Some Primary School Students from the Jean de la Mennais School Complex in Thian in Parakou
Saturday, January 18th, 2025, a Date that marked the Life of the Saint Paul District of West Africa with the Blessing of the Jean de la Mennais School Complex of Thian in Parakou (North-Central Benin).
New Two-Story Classroom Building
That Saturday, January 18th2025, the Blessing of the Jean de la Mennais School Complex took place by Mgr. Pascal NKOUE, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Parakou, in the presence of the Superior General Brother Hervé ZAMOR (Superior General of the Brothers of Christian Instruction), Brother Jean Baptiste NDIAYE Visitor of the Saint Paul District of West Africa and his Council.
The Superior General and some of the Brothers present
Many Brothers from the TOGO-BENIN Sector had made the Trip. The Ceremony also brought together Religious Men and Women from Parakou, Students from the said Establishment and their Parents, as well as some Local Residents who came to give thanks to the Lord for that Jewel and rejoice with the Brothers.
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Mgr. Pascal NKOUE, Bishop of Parakou, during the Ceremony.
Blessing of the Classrooms
After the Welcome and Hospitality Speech by Brother Christophe DIEGBENE (Headmaster), the Bishop proceeded to Bless the Administration and Classrooms by sprinkling with Holy Water. During the Eucharistic Celebration that followed, Bishop Pascal NKOUE, in his Homily, acknowledged the Presence of the Superior General, thanking him for his presence. He also thanked all the Brothers for their Commitment to the Education of Young People and Children in the Diocese of Parakou for so many years.
Family Photo: in the Front Row, Brothers Frédéric Kontiwa, Jean-Baptiste Ndiaye, Hervé Zamor, Mgr. Pascal Nkoue, then Brother Philippe Launay, Father Moïse Degodo, Diocesan Director of Parakou and Brother Noah Tusasirwe.
The Rest of his Homily, Monsignor insisted on Two Elements: The Culture of Silence (External but especially Internal) in order to better listen to one’s neighbor and especially to God; Punctuality which is one of the First Points of the Discipline. After the Celebration, Two Speeches followed: One of Brother Jean Baptiste and another of Brother Hervé ZAMOR.
After these Speeches, there was a Sharing of a Fraternal Meal offered for the Occasion.
Testimony of Brother Gilbert Gbanyobedjoa