Lubumbashi (Dem. Rep. Congo). On 17 February 2026, Sister Chantal Mukase, Visiting Councilor of the Institute of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians arrived from Rome at the Luano International Airport in Lubumbashi, for the Canonical Visit to Our Lady of Africa Province (AFC), which this year celebrates the 100th anniversary of FMA presence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Sister Chantal was welcomed by the Provincial, Sister Clarisse Ngoie Mongyumba, the Provincial Councilors, several Animators, and a significant representation of the Salesian Family, including Fr. Placide Mukundi, Salesian of Don Bosco, Coordinator of the Salesian Family for the Central Africa Province (AFC). The presence of young people and children gave this moment a lively and profoundly Salesian touch.
Two children from Bengalis Preschool expressed, with simplicity and emotion, a few words of welcome, accompanied by a bouquet of flowers, a symbol of gratitude and communion.
Upon her arrival at the Provincial House, the Visiting Councilor was honored, according to local cultural tradition, with a traditional dance performed by the young women in formation and the children of Blessed Laura Vicuña Community family home, expressing the joy and pride of the entire Province.
The highlight of the day was the moment of reflection in the Provincial chapel, where the community entrusted to God Sister Chantal and the canonical visitation. Following the example of Mary visiting her cousin Elizabeth, this encounter is intended to be a time of faith, listening, and mutual blessing, so that the Province may continue to believe in the fulfillment of the Lord’s promises throughout its history.
Taking the word, Sister Chantal expressed her gratitude for the warm welcome and recalled that the Canonical Visit is a time of communion, listening, and discernment, in the service of fidelity to the Charism of the Founders, Saint John Bosco and Saint Maria Domenica Mazzarello.
The visit will continue until May 2026, with visits to all the Communities of the Province and the centenary celebrations, a time of grace that invites us to reread our history with gratitude, live the present with passion, and embrace the future with hope.
The day concluded with a fraternal lunch, a visible sign of the unity and communion that animate the FMA.
