Initially, the proposal was to group together Salesian houses from Congo Brazzaville, the Kinshasa area (Democratic Republic of Congo), and the Cabinda Province (Angola) into a single Province. However, in the final decision, the Salesian houses from the Kasai region in the central part of the D.R. Congo were separated from the Central Africa Province (AFC) instead of those from Cabinda. Thus, the ACC Vice Province was formed under the patronage of Mary Help of Christians.

Before reaching this stage, on January 23, 2013, two Delegations were established within AFC: the Western D.R. Congo Delegation and the Congo-Brazzaville Delegation. These became operational in September of the same year, laying the groundwork and creating the necessary conditions for the eventual establishment of the new Vice Province.

Three years after the launch of these Delegations, the Rector Major determined that it was time to take the next step. On July 24, 2016, he signed the decree for the canonical erection of ACC. The official founding date was set for September 8, 2017, on the liturgical feast of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary. On this occasion, during the Eucharistic celebration at Mary Help of Christians Parish in Kinshasa-Masina—home to the new Salesian circumscription—Fr. Manolo Jiménez was installed as the first Superior of ACC. The Mass was presided over by Fr. Américo Chaquisse, then Regional Councilor, representing the Rector Major.

Since then, ACC has also had a second Superior, Fr. Aurélien Mukangwa, who previously served as the delegate for the eastern region of the D.R. Congo.

Since its establishment, ACC has witnessed the development of various works, with new communities and sectors being added. One notable initiative is the "Don Bosco Tshikapa – Samy" center in the central region of the Democratic Republic of Congo, in a city where another charitable work, Don Bosco Luime, already existed. Additionally, in the Kasai region, this time in its eastern part, another project was launched in the university district of Tshikama, serving as a shelter for children from disadvantaged families.

Current Status of ACC

Today, ACC comprises 136 members, including:

• 56 priests
• 6 coadjutors (5 with perpetual vows, 1 with temporary vows)
• 18 novices

Salesian Missions

ACC is responsible for:

• 13 communities
• 6 parishes
• 21 schools (including secondary schools, vocational training centers, kindergartens, and elementary schools)
• 12 youth centers and oratories

The primary beneficiaries of these projects, in true Salesian spirit, are young people, especially as most Salesian houses are located in the working-class neighborhoods of two major Congolese cities. Additionally, ACC operates a center for newborns in Mbuji-Mayi and a hospice for the elderly in Kinshasa.

The Salesian Family

The Salesian Family in ACC includes:

• Salesians of Don Bosco
• Daughters of Mary Help of Christians
• Salesian Cooperators
• Past Pupils of Don Bosco
• Volunteers of Don Bosco
• Association of Mary Help of Christians

Mission and Future Outlook

One of the most significant works of the Vice Province focuses on supporting children who have been separated from their families. In every city where ACC operates, these homes provide shelter for 40 to 60 young people, offering them a place to live, food, clothing, and, most importantly, an education that can lead to a brighter future.

Many of these young people, especially those with the necessary ability and interest, receive vocational training in trades that will enable them to reintegrate into society.

The ACC Vice Province is expanding and is pleased to see an increasing number of young people knocking on its doors, eager to become Salesians and continue the mission of Don Bosco.

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