Bernardin Yoka, CM reports on “Annual Retreats and On-going Formation during the Jubilee Year Province of the Congo
Within the framework of the Jubilee Year during which we celebrate the 400th anniversary of the origin of our charism and in accord with our Constitutions (#47.2) and our Provincial Norms (article #14), the Province of the Congo organized retreats for the confreres.
From July 27th to August 3rd the first retreat was held n Iyonda (near Mbandaka). This retreat was geared toward the confreres who minister in the area of Mbandaka-Bikoro and was directed by Father Stéphance Mvaka, CM (Province of the Congo). During the various sessions Father shared some insights on a theme that was dealt with during one of the sessions of CIF, namely, “the Vincentian identity in the Constitutions, a work of the Holy Spirit for the salvation of the poor”.
The second retreat, August 13-18. Was held in Kmwenza at the scholaticate of St. Vincent de Paul. The theme for this gathering was, “living the Vincentian charism in light of our Constitutions and Statutes”. This retreat was directed by Father Marouni Khalil, CM (Province of the Middle East) and confreres ministering in the area of Kinshasa and the river front participated in these spiritual exercises. In his various interventions, Father Marouni insisted on the fact that the daily living of our charism cannot be done apart from reference to the fundamental texts of the Congregation which guide and orient our Vincentian vocation.
The end of each of these retreats was marked with a traditional sharing and with a formation session on accounting practices. The Visitor, Father Bernardin Yoka encouraged the confreres to share their apostolic experiences with one another and to share with him their vision for the Province.
In his own intervention, the Visitor reminded the confreres that the Province belongs to them. Therefore, every confrere ought to minister in such a way that the Province (our mother) is able
to move forward. Furthermore, he stated that we ought to turn the page in our history and, as a result of lessons that we have learned from the past, focus on a better future, a better tomorrow.
After these community sessions, an expert in accounting was invited to direct an on-going formation session on best accounting practices. Each of the retreats concluded with an outing along the Congo River.
May God bless us and bless our ministry.
Translated: Charles T. Plock, CM Eastern Province, USA
