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There are lots of new faces that have arrived at the Crosier house in Kinshasa over the past few years. Father Bob Rossi, the former superior, has been in Brazil now for about two and a half years. He was sent there by the Master General of the Crosier Order, the Very Reverend Glen Lewandowski, o.s.c., to become the provincial administrator of that province, until the province could care more normally for itself. Father Kambale Kagheni Sylvestre,o.s.c., is the new superior and director of formation. He also teaches some theology at the Institut Mazenod where the brothers go for their studies. Brother Kambale Kibwana Germain, o.s.c., is the business manager of the house and the center for children which the Crosiers direct. Father Kambale Sivahavwa Jean-Baptiste, o.s.c., is in his second year of studies in moral theology at the Catholic Faculties.
Brother Kambere Ombeni Augustin, o.s.c., made his perpetual vows as a Crosier on September 14, 2006 at Mulo in North Kivu. Now he has returned to Kinshasa for his final year of theology. Brother Kambale Musondolya Manzekele Erasme, o.s.c., is in his third year of theology along with Brother Muhindo Mwenge George, o.s.c. Brother Kakule Syavuyirira Maelezo Joachim, o.s.c., has returned to Mulo for an apostolic year. He is teaching in the high schools of Mulo and working in the boys' boarding school. Brother Maboko Dieudonné, o.s.c., is in the middle of his second year of theology.
New in the house and in their first year of theology this year are Brothers Rafiki, Jules, Emmanuel, Gerard, Jean-Marie and Arnaud. They finished their philosophy studies this past July at Holy Cross College in Mulo, North Kivu.
Very interestingly for the community, three members of the Independant Committe for the Election of the President have loged in the house for several years now. The biggest part of their work has now been accomplished with the successful election of a president. This committee, which is made up in effect of about a 1000 members, has done wonderful and outstanding work. Many of the members have been teachers in universities and they have given of their wisdom for the betterment of their countrymen.
The Center for Street Kids, Bolingani, continues with 12 children between the ages of 7 and 18. Mama Sylvie directs the center and is assisted by a cook and a night watchman. The night watchman is a teacher during the day and in the evenings he can help the children with their homework. They go to different schools in the city. The group is very diverse but nonetheless they have formed a certain brotherhood and watch out of each other, especially when one is in difficulty. There are thousands of street kids in Kinshasa; thankfully, the Crosiers are able to care for at least a few. The community has purchased an adjacent property that had only the ruin of a former house on it. There are plans to build a house for visitors along with a multi-purpose room that could be rented out for weddings and parties. This welcome center could then become a source of some income for the house. It is hoped to have a cyber-cafe and a bookstore as part of the complex. |