Entering the novitiate in our parish of Ruziba, Burundi, on August 30th was a moment of grace, joy, and profound emotion for us. It was an important step in our vocational journey, experienced in prayer, fellowship, and the warm welcome of the community.
We began this moment with the Rosary at 6:00 PM, entrusting ourselves to the protection and intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This allowed us to prepare our hearts and entrust this step toward consecrated life into God’s hands. After the Rosary, we prepared for the celebration of Vespers. A solemn procession led us to the Chapel, accompanied by songs. We were immersed in an atmosphere of prayer and reflection with all the members of the Gitega community.
During Vespers, we formalized our entry into the Novitiate. This moment was particularly significant, as we received the symbols that represent our commitment and our journey: the Cross, a sign of God’s great mercy; the Bible, which reminds us of the importance of God’s Word in our lives. We are called to read it, meditate on it, contemplate it, and treasure it in our hearts; and the Constitutions of the Congregation, which will guide us in our formation and help us on our path to holiness. Receiving these symbols filled us with joy. We also thanked God for his call and for all those who accompany us in our vocation.
Then Father Fedele Ntunzwenimana, delegate of the Superior General, Father Sergio La Pegna, entrusted us to Father Protais Bivuzimana who will be our Master during the entire period of the Novitiate.
After this moment of prayer and celebration, we gathered for a fraternal meal with the members of the community; it was a beautiful moment of communion, sharing, and fellowship. We were welcomed with great simplicity, which allowed us to feel truly at home in this new community family. This evening of our entrance into the novitiate will remain a precious memory for us. It marks the beginning of a new stage in our journey, during which we wish to deepen our relationship with God and further prepare ourselves to serve the Church and our brothers and sisters.
We give thanks to the Lord for this blessed day and we entrust our journey to the Blessed Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Sorrows, to Saint Caesar of Bus and to our Guardian Angels, so that they accompany us and lead us closer to the Lord Jesus Christ, so that, faithful to our vocation, we can grow in faith and love.
The novices Isaac and Felix
