Lubumbashi, DR Congo – November 2024 - On 23 November, in the park of the community "Les Buissonnets des Carmes Déchaux", the Salesians of Don Bosco of the Assumption Province of Central Africa (AFC) celebrated the missionary life of their confreres who, having arrived in the region several years ago, continue to work for the Salesian mission. The Eucharist, presided over by Fr Guillermo Basañes, Superior of the AFC Province, brought together numerous members of the Salesian Family. In his homily, Fr Basañes invited his confreres to meditate on three verbs: thank, rethink and relaunch. "To thank the first missionaries for their commitment to the proclamation of the Good News; to rethink the Salesian mission in the face of current challenges; to relaunch the young missionaries who, even today, proudly carry the flame of this mission". The emphasis was placed on the need to reach out more to poor and abandoned young people, primary recipients of Salesian work. Another important moment of the celebration was the passing of the baton between the old and the new generation of Salesian missionaries. The Provincial Delegate for Mission Animation, Fr Dominique Kubuya Luanda, presided over the symbolic ceremony, during which the elders gave the young missionaries sandals, lighted candles and rosaries. Among the concelebrants were several early missionaries, in particular Fr Jean VandeKherkove, Fr Eric Meert, Fr Piero Gavioli and Fr Leon Verbeck.