Lubumbashi (RD Congo). On 7 June 2025, Our Lady of Africa Province (AFC) joyfully celebrated the annual Feast of Gratitude, inaugurating the third and final year of preparation for the centenary of the presence of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians in the Democratic Republic of Congo (1926-2026).
The journey towards the 100th is articulated around the theme, “100 years of FMA presence in the DRC, a wonder to live with gratitude to God,” developed in three stages:
- 1st year (2023-2024): With joy, faith, and hope, relive the moments of grace lived in the Province.
- 2nd year (2024-2025): Like Mary, generate with a sense of belonging and educate to integral ecology.
- 3rd year (2025-2026): In a synodal spirit, enculturate the Preventive System in the face of the challenges and opportunities of this time.
United in a single momentum of gratitude to God and commitment to others, the day began with a solemn Eucharistic Celebration in Mother of God Chapel, presided by Fr. Serge Ahadi Mutangilisha, SDB, and concelebrated by Abbot Norbert, Director General of ISAMM (Mary Help of Christians Higher Institute of Arts and Crafts). The Holy Mass was at the heart of the celebration, a moment of prayer and thanksgiving, especially around the Provincial, Sister Clarisse Ngoie.
The presence of representatives from each branch of the Salesian Family underlined the unity and diversity of this great spiritual family, which is walking together in synodality towards the Centenary.
One of the highlights was the intervention of Sister Clarisse at the beginning of the Mass. With sincere emotion, she expressed her deep gratitude to all. Her thanks were addressed in particular to those who work tirelessly on behalf of young people, especially the most vulnerable, thus recalling the essential mission of the Salesian vocation:
“On this day of the Feast of Gratitude, our heart is overflowing with gratitude to God and to each one of you, my Sisters, consecrated women according to the heart of God and of our Founders. Thank you for your life given, often in silence and humility, at the service of education, evangelization, and the integral promotion of young people, especially the poorest. To our dear parents, to the members of the Salesian Family, to your collaborators, thank you for your presence and your faithful collaboration in the mission that our Founders have entrusted to us. Finally, to all of you, young people, our reason for being, our sacred land, thank you for your presence and for your active participation in education and evangelization that prepare you to become good Christians and honest citizens, in a Church and a society that walk in synodality.”
After these words, a real collective thanksgiving was raised to God, recognizing His constant presence as guide and light in the life of the Province. In the homily, the celebrant brought a message of hope and joy, emphasizing that this day was not only a moment of celebration, but also a source of grace. “Where there is joy, there is abundance.” He compared this joy to the “good wine” evoked in the Gospel of Saint John, symbol of a deep and lasting joy.
After the Celebration animated by the ISAMM choir, the assembly met in the great hall of the Centenary to share a festive meal, followed by a recreational moment and the Good Night of Sister Clarisse, who concluded the day in fraternal joy.
Merci beaucoup!!