By Jamea Kioko, nSJ
Greetings from Gonzaga Gonza Jesuit and we would like to say “Tumsifu Yesu Kristu.” for all the graces bestowed upon us by Our Lord and Saviour Jesus who we follow under the banner of the cross. We, at the Novitiate have experienced a few developments this second week of July and we are also pleased to say, our rhythm of life has been rather consistent.
Fr Master’s Travels
Fr Charles Mnubi SJ, the superior of the community and our Novice Master has travelled to Nairobi on Tuesday the 9th of July for a meeting of the local superiors and Directors of Works. He is scheduled to return to the Novitiate on coming Sunday. We are praying for his safe return and for the success of the meeting.
Fr Mchopa’s Travels
Fr Emmanuel Mchopa travelled to Nairobi on Wednesday for his usual medical check-up and to attend the Priestly Ordination, scheduled for Saturday the 13th of July. We are praying for the “Ordinandis” as well as Fr. Mchopa’s safe return to us.
Brian Davies’ Birthday
One of our Primi novices, Brian Davies Mwangi celebrated his birthday this week on Tuesday reaching the stellar age of 26. It is quite ironic that in the memoirs of St Ignatius he mentions that up to the age of 26, he was given to worldly affairs. We pray, our brother Brian, may continue to grow and mature in his vocation, full of zeal and good-will.
Classes
Our classes in various subjects have been progressing well for both the “primis” as well as “secundis”. The secundis have made a fair bit of progress in their French classes, almost everyone of them seem to think of heading towards Kimwenza for Philosophy and Abidjan for Theology, if not for France, Belgium, Spain! We are truly grateful for the grace they have received for assimilating the language in such a short space of time and pray that the grace cascades to the primis as well.
Scholastic Regan Sanga SJ
We, as a community continue to be grateful for the presence of our Brother, Regan Sanga SJ who has finished his philosophical studies at Arrupe, Harare this year. He is undergoing some sort of “internship” at the Novitiate, in “Project Management” to be able to put into practice at Gulu, Uganda soon. We appreciate his spirit of “leading by example” as well as lending a helping hand here and there, whenever needed. He has been a great inspiration to the Novices. We continue to pray for our brother Regan for the success of his mission.
Recollection Day
Br James Edema, SJ led the Novices in a day of Recollection on Thursday the 11th of July. The recollection focused on stewardship and our community life. Novices were asked to reflect on how they have been good stewards for the offices they have been assigned and the better utilization of the resources of the community. Referring to Matthew Ch. 25, 14 – 30, the Novices were reminded that unless one begins being faithful in small matters, it is far less chance of being faithful in bigger matters!
