First vows of Comboni novices in Bauleni, Zambia

Helped by the novice master and his socius, all showed themselves receptive and serious in trying to deepen and make their own the values proposed, such as prayer, community life, the vows, the Comboni charism and the history of the Institute. From the moment they entered the novitiate, it was clear that they intended to give themselves completely to the Lord in the Comboni family. There were numerous clear signs of this intention.

The day of their first vows was certainly a point of arrival for them, but it was also a point of departure: through their consecration, the Lord called them to continue their journey in the various international scholasticates, leading to priestly ordination. One of the 16, originally from Uganda, will attend a scholasticate for Brothers.

The celebration was held in our parish in Lilanda (Lusaka). It was intended to be a strong and significant moment of missionary animation. The collaboration of the local parish community was great, both in animating the liturgy and in preparing the fraternal agape that followed, prepared by the women.

The celebration was presided over by the Apostolic Nuncio of Zambia and Malawi, Archbishop Gian Luca Perici. He himself offered to preside over the ceremony, explaining: “This is the first time for me to preside as a bishop over a religious profession” (he was ordained bishop in July 2023). On the altar beside him were the provincial superiors of Malawi/Zambia, Father Mumba Michael Nyowanie, and of Uganda, Father Kibira Anthony Kimbowa. [Father Kibira had been invited to animate an eight-day course of spiritual exercises, which was attended by the candidates for vows, the novitiate formation team and a good group of Comboni confrères from the Lusaka area]. The celebration was a moment of profound joy for all present. The parish choir solemnised every single moment, performing at its best.

It is nice to see how, on occasions like these, God gathers so many people from different places and nations and brings them together with a common purpose: to show gratitude to a God who never stops calling people to himself as collaborators in his mission. The festive mood was general. Friends who had not met for some time reunited. In the eyes of family members, relatives and friends of some of the newly professed shone the joy they all felt in their hearts. Hugs and handshakes told of the general enthusiasm. The celebration lasted three and a half hours, but no one found it tiring.

A special thanks goes to the community of Lilanda, especially the parish priest, Father Daniel Chisha, who gave his best in everything. Many who could not be present followed the event via streaming. [You can watch the ceremony in its entirety by clicking on Lumen TV Zambia]. It is hoped that participation in the joyful celebration has sparked in some young people the desire to follow in the footsteps of the 16 newly professed.

On 17^th May, the scholastic Kennedy Bwalya will be ordained deacon in St Dominic’s Major Seminary in Lusaka, together with other deacons from Zambian dioceses.

Father Antonio Guarino, mccj