The Holy See’ Secretary of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples has thanked the Brothers of Charity for their apostolate in various parts of the world, especially in Africa.
Archbishop Rugambwa made the remarks when he recently presided at the celebration of perpetual vows for three Brothers of Charity who belong to the Congregation’s region of Tanzania. The Brothers who made perpetual vows before the Superior General, Brother René Stockman, are Michel Kankole Kyondo, Gaspard Mwape Mofati (Democratic Republic of Congo), and Kelvin Lazarus Soko (Zambia).
A commitment to the world
The celebration took place at the Generalate of the Brothers of Charity, in Rome.
“It is a great joy for me to preside over this celebration in which you will make your religious profession of perpetual vows. To the Superior General, Brother René, I express my gratitude for inviting me. My cordial greetings to you all! I also thank you for your missionary commitment in various parts of the world, especially in Africa where you are present in 10 countries, including Tanzania, my country, and especially in the Diocese of Kigoma where we met and worked together,” said Archbishop Rugambwa who was Bishop of Kigoma Diocese between 2008 and 2012.
Mother Church welcomes you
Turning to the three Brothers, Archbishop Rugambwa reminded them of the uniqueness of the identity and mission of the call to Brotherhood. It symbolises unity and diversity, he said.
“Mother Church welcomes you and invokes upon you the Holy Spirit so that your “Yes forever” may make your life and your mission as consecrated persons, in the religious Institute of the Brothers of Charity, beautiful and joyful,” said Archbishop Rugambwa.
Charity manifests itself in works
The Archbishop reaffirmed that essentially the perpetual vows that the Brothers would make were an “embrace” of love for Christ and the people they would serve.
“Sanctify yourselves concretely through the constant exercise of charity, which is the charism and the heart of your Congregation. Your active charity will manifest itself in the various social works at the service of education, health care, childcare and integral human development. It will open you up to listening to and caring for the poor and those most in need,” said Archbishop Rugambwa.
A call to serve the marginalised
The Brothers of Charity are an international religious Congregation with a strong commitment to various social issues. From their foundation in 1807, the Brothers have always prioritised, among others, the education and caring apostolates.
They are inspired by the charism of charity which is a common thread running throughout the history of the Congregation. Their founder, Fr Peter Joseph Triest, presented the source of this charity in the motto that he gave to the Congregation: “God is love.”
The Brothers say they let God’s love shine, particularly in the lives of those who experience little love because of illness, disability, poverty or marginalisation.
The Congregation has communities and initiatives in 30 countries around the world. They are most strongly represented in Africa and Asia.
(Source: Paul Samasumo, Vatican News)