On Saturday, 16 August 2025, at 9 a.m., the Don Rinaldi Novitiate in Gbodjomé was the setting for a major event for the Salesian Family. Sixteen novices, eight from AOS Province and eight from AON Province made their first religious profession. This solemn act marks the culmination of a year of intense Salesian formation at the novitiate and opens a new chapter in their vocational journey.
The Eucharistic celebration brought together a large crowd of faithful, several religious congregations, as well as more than 50 Salesian and other members of the Salesian family who had come for the occasion. The Mass was presided over by Rev. Fr. Denis SORO, Provincial of AOS, in the presence of Rev. Fr. Jésus Benoît BADJI, Provincial of AON. Ecclesial unity and communion were palpable throughout the celebration. This Mass also had a special significance: it marked the culmination of the celebration of the 30th anniversary of the Don Rinaldi Novitiate in Gbodjomé. For the community, this double grace – the religious profession of 16 new confreres and the commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the novitiate – was a source of great joy and profound thanksgiving.
During his homily, Fr Denis invited the newly professed to live their gift of self to God fully in simplicity, fidelity and joy, following the example of Don Bosco and so many confreres who preceded them. He also urged the faithful present to support the young religious with their prayers and fraternal closeness.
During the celebration, the Provincial welcomed the new novice master (Fr Joseph Nabo) and warmly thanked the outgoing novice master, Fr Fabrice Aziawo, who has been called to another mission in Yaoundé (Cameroon).
After Mass, the festive and fraternal atmosphere continued in the new “Père César” festival hall, which was inaugurated and blessed by the two provincials. The community, families and friends of the newly professed shared a moment of conviviality together, marked by songs, dances and expressions of joy.
This day will remain engraved in the memory of the Don Rinaldi novitiate and the entire Salesian Family as a sign of hope and vitality for Don Bosco’s mission in Africa.
Religious profession at the Don Rinaldi novitiate in Gbodjomé