On 26 November 2025, the Maniema sector (dioceses of Kindu and Kasongo) in the Central African Province gathered in Kasongo in joy, thanksgiving, and living memory to solemnly mark the end of the bicentennial of the birth of its founder, Cardinal Charles Lavigerie (1825-2025),. These moments of faith, history, and gratitude mark not only the end of a jubilee year, but,more importantly, the deep roots of his legacy in our land, our communities, and our missionary commitment. This memorable event brought together several people: lay people, priests, religious men and women, and the Missionaries of Africa working in this area.
Born on 31 October 1825 in France, Charles Lavigerie was a visionary pastor, a bold bishop and an apostle to the peoples of Africa. Founder of the Society of the Missionaries of Africa (White Fathers) in 1868 and of the Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Africa (White Sisters) in 1869, he recognised early in his life that the Gospel could not take root in a lasting way without respect for culture, the promotion of human dignity and the fight against slavery. A man of faith and courage, he planted the first seeds of the Catholic Church in Central and East Africa with an apostolic zeal that continues to inspire.
Thanks to the work of his missionaries, the light of Christ reached the Maniema region. They established the first missions, schools, hospitals, seminaries and catechetical centres, shaping a more humane and evangelical society. Kasongo is a living fruit of this. Today, as priests, religious, catechists and committed lay people, we are the heirs and witnesses of this work.
Closing this bicentennial marks the start of a new chapter of fidelity to our mission in Africa. Cardinal Lavigerie said, ‘You are Africans, be apostles for Africa.’ This call still resonates in our parishes, our families, our schools, and our social projects: are we missionaries, as he would have wished? Are we defenders of justice, bearers of peace, builders of a mature and responsible local Church?
May this bicentenary not be just a memory, but a seed for the future. May the flame of mission continue to burn in the hearts of our young people, in our vocations, in our service to the poor and in our unwavering attachment to Jesus Christ.
By: Patrick Dwomoah Adu, M.Afr.