The Ignatian Spirituality On Prayer Life As A Means For Growth Among The Bene Mariya Sisters In Burundi
Date
2020
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Publisher
Tangaza University College
Abstract
The Congregation of the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary called locally (Bene Mariya) was founded in Burundi in 1958 by His Lordship Joseph Martin, first Bishop of Ngozi Diocese, and northern Burundi.This local name “Bene Mariya” (in plural) and “MweneMariya”(in singular)means “daughter(s) of Mary” since the Kirundi word “ Mwene” stand for someone’s child (MweneYozefu = Joseph’s son or Joseph’s daughter).
The first sisters made their profession on 22/8/1958. The Congregation’s charism is summarized in the following: "Helping families to live according to a Christian spirit".Moreover, the sisters shape their lives after the pattern of the Holy Family of Nazareth.
From the beginning of the congregation; the sisters are formed in the way that they have to do everything for the sake of God’s glory. In 2018, the congregation had more than 300 members. They are in different countries as Burundi, Tanzania, Italy, Chad and Niger.
There reasons that pushed Lordship Bishop Martin to found the congregation of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Among them there is the existence of many Christian families in Ngozi in the 1950s and the lack of priests and religious to deepen the faith of those families. Also, at that time, families needed support because even though they were Christians, there were some which practiced polygamy and others paganisms.
Seeing the vital importance of the families in a society and a Church that evolve rapidly, He founded the Bene Mariya Sisters. From the beginning, he asked them to put all their energies towards the sanctification of families .
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Keywords
Ignatian Spirituality, Prayer Life, Growth, Bene Mariya Sisters