From Prison to Transitus
Lubumbashi (DRC), opening of the 8th Centenary of the Transitus with the prisoners of Kipushi
07 October 2025The Franciscan Family of Lubumbashi is composed of the Friars Minor (OFM), the Franciscan Missionary Sisters of Mary (FMM), the Franciscan Sisters of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (SFRGC), the Capuchin Tertiary Sisters, the Brothers and Sisters of the Third Order Secular (OFS), the youth of the Franciscan Youth (YouFra), and some members of the Secular Missionary Institute of the Kingship of Christ (IMSRC).
To live and spread the spirit of the Seraphic Father wheresoever they live, this Franciscan Family gathers to experience together, as brothers and sisters, the great moments of joy—commitment, religious profession, diaconal and priestly ordinations, the main liturgical feasts and Franciscan feasts—as well as moments of pain and suffering. To open this jubilee year celebrating the 800th anniversary of the Easter of St. Francis of Assisi, the Franciscan Family has undertaken a first joint action by visiting the inmates of the BOMA prison in Kipushi. This act reminds us that the Poverello of Assisi chose not only Our Lady of Poverty, but above all the poor, the marginalized, and those excluded from society. For this reason, the visit aimed to meet these inmates, to speak with them, to share their concerns, and, above all, to offer them a little of our time for a fraternal and human exchange.
This prison does not meet the standards of human dignity. It is a place designed for 50 inmates, yet sadly today it must house more than 400. These conditions are simply inhumane. Justice is not being served. Of the 416 inmates present here, there are only 162 convicted, 90% of whom are young people. Living conditions are completely inhumane and the inmates live on the charity of people of good will. After this gesture of sharing with our fellow prisoners, the Franciscan Family gathered at the novitiate of Our Lady of the Angels to celebrate the Transitus and the Solemnity with all the members and friends of St Francis. In his homily, the celebrant emphasized universal brotherhood and peace. At the end of the Mass, celebrated with joy and gratitude, the entire Franciscan Family shared a festive meal as a sign of thanksgiving.
We thank the Heavenly Father for inspiring our father and brother Francis of Assisi with this charism, so rich in Christian and human values that continues to speak to our tormented and divided humanity. Happy Feast of Saint Francis to all.
Br. Georges Mbayo, OFM
