It has been said quite often that the Assumptionists in Kinshasa (Democratic Republic of the Congo) haven’t yet spoken their last word. It is this optimism coupled with many efforts and much sacrifice for the Kingdom of God that can be seen crowned with the the Emmanuel d’Alzon school complex situated on the outskirts of Kinshasa, in N’sele commune, in the township of Mangengenge / Bibwa.

Just a little bit of background….It’s been thirty years since the Assumptionists settled in Kinshasa. From the time of their arrival in 1988, the Assumptionists first dedicated themselves to vocation ministry and to the formation of future priests by building a house of theology. Shortly thereafter, they assumed responsibility for the supervision of a parish, Divin Maître à Masina sans-fil, for the evangelization of the People of God.

During this entire time, the Assumption remained almost completely absent from the area of teaching, which, however, forms the backbone of the social dimension of its charism, specifically the education of the young. Besides, no one can be unaware of the fact that the Assumption was born in an educational institution, the splendid Collège de l’Assomption.

Throughout his entire life, the Venerable Emmanuel d’Alzon considered the education of youth his signature cause in addressing indifference and ignorance. In his words, « Education remains in our eyes the best way to prepare, in the world, in the clergy and in religious life, an elite totally dedicated to the key issues of the Church. » (E. S. p. 235).

This spirit of the Founder continues wherever the Assumption goes. In our day, this same spirit has taken flesh in the Assumptionist Region of Kinshasa with the birth of the Emmanuel d’Alzon school complex. Actually, it is a work in progress, first opening its doors on September 3, 2018. It is located in a building with two classrooms. The first two classes (Grades 1 and 2) take place in the morning and the other two (Grades 3 and 4) in the afternoon. The school has been placed under the responsibility of Br. Marcel KABAMBA, in collaboration with Fr. Fabien DIADIA.

At the beginning of the school-year, 74 students enrolled. Two weeks later, the number dropped; 13 students had to leave because their parents could not afford tuition costs, 35,000 Congolese francs per trimester, that is to say, between $21 and $22 American dollars.

- Would you share a bit about your background: family, childhood, early education?

- Br. Kambale Kanyama Jean Bosco. Well, I come from the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, North Kivu Province; born in September 14^th 1983. I am the second of six children of Mr. Muhindo Kyuma Maurice and Mrs. Kyakimwa Kanaha Jermanie. I grew up in a Catholic family and, being brought up in such an environment, I believe my faith was formed and nurtured at an early age. I believe, my parents had a great influence on me and my faith.

My attraction to become a religious followed me from my childhood throughout my teenage years. During my primary school as well as my secondary school, I let this desire grow in me. I nourished it with various commitments, especially by serving as an altar boy. However, there was a time when I did feel like not answering the call. But the call was very persistent and I could not ignore it. It is only at the end of my secondary school at Institut Bunyuka, a school run by the little sisters of the presentation of Mary in the Temple (Petites Soeurs de la Presentation de Marie au Temple, founded by Henry Pierard, assumptionist) that I strongly felt I should respond to my religious call.

- Where/how did your Assumptionist roots begin?  Did anyone in particular have a significant impact on your life?

- Well, I entered the Congregation of the Augustinians of the Assumption in 2007, which I got to know through the later Fr. Vincent Machozi (Fr. Vincent was savagely murdered in DR Congo in 2015). Fr. Vincent Machozi was an assumptionist and relative to me, and during those times, I had been visiting him over many days in his community.

What attracted me to join his religious congregation, the Assumption, was that sense of warm welcoming, friendliness, hospitality which characterizes the members; but also what drew me to the Augustinians of the Assumption was that commitment of the brothers to do everything together, praying together, eating together, playing together, etc.

Pictures : Humanity & Inclusion

After Super Typhoon Mangkhut, known as Super Typhoon Ompong in the Philippines, has hit northern Luzon in September, Kaloob sent a solidarity call to support Humanity and Inclusion (Handicap International) “cash for service” project in Pinukpuk municipality, in the province of Kalinga. Thanks to everyone's mobilization, we have been able to launch effective action with the local barangays.

Barangay Camalog:
the inhabitants unite to repair a road and a dike

“Typhoon Ompong destroyed a road and a small dike in one area of Barangay Camalog that was previously the lifeline of the community. It allowed farmers to bring their produce directly from their farm to the market and to their home table. However, the road had several large holes and a dike was badly damaged.
The whole barangay converged to exhibit an impressive “bayanihan” practice (spirit of community work, implying unity and cooperation). Tricycle drivers gathered rocks to fill up the holes by mixing them with sand and cement. A farmer donated a whole pig to feed the workers. Women cooked food and helped with the mixing of cement. Old men and teenagers worked together to repair the damaged dike with large stones and cement. By the afternoon, small vehicles could pass and transport the produces to the market.”

Eleven juniors from St. John’s Prep in Danvers, a Xaverian High School, visited the Assumptionist Center recently as part of a three-day immersion program of serving at several social service sites and visiting spiritual life centers.

The boys, accompanied by two teachers, arrived in time for evening prayer and shared in the community dinner which was followed by a discussion with the religious, residents and a few staff members. They heard about the congregation’s history and way of life as religious brothers and priests.

After a brief introduction by Andrew Mercado, our Coordinator of Vocations, a few Assumptionists mentioned what it was about the congregation that brought them the most joy in their lives. One highlighted his gratitude that the congregation allowed its members to develop their gifts for the Kingdom. Another found his primary joy by living in community with his brothers in light of the gospel and the spirit of St. Augustine. Several residents and staff members shared their experiences of warmth acceptance and hospitality as members of the Assumption family.

This first session of “Conversations…” for this semester focused on Pope Francis’ theme for the Synod on Youth, “Young People, Faith and Vocational Discernment.” The presenters, Dr. Theresa O’Keefe from BC’s School of Theology and Ministry, and Mr. Andrew Mercado, our Coordinator of Vocations, both spoke from their experiences of working with this critical population in the Church and to the importance of the Church in listening to these young Catholics.  As a result, this can only help us to understand where they are coming from in today’s worldwide cultures and how to respond to them in ministry.

Dr. O’Keefe first mentioned the challenges of structure, organization and management in the Church that youth encounter. In contrast, she noted Pope Francis’ concern for focusing on the meaning of life, the purpose of life as people of faith and the importance of having a prophetic stance based on the gospel. This is what the world needs today and is the hope for the future.

Mr. Mercado spoke of the Synod as a listening experience for Youth and Bishops as a means of guidance and inspiration during an age of a shifting social landscape and how discernment must play a role. He used Moses and the burning bush as a metaphor of curiosity of what is and not what we want it to be. We must engage our youth in the ‘messiness’ of our life in the Church, recognizing the sufferings of the young, not to let structures get in the way but be hopeful to challenges, broaden our horizons and witness to authenticity.

Following the presentations, there was a lively discussion between the presenters, the residents, community and guests which was enthusiastic, thoughtful and enriching.

The Assumptionist Center in Brighton was the site of a brief break from studies and papers when members of the community, residents and guests came together to carve pumpkins on Friday night. The 'experts' who had done it before assisted the 'first timers.' The evening was full of laughter, spooky music and the anticipation of roasted pumpkin seeds. Though this was a first time event at the center, by all accounts it seems to already been established a tradition!

Would you share a bit about your background: family, childhood, early education etc.?

My name is Pacifique Kambale Tsongo. I was born in Oicha, Democratic Republic of Congo, February 7^th 1990. My parents are Joseph Kambale (father) and Astrid Kyakimwa (mother). I have one younger sister, Louange Kahindo.

In my family, I learned to take care of my sister, to clean the house, do the dishes and look after the guinea pigs. On holidays we traveled to relax and visit other family members. I also learned to pray and participate with some Catholic groups: for example, Mass servers and aspirants in religious life. When I started school, my mother was courageous in teaching me how to read children’s books. I was good at reading, but I didn’t like the exercise because I preferred to play with friends.

I spent my first seventeen years with my family. During that period, I received my early education in our village called Mabuku. After primary school, I studied pedagogy in secondary school. Then I left my family to work as a teacher. I taught in a primary school called Mudoole. Even though I didn’t earn enough money and the distance was so far, I really enjoyed the experience.

I’m sincerely grateful to my family, especially to my mother Astrid, who worked so hard for us. Her daily efforts were – and still are – for me an incarnation of love, heroism and sanctity.