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FIRST PROFESSION CEREMONY

On Saturday 25th November 2023 in a simple yet deeply moving ceremony, six novices made their first profession of religious vows as members of the Congregation of Christian Brothers. 

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                                       L-R: Br. Elly Otieno, Br. Mathew Musyoki, Br. Francis Kyalo, Br. Paul Luseni, Br. Esau Masauso Banda,

                                                                      Br. Peter Njenga, Br. Stephen Mutiso and Br Amandi Mboya.

“HERE I AM LORD, YOU CALLED ME. I HAVE COME TO DO YOUR WILL”

The words from the book of 1Sam 3:8 kept ringing deeply in our minds, descending deep down into our hearts. Listening to our inner self, the spirit invited each one of us to journey with the day’s experience which gave a clear picture with the smiling faces that ignited the spirit of Edmund to occupy the space. The celebration was scheduled to start at 10am.

Deputy Province Leader African Province Br. Amandi Mboya, the delegate of the Congregational Leader, graced the occasion to witness the vows of the six young energetic men. The celebrant was Rev. Fr. Jean Claude with his co-celebrant Rev. Fr. Patrick from the Missionaries of Africa.

Part of the touching area in the homily was a reminder that drew our attention to understanding that we have been in the field with our coaches playing the game together with the aim of scoring a goal. This was a very good point of reflection that steered up our mind just like a baby born out of his mother’s womb -- what happens after that?

The joy of the heart could tell more about the newly professed brothers through singing and dancing. Just to give a glimpse of the uniqueness of our diversity, the newly professed brothers shared their gifts with the congregants through singing and dancing. The newly professed brothers responded to their new mission assigned to them by the congregation that is in Kenya, Zambia and Sierra Leone. The evening celebrations and cutting of the cake marked the climax of the day.

Br. Peter Njenga.

RECEPTION AND MISSIONING OF THE NEWLY PROFESSED BROTHERS - EAST AFRICA AREA

“Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations…” Matt. 28:16-20.

This phrase characterized the theme of day. Morning reflection resonated with the Gospel of the day, the call of the twelve and the missioning of five newly professed Brothers from East Africa Area. The circle of inclusivity engaged both brothers and their parents in sharing of thoughts and prayers. The day began with sessions with family members on the following topics: community, ministry, formation and vows. The purpose of the sessions was to enable the family members of the newly professed to gain a deeper understanding of Christian Brotherhood way of life.

The sessions were followed by the Holy Eucharistic celebration presided over by Fr. Peter Cannicius from Discalced Carmelites. In his homily, the celebrant encouraged the newly professed to remain faithful to the charism and gospel values in their community life and mission. The newly professed Brothers were clothed with the Maasai shuka at the beginning of the Mass as a welcoming symbol to the East Africa Area after spending two years in Ghana for their novitiate.

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Towards the end of the Eucharist, the newly professed Brothers were presented with Congregation constitutions, logo, bible and candles to remind them of the call to lead a committed lives in their brotherhood vocation. This was followed by their missioning to their various communities and ministries, which was led by Br Amandi Mboya.

We sincerely thank the organizing committee under the leadership of Br John Paul for the generosity and support in ensuring that everything went on well as planned.

Br. Peter Njenga.