197 Three years prior the beatifi cation, we initiated the project to create the Marian Formation Center in Kibeho. We already had the land but were struggling with fi nancial problems which were preventing us from beginning the construction. Then a proposal was made to pray to our Founder. I was asked to compose a prayer. I said then that there was no need to create new prayers but to recite the prayer for his beatifi cation for a special intention instead. I remember that fi rst time that we faithfully and wholeheartedly prayed during the evening vespers; the next day I opened my e-mail box to fi nd news about a very large money transfer. It is three years and counting that we’ve been reciting this prayer daily both in the novitiate and in the Kibeho Center, although now we pray for his canonization. This taught us a lot. Then we had another project—the construction of a school. And again we had money troubles. Yet, an idea was born to dedicate the school to Fr. Stanislaus, and almost at once, the funds appeared and the school will be fi nished soon. We have already prepared the painting and the plaque that reads: Blessed Father Stanislaus Elementary School. These are the signs that strengthen us on the path indicated by Fr. Stanislaus and the other Marians. This is the path of our charism, the development of the Marian identity, the renewal of our life and the joy which fl ows from evangelization. All this adds more vigor to us. Life is very important. The miracle used for his beatifi cation calls us to protect life. I recently visited the United States. There is a lot of talk on this topic. A chapel of the Holy Innocents is under construction now. Such signs are very important, also to us, in Africa, especially after this great genocide. Protecting life becomes the most important call. Another fruit of the beatifi cation is a closer attention to praying for the deceased. In some way, it is also like re-discovering our charism. Praying for the people who perished in Rwanda is a road to reconciliation in this country. Orienting our apostolic work towards education is another fruit that came about thanks to this elementary school and the comprehension that education is the fi rst step, a very Marian one, towards a [better] future for the Church and the world. Making it possible for our confrere Bogusław Gil to study in Rome, although our communities are tiny and we had to redistribute the groups, is another fruit. However, we recognized that the study of the Immaculate Conception in the paschal mystery of Christ, which Fr. Bogusław entered, will contribute to the growth and strength of our service in Africa. Devotion to Blessed Father Stanislaus successfully took roots in Rwanda. We commissioned a few of his statues because a concrete image is very important for the African culture. The locals do not have great power of imagination and they need a direct contact. Devotion to his statue or image is very strong. People pray in earnest; they come and plead for his images, and for the prayers
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