Hekima University College (HUC) bid farewell to two visiting professors, Rev. Prof. Steeves Nicolas, SJ and Prof. Dieudonné Mbiribindi, SJ, during the College’s weekly Eucharistic celebration on 23 September. The thanksgiving Mass brought together members of the HUC community to thank the professors for their contribution to the College’s academic and formative life.
Prof. Steeves taught Fundamental Theology: Revelation and Faith to first-year Bachelor of Theology students. Prof. Mbiribindi taught Introduction to Philosophy to students in the Propaedeutic Year and first-year Bachelor of Arts in Migration, Security and Diplomacy, as well as Sacramental Theology and the Seven Sacraments to second-year Bachelor of Theology students. The celebration also gave the two professors an opportunity to reflect on their time at HUC, and for students and members of the Jesuit community to acknowledge their service and presence.
Mbiribindi: Leadership as Service and Mission
In his homily, Prof. Mbiribindi invited the HUC community to reflect on the Gospel through the Ignatian method of contemplation and meditation. He structured his reflection around three movements: Jesus gathering his disciples, giving them power and authority, and finally sending them on mission. Reflecting on Jesus gathering the disciples, Prof. Mbiribindi emphasized the importance of communion and community, noting that Jesus draws people closer rather than separating them, thus presenting the Christian community as a place where people are gathered into unity. He challenged the HUC community to examine whether their actions contribute to communion, reconciliation, and mutual understanding, or instead create division and confusion.
Reflecting on authority as a gift given for service, Prof. Mbiribindi drew on theological and Ignatian perspectives; he stressed that authority should not be exercised for control or domination but as a means of serving others. Those entrusted with authority, he said, are called to remain instruments through which God works in people’s lives. For Prof. Mbiribindi, mission also requires collaboration.
Reflecting on Jesus sending his disciples, he observed that no one can carry out mission alone and that people need companions who share in the mission. He linked this to the Jesuit experience of mobility and the willingness to leave behind places, relationships, positions and familiar surroundings in response to mission. He concluded his reflection by highlighting simplicity, gratitude and generosity as important dimensions of Christian discipleship, particularly the freedom to give without expecting something in return.
Students Express Gratitude to Prof. Steeves
Representing the first-year Bachelor of Theology students, Gabriel Tsaor, SJ, expressed appreciation to Prof. Steeves for his teaching of Revelation and Faith. Describing him as a serious fundamental theologian, Gabriel acknowledged Prof. Steeves’ discipline, preparation and composure in the classroom. He noted that the professor’s lectures were carefully prepared and intellectually demanding, challenging students to engage deeply with fundamental theology.
The student representative thanked Prof. Steeves for his contribution to the class and wished him well in his continuing mission.
Second-Year Students Thank Prof. Mbiribindi
Sean Nicholas van Staden, SJ, speaking on behalf of the second-year Bachelor of Theology students, also thanked Prof. Mbiribindi for his presence and teaching, particularly in Sacramental Theology. Presenting a simple flower to Prof. Mbiribindi, Sean described the gesture as a “sacrament of our gratitude” for Prof. Mbiribindi’s presence and contribution to the students’ formation. He wished him well as he returned to Kinshasa to continue the academic year there.
A Farewell Rooted in Gratitude and Mission
The farewell reflected HUC’s understanding of education as more than the transmission of academic knowledge. Through teaching, community life, spiritual reflection, and accompaniment, visiting professors contribute to students’ intellectual and human formation. As noted by Rev. Dr Emmanuel Foro, SJ, Rector of the Hekima Jesuits Community, who represented the Principal, Rev. Dr Marcel Uwineza, SJ, the thanksgiving celebration served both as a farewell and as an expression of gratitude for the time, knowledge and commitment that Professors Steeves and Mbiribindi shared with the HUC community.
Their departure also embodies the Jesuit tradition of mission, mobility and collaboration, themes that Prof. Mbiribindi highlighted in his homily. As the two professors move on to their next assignments, the HUC community gives thanks for their service and wishes them continued success in their respective missions.
By Pamela Adinda, HUC Communications and International Office Coordinator
