Losing everything in order to gain Christ

Brother Basile Buunda Rutsuba, aged 32, made his perpetual profession on Aug. 29 in the Democratic Republic of Congo in a Eucharistic celebration.

Brothers Augustin Kyanga and Adolphe Paluku renewed their temporary vows in the same Eucharistic celebration. 

The Provincial of Central East Africa, Brother Valentin Djawu, and Monsignor Louis Nzabanita, Vicar General of Goma Diocese, were among the participants.

According to a newsletter of the province, “Br Valentin Djawu entrusted Br Basile to the protection of our Good Mother Mary and reminded him that he was not alone on the road, (that) elders were walking ahead of him and youngsters were following in his footsteps.”

During the ceremony, Br Valentin quoted the biblical example of the young Samuel and Elijah “thus showing the importance or the necessity of spiritual accompaniment which does not stop at the celebration of the final profession, we always need it.”

Monsignor Louis reminded Br. Basile and the congregation that “the vows do not put an end to the spiritual struggle, but rather it is the beginning of a hard struggle,” continued the newsletter, published Sept. 10. 

He mentioned the danger of relativism that can come after the final vows such as the idea of thinking that living the vows belongs to the temporary professed Brothers.

Mons Louis called the attention of Br. Basile to his “responsibility as a mature person in faith, who is to build the Church by his witness to Christ in the Institute of the Little Brothers of Mary.”

Br Basile, in turn, addressed the faithful, thanking God for his love, thanking all those who have contributed to his growth. 

“The secret for my perseverance lies in my total trust in God,” he said. “With God, everything is possible, He writes straight on crooked lines.”