By Matthew Chua*

I arrived in Mexico City two weeks ago not knowing what to expect, and two weeks later, each day is still overflowing with surprises.  My first few days in Casa Manuel were an interesting mix of handling the language barrier, receiving welcoming gestures yet with the still unfamiliar awkwardness, and with not knowing what will happen next for each part of the day up to dinner time each day.

Fr. Vincent Machozi, A.A. is an Assumptionist from the D.R.Congo (Central Africa) who is studying at Boston University's School of Theology since September 2006. In May 2011, he received a  Certificate in Religion and Conflict Transformation from the Boston Theological Institute (BTI) after fulfilling the academic requirements of the Religion and Conflict Transformation Program. Students from all over the world preparing to become peacemakers in their respective countries, churches, congregations, NGO’s, register every year in this program. Fr Vincent, who intends to be an educator and a peacemaker upon his return in the D.R.Congo, registered in this program during 2010-2011 with other students from the following countries: USA (8), Jamaica (1), Tanzania (1), Ivory Coast(1), Ghana(1), Belgium (1), South-Korea(2), Serbia (1), Zimbabwe (1), and Puerto Rico (1).

In the words of Saint Marie Eugenie of Jesus, Foundress of the Religious of the Assumption and patron saint of AMA, “God has fashioned us in a unique way… He wants us to take a certain place in his plan.”  Last August, a group of 11 young AMA’s  were sent out from Assumption College to better understand their certain place.  As the end of the volunteer service year approaches, I reflect on the lessons that this year’s AMA’s have learned and what they can teach us by their very being.

Enthusiasm is at the top of the list of characteristics that I have seen shine through in this group. Their zeal for embracing Jesus in the form of those that they serve is no less than inspiring.  Their enthusiasm allows them to be disappointed, homesick, confused by culture and language, and unsure about their impact on communities which have become home, and bounce back, ready to continue on.  I strive for this type of attitude in my own life and thank them for passing on the example to me and all those touched by their service.

This past Thursday, June 16, 2011, Fr. Benoît Grière, Superior General of the Augustinians of the Assumption, appointed Fr. José Miguel Diaz Ayllón  Provincial of North America.

Fr. Miguel Diaz accepted the mission entrusted to him and will take office on July 1, 2011.