The Solemnity of the Transitus of St. Francis was celebrated in an unprecedented way in the Democratic Republic of Congo. In the context of war and conflict in eastern Congo, the feast was celebrated in Goma and other territories of the new Province as a moment of grace for the newly formed entity. There was immense joy for all the brothers of the Province, which was canonically erected on July 30, 2025, by Brother Massimo FUSARELLI, Minister General of the Order of Friars Minor.

In Goma, at the Provincial Curia, the daughters and sons of St. Francis of Assisi experienced a moment of grace and joy on October 4, 2025, preceded by the Franciscan Triduum during which the brothers meditated on the Canticle of Brother Sun, composed by St. Francis himself. Accompanied by Father Evariste, Sdb, President of COSUMA/Goma, and Brothers Gabriel MUSHAGALUSA, Jean-Baptiste KASHABA, Patrice BAHATI, Isaac MULUMEODERHWA, and Félicien MUMBERE, Brother Michaël MUHINDO, Provincial Vicar, presided at the Eucharist. In front of the entire Franciscan family present in the diocese of Goma, Fr. Michaël emphasized in his homily the importance of living minority by promoting service to the least among us in an environment characterized by violence in all its forms.

Before the solemn blessing, two messages were read to the entire Franciscan family:

- Read by Brother Isaac, the first message was from the Minister General. He exhorted the daughters and sons of St. Francis of Assisi to live in love for one another.

- Read by Brother Michael, Vicar Provincial and president of the celebration, the second message was from the Provincial Minister of the Province of St. Anthony of Padua. In his message, the Provincial Minister urged the brothers of the Province to make a new beginning because, in the words of St. Francis of Assisi, we have done nothing yet.

After the Eucharistic celebration, a festive meal was shared among the guests in an atmosphere of joy and under a light rain as a sign of blessing.

This solemn celebration was attended by the brothers present in Goma, the Franciscan Sisters of Our Lady of the Mount, the Franciscan Missionary Sisters of Mary, the Oblate Sisters of the Assumption, the Secular Franciscans, the young Franciscan aspirants, and also some families living near our fraternity of the Provincialate.

Brother Jean-Baptiste Tabaro Murhega, Provincial Minister, celebrated this Solemnity with the Poor Clares of Uvira, who had not celebrated this Solemnity with the Friars Minor since 1986. This is why the joy was indescribable, according to Brother Jean-Baptiste, who speaks of the Easter experienced on this occasion.

In Bukavu, Burhinyi, Kamanyola, and Butembo, the entire Franciscan family serenely celebrated the feast of our seraphic father St. Francis. Several brothers and sisters of the Secular Franciscan Order (OFS) made their profession, committing themselves to live the values of the poverello of Assisi.

Finally, the Minister and the provincial government thanked the brothers of all the fraternities, the brothers and sisters of the Franciscan family, for their collaboration in organizing the Solemnity of St. Francis, a special moment for the newly formed Province.

Fraternally,

Goma, October 7, 2025

Fra. Michael MUHINDO KYAMAKYA, ofm

Provincial Vicar