The chapel of the Emmanuel d’Alzon Community of Kinshasa served as the venue for the Eucharistic celebration commemorating the 130th anniversary of Fr. d’Alzon’s entrance into eternal life, November 21, 1880. Gathered for the celebration were Assumptionists, Oblates of the Assumption, and lay associates, all of whom joined together in prayer on this festive occasion. The Mass, on this feast of Christ the King, began at 4 PM.

Fr. Boniface, who is the one responsible for the Kinshasa delegation, presided the Eucharist surrounded by brother Assumptionists who work in the Kinshasa area. In his homily he encouraged everyone present to integrate the Assumptionist charism into his/her life taking Emmanuel d’Alzon as a model in the light of the Gospel, for to know and love Christ, he added, the Gospel is enough.

During the celebration, as is their custom, the Oblates of the Assumption renewed their vows before reeciving the Eucharist, the food which gives one the courage to remain faithful to thr vows in the joy of service given and received.

Toward the end of the celebration, the traditional message of the superior general, Fr. Richard Lamoureux, was read to an attentive audience (this message is also available on the USA website).

All were grateful for the content of this message, especially during this bicentennial anniversary of his birth.

After the celebration, all those in attendance gathered in the courtyard for a drink. During this time, postulants from the Assumptionists and the Oblates of the Assumption organized a number of games and skits. Later everyone joined in traditional dances to express their joy and gratitude for this opportunity to celebrate the life and charism of the founder, Venerable Emmanuel d’Alzon. Happy Anniversary!

Fr. François KAMBALE, A.A.
November 21, 2010