Visit of the Minister General to the "Our Lady of Africa" Foundation

The Minister General of the OFM, Br. Massimo Fusarelli, accompanied by the Definitor General for Africa, Br. Siphelele Gwanisheni, made a canonical visit to the Franciscan Foundation Our Lady of Africa of Congo Brazzaville. 

Their arrival at the Maya-Maya International Airport in the Congolese capital was warmly welcomed by a delegation from the Franciscan Family of Congo, led by Br. Kevin Assasa, President of the Foundation. The welcome, characterised by hymns of thanksgiving and words of welcome, gave the spiritual tone to this visit. 

Afterwards, the two friars participated in a solemn welcome ceremony that included the celebration of Vespers. It was during this prayer that the Minister General expressed the meaning of his visit: "I come to you as a brother, to listen to you and pray with you. To remind you of the essence of charisma; to help you name, sincerely and without fear, the difficulties you face; and to look together to the future, to the Assembly, as a transition". 

On Saturday, the 20th June, a solemn Mass brought together the entire Franciscan Family at the convent of the Poor Clares of Djiri. On this occasion, three friars renewed their temporary vows: Br. Charlemagne Iboda, Br. Sivhy Lilyan Maloumbi and Br. Dolsiga Surprise Nkounkou. In his homily, 
Br. Massimo reminded the Franciscan Family of Brazzaville of the fundamental values of minority, humility, and fidelity to the spirit of the Order founded by St. Francis of Assisi. 

On Sunday, the 21st June, the Minister General presided over the Mass of thanksgiving, which was attended by the parish community of Djiri. 
The celebration marked the conclusion of his canonical visitation. In his closing message, he shared these touching words: "The seed of Francis continues to sprout. It is up to you to make it bear fruit. I leave you with gratitude, and I remember you, together with this Our Lady of Africa Foundation, in my prayers. May the Lord give you peace." 

The visit is part of a dynamic of fraternal accompaniment and discernment for the future of the Franciscan mission in Congo Brazzaville. These days have been an intense time of communion, joy and fraternal encounter for all the friars and for the entire Franciscan and Christian community of Djiri. 
May Our Lady of Africa Foundation entrust the preparation and celebration of its next Assembly to the Holy Spirit, scheduled for August.