Lubumbashi (Democratic Rep. of the Congo). From 11 to 16 May 2024, the Rector Major of the Salesians of Don Bosco, Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime, is visiting the Democratic Republic of the Congo, a country in which the Salesians have been present for 113 years.
Coming from Goma, on 11 May the Cardinal landed in the afternoon in Lubumbashi, at the airport of Luano, with Fr. Guillermo Basañes, Superior of Holy Mary of the Assumption Province of Central Africa (AFC); Fr. Gauthier Tshibangu, Superior of the Eastern Delegation of AFC, and the Directors of all the communities of that Delegation.
In addition to Msgr. Gaston Ruvezi, Bishop of Sakania Kipushi; Msgr. François Abeli, Bishop of Kindu; and Msgr. Denis Moto, Episcopal Vicar of Lubumbashi; to the SDB Provincials Fr. Guillermo of the DRC and Fr. Michael Bandama of Zambia; Sister Clarisse Mongyumba, Provincial of O. L. of Africa Province (AFC); Daughters of Mary Help of Christians; members of the Salesian Family; young students from Salesian schools and Don Bosco University of Lubumbashi (UDBL); and various supporters and sympathizers of the Salesian works.
After the words of welcome spoken by the children of the FMA Bengalis Kindergarten, and a brief exchange with the civil and ecclesial authorities, the 10th successor of Don Bosco personally greeted all those who came to welcome him at the airport.
After the greetings and the souvenir photos at the airport, a long procession headed towards the headquarters of Most Holy Mary of the Assumption Province (AFC) of the Salesians of Don Bosco where many other people were waiting.
Walking to the rhythm of the “clic kiro”, the Cardinal was welcomed in African style with a popular dance presented by the girls of the FMA Laura Vicuña House. Not without emotion, struck by this atmosphere, the Rector Major expressed his joy in words by thanking all those present, stressing that the Democratic Republic of Congo is full of Salesian life.
Before finishing, he asked to recite a Hail Mary together and gave the blessing. The evening ended with group photos, starting with the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians. Everyone was happy to take a photo with his Eminence.
On 13 May, the Solemnity of Saint Mary Dominica Mazzarello, Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime came to the FMA Provincial House where he presided over the Eucharistic Celebration.
Welcomed by the Provincial, Sister Clarisse, he attended the performance of the students of the FMA Schools, who paid homage to him with dances, poems, and other artistic expressions.
In the homily of the Holy Mass, concelebrated by other priests of the Diocese of Lubumbashi and Sakania-Kipushi, the Rector Major invited the Sisters to follow the example of Mother Mazzarello and that of Jesus, a model par excellence, leading a life in simplicity.
At the end of the Celebration, the Provincial thanked the Cardinal for his presence on the feast of Mother Mazzarello, and offered him two doves, which His Eminence released into the air, as a symbolic and auspicious gesture for peace in the Country. The festive evening ended with a fraternal moment together with the FMA and all the members of the Salesian Family present in the Provincial House.
Merci à vous Cardinal Recteur Majeur Angel Fernandez Artime pour votre passage significative en RDC! Nous sommes très contentes pour votre présence qui nous pousse d’aller toujours de l’avant à servir les jeunes!