Oblates Welcome Four Men to Novitiate

Oblate Novitiate Godfrey, IL

Posted on August 21, 2024

*Happily posing before the ceremony are: (L-R) Edwin Silwimba, Alfred Lungu, Michael Katona, Eliakim Mbenda*

By Will Shaw

On Saturday, August 17, 2024, the Immaculate Heart of Mary Novitiate in Godfrey, IL welcomed Oblates and guests to witness the Rite of Receiving Candidates into the Novitiate. Four young men from Namibia, Zambia, and the exotic state of New Jersey made their commitment to pray, study and to continue their discernment for a year.

U.S. Vicar-provincial, Fr. Emmanuel Mulenga, OMI officiated at the ceremony in which Oblate formators, Fr. Frank Kuzcera, OMI (Novice Director), Fr. Salvador Gonzalez, OMI and Oblate Brother George Litiya also participated.

*The men state their intentions before Bro. George Litiya*

*One by one the novices sign the paper of their intentions, which is received and acknowledged by Fr. Frank Kuczera*

After signing each of the novices receives a medal of St. Eugene de Mazenod. Here we see Fr. Emmanuel Mulenga present Edwin Silwimba with his.

*The four new novices and their formators: (L-R) Fr. Frank Kuczera, Alfred Lungu, Michael Katona, Edwin Silwimba, Bro. George Litiya (in back) Eliakim Mbenda, Fr. Salvador Gonzalez*

*Afterwards everyone enjoyed a celebratory luncheon prepared by the staff of the IHM Novitiate*

Meet the New Novices

Alfred Lungu, Age 31 from Petauke, Zambia

Eliakim Mbenda, Age 28, from Windhoek, Namibia

Michael Katona, Age 24 from Voorhees, NJ, USA

Edwin Silwimba, Age 23 from Mongu, Zambia