As every year, after Christmas, the Daughters of Jesus of Africa met in Yaounde for five days of reflection, from December 27- 31, 2017. A time that allowed all 31 of us to question ourselves with reference to our fraternal relationships, among other things, and to look at the evolution of our specific commitments in the Province.

 

Two days to reflect on our fraternal relationships

 

The facilitator, Father Kisito Forbi, a professor at the Catholic University of Central Africa, emphasized the responsibility of each one in the construction of the community and the importance of sharing our life and faith. “Do not ask what the community can do for you, but rather what you can do for the community”. (President John Kennedy) Is it possible to live community without being united to God and without mutual forgiveness?

Father also underlined the importance of a constructive community dialogue based on communication, communion, trust, sharing, and friendship. Dialogue must become “an ordinary way of living community”. As consecrated persons living together, we are “called to be an authentic sign of Christ in the world”. Quite a challenge to implement here and now!

Indeed, these two days came to a close, one with the sacrament of forgiveness and the other with the possibility of meeting with – in a prayerful atmosphere – one or other of our Sisters in a process of reconciliation.

 

To view some photos of the Assembly click on the triangle left below

 

A look at our involvements in the life of the Province

 

The next day we travelled throughout the Province, via the screen, where presentations allowed us to visualize the evolution of our commitments in the Province and the investment of the communities for the smooth running of our service to the “little ones”.

– At Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Saint Joseph of Kermaria Literacy Center welcomes 358 children, of which 296 are in academic upgrading, and will eventually join a normal course. 62 others are in a literacy and sewing program.

– At Brobo in the Ivory Coast, at the Institution of Mother of Mercy, the team accompanies 47 children with a variety of handicaps, towards greater independence. Some young people have been able to return to their village and earn their living. Six others with hearing impairments will begin training in view of obtaining a certificate of studies at primary level.

– The residence of Our Lady of Africa at Soa in Cameroon, hosts 49 university students of different nationalities and religions in a pleasant and safe environment where they can experience fraternal living.

– ”Dorval Protection” at Daoukro in the Ivory Coast has evolved from 45 children in 2012 to 182 today, a sign that parents have confidence in our ability to give a good education to their children.

In fact, since our origins “the Sacred Humanity of the Son of God” has been honored in young people and children who, in one way or another, were deprived and are now autonomous.

 

We welcome the New Year

 

Of course the party was not forgotten…..skits, dances, songs etc. entertained us as we awaited to joyfully acclaim the New Year and wish one another the usual New Year greetings.

 

We remember

 

On the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the death of our dear Sister Gertrude Ngono, we gathered on January 1st to celebrate the Eucharist along with members of her family. A very powerful and touching moment!

 

Departure

 

Sunday morning our Assembly came to a close with a special celebration of the Eucharist during which the sisters of the General Council present among us, Marie-Annick and Patricia, gave each community a Church document on religious life entitled “New wine, new wineskins”.

We left, enriched by these days of reflection and sharing with hearts filled with hope and courage as we return to our mission field.

Sisters Marie-Thérèse Catusse et Christelle Andomuname, dj