From Thursday, July 31 to Sunday, August 3, 2025, the Salesian Cooperators of the Central African Province of Maria Assunta Mission Don Bosco, D.R. Congo, held their annual retreat at the Institut Superieur philosophique Saint Jean Bosco Kansebula, Lubumbashi.
This retreat, attended by 63 Salesian Cooperators from Sakania, Mokambo, Kasenga, Lubumbashi, and the Kafubu Valley, focused on the theme: “In the human and divine love of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the lay Salesian nurtures his role as educator and builder of Hope for an effective Salesian mission.” It was led by Reverend Father Marc NAWEJ, SDB of the Theologicum Saint Francis de Sales Community, Lubumbashi. Thursday, July 31, 2025: The retreat leader began by introducing the general theme of the retreat, emphasizing the meaning and importance of a retreat as a spiritual exercise, especially for a Salesian Cooperator.
Friday, August 1, 2025: Two conferences were held.
The first conference focused on the sub-theme: “The Salesian Educational Style for Youth and the Role of Educators as Builders of Hope.”
The speaker, Reverend Father Jean-Claude KIKONDE, SDB, first defined the concepts of Salesian Educational Style, Educators of Youth, and Builders of Hope. Then, speaking about the Salesian Educational Style for Youth and the role of educators, he reminded us that the preventive system, which is our way of manifesting our pastoral charity, is simultaneously pedagogical, pastoral, and spiritual. Therefore, as sons and daughters of Saint Francis de Sales and Don Bosco, we must apply it through our dedication, healthy recreation, the sacraments, and morning prayers, in order to lift young people up and inspire them with hope.
The second conference focused on the sub-theme: “The Place of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in the Salesian Family.”
The speaker, Reverend Father Marc NAWEJ, SDB, first described the historical-biblical approach to devotion to the Sacred Heart, referring to several exemplary figures, including Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque, Therese of Lisieux, Ignatius of Loyola, and Faustina Kowalska. He then alluded to the invitations of Popes John Paul II, Benedict XVI, and Francis to this devotion. Finally, he emphasized the prominent place that devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus must have in the Salesian Family, as Don Bosco, the founder, had recommended.
Saturday, August 2, 2025: Two other conferences were scheduled.
The first focused on the sub-theme: “Vocation and Mission of Salesian Cooperators” (lay dimension).
Reverend Father Marc NAWEJ reminded the Salesian Cooperators that their vocation and mission are manifested by a deep commitment to the legacy of Saint John Bosco, centered on the education and formation of young people. Furthermore, given that we share the same mission with the other branches of the Salesian Family, that of carrying out the apostolic project of our founder: “To be in the Church signs and bearers of God’s love for young people, especially the poorest, for our sanctification.” As secular apostles, he invited us to respect our Christian commitment to family life (hospitality, charity, etc.); our married life and our educational responsibility, without forgetting our evangelical witness in our work (honesty, consistency of life, professional conscience, etc.). In short, to commit ourselves in everything through the spirit of the Beatitudes and the life of prayer.
The second and final conference of our retreat focused on the description of the “three figures of youthful holiness”; namely:
• Dominic Savio: Who from an early age desired to become a saint and who already became one at the age of 15. Today, he is invoked as the protector of pregnant women.
• Laura Vicuna: A young girl from Mornese, orphaned at the age of two, she suffered greatly and eventually offered herself to the Lord for her mother’s conversion. A studious and generous student of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, she is venerated today as a blessed. • Michel Magone: Initially a rebellious son of Don Bosco, he eventually came to consider Jesus his most precious friend, thanks to the guidance and support of our founder.
Sunday, August 3, 2025: Closing Mass celebrated by Father Placide, SDB delegate of the Salesian Family, and concelebrated by Fathers Serge M, SDB provincial delegate of the ASSCC, and Marc N. At the end of the celebration, a few words of thanks and encouragement were spoken, respectively, by the ASSCC provincial coordinator, Father Fulbert NGOY, the SDB delegate, Father Serge, and the main celebrant himself.
N.B.: During this retreat, the Salesian Cooperators were accompanied, as always, by their delegates, Father Serge MWAKA, SDB, and Sister Euphrasie KASAFYA, FMA, and received encouraging visits from the Provincial Superior.