On 13 February 2025, Agnès Bibomba, a senior novice of Saint Vincent de Paul’s Province, took her first vows in the community of Notre-Dame de la Victoire (Our Lady of Victory), in the parish of Saint Charles Lwanga, located in the diocese of Tshilomba, during a Eucharist held in the multi-purpose hall of the physical rehabilitation centre for people living with disabilities.

After her eight-day retreat led by Father Symphorien Mbay, OFM, parish priest and main celebrant at the Mass, Agnès Bibomba was radiant, joyful and ready to take this decisive step in her life.

The Eucharistic celebration began at 11:00 a.m. with a small procession made up of the priests and SCJM (Sisters of Charity of Jesus and Mary) delegation from various East Kasai communities.

The procession danced its way to the main hall, which was already filled with patients from the centre and their carers, some parishioners and nuns from the Notre-Dame de la Providence congregation who live in the neighbourhood. Sister Agnès Bibomba’s parents were also present, as was the choir, which enlivened the celebration with songs fitting for the ceremony.

When her name was called by the Provincial Superior, Sister Agnès responded by walking toward the altar and singing: “Ndi mutua ndondo ne mvidi mukulu wanyi, mfumu mumbikila bu musasadi wenda” (I have made a covenant with my Lord, He has called me as His servant). Asked by the Provincial Superior what she was asking of God and the Church, Sister Agnès replied: “God’s mercy and the grace to serve him”.

During his homily, the main celebrant emphasized that the initiative for every vocation comes from God. That is why His servant is invited to place all her trust in Him, in the joys and sorrows she may encounter in her life. And when she has served Him through her neighbour, she can humbly sing the glory of God, following the example of the Virgin Mary.

After the homily, the profession ceremony began with a dialogue and an explanation of the vows. The novice took her vows in the presence of the Provincial Superior, Sister Isabelle Ilunga Kazadi. After the blessing of the insignia (cross and constitutions) by the main celebrant, the Provincial Superior handed them to the young professed as a sign of belonging to the Congregation. This was followed by a song of offering to the Lord, performed by the newly professed sister. Then came the moment when the SCJMs welcomed the newly professed. It was a simple and beautiful ceremony.

At the end of mass, Sister Agnès’ parents and other guests were welcomed into the convent grounds, where they shared a fraternal meal.

In the evening, the Sisters of Charity of Jesus and Mary shared a joyful evening. The following day, each sister returned to her community.

Welcome to our Congregation, dearest Sister Agnès. May the Lord complete the work He has begun in you.

Sister Marie-Jeanne Muleka and Sister Céline Kayiba