Respect for elders is a core value in the African culture, because an older person is considered wiser and more experienced. They are custodians of wisdom, traditions and experience. They are pillars of strength, encouragement and stability.
We had a great joy, as a community when we were visited by the elderly priests from Longuo Centre. It was a time of learning and rediscovering that the response and answer to the call of God is always new. Their sharing of their lives as priests, relationships, and encounter with the Religious of the Assumption from the very beginning of our foundation at Mandaka in 1959, was very impressive. They were very appreciative with the support they received from the Sisters as seminarians where one of the sisters taught or as young priests. Each had a unique story to share. They showed and witnessed that great desire to be reconnected and means to create it.
We were struck by their joy and fulfillment in their vocation even with the challenges of their old age and health. They were attentive to each other, showed and lived their community life, living together happily and assisting each other. They felt very much at home with us and we felt recollected and a profound sense of connection. It was a family reunion!!!
One of the priests, Monsignor Filbert Aikambe was a classmate of Sr. Costa in primary school. It was a great moment of sharing past stories, old brought to the now. They expressed their desire to visit the nearby Assumption communities and apostolates because they were aware of our competence and kind of education given by the Assumption. Culture of caring was very natural and spontaneous to them; they knew what each one of them needed from medicine to having a short rest.
After the awesome morning encounter, we celebrated the Eucharist in our chapel. Age and health challenges does not stop them from celebrating the Eucharist. It is still the source and summit of their Christian and priestly life as it is a celebration of praise and thanksgiving to God. They witness inner strength and show no regrets for choosing the priestly life because they never retire from priesthood, they maintain their identity. They are more grateful and content in their priesthood.
In June 2025, Fr. Lui celebrated his Diamond Jubilee, 75th Year of his priesthood and 105 birthday. All glory and praise to God for this remarkable witness of his blessings. With Fr. Lui we thank God for his faithfulness in his priestly vocation. All seems to be echoing, “Greater age, and greater joy”.
We learnt that age is not a barrier to joy and the ability to love. Their stories of overcoming challenges imparted in us the lesson of courage determination and patience. To appreciate every moment that we have and spend time on important matters, because every moment truly counts. To nurture connections with loved ones because it makes us be more aware and reminds us to prioritize people over things.
Make every effort to connect with the older generation.