By Brother Daniele Caglioni, A.A.
Growing Through Reflection
Saturday began with a time of quiet prayer and reflection on the life and missionary example of Fr. Etienne Pernet, one of Fr. d’Alzon’s first companions and the founder of the Little Sisters of the Assumption. After several days of meetings and presentations, we paused to ask how everything we had learned was shaping our own vocation as missionaries. Fr. Pernet’s witness reminded us that quiet acts of love, inspired by the Good Samaritan, often speak more deeply in God’s eyes than grand gestures.
The Mustard Seed of Mission
Fr. Dominic Kamau Muturi, director of the shrine in Bura, Kenya, shared the story of the Assumptionist mission in East Africa, including Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda. Using the image of the mustard seed from Matthew 13:31–32, he reflected on how the mission has grown from humble beginnings through faith, perseverance, and a willingness to respond to the needs of God’s people. His presentation was a powerful reminder that God continues to bring great fruit from even the smallest beginnings. We are grateful for this inspiring witness of apostolic zeal. Asante sana, brothers!
One Religious Family
In the afternoon, we were joined by the Oblates of the Assumption for a shared conversation on preparing religious for missionary life. It was encouraging to discover how many experiences and hopes we share as members of the same Assumptionist family. The time together strengthened our sense of fraternity and mutual encouragement. We concluded the day by sharing a meal together. Even when a power outage briefly left us in the dark, the joy and fellowship around the table never faded, making it a fitting end to a grace-filled day.
As the International Missionary Session continues, we are reminded that mission grows through prayer, humble service, and the encouragement we receive from one another as one family in Christ.
Stay tuned as we continue sharing highlights from the International Missionary Session in Tanzania.
