Four Jesuit Novices Take Their Vows at Loyola House Nairobi
By Fr. Odomaro Mubangizi, SJ
Four AOR Novices Erick Macha, Elias Galashi, Nicholas Oyoo and Michael Omondi, pronounced their first vows at a colourful ceremony presided over by the Provincial Fr. Kizito Kiyimba SJ, on 25, July 2024. The celebration that fell on the feast of St. James the Apostle, was attended by over 35 guests, majority of them being Jesuits. The four Novices were the first group of AOR Novices to do their novitiate formation in Benin City, Nigeria. Few relatives of the novices graced the event.
The Loyola International Choir led by Fr. Mukasa Binamungu, SJ, who also conducted, animated the mass. Inspiring songs, a mix of Swahili, French abd English, helped the congregation to enjoy the celebration immensely. One such moving hymns were “Segneur tu m’as seduit”, and Namchagua (composed by Fr. Binamungu).
In his moving homily, Fr. Kizito explained the meaning and challenge of vows in Jesuit life. Since the Gospel was about James and John with their mother making a request to Jesus, he took time to explain how our families play a vital role in religious life. We run to them when in trouble, he explained. But they can also make demands on us. Fr. Kizito encouraged the novices who were about to take their vows, to be prepared to face challenges ahead.
Gratitude was expressed primarily to ANW Province and the formation team at the Benin City novitiate where the four men spent their two-year formation. It was also extended to those who came in handy for the same task of formation during the few weeks the young men spent at Loyola House (Fr. Peter Otieno as their Novice Master, and Fr. Didmus Shirima as his Socius). The Loyola Community was also thanked for making adjustment to accommodate the Novices, and for making the community conducive to their formation. Table conversations were considerably modified to be more edifying, with more focused topics. Prayer in the Chapel after dinner was also taking a little longer.
The newly vowed Scholastic Michael gave a speech on behalf of the four newly vowed Scholastics. He expressed gratitude to the Provincial for receiving their vows. He further appreciated the support that Loyola Community members gave them.
After mass, all the guests were invited for dinner. The day also happened to be Fr. James Lomulen’s birthday. In great jubilation the song “Ni baraka kutoka kwa Mungu” was intoned, followed by ” Happy birthday dear James.”
The event was also used to bid farewell to, and thank Fr. Aloysius Chikere who was returning to Nigeria after his two months of stay at Loyola House doing his research.
Following several speeches, also from relatives of the newly vowed scholastics, dinner followed. Like the wedding at Cana, there was plenty of wine, beer, soft drinks, and food. Guests left at leisure.
LAP wishes the new scholastics success in their next stage of formation, happy birthday to Fr. James, and safe return to Nigeria for Fr. Chikere.
