Monday, June1, 2026
Dear Brothers and Sisters ;
You’re probably waiting to hear about the first day of the CGP. It was in fact on Thursday May 28 that our young community in Iasi in Romanian Moldavia began welcoming members of the CGP, which opened its doors on Monday.
This precious time was preceded by two days of fraternal exchanges between the Curia and the recently appointed Provincials, focusing on the main dimensions of their mission within our Congregation. These were Fathers Benard Odhiambo Yala (East Africa), Bolívar Paluku Lukenzano (Andean Province) and Nicolas Potteau (Europe). It was a precious moment to remind ourselves of the demands of the Congregation’s service to the whole body by the Major Superiors.
The members of the PGC were delighted to welcome Fr. Nicolas Potteau, the new Provincial of Europe, who presided at the Eucharist. The work itself consisted of a review of the current state of the Congregation, with reports from the Superior General, Secretary and Procurator General, and news from a number of Provinces. This important exercise enabled PGC members to enquire about the reasons for thanksgiving for the beauty of fraternal life and the fruits of our various apostolic commitments. We are also pleased to note that throughout our provinces, the Lord continues to provide us with vocations. Proof of this is that all our novitiates are now up and running, and a good number of brothers have been admitted to perpetual profession or called to Holy Orders. The opening of new communities is another sign of the Institute’s vitality. On this same occasion, the PGC is also aware of our weaknesses, so as to recommend the necessary improvements to help our vocation and mission flourish.
The various reports and news we have heard reveal a generally satisfactory picture. There is good collaboration between the general government and the provincial levels. Religious in the various Provinces are truly committed to giving their evangelical witness of fraternal life and fruitful apostolic zeal, despite the small imperfections linked to our human side.
It was on this note that the first day of the PGC drew to a close. Work continues tomorrow with the rest of the news from the Provinces and other issues relating to the life of the Vicariates and certain missions necessary to the life of the Congregation.
Fr. Thierry KAHONGYA
