Following the temporary withdrawal of the Religious of the Assumption from Guinea Conakry, here is the Lord’s sign, manifested through the perpetual vows of the first Assumption Sister from this country. A true thanksgiving at the heart of the Jubilee Year of the Universal Church, marked by hope. Sister Yvette MONEMOU shares her experience.
“My grace is sufficient for you” (2 Cor 12:9).
This word received in prayer was the guiding thread of my thanksgiving Mass, celebrated during this jubilee year of Consecrated Life. A circumstance that gave the event the depth of a double thanksgiving: my definitive consecration and the joy of a Church in celebration.
Being the first religious woman from my village and the first Assumption Sister from Guinea is not for me a title of honour, but a mission: to open a path so that other young women may respond to God’s call. As Saint Marie Eugenie said: “Everything that grows in silence and humility bears within itself the mark of God.”
The celebration gathered an exceptional crowd: many Assumption Sisters from across the Province of West Africa, priests, committed lay people, faithful from the Diocese of N’Zérékoré, and my large Monèmou family.
I felt deeply honoured by this mobilisation; I felt uplifted, moved to tears. Only one word rose within me: “It is the Lord!”
On this occasion, a strong cultural symbol was offered: a gift from my grandmother.
During the thanksgiving hymn, I received a gesture that touched me profoundly: a traditional outfit adorned with beads around the neck and the hip, a garment reserved for newly married women. This cloth symbolises fecundity, and the beads represent patience and forgiveness marked by unconditional love.
My grandmother told me:
“You must forgive as many times as there are beads before saying you have had enough. Patience and forgiveness will give you a joyful heart.”
That day, I understood how deeply the wisdom of my culture is in harmony with the Gospel: faithful love, forgiveness without counting, joyful detachment, and perseverance in mission.
A message to young people: fidelity always elevates.
At the beginning of my vocational journey, only my father and mother supported me. After their passing, my family opposed my decision, even threatening a break if I entered the convent.
They saw me destined for a brilliant future after earning my baccalaureate with distinction and a scholarship, especially since my elder brother was already a diocesan priest.
But today, seeing their joy, pride, and radiant presence, I understood a truth: fidelity to God never humiliates; it raises up. Whoever perseveres witnesses the glory of God.
This is the message I wish to offer to young people: trust, go forward; God does the rest.
A luminous celebration filled with grace.
In this immense and prayerful assembly, my motto resounded with strength: “My grace is sufficient for you.”
A word that remains for me a true life project, a path of love, forgiveness, and fidelity.
In this jubilee year, I continue as a pilgrim of hope, grateful to God, to my sisters, to my biological family, and to all who walk with me. Praised be Jesus Christ forever!
Sister Yvette MONEMOU, R.A West Africa.