As we approach the 150th jubilee of the founding of our Congregation of the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary, we continuously give thanks for the educational mission we have carried for decades across the world, in the universal Church, and particularly in Congo-Brazzaville. Faithful to our charism, we are committed to offering an integral education to each student—an education that nurtures the mind, the heart, the faith, and the spirit of service.
When I arrived here in Boundji, together with the community, I was sent to accompany the children of the Elisa and Yamboté groups of Saint Francis Xavier Parish, as well as the students at Georges Firmin Singha School, where I had the opportunity to support pupils from the 6th grade to the 3rd grade.
To awaken the hearts of young people and journey with them in the light of the Gospel, they are engaged in various parish movements such as altar servers, Jeunes de Lumière (Youth of Light), the choir, as well as the Elisa and Yamboté groups.
The Elisa group—short for Elisabeth—has a Marian focus. The children strive to imitate the virtues of the Virgin Mary, based on the Gospel, and remain faithful in prayer, especially the recitation of the Rosary.
Yamboté, which in the local language means “a person who does good,” is a movement that emphasizes apostolate by children, with children, and for children. It enables children to live the Gospel according to God’s plan for them.
This accompaniment aims to help them understand the stage of life they are in as adolescents, and how to become good Christians.
On the one hand, I found this ministry quite natural to carry out, thanks to the formation I’ve received over the years through workshops and personal study. Their questions and their eagerness to understand their lives and to know who Jesus is have helped me greatly to discern what to say to them and how to say it.
On the other hand, I have come across situations that would require more in-depth psychological support in agreement with the parents. Unfortunately, due to lack of time and availability—on both my side and theirs—and also the difficulty of finding qualified professionals in our area, this has not been possible.
Despite these challenges, my greatest joy has been to witness how the young people are beginning to understand their own reactions and to be more attentive to themselves and others.
At the parish, one of the main reasons the children attend the meetings is for the dancing and the joy of being together with friends. When it comes to sharing the Word of God, there is still much work to do. But even so, their faces shine with trust and joy—because they know that the Sister is there with them. And that is their joy… and mine.
Together, little by little, we are walking in the peace of Christ, always trying to focus on what is essential.
Thus, I can say that in our schools, education does not stop at the transmission of knowledge. It is rooted in a Christian vision of the human person and seeks the harmonious development of all aspects of the human being. Students are taught not only to become competent citizens but also women and men shaped by values of compassion, justice, and solidarity.
Across generations, we have sown with faith, perseverance, and love. Today, this mission continues with the same passion, carried by a living heritage and a vision turned toward the future.
As we celebrate this 150th jubilee, we renew our commitment to forming young people who are free, responsible, and open to the knowledge of God.
Missamou Camélie Ursule, fmm
Congo-Brazzaville Sector
