Novices at Congolese Institution Urged to “guard against” Negative Globalization Effects

“Consecrated life is a gift of the Spirit to the Church,” Bishop Paluku further said, adding, “It is a richness for the Church. That's why I insist so much on this institution that allows you to get to know each other and to bear witness to your desire to consecrate yourselves to God; and I pray that God will be able to achieve what He has begun in you through the Holy Spirit.”

The Local Ordinary of Butembo-Beni further said, “The inter-Novitiate in Butembo-Beni is a great asset for our Church. It is a sign of the integration of pastoral care into the whole.”

The formation centre for Novices from various Religious Orders “allows future Religious men and women to get to know each other and to witness their desire to consecrate themselves to God,” he said.

The 71-year-old Congolese Bishop, who has been at the helm of Butembo-Beni Diocese since his Episcopal Ordination in August 1998 called upon the Novices at the centre to “live the charism inspired by the Holy Spirit in the founders of their Congregations and Institutes.”

“We must know the Holy Spirit and what comes from Him. Then we have to listen to the Holy Spirit. In other words, we must make room for Him, starting with silence within ourselves. Finally, we must always act promptly and peacefully, according to what is asked of us,” he said.

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Speaking at the same September 23 event, the Rector of the Butembo-based inter-Novitiate, Sr. Marie-Jeanne Kavira Kalivukutu, said the institution had enrolled some 149 Novices from 13 Religious Orders, seven female Orders, and six male Orders. 

Jude Atemanke is a Cameroonian journalist with a passion for Catholic Church communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Buea in Cameroon. Currently, Jude serves as a journalist for ACI Africa.