From December 10 to 15, 2024, brothers Baptist D’Souza and Dennis Tayo from the General Curia visited Our Lady of Africa Foundation under the care of the Minister General in Congo Brazzaville, with the main purpose of seeing the brothers and see their existing activities and projects in the light of their realities. The Foundation President, Br. Kevin Eusèbe Assassa, warmly welcomed and accompanied them thereafter, to all places they visited. Their first stop was at St. Bonaventure Fraternity in Moukondji-Ngouaka, where they were joyfully received by the brothers in this community. After a brief rest, they traveled 27 kilometers to the St. Mary of the Angels Parish in Kintélé to meet the two friars who shared with them their existing various pastoral activities and challenges, particularly the urgent need for a water system in that area.
They then went to Djiri to meet the friars working in Sainte Claire de Djiri Parish and School, and a "welcoming house" for spiritual exercises. After a brief presentation of the fraternity's activities, they proceeded to the Makabandilou, where they shared dinner with the children of the Father Angelo Redaelli “Dako ya bandeko” shelter and the friars, listening to their concerns. Later that evening, they returned to Djiri to spend the night for an early visit to the school complex the next day, especially to see its existing realities and associated needs like the construction of the library and computer room. They then traveled an hour and a half to Kombo Matari to check out its newly opened school annex for thirty-four primary students. Residents verbalized the need for a kindergarten, but similarly, access to water remains a significant challenge in the area.
After resting for the night at the St. Bonaventure fraternity, they set out early the next day to travel 510 kilometers to the postulancy house in Boundji. Meeting the six postulants and the resident friars proved to be worthwhile, as they reviewed previously approved projects, discussed related concerns, and concluded the visit with clarifications, sharing, and reflections. They then continued to the fraternity in Makoua, which was an additional 100 kilometers farther at the border, to meet again with the friars working there to learn about their work in the parish, including the cattle industry, carpentry shop, and agricultural initiatives that sustain the mission. The friars gathered to discuss existing activities and their needs, especially on the need to acquire a grazing land. Words of affirmation and encouragement were shared, with the hope of invigorating their zeal and helping them move forward.
Finally, bros. Baptist and Dennis met the next day with the friars at the Foundation House of St. Bonaventure. They engaged in an inspiring dialogue about the important activities happening at the shrine and the foundation house, sharing meaningful insights and reflections. This productive discussion was followed by a meeting with the members of the Foundation Project Committee, where they reviewed current initiatives and identified exciting future prospects worth pursuing. To mark the conclusion of their impactful gathering and to strengthen their camaraderie before parting ways, they enjoyed a fraternal meal at a downtown restaurant. With numerous opportunities ahead and a unified direction, the foundation is on a journey toward a better tomorrow.
