The Congress was attended by 52 Volunteers of Don Bosco from thirteen African countries and Madagascar, in a typically Salesian convivial atmosphere that permeated all the work. In addition, there were also various ecclesiastical assistants, thirteen Salesian priests, including Fr Joan Lluís Playà, Central Delegate of the Rector Major for the Salesian Family Secretariat, and two Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (FMA).
The theme of all the presentations at the congress was the VDB presence in Africa, with a focus on ensuring that this presence becomes increasingly prophetic, to the extent that the VDB will be able to continue under the guidance of the Spirit to journey together with Jesus and in fidelity to the charism.
"Three key moments characterised this congress. The first was the opening address by the President General: she thanked God for all the wonders that he never ceases to accomplish in our lives and for the gift of vocation. Then, there was the appointment of the Regional leaders and their Councillors. Finally, there was the closing Mass of the Congress, on the Feast of the Transfiguration of Jesus"said Fr Jean-Pierre Muhima, SDB, Delegate for the VDB from the Salesian Province of Central Africa, EastDelegation (AFC-EST – the Lubumbashi and Goma centres).
It was precisely during the concluding Eucharistic celebration, in fact, that Fr Benoît Nzie, who presided over the rite, reminded those present to listen to God to transform the world, referring to the passage of the Gospel of the day: “This is my Son, the Beloved in whom I am well pleased. Listen to him.” (Mt 17:5).
It should not be forgotten, moreover, that another of the fundamental objectives of the congress was to establish two Regions for the VDB n Africa: West Africa and Madagascar (AFOM) and Central and East Africa (ACE).
The Volunteers of Don Bosco are the seventh group of the Salesian Family, founded in 1917 by the then Rector Major, now recognised by the Church as Blessed Fr Philip Rinaldi
