From our sister Xaverine Mukansinga, in the Kodhek community, Kenya
At the end of the month dedicated to mission in the Catholic Church, on 31 October 2024, the Missionaries of Africa, the Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Africa and the lay associates of the Lavigerie family gathered at Our Lady of Peace parish in South B, in the Archdiocese of Nairobi, to celebrate the opening of the bicentenary of the birth of Cardinal Charles Martial Allemand Lavigerie. We were able to honour his legacy and give thanks to God for his profound impact on the Catholic Church, humanity and the African continent.
Archbishop Philip Anyolo, Metropolitan Archbishop of Nairobi, was present and presided over the Eucharistic celebration, which was led by the Missionaries of Africa theology student choir.
In his homily, the archbishop reminded us that participating in the mission of Jesus is the very definition of mission.
Many consecrated persons and lay faithful were present.
Before the celebration, a presentation was given on Cardinal Lavigerie through part of his life, with Father Joseph Kientga, M.Afr., who spoke of his dedication to the anti-slavery campaign. I think this testimony touched a number of people who followed it attentively. After Mass, a woman came up to us and asked us to tell her more about Cardinal Lavigerie. The celebration of our founder’s bicentenary brought us together as one Lavigerie family.
In fact, as part of the preparations, all the Kenyan communities of the Missionaries of Africa and the Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Africa, as well as the lay associates, did the novena together online.
This event was an ideal opportunity to remember the contributions of our founder who inspires the members of our two missionary institutes to pursue their mission with enthusiasm and compassion.
