Final Commitments

All the parishioners rejoiced at the news that Sabine would make her final vows in Bamako, St. Monica Parish in the Kalabankoura community.

The archbishop agreed to preside at the Eucharist.  The parish priest who was also the vicar-general mobilized members of parish committees to make the preparations for this day. The women were busy preparing the meal, the men brought tents and chairs, the youth were mobilized to clean and decorate the place of worship; the choir – while preparing for Christmas - took three days a week to practice the hymns, even the choir boys felt concerned.  And those who were not able to lend a hand, contributed with generosity and love.
It was beautiful to see everyone's cooperation—reflections here and there, and many meetings. Muslims also joined us and worked well with us. We say thank you to them.

The long awaited day arrived!--January 2nd, the first Saturday of 2010, a very special and blessed day!  
Sabine chose as the main theme: "HE JOURNEYED WITH THEM" Luke 24.15

See how God opened the year 2010 with an extraordinary event in the history of the Church and the country of Mali. God has given us a wonderful gift, said Bishop John Zerbo.  Sabine Dakouo the first Malian MSOLA to make her final commitment for the reign of God and the salvation of her brothers and sisters.  And it is at this time when the country celebrates 50 years of Independence, and 50 years of Caritas in Mali at the service of solidarity and development.
Sabine, thank you for the path of trust, love and availability that you show us.
The MSOLA congregation is represented by a number of sisters, novices and postulants, from 10 nationalities namely Germany, Italy, France, Spain, Chad, Ghana, Burkina, Mali, Tanzania and Burundi.
The Mission/Vocation Animation (MVA) was evident. There was also a large representation of Missionaries of Africa (M Afr), who had helped us prepare the MVA Posters. We say thank you to them also.

After the entrance procession accompanied by hymns and drums, the archbishop gave a lighted candle to Sabine—a sign of the paschal mystery of Christ dead and risen in her from the moment of her baptism. Thus Christ renews and strengthens life in her through the commitment she makes to live more fully her baptismal consecration for the service of the Church.

In the Bo-culture, the drum is not only an instrument to call the people. It also announces good news. The youyou expresses joy, so Sabine carrying the Word of God was accompanied by the drummer and one who called the youyou.

For the reading, she chose Rom 8:31-35 and 38-39 and for the Gospel Lk 24:13-35.

Before making her final commitment, Beatrice, regional of West Africa asked Sabine several questions to confirm her Yes to the Lord. Sabine replied with conviction to every question by saying: "Yes I do" and the congregation applauded with great joy. It was after the credo that she made her vows. She received the ring as a sign of her commitment and her loyalty to the Lord for the service of his reign in Africa.

At this time, the family with the griot brought her a gourd, a basket and a mortar. These are working tools that accompany the Bo-woman given in marriage. The griot among other things has the role of reconciliation in the marriage procedure.

Here are the symbols that were offered:
-Pictures of Cardinal Lavigerie and Mother Marie Salome
-Africa with the cross and the disciples of Emmaus.  With this symbol, Sabine gave thanks to God for the journey with him and she offered to him what remains to be done together on earth.
-Our Lady of Africa, the pelican,
-The basket of assorted cereals represented not only human labour but also our international communities. We come from different countries and Christ gathers us in community to witness his love without borders.
-The calabash is a very old instrument used by the Bo-wife for many things. Sabine wants to be like the calabash, a useful and available instrument in the hands of the Lord.
-Chad-represented her new mission-country.
-Bread and Wine.

Although the ceremony was long, people loved it and they participated right to the end. The whole congregation was invited to the banquet after the Eucharist.
Sabine, we say thanks to you for having gathered us together to celebrate God's love in your life and thus be witnesses to your commitment. Thanks too, to your parents who offered you with such joy and generosity.

Marie Ange NDAYISHIMIYE

It was in an atmosphere of great joy and gladness that Clementine gave her unreserved "Yes" to the Lord on Sunday, August 16, 2009. The celebration was held at her home parish in Nyamirambo, a suburb of Kigali. Archbishop Monsignor Thaddeus Ntihinyurwa presided at the Eucharist, assisted by Father Azariah, the parish priest with Fathers Henri Blanchard and Serge Traore, and Denis Pam, deacon of the Missionaries of Africa.

As SMNDA, we were also well represented. There was Sr. Marivi our Regional for Central Africa, who received the vows of Clementine, a delegation of Burundian sisters accompanied by three 2nd-year postulants, a delegation from the Congo Democratic Republic with 4 postulants, a sister from Goma, our sisters in Butare with an aspirant, and our Kigali community. In all, there were 23 of us.

From Clementine's family there was her mother, her godmother, her brothers and sisters with their children. As invited guests, there were religious and friends; as well as those responsible for the parish.

The Eucharist began with an entry procession.  Symbols characterizing our congregation were carried in. Throughout the celebration, it was Speciosa Mukagatare who explained and commented on the meaning of these symbols and the meaning of Clementine's commitment.
In a church filled to capacity, the Christians carefully followed everything, especially when Clementine made her commitment.  She had barely said her "Yes" when the crowd erupted with joy and a long applause!

At the Offertory, presented by a Sister of the Croix Glorieuse, donations in-kind were brought by the children: fruits, vegetables, eggs, flowers.  Clementine's mother and godmother brought the communion hosts and wine for the consecration. All these were surrounded by graceful young dancers who formed a circle around the altar.
A little known aspect of the celebration, was the "Sending on mission" made by Sr. Marivi toward the end of the Eucharist. Clementine was sent to Tunisia where she will continue her MSOLA mission in Africa. Again, there was loud applause.
Before concluding the celebration, Sr Marivi delivered a short speech explaining the deeper meaning of this commitment. Then Clementine thanked the Lord who has chosen her, and helped her to be faithful, to be a missionary. She also thanked her parents, her family, her friends, our congregation, especially those who accompanied her to this day.

Finally, Monsignor Thaddeus addressed the assembly by challenging them: "Dear young people, what does an event like this say to you? All these sisters from different countries and nations come to proclaim the Gospel, should we not join them? Our church, should it not also be missionary, should we not be concerned about other people beyond our borders? I sincerely hope that in Nyamirambo, Kigali and throughout Rwanda, there will be young people who will follow their example, who will be missionaries.  This is a grace to ask the Lord."

Since the entire celebration was marked by joy and a family atmosphere, when the people left they were obviously happy to have been with us for this event.

After saying goodbye to Monsignor Thaddeus who could not attend our reception, we headed towards the well prepared banquet.
Accompanied by traditional dancers who literally erupted with joy and enthusiasm, the festive sounds even increased in volume! They portrayed the best of themselves by singing, dancing and expressing their joy.
As in all ceremonies, there were speeches. Clementine's mother, her godmother and her former teacher expressed very simply their thoughts and joy to see Clementine reach this decisive moment.

In turn, the Rev. Azariah from Nyamirambo parish, and Father Mathias joined in the joy and they thanked Clementine, and ourselves for having invited them to this feast.
Throughout the meal-- crowned by a beautiful cake made by Leonie--there were dances and speeches. As we had a good group of young MSOLA and postulants, they too expressed their joy. As the rhythm of drums and dancing increased and reached a climax, Clementine was literally lifted and carried as high as possible on the arms of the young people! It was wonderful to see!

Then came the presentation of gifts. Again, there was an abundance.  I think that Clementine will long remember all these signs of friendship!

As the oldest MSOLA in Rwanda, I had the honor to thank everyone who participated and helped to make the celebration such a great event, and truly it was that!
The faces of our guests beaming with joy and gratitude as they were leaving, showed it clearly.

And the festivities continued ...

On Sunday, August 23, 2009, the family of Clementine invited us to join them in giving thanks to God for Clementine's total gift to the Lord.

We celebrated the Eucharist in the Parish of Central Kimisange. The main celebrant was a young Missionary of Africa named Christian and native of Zambia.  He was accompanied by Edison from Uganda on stage at the White Fathers.

This time, we were a small number, because our guests had returned home. In a very lively celebration animated by a choir of friends and in the presence of many Christians, Father Christian spoke during his homily on the meaning of religious commitment and mission, referring to the first reading of the day.  He said: "Today choose whom you will serve!" Jos 24. At the end of the Eucharist, Clementine was able to explain her journey to the congregation. As she works in Tunisia where the majority of the people are Muslim and Arab, Clementine asked people not to put up barriers.  "Tunisians do not do that towards foreigners, nor towards missionaries." she said. "I am always very well received by them!"

After this beautiful Eucharist, we went to Clementine's home where everything was installed to welcome the "Umugeni w'Imana" i.e. "the spouse of the Lord"
Under a brilliant sun, with appropriate music and beautiful decorations, Clementine's big family with the help of friends, delighted us with songs, dances, speeches and a delicious meal.

Just as on August 16 at Nyamirambo, here too an atmosphere of joy broke out everywhere and all the guests participated fully. The sun was already setting when we said goodbye to her dear family and we brought Clementine home with us.

Anne-Katrien