On Wednesday 31 December 2025, the Hall of Mgr. Christophe Munzihirwa of CARF vibrated a particular atmosphere made of a mixture of recollection and joy. The Centre Arrupe pour la Recherche et la Formation (CARF) gathered for their traditional greetings exchange ceremony, under the theme « Together for a year of peace and positive impact for CARF ». Moderated with dynamism by Mrs. Tesya Mizumi, this morning was a real strong time of brotherhood, inspired by the spiritual and missionary identity of the Society of Jesus.
A Spiritual and Inspiring Moment
The ceremony began with an opening prayer and meditation led by Father Toussaint Kafarhire Murhula, S.J., Director General. Based on the word of the Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John (1:1-18), he invited the assembly to meditate on hope. In his opening remarks, Father Toussaint expressed his deep gratitude to each staff member for the work accomplished throughout 2025, a year marked by many challenges and projects carried out. He recalled that the mission of the Church, and by extension that of CARF, is to be a « witness of hope » in a world in search of landmarks.
This perspective was enriched by an inspiring reading and exhortation by Father Martin Bahati, S.J., Director of Programs. Recognising that « work anobligates man » and quoting Saint Paul (« If someone doesn't want to work, don't eat either. »He linked the dignity of work to the specific mission of CARF. His intervention was a vibrant call to cultivate the love of well-made work, as an offering and service at the heart of our common commitment.
A poignant tribute to the absent
One of the strongest and solemn moments of the morning was the tribute and memory ceremony. In a symbolic and emotional gesture, each participant lit a candle. In turn, the agents quoted aloud the names of the persons who preceded them in the Hereafter, as well as those of the countless victims of the conflicts that are tearing the world apart, with particular thought for the people of the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This collective ritual, closed by a prayer gathered from Father Michael Bushiri, S.J., materialized the chain of solidarity and compassion that unites the CARF community beyond space and time. The candles, placed together on a device prepared for the occasion, formed a common light, which constitutes a symbol of persistent memory and tenacious hope.
Gratitude, testimonials and celebration of team life
After this time of recollection, the atmosphere was made lighter but not less profound. Ms. Tesya Mizumi expressed her collective thanks to management and colleagues, highlighting the family spirit of the institution. Then, everyone took the floor to share a personal testimony about a milestone in 2025. Rires, touching anecdotes and shared pride punctuated these exchanges, drawing the portrait of a year rich in common efforts, learning and small daily victories. A screening of photos and videos of CARF activities illustrated these stories, reviving the intensity and diversity of the team's action in images.
The conviviality then took over with a toast worn in unison, officially opening the dance floor. A fraternal meal allowed the exchanges to be extended, before the much anticipated moment of exchange of vows and gifts. In a joyful effervescence, each agent drew a colleague by lot to hand over a carefully prepared present, accompanied by handwritten vows and warm reading aloud.
Blessings for the New Year
At the end of this morning, full of emotions, Father Director General offered every staff member a 2026 agenda, accompanied by a surprise envelope. This gesture was appreciated and warmly applauded. The ceremony ended as it had begun: Father Toussaint pronounced a blessing for the new year, invoking peace, health and success for everyone and for the mission of CARF.
It was almost 2:30 p.m. when the last notes of music turned off, leaving room for quietness of premises. Everyone left with his gift, his agenda, and above all, with the heart filled with this shared certainty: that of being part of a team that was united, carrying a mission greater than it was, and resolutely turned, with hope and determination, towards the challenges of the year 2026.
Elie E. BOKELE,
Executive Assistant
