On the occasion of the 174th Anniversary of the foundation of the Congregation of Claretian Missionaries, joyous celebrations were observed in different Claretian Major Organisms around the world. Ordination, diaconate ordination, perpetual professions, and renewal of religious vows marked this momentous occasion, bringing together Claretians and their communities, as well as friends and well-wishers.
Independent Delegation of Congo:
On July 16, 2023, a grand celebration took place at the parish of Saint Rita in Kinshasa (Rep. Dem. Congo), where the priestly ordination of four zealous Deacons took place. The newly ordained priests are Fathers Barthélémy MUNZALA, Gaston MOKONDI, Emmanuel NDOMBE, and Joseph MAWANGU, CMFF. The ceremony was a testament to their dedication and commitment to serving the people of God.
In addition to the ordinations, the congregation also commemorated the silver jubilee of religious life of Fathers Jean-Hubert KUWAYA, and Dosithée MABWASELE, CMFF, as well as the silver jubilee of priesthood of Fathers Crispin KUDIAKUSIKA, and Médard KWANGO, CMFF. Their years of service and devotion were acknowledged, and their contributions to the community were celebrated with heartfelt gratitude.
Province of Bangalore:
On July 15, 2023, the Province of Bangalore experienced great joy as five students were ordained into the Order of Diaconate during a solemn ceremony held at Claretian Seminary, Malleswaram (India). Most Rev. Peter Machado, the Archbishop of Bangalore, presided over the momentous occasion.
The newly ordained deacons were three students from the Province of Bangalore, one from the Delegation of Kolkata, and another from the congregation of Sons of the Divine Providence (FDP). The event was attended by a multitude of Claretian Fraternity, neighboring priests, religious members, as well as friends and relatives of the ordinandi.
Independent Delegation of Padre Xifré:
On July 16, 2023, at the parish of Mary Queen of Niefang (Equatorial Guinea), a touching ceremony took place as Brothers Anthony-Joseph Nzo NDONG ASUE, Juan-Etoho OSA AVOMO, and Romualdo-Dionisio ASUMU MOKUY made their Perpetual Profession. Their commitment to religious life was presented in the presence of the Very Fr. Felix Obaga EWORO BILOGO, CMF, Major Superior of the Delegation, and witnessed by the congregation and their well-wishers.
Province of Fr. Rhoel Gallardo:
On July 16, 2023, the Renewal of Religious Vows took place at the Martyrs of Barbastro Community in Tandang Sora and Entry of Postulants to the congregation took place at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Quezon City (Philippines). The ceremony was a time of recommitment and spiritual growth for the religious members who joyfully renewed their vows.
