Dear Readers,
 
A few days ago we told you about the opening of a new center sponsored by the Assumptionists in Togo, called the D'Alzon Center (Espace D'Alzon), which aims at organizing meetings and discussions in three areas: current events and the media, Assumptionist spirituality, and Christian formation. Now we have the joy of announcing that for the first time in its history, the congregation has opened a novitiate in West Africa, also in Sokodé, Togo. It will train the first generation of young men attracted to the Assumptionists in this part of the world.

As the Provincial of France said at the inauguration of St. Augustine Novitiate, "This is a very significant moment in our history. We need to stop and give thanks to God!" On August 28, seven young Togolese began their novitiate under the protection of our patron, St. Augustine, and under the direction of Fr.  René Mihigo from the Congo.

The young men include: Jean-Claude, Roland, Lucas, Georges, Vivien, Yvon and Fabrice. They are "bicentennial" novices beginning their formation to Assumptionist religious life during this year when we commemorate the 200th anniversary of the birth of our founder, Emmanuel d'Alzon. They have been encouraged to walk in his footsteps in a special way during this year. The Assumptionist foundation in Togo began only 4 years ago and the "founders" who came from three different countries are heartened by the arrival of these young men but are fully aware of the enormous challenges that still await them all.

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