New brothers from Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe
The 17th of November, 2007 will be remarkably remembered in the history of Matola Novitiate as we witnessed the proclamation of the first vows of our ten newly professed, namely Brothers, Samson, Padington and Tererai from Zimbabwe, Benjamin, Bernard, Peter, Osward, Witman from Malawi and Ascensio and Reuben from Zambia. As we anticipated a good turn up of invited guests, we had to ask our neighbouring sister community which is very spacious to hold the liturgical ceremony there. Our graduating initiates wrapped themselves in capulanas and walked in a single line from the secluded classroom into the multipurpose open hall. It was fascinating to the onlooking audience who were eagerly waiting to see what would be next. The mystery was revealed only when they went in front of the altar to profess. It was a wonderful and a colourful. We had seven priests who concelebrated in a very striking manner.
Brother Lawrence, our Provincial received their vows. It is the first time the Provincial came in person to receive the vows because last year he had delegated his councilor to receive on his behalf.
As usual after once the mass was over there was a bit of time for socialization which was interrupted by lunch and the cutting of the cake. The last but one event was the giving of gifts to our newly professed.
Lastly we witnessed a dynamic secular dance from the friends of Champagnat who entertained us up seventeen hours in the evening under the guide of Mr. Elias, a closer neighbour to whom we turn to from time to time.
The profession draw people from the Malawi and Zambian High Commissioners offices. Now we are still chewing the beautiful memories of the day which we feel will remain with us much longer due to the inculturation symbols which spiced the whole ceremony. We wish our newly professed brothers a fruitful home visit and fraternal community experience before they leave for MIC some time next year. Our thanks go to all the participants who worked tirelessly to make this day a success and many friends for their moral support and of course all of you for keeping us in your daily prayers once you had the day of our profession. Seven of the newly professed from Malawi and Zambia will leave tomorrow and the three Zimbabweans leave only on Monday. We pray for their safe travelling and a restful holiday. United in prayers. God bless.
Simeon Banda, fms.