Saints Peter and Paul – Sr. Honorine Yamba, SNDdeN – English

June 29, 2025

Matthew 16: 13-19

Every June 29th, the Church solemnly celebrates Peter and Paul, the two pillars of the early church.  They are different from one another, but on this day, the liturgy loves to celebrate them together because they are admirably complimentary.

The conditions in which they met the Lord marked their apostolate in different ways.  But they were united by the depth of faith and the fervor of their love for Christ.

In the words of Peter, “Lord, you know well that I love you.” was echoed by Paul:” For me, to live is Christ”  They shed their blood for him in Rome.  The two pioneers are only defined by their faith in the risen Christ.

As for the question of Jesus : « Who do people say the son of man is ? »,v. 13, multiple responses flowed rapidly because  of what they were about to hear.  When Jesus continued directly, « And you – what do you say ?  For you, who am I ?  I am sure that there was silence, for it is difficult for us to speak about our faith ; which is why Peter, with his spontanity and conviction,  immediately said, « You are the Christ, the son of the living God: (v.16)

Jesus who knew the human values and spirituality of Peter, especially his deep faith, was amazed, rejoiced, affirmed his power and his mission within the community, invested him with authority in these words : , Simon son of John,  it is not flesh and blood which has revealed this to you, but mu Father in heaven.  And for me, I declare to you, You are Peter and on this rock I will build my church; and the power of hell with not prevail upon her.

I give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven : everything which you bind on earth will be bound in heaven and everything which you have loosed on earth will be loosed in heaven. (verses 17-18.

On May 8, 2025, the entire world, believers and non believers, catholics or non Catholics followed on the airwaves the election of the successor of Peter ; and not the successor of Francis ; in the person of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, Pope Leo XIV.  This sign confirms our faith in this Church founded on the apostles, this Church which is catholic and apostolic.

In reflecting on this text which the Church presents to us today, we should ask about our own knowledge of Christ.  Who is Christ for us… and for me as an individual ?

Matthew 16: 13-19

Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi and
he asked his disciples,
“Who do people say that the Son of Man is?”
They replied, “Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah,
still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”
He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”
Simon Peter said in reply,
“You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
Jesus said to him in reply,
“Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah.
For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you,
but my heavenly Father.
And so I say to you, you are Peter,
and upon this rock I will build my church,
and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it.
I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven.
Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven;
and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”

Meet Sister Honorine Yamba, SNDdeN

Honorine Yamba was born on December 13, 1950 at Kimpemba in the Democratic Republic of Congo. She entered the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur in 1969. She began her novitiate in 1970 and made first vows in 1972. She pronounced her final vows on September 8, 1981 at Lemfu, where she was on mission. Sr. Honorine has performed many ministries in the province and the Congregation. She was prefect of studies, professor and superior in communities and Provincial Counselor for many years. She also served as assistant director of Novices for two years at Kimwenza. Sr. Honorine was provincial from 1991 à 1996 and was elected a member of the Leadership Team of the Congregation at the General Chapter in 1996. After this service she spent a sabbatical year at Lyon in France at the Jesuit Center “FAS “- Formation, Accompaniment and Spiritual Discernment according to the exercises of St. Ignatius. Following her sabbatical year, she served as novice director in the province of Nigeria for two years. She returned to Congo in 2005 to work in the Diocese of Kisantu’s office of Caritas as assistant director. From 2012 – 2018 she provided service at the Heritage Center in Namur, Belgium. Having returned to Congo in 2018 she was a member of the community of Limete where she performed community service. In September 2020 she became province archivist and serves as a professor in the two formation houses (postulate and novitiate). As needs arise, Sister Honorine animates workshops and provides spiritual direction in conjunction with the Jesuit spirituality center at Manresa. Beginning in September 2021 she has been accompanying Sisters in temporary vows.