The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few; therefore, ask the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into his harvest.
On Thursday, July 16, six canonical novices and one aspirant gathered at the Formation House of the Province of Africa, located in Kimwenza, Democratic Republic of the Congo, to celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.
This important day dedicated to Our Lady of Mount Carmel—to whom the foundress Joaquina de Vedruna consecrated the congregation—began with a Mass of thanksgiving, followed by a spiritual retreat under the theme: “The Encounter with Christ Transforms Our Lives,” Jn 4:1–30. Led by Sister Elizabeth Mabangi, the participants followed the theme attentively, as each of us could easily identify with the Samaritan woman, which allowed us to reflect on our personal and vocational journeys. The retreat consisted of three parts:
- The Samaritan woman, in her sinful state, speaks with Christ
- The Samaritan woman recognizes Christ, who has told her everything
- The Samaritan woman becomes a witness and proclaims Christ to her people.
After the thematic talk, we went to the chapel for personal meditation, followed by adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, during which we adored and praised the Lord of the harvest, who calls us to follow him in the service of his mission.
The entire day unfolded in an atmosphere of meditation, and confession prepared us for the afternoon ceremonies, during which the six novices received the congregation’s constitutions and regulations to enter the novitiate, and I, as a postulant, received the Medal of Our Lady of Mount Carmel to begin my postulancy. The day concluded in a festive atmosphere of thanksgiving, with a communal meal.
Colette Matimain, candidate
Testimony from the Novices
First of all, we would like to thank the Lord, who has protected us up to this day as we begin our first year of novitiate. May He be with us from beginning to end and help us always respond to His call according to our abilities and charisms.
As for our retreat, it went very well, and we really enjoyed the sister’s teaching; the program was perfect and helped us recognize Jesus in our lives, just as the Samaritan woman did.
It’s been a great day, and we want to thank the community for everything they’ve done—for their willingness to help, their cheerfulness, and their enthusiasm…
God remains our only hope; He loves us, and we love Him; we are convinced that He will walk with us until the end. May the Virgin Mary intercede for us and make us disciples with gentle, humble, and, above all, merciful hearts, for the building of the Kingdom and for the good of our brothers and sisters.
