Lubumbashi (Democratic Rep. of the Congo). On 9 and 10 August 2025, at Laura Vicuña house in Lubumbashi, a meeting of the Commission for Social Communication of the Our Lady of Africa Province (AFC) was held, which brought together ten local coordinators, representing ten communities, for a moment of evaluation of the pastoral year 2024-2025 and planning of the pastoral year 2025-2026, marked by the immediate preparation of the Centenary of the Province.
The meeting began with a moment of prayer led by Sister Léontine Sonyi, Provincial Coordinator, focused on the theme of the 59th World Communications Day – Share with meekness the hope that lies in your hearts (cf. 1Pt 3:15-16) – followed by his opening words on the same theme.
From the exchanges that followed, the importance emerged of practicing communication capable of healing the wounds of humanity, of consolidating the trust of the heart – fragile but resistant – which flourishes even in the midst of storms, and of being witnesses and promoters of communication not hostile. It’s about spreading a culture of attention, building bridges and breaking down the walls, visible or invisible, that divide nowadays.
After this spiritual and reflective moment, the participants focused on evaluating the pastoral year 2024-2025. Divided into two groups, they worked following the proposed scheme.
The first group evaluated the organization and functioning of the Commission: number of members, impact of the role of the delegate for social communication, respect for deadlines, diversity of skills, and formation sessions.
The second group instead focused on the Commission’s productions and formulated suggestions to improve its functioning during the new pastoral year. Subsequently, work continued with the updating and fine-tuning of the yearbook.
The second day began with attendance at Sunday Mass in Mary and Virginia Parish, near Casa Laura Vicuña. After the celebration, the coordinators wrote some articles on significant events, which will constitute the “Journey Made”. Each local coordinator was entrusted with the writing of at least one article.
Afterwards, Sister Marie Raphaëlle, coordinator of the Eusebia Palomino community, held a training session on how to start a live broadcast on Facebook, both from smartphones and computers. The work was concluded by entrusting each coordinator with some practical tools and tasks to carry out in their respective communities.
In the joy and serenity of a job well done, in fraternity, the participants returned to their communities, after taking group photos and participating in an interview conducted by Mr. Jean Baptiste of Radio Don Bosco.
Merci beaucoup à toutes!!!