Seven Postulants Received Into Novitiate; Three Novices Make First Profession of Vows

After two years of deepening Christian values and discerning their vocation and suitability for Community Life, seven candidates were received into the Inter-Provincial Novitiate of the three newly created African Provinces of the Congregation on June 24. The seven candidates are Julius Clementina, Emmaculate Tanyu Ringnyu, Emmanuela Ndi Nonkfu, John Eunice-Azige, Blessing Baaki, Sandrine Jaff Limnyuy, and Letisia Vernyuy.

The following day, Claris Maya Fai, Larissa Kinyuy and Relindis Dzekameliv made their First Profession of Vows. This milestone in the vocation process was made after their completion of two years of intensive initial formation in the Novitiate. Both events took place at the St Joseph’s Convent Shisong, the Provincial Seat of St. Francis Province.

The new novices will be assisted in deepening their knowledge and love of Christ, and in understanding the charism and the spirituality of the Congregation by the Formation Team. They are also expected to form their personality to give a convincing response to God, neighbour, and creation.

The three novices who recently made their First Profession of the Evangelical Counsels of Obedience, Poverty, and Chastity will continue with the initial formation in the Juniorate for a period of five to nine years before their Final Profession. In the Juniorate, these Temporarily Professed Sisters will receive ongoing formation to foster their spiritual growth, and life in the community to enable them to act responsibly in their undertakings.

The Pontifical High Mass marking the event was celebrated by His Lordship Bishop George Nkuo of the Diocese of Kumbo. In his sermon, he exhorted the seven novices and the three newly professed sisters to allow themselves to be guided by the Holy Spirit, and to be open to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. He implored them to be true witnesses of Christ wherever they find themselves.

On behalf of the Tertiary Sisters, the Provincial Superior of St. Francis Province, Sr. Olivia Waika in her speech promised to mentor, advise, and take care of the novices and newly professed sisters. She encouraged them to trust Jesus and not be afraid. She further exhorted them to radiate the joy of Christ.

Both the novices and newly professed sisters were delighted and grateful for this important milestone in their lives. After the liturgical celebration, there was feasting.