RMG – SDB Provinces: The "Saint Mary of the Assumption" Province of Central Africa (AFC)

12 March 2025
RMG – SDB Provinces: The "Saint Mary of the Assumption" Province of Central Africa (AFC)

(ANS – Rome) – The Salesian presence in the territory of what is now the Central Africa Province (AFC) dates back to the colonial era of the Belgian Congo when various religious congregations were engaged in the country's evangelization and education (late 19th – early 20th century), often in collaboration with the colonial government.

On November 11, 1911, Belgian Salesians arrived in the Congo with a dual objective: to provide education to both white and black youth in the country and to contribute to the field of education. In 1925, the Congregation for the Propagation of the Faith entrusted the Salesians with the extreme southern region of Katanga Province (the "Botte du Katanga"). Until 1952, the Salesians concentrated most of their efforts on founding the Church in this rural area, establishing missionary stations, primary schools, and health dispensaries.

From 1952 onward, under the leadership of then-Provincial of Belgium, Fr. René-Marie Picron, the Salesians increasingly focused on serving young people in the emerging industrial cities of Katanga, driven by the region's booming mining industry. By 1959, the time was ripe for the creation of a Salesian Province—the first in Africa. This new province began with 150 Salesians and 19 communities, though the majority were still European missionaries, with only two or three Congolese confreres.

The "Africanization" of the province did not progress significantly until around 1980, when a gradual increase in local vocations became evident. By 1990, the province was largely composed of African Salesians, reaching 85% in 2013, though still supported by a group of missionaries (15%).

Statistical Overview

Total Salesians in AFC: 290

  • Priests: 111
  • Deacons: 10
  • Lay Brothers (Coadjutors): 25 (Perpetual: 17 - Temporary: 8)
  • Bishop: 1

Initial Formation: 143 members

  • Pre-novices: 30
  • Novices: 19
  • Post-novices: 66
  • Practical trainees: 28

Missionaries: 50

  • "Ad gentes": 37
  • "Ad tempus": 13

The AFC Province currently operates 25 Salesian houses (canonically erected communities and presences), with a wide range of related projects—around fifty in total—as each community typically manages multiple works.

Pastoral and Educational Sectors

The province's activities can be grouped into five main areas:

- Educational Works: The largest sector, including primary and secondary schools (5 boarding schools and 3 technical institutes), as well as the first Salesian university in Africa. This university consists of four faculties: Computer Science, Management and Financial Engineering, Human and Social Sciences, and Theology.

- Youth at Risk: Various programs dedicated to vulnerable youth, including agricultural schools, vocational training centers, and craft centers.

- Parishes and Missionary Stations: Many of these locations include additional branch stations serving the surrounding communities.

- Cultural and Pastoral Initiatives:

  • Safina: A cultural and pastoral youth center
  • La Colombe: A communications and media center
  • Radio Don Bosco: A radio station broadcasting on FM 103.10 for over 10 years
  • Afia Don Bosco Hospital: Includes a care home for elderly and ill Salesians

- Formation Houses:

  • 2 Pre-novitiates (Lubumbashi and Goma)
  • Novitiate at Chem-Chem Agricultural Center
  • Post-novitiate and Theological Studentate
  • An inter-provincial theological formation center directed by a "Curatorium" representing AFC, Angola, Mozambique, and Madagascar (French- and Portuguese-speaking Salesian provinces). This theological institute has been active for 37 years, with a stable faculty and a well-developed library.

Salesian Family Presence in AFC

The Salesian Family in AFC is composed of seven groups, including:

  • Salesians of Don Bosco (SDB)
  • Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (FMA)
  • Salesian Cooperators
  • Past Pupils of Don Bosco
  • Volunteers of Don Bosco
  • Past Pupils of the FMA
  • Association of Mary Help of Christians (ADMA)

Key Projects and Future Goals

One of the most significant initiatives in AFC is the Maman Marguerite Project, dedicated to supporting at-risk children. The province is also focusing on the following strategic priorities:

  • Construction of new infrastructure for the first Salesian university in Africa
  • Establishment of a well-equipped novitiate
  • Modernization and digitalization of La Colombe multimedia center and Radio Don Bosco
  • Completion of the second phase of Afia Don Bosco Hospital renovation
  • Development of self-sustainability projects

A video showcasing the Salesian mission in AFC is available on YouTube.

View the embedded image gallery online at:
https://www.infoans.org/en/sections/news/item/23709-rmg-sdb-provinces-the-saint-mary-of-the-assumption-province-of-central-africa-afc#sigProIde301260a72

InfoANS

ANS - “Agenzia iNfo Salesiana” is a on-line almost daily publication, the communication agency of the Salesian Congregation enrolled in the Press Register of the Tibunal of Rome as n 153/2007.

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