Solemnity of Saint Francis celebrated in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Franciscan family of the Province of Santa Maria degli Angeli
08 October 2026On October 4, 2026, the Franciscan Family of the Province of Santa Maria degli Angeli in the Democratic Republic of Congo gathered in an atmosphere of deep fraternity and spiritual joy at the Monastery of the Poor Clares in Mamu wa Bupole, to solemnly celebrate the feast of Saint Francis of Assisi. This important event saw the participation of approximately 250 people representing all branches, institutes, and movements of Franciscan spirituality active in the region.
In preparation for this great celebration, the community participated, from October 1 to 3, in three days of intense teaching centered on the Canticle of the Creatures and the passage of the Poverello from earthly life to heavenly glory. These spiritual retreats were animated and guided with great theological precision by Br. Polydore Badibanga Kashala, OFM, Doctor in Theology with a specialization in Spirituality, whose contributions illuminated the spiritual depth of the Franciscan heritage.
The culminating moment of this meeting was the solemn Eucharistic celebration presided over by Br. Nicodème Muambata Mukatsala, OFM, Provincial Minister. In a fervent and fraternal assembly, nine branches and members of the Franciscan Family together gave thanks: the Minor Brothers (OFM), the Poor Clares, the brothers and sisters of the Secular Franciscan Order (OFS), the Trinitarian Franciscan Brothers, the Franciscan Stigmatine Sisters, the Franciscan Sisters of the Holy Spirit, the Franciscan Missionary Sisters of the Gospel and of Development, the Franciscan Youth (YuFra), the Franciscan Missionary Brothers of the Gospel and of Development.
The day was concluded in a spirit of fraternity, sharing and renewal of the common commitment to witness the Gospel, in the example of Saint Francis, within the Church and Congolese society.
