CONGO: Laity engage themselves in Oblate spirituality

 

 

Edited and Translated by Fr. James Allen, OMI

Twenty-two lay men and women committed themselves, on Sunday, 13 July, as members of the Missionary Association of Mary Immaculate, to live more deeply their Christian life according to the charism of St. Eugene de Mazenod, founder of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate. Accompanied by their chaplain, Father Augustin MULELE, they came from the dioceses of Idiofa and Kikwit in Bandundu Province, and from parishes served by the Missionary Oblates in the Archdiocese of Kinshasa. The Provincial Superior of the Missionary Oblates, Father Abel NSOLO, presided at the Mass and received their commitment in the church of St. Eloi, Kinshasa-Barumbu.

Having arrived from Rome, Father Gilberto PIÑON, Assistant General of the Congregation responsible for the mission and lay associates, presented the new associates with a medal of St. Eugene de Mazenod. He also officially presented the Articles of Association to journalist Désiré Baere, elected president for the DRC at the General Assembly held on Friday at St. Eugene de Mazenod seminary,Kinshasa-Kintambo. We are in the era of the laity, said Father Piñon, as he told the story of the heroes of evangelization in the Church. Désiré Baere swore fidelity to the doctrine of the Church.

In his homily at the Mass, Father Constant KIENGE-KIENGE, Vicar Provincial of the Missionary Oblates, recalled the teaching of the Church on the laity who are called to find their holiness by participating in the spirituality of certain religious families. Father Kienge-Kienge said the Lay Associates collaborate in missionary work in various ways, through prayer, but also by providing financial support. (Jean-Baptiste MALENGE)