Br. Fabien: Four years of study and community life at the General House

Brother Fabien Bulaimu Poyo, from the Province of East Central Africa, returned to his Province in mid-July after having studied psychology at the Gregorian University for four years. He will be have the role of formator at the Novitiate of Save, in Rwanda.  Brother shares his testimony of life in the community of the General House.

I arrived in Italy, in June 2016, to study psychology (to obtain the licentiate) at the Gregorian University. Now, in July 2020, as I leave the community, I am overcome by a mixture of emotions. I am very grateful to have found a home here, a space where I have felt free to share my abilities and my weaknesses; where I have lived as a brother among the brothers.

This experience, with its beauties and challenges, has helped me to broaden my vision and Marist experience. I return (to my province) with a wider perspective and a new way of living as “Brother”. I have learnt a lot about interculturality, brotherhood and the challenges lived in this house. I have created many links and gained friends. I have been in contact with many brothers, lay people and collaborators from different parts of the Marist world. In addition, the community has been a great support in my academic journey, which was a challenge. About living as a Marist, this community has been a second university for me.

I am grateful to my province and to the General House for having given me this very special opportunity in my formative journey as a brother. I also wish to share my joy at having successfully completed my studies, since this academic experience has enriched my personal, professional, interpersonal and spiritual growth. I am very happy and grateful. My stay here in the city of St. Peter and Paul has been an experience of openness to universality and ecclesiality. These four years at the General House have been four years of study and four years of community life.

Now that I am leaving, on the one hand, I am sad to have to leave this place that has truly been a home for me; but, on the other hand, I feel happy and enthusiastic about the mission that awaits me in my province.

I hope that other young brothers will also have the opportunity to experience what I have experienced in this house. I remain united to this community, from the heart and by brotherhood. Thank you very much to all and goodbye!

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H. Fabien Bulaimu Poyo, fms