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.

PICTURES : JAMES T. ROJAS, KALOOB, H&I

90% of maize crops destroyed

Recently, Super Typhoon Mangkhut, known as Super Typhoon Ompong in the Philippines, has hit northern Luzon. Fortunately, the Assumptionist community was not fatally harmed. All the religious, their families and partners are safe. In Piat, the houses built four years ago (after typhoon Hayan) and also the water tank withstood extreme winds (250 km/h - 155 m/h). But the provinces of Kalinga and Ifugao in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) endured severe devastation, due to lanslides. At least 95 persons died and many are declared missing. The crops, roads and irrigation systems have been seriously damaged, putting farmer families in dire situations.

With Bishop Mark Seitz!
Fr. John and I were very impressed with his simplicity and generosity!
He has done wonderful work at the diocese of El Paso!

This past week, Fr. John and I had an opportunity to visit El Paso, Texas and Juarez, Mexico! We were able to meet with Bishop Mark Seitz, Fr. Arturo and Fr. Franck from St. Mark, Dylan from Hope Border Institute, the people who work closely with the immigrants and asylum seekers and the Religious of the Assumption in Chaparral, New Mexico! We were also able to visit Nazareth House, where some of the Asylum seekers are brought before they are sent to their relatives to process their Asylum papers.

This experience is truly inspiring and enlightening! I’m truly inspired and moved by the generosity and dedication of the people who work closely with the immigrants and Asylum seekers. I also have a better sense now of the process that the immigrants and Asylum seekers have to go through before and after they enter the USA. This experience has given me the opportunity to be aware of their struggles and the challenges! The needs in El Paso are clearly overwhelming! I have been truly grateful for this wonderful experience.