Kafubu (Democratic Republic of the Congo). On 24 May 2023, on the Solemnity of Mary Help of Christians, in Kafubu, the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians of Our Lady of Africa Province of Central Africa (AFC) celebrated the opening of the Centenary of their presence in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The theme of this jubilee (1926 – 2026) is formulated as follows, “100 years of FMA presence in the DRC, a marvel to live with gratitude to God.” This theme will accompany the Educating Communities in a three-year journey:
- 2023-2024: With joy, faith, and hope, relive the moments of grace experienced in our Province.
- 2024-2025: Like Mary, generate a sense of belonging and educate to integral ecology.
- 2025-2026: In the Synodal spirit, enculturate the Preventive System in the face of the current challenges and opportunities of our context.
The day of the 24th began with the Eucharistic Celebration presided over by Monsignor Gaston Kibilo, Vicar General of the Diocese of Sakania/Kipushi; concelebrated by Monsignor Denis Moto Kalunga, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Lubumbashi; by some Salesian priests of Don Bosco; and others from the Diocese of Sakania Kipushi, the Diocese which had welcomed for the first time in the Democratic Republic of Congo, in Sakania, the six FMA pioneers on 24 January 1926: Sr. Mathilde Meukens, Animator; Sr. Serafina Ughetti, treasurer; Sr. Valerie Herkens; Sr. Maria Van Assche; Sr Rachel Vleurinck; and Sr Hubertine Wolkenar. Three of the Sisters had perpetual vows and three had temporary vows.
The young women in formation (aspirants and novices) and some young women from the Kafubu valley animated the Holy Mass with joyful songs.
In his homily, Archbishop Gaston recalled, “We are gathered in this Cathedral to celebrate the Mother of our Lord Jesus Christ around the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians. (…) This journey undertaken by the FMA in the field of education follows in the footsteps of Don Bosco and Mary Domenica Mazzarello. The FMA are here to support young people under the banner of the Virgin Help of Christians, which is the way to Christ.”
Subsequently, he invited the FMA to ask themselves these three questions: “Where do we come from? Where are we? Where are we going?” Indeed, a Centenary is, for the FMA, an opportunity to “take stock” of the mission they are carrying out in this Congolese land. He concluded his homily by expressing his gratitude to the FMA who are dedicated to the integral education of young people, especially in this diocese and elsewhere.
Before the conclusion of the celebration, the Provincial, Sr. Clarisse Ngoie said these words, “Don Bosco wanted us to be a living monument of his gratitude to the Help of Christians. He asks us to be his extended thanks over time. Mary is present as protector, guide, and inspirer of our Institute, to help us live the generative force today; Mary walks with us.
On this day, we want to embark with you on the journey towards the centenary of our presence in Central Africa, more precisely in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. On 24 January 1926, the 6 pioneers who formed the first community arrived in Sakania to begin the first mission of the FMA. Today in our AFC Province we have 20 communities. Our first sisters dedicated their lives to educating the poorest girls; they were the first in our history”.
The Provincial therefore declared officially open the Triennium for the celebration of the Centenary. After the Eucharistic Celebration, all the FMA present, along with the collaborators, young people, priests, and religious gathered in the courtyard of the Kwesu High School to share a fraternal meal and listen to a mini concert with songs to Mary presented by each community.
The joy was great and the Past Pupils offered a large pot, as a sign of gratitude for the education received from the FMA. The day concluded with a Good Night from Fr. Frédérique, Salesian of Don Bosco.
