Novices of the Archdiocese of Maputo gathered at the Marist Novitiate of Matola
Junior Religious men and women and novices of all the congregations of the Archdiocese of Maputo gathered at the Marist Novitiate today the 15th July. Yes they came to reflect deeply on how to live the Evangelical counsels of poverty, obedience and chastity with joy. We felt blessed and honoured to host such a diverse group of young men and women who have made a bold courage in their lives to follow Jesus chaste, obedient and poor. Some got the impression that the vows of poverty and obedience can be lived differently according to each congregation’s charism but celibacy is lived by all equally. Of course others felt all vows are lived equally without dichotomy because they are evangelical. They are equal in importance. Trying to separate them, would compromise their significance. We may say they are different in many ways but complementary. After such a rich in- put given by a nun who will celebrate her silver jubilee next month, the mass followed.
As usual after mass they had lunch and the final activity was the joyful moment of entertainments . You see participants sitting in a circle to have a good view of laughter- provoking entertainments inside our lawn.
Our young brothers and sisters, you are the pride and future of our congregations and the church. Observe fidelity to your vows and live them “com muito alegria” with great joy. Vows ought to liberate us to live our consecrated life with joy and that is why we take them in freedom. By your fidelity to them, you will convince all people that it is difficult to live them but not impossible with the help of God and the support of the community. In fact vows free us from slavery to power, pleasure and possession which are the greatest temptations of all times. In fact they liberate us to be free of persons, possessions and power and trigger in us all a radical generosity.
Long live religious Life in the Archdiocese of Maputo! Long live Religious Life in Africa! Long live Prophets of our time who live them with joy!
___________________
Br. Simeon Banda, fms, Matola city. Mozambique.