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.

As a way of honoring the Founder of the Augustinians of the Assumption, Fr. Emmanuel d’Alzon and concluding the bicentennial of his birth, Fr. Claude Grenache, A.A. led this month’s “Conversations At The Center” in Brighton, MA for the residents and guests. Developing the theme of “The Life and Charism of Venerable Emmanuel d’Alzon,” Fr. Claude began by situating the life of Fr. d’Alzon in its historical context of mid 19^th century France. This dramatically illustrated Fr. d’Alzon’s familial roots, the chaos of France’s post Revolution turmoil, as well as the challenges facing the Church at that time.

A Nobleman by birth, Fr. d’Alzon’s passionate love of Christ, His Mother and the Church led him to priesthood, serving as Vicar General of his diocese in Nimes for all of his life and as founder of the Augustinians of the Assumption.

Some exciting efforts are happening in our Region/Province with regard to fundraising and development! With the support and encouragement of our Provincial Council to pursue internal collaboration between regions in fundraising and development for the purpose of the future growth of our mission, it had become evident that we needed to begin by sharing one another’s wisdom and experience.

Back in June of this year, Mr. Tomasz Kierul, Director of Development for the U.S. Region had a chance to talk to Fr. Miguel, Regional Superior in Mexico. Initially the question was raised as to how we here in the U.S. could help Mexico and what we can do together moving forward. Immediately, our Mass Association was a focus, so Fr. Miguel translated our website into Spanish (www.MassCardsAA.com).

I have been asked to write something about my impressions as one newly arrived in the US Region. Impressions may not be accurate perceptions; they are just impressions.

I am Mulumba KAMBALE MATSONGANI, an Assumptionist priest, from the Democratic Republic of Congo. I joined the Assumptions in 1994. Two years later (1996), I made my first religious profession. Then, I did philosophical studies in Butembo/DRC, pastoral experience in Arusha/Tanzania and theological studies in Nairobi/Kenya. After my theological studies in 2004, I was assigned in DRC to work in the Administration and Finance office of our College and in Vocation ministry.  Since September 2008, I have been master of postulants until recently when I was appointed to Emmanuel House in the USA for business studies at Assumption College, Worcester, MA.