Camillian confreres from Tanzania, Uganda, and Kenya gathered in Tanzania for a joint retreat on the 26th of August 2024. The Tanzanian confreres warmly welcomed the eleven religious participants who attended the retreat from the three East African countries.

The retreat centred around the theme “Our Vocation,” emphasizing the spiritual depth and commitment required in the Camillian call to service. The retreat preacher urged all participants to embrace their vocation as both a sacrifice and a gift from God. He stressed that the religious calling is not about seeking greatness, but rather about dedicating oneself to serve others in humility and love.

Reflecting on our lives, the retreat preacher reminded us that we might feel unworthy of such a noble calling, especially considering the crosses we must bear. However, he emphasized, to truly love Christ, we must also love the cross, for Christ carried the cross for us. Our vocation calls us to care for others, much like how Adam was entrusted with the care of the Garden of Eden.

We are also called to nurture the vineyard of the Lord, following the example of Jesus, who revealed God’s love and compassion. Just as the prophets, such as Jeremiah, were called to serve, we too are invited to offer ourselves in service, not out of obligation, but with genuine willingness and devotion.

The retreat further highlighted that the sacrifice of religious life, including the priesthood, must be marked by a clean heart, poverty, and obedience. The participants were reminded that our vocation is meant to liberate us, even though it demands sacrifices such as leaving behind family and material wealth. The retreat concluded with a call to renew our commitment to religious life through the profound vows that shape our identity as Camillians.

In essence, this retreat was a time for deep reflection and renewal, inviting each brother to recommit to the ideals of service, sacrifice, and love that define our vocation.

Fr. Fredrick Mukabana MI

Regional secretary for formation in East Africa