Nairobi-Kenya. The ceremony of the Beginning of the Novitiate and Habit Taking on 6th February, 2021 started with Holy Mass at 11:00am, being the Chief Celebrant Rev. Fr. Henry I. Ugese CSSR.
During the intimate ceremony at the International Novitiate of the Brothers in Nairobi, Kenya, 10 novices received the religious habit from the hands of the Visitor of Lwanga District, Br. Ghrebreyeus Habte FSC, while 11 pre-novices were received as novices in the Institute to formally begin their canonical year.
Brother Visitor, Ghebreyesus Habte FSC, delivered his reflection during the mass. He thanked God for keeping all of us safe from the COVID-19 and thanked the formators for their dedication to the mission and the formation of the Brothers. He encouraged the novices to live this journey with authenticity, that their desire should be a conviction rather than mere feelings. Eleven first year novices started their canonical year namely: Andre Julio, Auxilio Alfredo, Benefica Jorge, Tomas Alexandre, and Eurelio Segura, from Mozambique; Polite Ncube from Zimbabwe; Jude Oguname and Samuel Akadu from Nigeria; Justus Matata, Ronald Malala, and Zacchaeus Nderitu from Kenya. Also, ten second year novices received the habit of the Brothers namely: Abraham Woldemariam, Ademe Alemayehu, Dawit Yadesa, Admasu Yohannes, Eyob Gebriel, Gosse Hirpofrom Ethopia;Carolino Azevedo, Januario Felizardo, Mossito Molipiha from Mozambique, andEmmanuel Agbafrom Nigeria.
The first-year novices chose Saint Benilde Romançon as their Patron Saint and planted a tree as a traditional sign to start their desert experience. This was witness by the heavens as the sound of thunder followed by rain began soon after the tree planting ceremony. The De La Salle Brothers rejoiced with the novices for the two-significant ceremony and prayed that they continue in their formation-walk to be authentic Brothers ready to serve in the mission.
Live Jesus in our hearts! Forever!