The pastoral agents of the parish of Notre-Dame de Marza, in N’Gaoundéré -CAMEROON- organize each new year a moment of fraternity in one of the religious communities and… they decide to live this time of joy within our novitiate community. Thus on January 10, 2026, we greeted them warmly, the heart filled with joy!
All the different religious communities were present: the Daughters of the Holy Spirit, the Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Little Sisters of the Immaculate Conception, the Daughters of Our Lady of Mercy, two diocesan priests and a consecrated lay person. This meeting delighted us and still marks us deeply through moments of conviviality lived together during the day.
Begun in our chapel with a simple and nourishing Eucharistic celebration, the Mass was presided over by Father André Pakeu, rector of propaedeutics, and his concelebrant Father Pierre, parish priest. The liturgy was animated by the first-year novices of different congregations: they enriched our celebration with many and various songs in Tupouri, Fufulde, Malagasy and Moore languages etc… beautiful internationality and inculturation of the gospel! The celebrant Father nourished us with his homily inviting us, on this virgin page of the year, to be gentle, humble and bold women and men like John the Baptist, capable of making room for God. He also invited us to always be witnesses of Hope among our brothers and sisters and in our mission places. Moreover, the priest addressed a word of thanks to us appreciating each one for their dedication in the parish and their love for the mission. It also officially welcomed the new people engaged in parish services, including our sister Bertine BAYANG! He wished all his dearest wishes for the year 2026. After that, we received the final blessing that closed this moment of spiritual healing.
Then there were the festivities in other forms including that of beautiful fraternity which always strengthens our bonds and opens us to others. To this end, each community had planned a very delicious dish for sharing, which allowed us to have many international dishes such as boule, Tchoukourisé chicken (from the Far North), Brazilian pasta and Malagasy rice … Added were 3 large cakes and the different drinks where everyone could find their taste. That day, joy reigned there, the atmosphere was perfect!
Finally, we were again amazed by the triumphal entrance of the cakes that also marks our union in a particular way. The novices, full of life, entered the reception hall with these cakes transformed into ONE, reflecting the value of our fraternity as disciples of Christ. And we again performed dance steps from different cultures and countries. Day of fraternity, joy overwhelming!
May the Lord continue to strengthen us in our mission and fraternity. May his Spirit enlighten all young people in their discernment of following Christ.
Once again, have a good and happy year 2026 to everyone and thank you!
