Edited from submissions by Judith, Link Communicator for South Africa, and Sr. Luzia Kibonga Kibonga, Link Communicator for Angola and Mozambique
Africa Day, commemorated annually on May 25, stands as a powerful symbol of unity, liberation, and progress for the African continent. It marks the founding of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) in 1963, which later evolved into the African Union (AU). Celebrated across the continent and by the African diaspora around the world, Africa Day is a time for reflection on the journey of African nations toward independence, self-determination, and socio-economic development.
This year’s celebration was especially significant, as it coincided with the COMSAM Symposium and Annual General Meeting (AGM), hosted in South Africa, in the presence of the first woman Prefect Sr. Simona Brambilla and her colleagues from the Dicastery for Consecrated Life and Apostolic Societies (CICLSAL) and Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo, president of SECAM. With its theme, Hope, Synodality, and the Empowerment of Consecrated Life in Africa, the event brought together consecrated men and women from 30 countries across the continent in a profound display of collaboration, faith, and cultural pride.
From May 23 to May 30, the Leadership Conference of Consecrated Life Southern Africa (LCCL-SA), chaired by Good Shepherd Sister Zelna Oosthuizen, facilitated the historic double event in collaboration with the South African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC), and a number of supporting organizations, including the Catholic Women’s League (CWL), Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM), and Missio.
Participants gathered for a dynamic agenda that included workshops, prayer sessions, and thematic conferences celebrating the unity and diversity of consecrated life on the continent.
The sessions were imbued with the spirit of Ubuntu and the African palaver tree, emphasizing dialogue, synodality, and collective action. Flags from different nations were carried in a vibrant procession to the altar, symbolizing the interconnected unity of Africa.
On Africa Day itself, celebrations culminated with Holy Mass at Regina Mundi Catholic Church in Johannesburg. Religious leaders and faithful wore traditional attire, and hymns in various African languages resonated through the historic church, reflecting the linguistic and cultural breadth of the continent. Flags symbolizing 30 nations were blessed at the altar, declaring a united Africa with “A United Africa is an Empowered Africa” as the prevailing message.
Beyond the symposium, the Africa Day spirit echoed in the Good Shepherd mission across the continent as our sisters, partners-in-mission, students, and program participants celebrated Africa’s rich heritage while fostering community bonds.
Akhanani Good Shepherd Mission brought together children and staff for a heartwarming celebration of heritage, unity, and diversity. The program served as a beautiful reminder of the continent’s rich cultures, languages, and traditions—joyfully celebrated under one roof.
The event featured storytelling by one of the facilitators, offering valuable lessons on respect, bravery, and equality. This was followed by lively singing and dancing, with each club performing traditional songs and dances that showcased the rhythm and spirit that unite African people.
In Angola and Mozambique, sisters wore traditional African attire made from local fabrics, symbolizing the continent’s rich cultural diversity. In the various Good Shepherd social institutions where we serve—especially schools—sisters, partners-in-mission, and students come together for a day of celebration. The program included lectures, poetry recitations, dances, plays, and traditional rituals. A communal lunch was shared, featuring a variety of African dishes. The national anthem was sung, and tributes were paid to key African leaders, including Agostinho Neto and José Eduardo dos Santos of Angola, as well as Nelson Mandela, among others.
Throughout the day, one message rang loud and clear: Africa’s strength lies in its diversity. Despite differences in language, food, and customs, the celebrations highlighted how interconnected and united we truly are.
These Good Shepherd initiatives not only educated the children about African heritage but also instilled in them a deep sense of pride and belonging. By honoring their roots and sharing their culture, our Good Shepherd family has contributed to building a stronger, more understanding community —one that carries the vibrant spirit of Africa in every heartbeat.
