Church of the Ascension welcomes Bishop Nicolas Djomo from the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Bishop Djomo was here a year ago at Church of the Ascension and many individuals were so moved by the work the bishop is doing that they made a five-year commitment of support.

Adopting the Tetela word tokemane, which means “Let us hold each other,” Ascension is calling this financial and spiritual commitment “tokemane.”

The bishop’s diocese is Tshumbe and is in the center of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Tshumbe is very isolated but was not spared the destruction and cruelty of civil war. Polio is still rampant. With no infrastructure the villagers did not even have a well for fresh water.

Parishioners have already heard from Bishop Djomo that work is under way on the well. And a hospital and school are also begun.

This mild man is literally the law in Tshumbe. The citizens were outraged when his name was not on the ballot for recent civil election.

The bishop will update the congregation on progress made this past year.

He will be speaking at the 10 a.m. Mass, and he will administer the sacraments of Confirmation and First Eucharist. In the spirit of tokemane, everyone is invited to attend and hear the bishop.

Church of the Ascension is at 12615 Fountain Hills Blvd. For more information phone 480-837-1066.