The serene grounds of the Redemptorist Novitiate House in Merrivale, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, were filled with joy and prayerful reflection on October 16, 2025, as the confreres of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (Redemptorists) celebrated the Investiture of eight novices.
The ceremony took place on the Feast of St. Gerard Majella, a day deeply significant in the Redemptorist tradition, symbolizing humility, service, and total dedication to Christ the Redeemer.
This novitiate house serves as a Common Formation Center for Redemptorist candidates from Kenya, Mozambique, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. The investiture marked an important milestone in the lives of eight young men from Kenya, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe, who have now formally entered the novitiate stage of Redemptorist formation, a period of deep prayer, discernment, and spiritual growth.
The celebration was graced by the presence of Fr. Noël Sottima, C.Ss.R., the COREAM Coordinator (Conference of the Redemptorists of Africa and Madagascar), and Fr. Francis Kunaka, C.Ss.R., Vicar of the Region of Zimbabwe. Their presence underscored the spirit of unity, fraternity, and collaboration that binds the Redemptorist family across the African continent.
In his homily, Fr. Francis Kunaka encouraged the novices to embrace their new identity as Redemptorists with humility and missionary zeal. He reminded them that the habit they received is not merely a garment, but a visible sign of their commitment to live according to the charism of St. Alphonsus Liguori, to bring the Good News to the poor and most abandoned.
Special gratitude was extended to Fr. Kuda, C.Ss.R., the Novice Master, and Fr. Charles, C.Ss.R., the Socius, for their tireless guidance, patience, and dedication in accompanying the novices on this formative journey. Their leadership continues to inspire the novices to grow in prayer, community life, and apostolic spirit.
The celebration concluded with heartfelt thanks to all who have supported the novices through their prayers, encouragement, and generosity. Their faith and kindness have played a vital role in helping these young men take this significant step in their vocational journey within the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer.
As the newly invested novices continue their sacred year of deeper formation, the Redemptorist family across the region rejoices and prays that they may be strengthened in faith, perseverance, and love for Christ the Redeemer.
May St. Gerard Majella, the humble Redemptorist brother, intercede for them as they continue to follow the path of holiness and service.
Novice Sixtus Mutuku,
Novitiate of Merrivale
