Province of Saint-Vincent de Paul, Democratic Republic of the Congo

On Sunday, 22 June 2025, on the Solemnity of the Most Holy Sacrament, the ceremony of first vows of our seven novices, perpetual vows of Sisters Béatrice Ongenye and Anita Ngomb, and the celebration of the silver jubilee of Sister Adolphine Margueritte Mwatcha and the diamond jubilee of Sister Margueritte Astrid Kapinga wa Nkaya took place at the parish church of Our Lady of Peace in Gécamines.

The Eucharistic celebration began at 11:30 a.m., presided over by His Excellency Monsignor Nestor Katawa, Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Kolwezi, and animated by the Regina Caeli choir of the parish. The Mass was attended by several priests, religious men and women, members of our sisters’ families and many other people.

In his homily, Monsignor Katawa first explained the meaning of the solemnity of the Blessed Sacrament. This feast commemorates the institution of the Eucharist and its place in our Christian life. It is the celebration of the God of love who reveals Himself by giving His body and blood, giving Himself to us as food for eternal life. This is a great joy for us, because Christ remains among us and is always present. Following Christ, the Sisters of Charity who take their first vows and perpetual vows choose to consecrate their lives to the Lord. The jubilarian sisters are filled with gratitude because the love of the Lord continues to be manifested in the Church and in the world. He encouraged the newly professed sisters to live their commitment with fidelity and perseverance and congratulated the two jubilarian sisters for their lives given entirely to God.

Monsignor Katawa gave Sister Adolphine Margueritte Mwatcha the papal blessing and Sister Margueritte Astrid Kapinga wa Nkaya a crown.

After the words of thanks from the newly professed and jubilarian sisters and from the Congregation, a festive meal was shared in the large Pierre Joseph Triest Hall of the Tshondo high school.

From left to right : Sr. Nicol Lubuya, Sr. Mathilde Kayiba, Sr. Agnès Mushim, Sr. Joël Zele, Sr. Clémence Fatuma, Sr. Victorine Kafwimbi and Sr. Elisabeth Ngomba

Praise be to you, Lord, for your immense glory!

Sister Léontine Kisimba

First profession in Pakistan

It’s a great joy for us to share with you all that Sisters Misbah Aslam and Sumble Tariq made their first profession on 27 June 2025 in Lahore. The theme of the liturgy was “He loved us”. It is a call to answer His call of love. To pronounce our vows as a religious person is to offer ourselves to God in a total dedication to establish His kingdom on earth.

Sisters Misbah Aslam and Sumbal Tariq have generously responded to God’s call and made this decision during these historical times, when the synodal Church is calling all believers to be “Pilgrims of Hope,” and our Congregation, permeated by the Divine, is taking on the orientation of becoming a transforming presence of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

The symbol chosen by Sister Misbah and Sister Sumbal is the Sacred Heart of Jesus, wounded and burning with love for humanity. This is the road map of their spiritual journey, which has inspired and supported them. Drawing strength from the fountain of love, with joy, they take up the banner of our SCJM charism to become a spring of comfort and hope for the vulnerable, the suffering, the poor and forgotten.

May the Sacred Heart continue to form and shape you, dear Sister Misbah and Sister Sumbal, to bring this miracle wherever you are sent.

Our dear Founder, Father Peter Joseph Triest, assures us, “I present to you the heart of the incarnate God, who has loved us since eternity”. Dear Sister Misbah and Sister Sumbal, the SCJM community welcomes you to join our life of communion, worship, and service. Let us be reminded of our call: “Take refuge each day in His heart, contemplate its sentiments of perfection, love Him in your daily, small yet consistent acts of love.” (Dilexit Nos 167)

The Most Rev. Archbishop Benny Mario Travas presided over the Holy Mass, concelebrated by four priests of the archdiocese. He gave a meaningful homily on the Sacred Heart of Jesus and emphasised on the virtue of humility and total fidelity to the charism, to our community and the Church.

The liturgy was solemn, and the choir was led by Amir Yaqub. The spiritual atmosphere enriched everyone present in their faith.

After the vote of thanks, all the guests walked towards Sacred Heart Convent Hall to enjoy a festive meal.

Sister Zakia Jamal