Provincial Retreat 2013 and Renewal of Vows

Fourteen people attended the Retreat. Confreres and Comboni Sisters from various missions in South Sudan (one even from Nairobi) were able to come together before the arrival of the rainy season. This factor is important, as for many the rainy season means to be cut off from communications and inability to attempt long journeys, due to bad roads.

Father Guido Oliana, mccj, preached the Retreat and the participants were much grateful for this, also because he had to divide himself between the preaching and the already scheduled commitments in the Major Seminary. The chosen theme was: “God’s Love in Us. Source of Our Missionary Vitality”. Through the methods of Lectio Divina, as journey towards human, spiritual and missionary wholeness, Fr. Guido presented different biblical icons, developing a spiritual reading of the text and actualizing it to the situation we are called to live in the day-to-day endeavours.

The Comboni community in Juba has been very tactful in helping those taking part in the Retreat to maintain a silent and prayerful atmosphere. This is another element that needs to be acknowledged, since in Juba there are no possibilities for Retreat and the facility of the Provincial House may at times be limited. Even a timetable distinct from that of the community was prepared.

The Retreat ended on Saturday 13^th April with a solemn Mass, open to the Christian community. It was an occasion to gather around the four Comboni missionaries for the renewal of their consecration to the Mission. Three Scholastics and one Brother renewed their vows in the presence of the Provincial Superior, those taking part in the Retreat and the two communities of MCCJ and CMS in Juba. Sc. Yacob Solomon Shole (in the picture above on his knees), from Ethiopia and already working in Leer Community, made his perpetual profession, while Sc. Ketema Dagne Tadesse (from Ethiopia), Gilingere Limingere Lwanga (a South Sudanese belonging to the Khartoum Province) and Bro. Paolo Rizzetto (from Italy) renewed their temporary vows.

Yacob has been working in South Sudan Province since the end of his Scholasticate in Nairobi, and will be ordained deacon on May in the same community of Leer (Nuerland). He will be ordained a priest in December. He has been appointed to the Province of South Sudan.

Ketema is doing his missionary service in Old Fangak, Nuerland. Lwanga is currently assigned for mission service in Yirol, Diocese of Rumbek. Brother Paolo is a member of the Province and is currently working in Wau, together with “Solidarity with South Sudan”, in the Catholic Health Training Institute, for the formation of nurses and midwives.
Bro. Paolo Rizzetto

 
Sc. Ketema Dagne Tadesse (from Ethiopia).