No more novices but brothers

We witnessed a colorful ceremony here at our International novitiate, of Matola, Southern Africa Province when six novices pronounced their first vows in the presence of five priests, seventeen sisters, over twenty young St Marcellin group and unnumbered laity.
They are Brothers Antonio Jamal from Mozambique, Cosmas Chembe, Alexander Chimera, Richard Chidothi and Crisple Mkwani from Malawi and Eugine Chimba from Zambia. Indeed this 18th November will forever remain their Galilee day in following Jesus in the footsteps of Saint Marcellin.

Father Amerigo, the chaplain reminded them and us all about the needed to be well grounded in our vocations. He emphasized that today perseverance is becoming an issue of great concern to the majority of us in Africa basing our accuses on being first born or the only one who has gone to school, hence many asking for dispensation once the honeymoon phase of religious life is over. He challenged them to take prayer seriously especially when victimized by life storms and to always remember that he will always be there for them.

The hall was packed to the capacity with women religious groups, youths and the laity whose active participation was felt after the after the end of meals. Pieces of advice were thrown onto our newly professed when there was an open forum and I hope they will always remember these words in their experience of our Marist life.

Bravo our newly professed and courage in your new life, enjoy it and love it, let it help many youth to come closer to Jesus.

Simeon Banda, fms