The young missionaries from various schools in and around Lubumbashi, gathered early that morning at the Institute of St. Francis de Sales in Imara. With them they had clothes, shoes and different types of food. From there they went to the Kapolowe mission, founded by the Benedictines, now administered by two priests of the Archdiocese of Lubumbashi along with a community of 6 Sisters of Charity of Jesus and Mary and an entire village that organizes its life around the mission. The Sisters run a boarding school for girls and a well-known hospital which specializes in the treatment of people living with the effects of Hansen's disease and tuberculosis.
In welcoming the young people the doctor in charge of the centre said that their gesture of solidarity was a "ray of sunshine in the lives of all these people who carry with them the legacy of leprosy." Then he accompanied them on a visit to the centre and took the opportunity to educate the young people and inform them of the isolation these patients suffer. "Gestures like what you are doing today make them feel valued as people. Do not forget them, continue to think of them!" he said.
The handing over of the gifts was marked by great joy and sincere gratitude.
https://www.infoans.org/en/sections/news/item/947-d-r-congo-missionary-solidarity-restores-dignity-to-the-sick#sigProId7cdc6b0be5
Subsequently, the young missionaries of solidarity ended the day with Mass for Ascension Sunday, during which Fr Marc-Marie Ngoie, SDB, reminded them that "missionaries are the beloved of the Lord".
