Not only is the Democratic Republic of the Congo the country with the highest number of Catholics in Africa, but also the Church here is blessed with a high number of vocations, both to the priesthood and to see someone the the religious life. For example, the diocese of Luiza in the south of the country has over 260 male and female religious already, and more and more young women and men are eager to join their ranks.
Given the great importance of their apostolate for the pastoral mission of the local Church, Bishop Félicien Mwanama Galumbulula has made every effort to ensure that the young religious can enjoy a comprehensive four-week ongoing formation course before making their final profession. This is a course that goes beyond what the various congregations themselves can offer their novices. The young religious – both male and female – are offered further training in Bible studies, mission studies, Canon law and anthropology, as well as in financial administration and other practical subjects. Safeguarding is likewise an important topic in the context of working with children and young people.
This intensive training is also essential, because many sects are spreading and causing confusion and disorientation among the Catholic faithful by attacking Catholic teachings. More often than not these religious are the only ones available to engage with the faithful, and so they need to be able to give competent answers to their questions. This is another reason why their bishop attaches great importance to these training courses and wants to be able to offer them every year.
Last year, thanks to the generosity of our benefactors, we were able to help 32 young male and female religious to take part in these courses. Sister Béatrice Kanga Nsaka is very grateful to have had the opportunity to take part and tells us „Within its possibilities, our congregation does organise monthly spiritual exercises and once a year a seven-day retreat. But we do not have the opportunity to talk with the speaker and ask him questions. Also, being able to share our experiences together with the other religious of the same generation was very enriching, and I understood that the difficulties we face with the young people in the schools today are the same almost everywhere. With all my heart I thank the benefactors of ACN for having made possible this unforgettable experience for us. May the Lord bless you abundantly!
Brother Dominique Lushimba Mwenyi is equally grateful to have had this opportunity. In addition to the chance to share with the other religious and learn about such things as the prayerful reading of the Bible and cultivating human maturity, he also found the practical aspects of the teaching most helpful. „We sometimes manage the finances of the community and, thanks to this course, I have learned how to compile a financial report, the importance of documentation and the need to provide interim and final reports during the course of a project. I will not forget the benefactors who have made it possible for me to take part. May God reward them a hundredfold.“
This year another 26 young male and female religious, who are about to make their final profession, will have the opportunity to take part in this course. The cost will be 11,500 Euros. Every contribution is an investment in a well lived religious life, which can bear much fruit for the local Church.
