The Daughters of Jesus of Daoukro, Brobo and the novices on placement celebrate.

In this year of consecrated life, the religious brothers and sisters were even more motivated to participate in their numbers in the Day of Consecrated Life that is held each year on the 2nd February. Our diocese hosts 10 female congregations including a Benedictine monastery and a secular institute, and 8 male congregation again including a Benedictine monastery.

• Eucharist

The day began with a beautiful Eucharist, prayerful and full of life. Our bishop, Mgr Ahouanan, was the principal celebrant assisted by all of the religious who are priests. Being himself a Franciscan brother, he spoke to us in his homily of his concern for this life. He also recalled the concern of Pope Francis for the religious life and brought to our attention that for some years now, out of 10 bishops named, 6 have been religious.

• Witness
  

After the homily a young brother, a Cleric of St Viator, shared his long journey with us, his hesitations, his discouragements, the difficulties he experienced, his temptations, his doubts, his fears with regard to the future, his stepping back as the moment came to take his vows. Today he is very happy amongst his brothers. We were captivated by the great simplicity of his witness.

• Round table
  

After the Mass, those young people and adults who wished to took part in a ‘round table’. Many of the questions concerned the idea of a “calling”. How do you recognise a call to the consecrated life? What is religious life? What stages do you have to go through to get to the end of the journey? The brothers and sisters present did their best to answer.

• Fraternal meal
  

The celebration ended with time to relax and the sharing of a pot-luck meal. Small convivial groups formed under the shade of the trees.
Well restored, the participants set off on the journey home, happy with their day of PRAYER and FRATERNITY.

The sisters of Brobo