In the heart of Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, we find an inspiring story of hospitality and dedication. Modeste NTWA MBEY has been a member of the Hospitality Family since 2005. For over 16 years, his devotion has been a living example of the charism of hospitality that defines us.
Below, we share his own words in response to three questions that reflect his experience and commitment.
What is your role, and how long have you been part of the Sisters Hospitallers?
“I am one of the people who created the Hospitality Family in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, in 2005.
I served as secretary of the Hospitality Family for 16 years and participated in all the activities organized, such as training courses, outreach visits, meetings, and awareness activities in the parishes of the Archdiocese of Kinshasa.”
How have you experienced the charism of the Sisters Hospitallers in your daily work?
“I have fully lived and continue to live the charism of the Sisters Hospitallers in my daily work.
For 20 years, I cared for two children of a mentally ill woman in my home until one of them obtained their high school diploma in 2022.
I also helped two mentally ill women reintegrate into society after their treatment and recovery at the ‘Telema’ Mental Health Center in Matete. They worked as cleaners, one for eight years and the other for four.
For several years, I also participated in integrating mentally ill individuals from the streets during outreach activities. After treatment at the ‘Béthanie’ Center, the Hospitality Family sought out their families to reintegrate them.
I also enrolled and supervised the training of an orphan from the Hospitality Family at the Higher Institute of Medical Techniques in Kinshasa, where she completed her nursing studies. She now works as a nurse.”
What does hospitality mean to you?
“For me, hospitality is an encounter with a person, a sick individual, someone with a mental disability, or someone in need.
The fact that I welcomed and housed two orphaned children and helped two women integrate into the workforce is proof that I live and practice hospitality.”
The life of Modeste NTWA MBEY is a testimony to the transformative power of hospitality. His commitment to the charism of the Sisters Hospitallers has not only changed the lives of those he has welcomed but also the entire community around him.
Thank you, Modeste, for your testimony!
