DR Congo: Installation of the new Provincial Administration

After six years of loyal service as Provincial Superior, Father Albert Lingwengwe has handed over the torch to Father Michel Mandey, who is now the eleventh Provincial Superior since 1964, the year of the canonical erection of the Congo as an SCJ Province. Appointed on July 10^th, Father Michel Mandey and his Council were installed during the Eucharistic adoration and solemn vespers in the chapel of the Monseigneur Grison Centre. The ceremony was preceded by the transition work sessions organized between the two administrations from 26 to 27 September.

Thanksgiving by the outgoing Superior

Several confreres from our communities in Kisangani and elsewhere graced the ceremony with their presence. It was an opportunity for Father Albert Lingwengwe, the outgoing Provincial Superior, to thank each of the members of the Province for the support and consideration he has received over the past six years. “If it hadn’t been for the support of the confreres,” he admitted, “we wouldn’t be here today.” In times of both joy and hardship he found collaborators who helped him to steer the life of the Province in the right direction. In this way, he entrusted himself to Divine Providence and to the prayer intentions for the rest of his life.

Looking at Christ crucified and victorious

Continuing with a tradition that is now six years old, the new Provincial Superior also paid a vibrant tribute to the superiors who preceded him. In fact, it is through them that the Lord himself guides his boat. Having reached this point, Father Michel Mandey said it was time to look to the future with hope and optimism. In his speech, he commented on the hymn from the Lauds of Monday I: “A new day begins”.

For him, it’s a new page opening in the annals of our Province. A page that begins with wonder. Father Michel invited all the members of the Province to marvel at the goodness of God. This wonder naturally gives a taste for life and spurs us into action. This is the exercise to which he has invited each and every one of us as a provincial experience.

It’s all about looking at Christ crucified and victorious, which shall be the tone for the beginning of this 3-year term. With their eyes fixed on Jesus Christ, all the Dehonians of the Congolese Province must embark on a journey of unity. And here, the recommendations of the last General and Provincial Chapters constitute an effective vademecum.

Indeed, the new Administration will have enormous challenges ahead. Everyone knows it! But they will be able to count on the strength of the Provincial Sint Unum. It is by joining hands that the Province will be able to continue in good direction. The Administration will be able to count on the goodwill of members and on many opportunities, the greatest of which is the growing number of confreres, most of whom are young. A new day is beginning, a day in which we look back with gratitude and forward with confidence and courage. We wish the new Provincial Administration a fruitful term of office.