The Assumptionist Center in Brighton was the site of a brief break from studies and papers when members of the community, residents and guests came together to carve pumpkins on Friday night. The 'experts' who had done it before assisted the 'first timers.' The evening was full of laughter, spooky music and the anticipation of roasted pumpkin seeds. Though this was a first time event at the center, by all accounts it seems to already been established a tradition!

Would you share a bit about your background: family, childhood, early education etc.?

My name is Pacifique Kambale Tsongo. I was born in Oicha, Democratic Republic of Congo, February 7^th 1990. My parents are Joseph Kambale (father) and Astrid Kyakimwa (mother). I have one younger sister, Louange Kahindo.

In my family, I learned to take care of my sister, to clean the house, do the dishes and look after the guinea pigs. On holidays we traveled to relax and visit other family members. I also learned to pray and participate with some Catholic groups: for example, Mass servers and aspirants in religious life. When I started school, my mother was courageous in teaching me how to read children’s books. I was good at reading, but I didn’t like the exercise because I preferred to play with friends.

I spent my first seventeen years with my family. During that period, I received my early education in our village called Mabuku. After primary school, I studied pedagogy in secondary school. Then I left my family to work as a teacher. I taught in a primary school called Mudoole. Even though I didn’t earn enough money and the distance was so far, I really enjoyed the experience.

I’m sincerely grateful to my family, especially to my mother Astrid, who worked so hard for us. Her daily efforts were – and still are – for me an incarnation of love, heroism and sanctity.

PICTURES : JAMES T. ROJAS, KALOOB, H&I

90% of maize crops destroyed

Recently, Super Typhoon Mangkhut, known as Super Typhoon Ompong in the Philippines, has hit northern Luzon. Fortunately, the Assumptionist community was not fatally harmed. All the religious, their families and partners are safe. In Piat, the houses built four years ago (after typhoon Hayan) and also the water tank withstood extreme winds (250 km/h - 155 m/h). But the provinces of Kalinga and Ifugao in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) endured severe devastation, due to lanslides. At least 95 persons died and many are declared missing. The crops, roads and irrigation systems have been seriously damaged, putting farmer families in dire situations.

With Bishop Mark Seitz!
Fr. John and I were very impressed with his simplicity and generosity!
He has done wonderful work at the diocese of El Paso!

This past week, Fr. John and I had an opportunity to visit El Paso, Texas and Juarez, Mexico! We were able to meet with Bishop Mark Seitz, Fr. Arturo and Fr. Franck from St. Mark, Dylan from Hope Border Institute, the people who work closely with the immigrants and asylum seekers and the Religious of the Assumption in Chaparral, New Mexico! We were also able to visit Nazareth House, where some of the Asylum seekers are brought before they are sent to their relatives to process their Asylum papers.

This experience is truly inspiring and enlightening! I’m truly inspired and moved by the generosity and dedication of the people who work closely with the immigrants and Asylum seekers. I also have a better sense now of the process that the immigrants and Asylum seekers have to go through before and after they enter the USA. This experience has given me the opportunity to be aware of their struggles and the challenges! The needs in El Paso are clearly overwhelming! I have been truly grateful for this wonderful experience.

St. Anne & St. Patrick Parish in Sturbridge was the site of the recent celebration in remembrance of three of our Lay Assumptionist members who have died in the last two years: Fr. Claude Grenache, A.A., Mary Ann St. Clair and Philip Delongchamp. The day began with a Mass with Fr. Alex Castro, A.A., pastor, as celebrant and homilist. It was fitting that the day was also the feast of Sts. Michael, Gabriel and Raphael as God's protector, messenger and guide. The liturgy was followed by a simple lunch during which everyone shared their memories and joyful gratitude for the friendship of these three dear members of the Assumption family. May they rest in peace!

Presenter will be Prof. Riccardo Rialti from the University of Florence, who has been working with Assumption College MBA Program in Italy for the last three years.