Gathered as a Family around Our Lady of Fourvière
The fifth Provincial Chapter of PACE (Province of Africa Centre East) gathered at the Roussel House in Nairobi, Kenya, from 27 to 30 December 2015. There were 25 Brother capitulants from the five countries of the Province. Brothers Emili Turú (S.G.) and Antonio Ramalho (G.C.) were also present.
The Chapter began in the chapel of the house, asking the Holy Spirit to guide the assembly. Br Emili Turú reminded them about the main tasks of what a Chapter deals with, leaving aside any sort of delegation, but rather to form a group that, united, wants to look for God’s will for the Province in the coming years. From there, the group went in procession to the Chapter Hall, holding the image of Our Lady of Fourvière and singing hymns on being a Marist family.
Work started by listening to the reports from Br Valentin Djawu, as outgoing Provincial, and Br Teo Grageda, as Provincial Econome, giving accounts of the last three years of the administration.
The Bureau of the Chapter was composed by: Br Théoneste Kalisa as president; Brothers Albert Nzabonaliba and Christian Gisamonyo as moderators; Brothers Teo Grageda and Rémy Mbolipasiko as secretaries.
Br Valentin Djawu, outgoing Provincial, handed over to Br Théoneste Kalisa, the new Provincial, different symbols dealing with the important position that the Province now has. Br Théoneste Kalisa then addressed the Chapter with his first speech, specifically stressing the importance of religious life, unity of the Province, and hope for the future.
The following three priorities were chosen by unanimity, with some lines of action:
* Identity and Perseverance.
To renew our consecrated life as followers of Christ. To cherish one’s vocation and foster a spirit of belonging in terms of Membership and Ownership. To review our recruitment procedures and formation process at all levels. (…)
* Self-reliance and Accountability.
Our Self-reliance and Accountability is first and foremost geared at the Evangelizing mission.
Christian, religious and Marist values inform our method of work and criteria of recruitment of our personnel.
To establish clear Financial Strategies of the Province. Reporting and follow up. (…)
* Leadership
The Marist religious leadership is a service, at the image of the servant Christ and in His name. Draw the profile and identify the people that are capable of help the Province to carry on the challenge in the leadership.
Promote the sense of cohesion and communication within the Provincial Council and in the communities. (…)
Before the election of the Provincial Councillors, the capitulants spent time to list the qualities of those who could help Brother Théoneste Kalisa. There was a personal time of silence to reflect and discern, before voting. The following brothers were elected as councillors: Venceslas Baindekeli, Emile Motanda, Antoine Kazindu, Erick Silali and Valerian Kalendero.