The Bicentenary of the Carmelite Sisters of Charity Vedruna was celebrated with fervor and gratitude throughout the Province of Africa, witnessing two centuries of fidelity to the charism inherited from St. Joaquina de Vedruna. From the Democratic Republic of Congo to Equatorial Guinea, passing through Gabon, the communities lived this Jubilee as a time of grace, ecclesial communion and renewed commitment.
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, the solemn celebration in the Parish of St. Martin de N’djili (Kinshasa) was marked by a Eucharist presided over by Bishop Charles Ndaka. The homily, deeply spiritual, invited the religious to remain rooted in Christ, comparing them to a tree that bears fruit in discretion and fidelity. The perpetual vows, as well as the silver jubilees, manifested the vocational vitality of the Congregation. The celebration continued in fraternal joy and cultural activities animated by the students.
In Equatorial Guinea, especially in the Diocese of Mongomo, the celebration lasted several days with school competitions, formation meetings and a Eucharistic celebration presided over by the diocesan Bishop. The invitation to young people to serve Christ in the consecrated life was an important moment, underlining the relevance of generational succession and the educational mission of the sisters.
In Gabon, in Moanda, in the diocese of Franceville, the opening Mass was marked by a profound thanksgiving for the missionary presence of the sisters in the locality. The memory of the first pioneers revived the living memory of the mission and renewed the commitment to be a sign of God’s presence through love, joy and fidelity.
Through these celebrations, the Province of Africa manifested the unity in cultural diversity, the strength of the Vedruna charism and the determination to continue the mission of education, care and service to the most vulnerable. This Bicentennial was not only a grateful remembrance of the past, but also a prophetic impulse towards the future.
Florence Kupay, ccv
