On Wednesday, February 3, 2026, the "St. Benedict the African" Province in the Democratic Republic of Congo celebrated the official opening of the eighth Centenary of the Transit of St. Francis of Assisi.
The celebration took place at the St. John XXIII Scholasticate in Kolwezi, commemorating the night between 3 and 4 October 1226, when Francis serenely surrendered his soul to God. Presided over by Br. Georges Misange, OFM, Minister Provincial, the ceremony, which was held from 17.00 to 19.30, brought together several guests: Br. Siphelele Gwanisheni, OFM, Definitor General for Africa; Br. Darko Tepert OFM, Secretary General for Formation and Studies; Br. Jean-Baptiste Tabaro, OFM, Minister Provincial of the Province of St. Anthony of Padua (DRC); and Br. Benjamin Kabongo, OFM, Vicar Provincial of the Province of Our Lady of the Angels (DRC). The brothers and sisters of the OFS, the Franciscan Missionary Sisters of Mary and the Franciscan Sisters of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ also participated.
The celebration was divided into two main moments. The first took place in the large conference hall of the Scholasticate, opened by the greeting of Br. Benoît Kibambye, Guardian of the Fraternity, followed by the introductory prayer of Br. Georges Misange. A presentation on the Transit, prepared and illustrated by Br. Marcel Tshikez, OFM, Provincial Moderator of Ongoing Formation, made it possible to deepen the spiritual significance of this founding event.
Subsequently, in procession and with lit candles, the assembly went to the chapel for the second moment, consisting of meditations, prayers, biblical readings, songs, and testimonies. Br. Benoît Kibambye shared his experience in the apostolate for orphaned children of the Kwetu House, a work founded by Br. Damien Isabel, OFM. Mr Eleuthère testified to the commitment of the OFS to the poor, the sick and the marginalised. Br. Siphelele Gwanisheni, OFM, then addressed the faithful present before the final blessing. The evening ended with a fraternal moment and refreshments shared with the Franciscan Family.
In his letter of February 3, 2026, the Minister Provincial, Br. Georges Misange invited all the parishes and fraternities of the Province to organise, by the end of March, a local celebration for the opening of this Centenary, so that this year of grace can be fully lived by the brothers and the people of God entrusted to them.
Br. Marcel Tshikez, OFM
