(ANS - Lubumbashi) - February 21 to 28 was "missionary week" in the communities of the Salesians and the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians in Central Africa, as well as in all areas of the Democratic Republic of Congo where there are members of the Salesian Family.

The week had two clear themes: to accompany the missionaries of the Salesian Family in Oceania (since Salesian Mission Day 2016 is dedicated to them) and the missionary situation of Mbuji Mayi, in D.R. Congo; and to raise funds for these two missionary situations.

From the spiritual point of view, every evening the communities of the Salesian Family recited Vespers meditating on the Word of God and making use of the options outlined in the booklet for Salesian Mission Day 2016, on the theme "Come to our aid." In this way a strong sense of belonging to the same spiritual family has developed in the province.

On Sunday 28 February, all the members of the Salesian Family were invited to the Spes Nostra School of the Sisters of Charity, in Tshondo, Lubumbashi, for the closing act of the missionary week.

After introductory greetings, Sister Solange Musonge FMA from the Tuendelee Institute in Lubumbashi, presented the theme: “Missionaries of Mercy”. She reminded all those present that each one has received a call from God and was invited to do good and to serve others.

Then there was a panel discussion, moderated by the theologian Jean Claude Mukendi, in which several speakers presented their experiences of service, in the missions, in their communities and in the parish. 

Lastly, there was the Eucharistic celebration in which the missionary theme was spoken about again and young people were encouraged to put themselves at the service of others. "Thanks to the Provincial Team for Missionary Animation, Salesian Missionary Week made us even more Salesian" was the comment of one of the participants from Lubumbashi.

Published 01/03/2016