(ANS – Lubumbashi) – Last Sunday, 13 November, at the “Cité de Jeunes” in Lubumbashi, the Salesians of the Democratic Republic of the Congo brought to a conclusion the first centenary  of their presence in the country. Bishop Gaston Ruvezi Kashala SDB, of Sakania-Kipushi,  presided at the Mass, concelebrated by Congolese Salesian missionaries. Taking part were representatives of the Salesian Family and young people from the Salesian Youth Movement in Lubumbashi.

Also at the Mass, at which music was provided by the choir of the Holy Mary of Kenya parish, were Sr Marie-Dominique Mwema Mukato, Visiting Councillor of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians and the Hon. Fify Masuka, representing the city authorities. In his homily, Bishop Ruvezi  said that “God has given each one various talents, so that they may grow in faith and bear fruit. One of these talents is the Salesian charism, which invites us always to be at the service of the young Congolese, who constantly challenge us.”

He then recalled that “the missionaries accepted to give up everything, to  leave their dear ones and come to offer their services in this land. It is our task to raise the profile of this mission and to commit ourselves with courage and determination in this second century which is now beginning.”

After the end of Mass,  Fr Jean Claude Kayumba, the Provincial thanked all those who had brought the Salesian charism to the country, mentioning by name the six pioneers. “They are models for us today, at the beginning of our second century” he said. He then thanked the various branches of the Salesian  Family and encouraged then to work together to carry the torch of the one shared mission. Then referring to the symbolic gesture which has been made earlier he said: “As happened with the passing of the light, entrusted by the eldest Salesian to the youngest Salesian in the Province so ought to be our commitment to communicatig Christ.”

After the final blessing the procession of the priests went to the community house where Bishop Ruvezi blessed a new statue of Don Bosco, ensuring the presence of our holy Founder in the mission and throughout the Province of  “Mary Assumed into Heaven.”

In the afternoon in a joyful atmosphere the Salesian Youth Movement organised various attractions and the festival which brought to a close the first century of the Salesian presence, and at the same time opened the way to the second. Fr Ferdinando Kalengay, assisted by  Fr Miche  Mankonga, was the director of the opening ceremony for the second century. He observed that things have changed, and now all are called to build the second century together, and he thanked the Lord for the past hundred years  and for the new phase which is just beginning.

Published 15/11/2011