in mission. After leaving the Novitiate, our first religious profession on the 12th of August 2026 opened a new chapter. Six brothers together, in a spirit of joy and total self-giving to the Heart of Christ. This decisive step marked our definitive commitment in the Congregation of the Priests of the Sacred Heart. Shortly after, we received our obedience for philosophical studies: two of our brothers were sent to the Democratic Republic of Congo, while the four of us; MBAH BRIGHT CHE, MBENG BERTRAND NGAM, NGOUNFACK ZEUKENG DONALD and I, OLEMBA BELONG LEDON ARMEL, were missioned to the Dehon Formation House in Bamenda to study Philosophy at the Catholic University of Cameroon, CATUC. We arrived in Bamenda on the 12th of September 2026.
Bamenda and CATUC: A Surprising and Enriching Discovery
Our first experience of Bamenda was very moving. Despite the sociopolitical crisis, we were edified to see the population living happily and courageously, carrying out their daily activities with resilience and faith. This reality taught us hope and incarnation. On the academic level, CATUC resumed on the 13th of October 2026, and the teaching method surprised us positively. Here, professors set the students on fire, pushing them to do personal research, to study hard and to master public speaking. Frequent assignments make us more responsible and active in our intellectual formation. Although we have only been in class for two weeks, we have already acquired a wealth of experiences, and our intellectual formation is progressing very well, in harmony with our human and spiritual formation.
The Challenge of Integration: Towards a Unified Formation
Nevertheless, the greatest challenge that remains before us is the reconciliation of our spiritual life, academic life and fraternal life. It is not always easy to balance prayer, study and community. We firmly believe that, guided by our formator and spiritual director, we will overcome this challenge. In fact, we are convinced that true formation embraces the whole person. And with Christ as our guide, we will grow to become true Dehonians after His Heart.
