In the sunny, warm evening of 30th January, feast of our saint Brother Mutien-Marie Wiaux, the Novitiate in Nairobi joyfully celebrated the initiation into religious life of our two new novices.
Mark Johanna (Nigeria) and Alves Mesquita (Mozambique) had arrived in Nairobi in early January. They are already pursuing a Certificate in Catechesis and Pastoral Theology at Chemchemi ya Uzima Institute, as part of the Novitiate program, and have adjusted pretty well to the usual routine at 89, Marula Lane, Karen, in Nairobi.
In the context of the liturgical feast of St Mutien Marie, an amazing case of tenacity, obedience, humility, dedication and sacrifice, the key virtues of his life, we celebrated the eucharist presided over by Fr Yaga Paul CSSp, a former student of the Brothers in Nigeria.
Brother Betre Fiseha, Visitor of the Lwanga District, put on the Lasallian rabats on the new novices’ habits. They also received: the Institute’s star of faith, to symbolize the Institute’s commitment to bless the novice’s incorporation and to express their accompaniment in their process to acquire the spirit of the Institute; and they were also presented with rthe Rule of the Institute, the guide and life-inspiration for their journey as future Brothers.
The Novitiate community was accompanied by Lasallian friends, some members of the Scholasticate community as well as one Rwandese Guadalupana Sister of La Salle, who is temporary in Nairobi.
“Feel at home! You will find your role in this holy place, and you will progressively internalize the sense of belonging to the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools. Today, Alves and Mark, you are receiving the habit of the Brothers, a sign of your new identity and the big family that embraces you with arms wide open. Be ready to listen, to learn, to receive advice. Your elder brothers are happy to walk by your side. Welcome!”, were part of the message expressed by Br Agustin Ranchal, Novice Master.
At the conclusion of the eucharist, the celebration continued with a festive, delicious dinner, the cake-cutting and some words of advice and appreciation.
We wish Alves and Mark a grace-filled journey in the Novitiate as they prepare to become Brothers of the Christian Schools.
* Article and photos: Brother Agustín Ranchal.