Sisters Celebrate Final Profession of Sr. Alvine Djouda in the Province of St. Francis

by Sr. Bella Lemven

In an atmosphere of joy and gratitude, sisters from St. Francis Province and beyond gathered at St. Joseph Cathedral, in Bafoussam, Cameroon, on December 27, 2024, to celebrate the Final Profession of Sr. Alvine Djouda. The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by His Lordship Bishop Paul Lontsie Keune, Bishop of Bafoussam Diocese.

Sr. Alvine, originally from Bangang Parish in the Diocese of Bafoussam, became the first Tertiary Sister of St. Francis to profess perpetual vows in the Diocese of Bafoussam. The event brought together her family, friends, priests, religious from the diocese and beyond, and numerous well-wishers. For the Tertiary Sisters of St. Francis, this was an opportune moment to give thanks to God and celebrate the gift of Sr. Alvine’s vocation.

The 9:00 AM Pontifical High Mass was animated by the Tertiary Sisters and their novices. The liturgy was enriched by a joyful entrance procession led by the novices, a lectionary procession in the traditional Grassland style of the North West Region of Cameroon, and a special offertory procession, where gifts were presented.

During his homily, Bishop Lontsie Keune asked Sr. Alvine to confirm that she was freely choosing to make her Final Profession in the TSSF Family, to which she responded with a firm “yes”. The bishop emphasized that religious life is meant to be a blessing, and in that spirit, he renamed Sr. Alvine as “Blessing Alvine”. He urged all religious present to remain faithful to their consecration, serving God with undivided attention and perseverance, regardless of any challenges.

At the end of the Mass, Sr. Olivia Waika, Provincial Superior of St. Francis Province, expressed gratitude to all who joined Sr. Alvine’s biological and religious families in witnessing this landmark event.

Sr. Blessing Alvine Djouda also gave thanks to all who had accompanied her on her journey of faith, including her family, teachers, formators, friends, and well-wishers.

She requested their continued prayers for her to persevere in the Lord’s service until the end. Following the Mass, the celebration continued with feasting and jubilation.