Yaoundé, Cameroon. Seven Claretian Missionaries have just made their perpetual vows in the Congregation during a Eucharist on September 2, 2022, in the parish of Saint Charles Lwanga of Nkolbisson in Yaoundé. It was a colorful ceremony that saw strong participation of Christians from all regions of the country.
“I vow to God forever!” a powerful sentence that resounded seven times in a packed church during a Eucharist presided over by the Major Superior of Cameroun Independent Delegation, Fr. Jude Thaddeus Langeh, CMF, with the participation of confreres who travelled from their place of apostolate to take part in the congregational communion, bringing their fraternal support to Bertin, Ulrich, Joel, Melvin, Casimir, Cedric, (Students of Cameroun Independent Delegation) and Jean Marc Yao of the Province of Polska.
In his homily, Fr. Jude used the Gospel reading to remind the elected members of the missionary requirements that underlie their commitment, which remains a sacrifice because following Christ requires “self-denial and the carrying of the cross.” “By following Christ as Claret did through obedience, chastity, and poverty,” he continued, “you are choosing to receive from God the grace that is costly.”
In their words of thanks, the newly perpetually professed expressed their joy for the grace received from God and promised to practice these words of advice and remain faithful to the mission of the Congregation.
Biological families and members of other congregations, friends of the Claretians, were present for a ceremony that lasted nearly four hours before the opening of the buffet provided for the occasion.