From 1 to 10 November, Brother Armin Luistro, Superior General of the Brothers of the Christian Schools, made a canonical visit to the District of Congo Kinshasa. This visit was marked by fruitful exchanges and significant encouragement for the Lasallian educational communities.
First, on 1 November, the Superior General arrived in Kinshasa from Kigali. The following day, he began his activities with a visit to the Frère Véron Ignace Postulancy. During his meeting with the formators and postulants, he emphasised the crucial importance of this stage of formation, reminding them that well-prepared postulants are called to become good Brothers. In this regard, in conveying a message of encouragement to the 12 postulants present, he encouraged them to take their formation seriously and to be attentive to the Spirit of God whispering in their midst, and promised to pray for each one of them.
The visit then continued with a meeting at the Provincialate with the District Council. On this occasion, the Superior General reminded the Councillors of the importance of their role of accompaniment and encouraged initiatives such as the banking of finances and the construction of new schools. In addition, he invited the Brothers to work closely together to promote the development of the District.
A meeting was also organised with all the Brother Educators (FEC). During this exchange, the Superior General praised the remarkable progress made by the District, highlighting the increase in the number of Brothers (68 in total) and the development of new educational projects. He emphasised the exemplary role of the older Brothers for the younger ones and the importance of joining forces to fulfil the mission.
Creativity and innovation
The Superior General then had the opportunity to visit several schools, notably those in Pool Kintambo, Gombe, Mbandaka, Gombe-Matadi and Tumba. During these visits, he met with educators and students, sharing messages of encouragement and recalling the essential mission of the Brothers in the field of education. He also visited La Salle University in Congo-Kinshasa, where he invited professors and students to mobilise their intelligence in the service of creativity and innovation, with a view to proposing concrete solutions to the problems facing the city.
The Superior was able to observe first-hand the positive impact of the Lasallian Educational Mission in these various locations. This was confirmed by one of the many messages that the students addressed to the Superior General: “Your visit and your presence among us reassure us deeply, and we are now convinced that we belong to the great worldwide Lasallian family. On behalf of the students of the Gombe Professional Institute and the Lasallian Social Centre, we would like to highlight the considerable efforts made by your Brothers and the teaching staff, who work tirelessly to promote our human, spiritual and professional growth. From the moment we joined the Lasallian Family, an inner drive has guided us towards a promising future.”
In conclusion, student MBUTU Miriam said: “Dear friends, let us remain faithful to the path we have chosen. Completing our studies at a Lasallian school is the best gift we can offer our parents. It is a sign of fidelity to their support, as well as an expression of gratitude to those who believe in us.”
One of the highlights of this visit was the meeting with Lasallian associations, which culminated in a festive and cultural evening. The Superior General emphasised the significance of Association within the Institute, while encouraging the different organisations to work together to strengthen the Lasallian Educational Mission in Congo-Kinshasa.
Finally, a farewell meal brought together all the Brothers present in Kinshasa, as well as priests and religious sisters. In his closing speech, the Superior General expressed his deep gratitude for the warm welcome he had received. He encouraged everyone to continue the educational mission with fervour, emphasising the crucial importance of each member in the Lasallian project.
In summary, this canonical visit was a privileged opportunity for reflection and for strengthening bonds within the community, while helping to revitalise each person’s commitment to the great Lasallian educational mission of the Institute in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
* Article written by Brother Anatole DIRETENADJI, General Councillor.
