A new Province in the Democratic Republic of Congo

The new Province is named: "Province Sainte Marie des Anges" located in East Kasai. The Minister General accompanied by the General Definitor for Africa arrived in Mbuji-Mayi from Kinshasa on 15th February 2015. A good number of Brothers from the area of Mbuji-Mayi and from the Province "Saint Benoît l'Africain" (Lubumbashi) were already in Lukelenge waiting for the Minister General to come for the important event. In Lukelenge, we have the Postulancy, a Monastery of Poor Clares, many Communities of Franciscan Sisters and SFO Members. We reached Lukelenge for Lunch. We met in the Monastery of the Poor Clares where we could have a big Chapel and a big classroom for our meetings and meals. The Canonical erection of the new Province took place on Monday 16th February 2015 during Mass. Before Mass, the Minister General gave an important speech highlighting the vocation and mission of the new Province in East Kasai, in the local church and in the country. He particularly insisted on fraternal life and education of the youth in schools run by the Brothers. The General Definitor reminded the Brothers the Priorities of the Order, commented in a challenging time of selfreliance. The solemn Mass was presided by the Minister General with two Concelebrants: the Delegate of the Minister General (Br. Richard Dzierzenga) and the General Definitor (Br. Nicodème Kibuzehose). In his homily, he particularly appreciated the work of his Delegate for restructuration and accompaniment, and thanked him. After the homily, the Minister General called the Members of the Government of the new Province, to come close to him, in front of the Altar: The Minister Provincial: Br. Grégoire Bowa Kateta, ofm The Vicar Provincial: Br. Benoît Mutombo Bwanacing, ofm 4 Definitors: - Br. Zacharie Nyembwe Civwila, ofm - Br. François-Marie Tshiteya Kabongo, ofm - Br. Joseph Kasombo Tshimal, ofm - Br. Emmanuel Mutombo Tshimuanga, ofm All of them moved from their seats among songs ,dances and shouts of joy. The Members of the Definitory Council recited the Creed and signed their commitment. The Mass continued as usual. After Mass, congratulations were overflowing on the Brothers. A solemn lunch was offered by the Poor Clares. The Bishop of Mbuji-Mayi was with us in the afternoon for a pastoral sharing with us. We ended the day with a good recreation. [gallery link="file" ids="9197,9198,9199,9200,9201,9202"]