The Redemptorist Family in Kenya gathered in joyful thanksgiving on 27th of June 2026, the Feast of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, to celebrate the Silver Jubilee of Religious Profession of Fr. Noël Sottima Koutré, C.Ss.R., the Coordinator of the Conference of Redemptorists of Africa and Madagascar (COREAM).
The celebration took place at the St. Alphonsus Community in Karen, Nairobi, bringing together Redemptorist confreres, members of various religious congregations, the French-speaking Catholic community, and the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Lay Collaborators, all united in gratitude to God for Fr. Noël’s twenty-five years of faithful religious life and missionary service.
The day’s celebration began with a solemn Eucharistic celebration presided over by Fr. Noël Sottima, C.Ss.R. The Mass was concelebrated by several Redemptorist priests, led by the Mission Superior of the Redemptorists in Kenya, Fr. Titus Mutiku, C.Ss.R., who also delivered the homily.
Reflecting on the Gospel and the significance of the Feast of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Fr. Titus described Fr. Noël as a humble, prayerful, and reflective missionary whose life continues to bear witness to generous service within the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer. He commended Fr. Noël for his unwavering fidelity to his religious vocation and his dedicated leadership as COREAM Coordinator, encouraging him to continue serving the Church and the Congregation with the same missionary zeal and openness to God’s will.
The celebration was made even more meaningful as it coincided with the Feast of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, the beloved patroness of the Redemptorists. Those present entrusted Fr. Noël’s life and ministry to the maternal protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary, praying that she may continue to guide and strengthen him in his missionary vocation.
A major highlight of the occasion was the official launch of Fr. Noël’s latest publication entitled Méditations Dominicales – Années A, B et C. Written in French, the book is a comprehensive collection of Sunday reflections for the liturgical Years A, B, and C, intended to accompany the faithful in their weekly meditation on the Word of God.
The publication reflects Fr. Noël’s pastoral concern for deepening the spiritual lives of Christians by providing accessible reflections that help readers understand the Sunday Scriptures and integrate the Gospel into their daily lives. The book is expected to become a valuable spiritual resource, particularly for French-speaking faithful, clergy, religious and lay leaders seeking to enrich their preparation for Sunday Eucharistic celebrations.
Speaking during the launch, Fr. Noël expressed his gratitude to God for His unwavering faithfulness and for the gift of his vocation. He also thanked the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer for accompanying him throughout his religious journey, with special appreciation to the Kenyan Mission, where he is currently serving through the COREAM Office. He further acknowledged all those who have supported and encouraged him in his missionary ministry over the years.
As the Redemptorists in Kenya rejoice with Fr. Noël, they continue to give thanks for his twenty-five years of faithful religious profession and pray that the Lord, through the loving intercession of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, may continue to bless him with good health, wisdom, and abundant missionary zeal as he serves the Church and the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer.
Br. George Sifuna
