In the vibrant setting of the “Saint Josephine Bakhita” Province of the Democratic Republic of Congo, April 21–26, 2025 marked a time of grace and renewal. Five young Sisters—each of whom professed Perpetual Vows five years ago—gathered at the Provincial House in Kinshasa for an intensive and luminous formation session.
Guided by Father Ippolito, Provincial Superior of the Servants of the Poor, and Mother Elisa G., the Sisters delved into the theme: “Leadership Today in the Church and in the Institute.” In a fragile socio-political context like that of the Congo, this formation was more than a training—it was a call. A call for Christian witness to become leaven for human and spiritual renewal in the heart of society.
In a nation still scarred by conflict, economic instability, and deep gender inequality, forming consecrated women as leaders is a profoundly Gospel-rooted act of resistance. It is a bold stance against worldly power structures. It is the sowing of seeds—of peace, of justice, of dignity.
The leadership to which these Sisters are called is not measured by titles or public visibility. It is the quiet, powerful art of service—a leadership molded in humility and the gentle strength of the Gospel. It is a leadership that gives itself, that uplifts others, that listens before it speaks.
With grateful hearts, the participants raised their praise to the Lord for the precious gift of this formation—and to the Provincial Council who lovingly fostered their spiritual and charism-based growth. In a world that often equates value with dominance and control, our Sisters renewed the conviction that “to serve is to love,” and that only those who make themselves small are truly able to guide the People of God.
The formation of new consecrated leaders in Africa is not merely an internal need for religious Institutes—it is a prophetic response to the pressing challenges of our time. It is the Church choosing to build a future of fraternity, where every form of authority is exercised as loving service, never as privilege.
Once again, Kinshasa became a sacred ground where the seed of faith was renewed—trusting that the Lord of the harvest will bring forth abundant fruit, for the good of the Church and the world.
A Model of True Service: Saint Josephine Bakhita
To whom could the Sisters look as a true icon of self-giving service? Certainly to Saint Magdalene of Canossa, their Foundress—but in the African context, especially to Saint Josephine Bakhita.
Who was Saint Josephine Bakhita?
Born around 1869 in Darfur, Sudan, Josephine Bakhita is one of the brightest lights of African holiness. Kidnapped as a child and sold repeatedly into slavery, she endured unspeakable suffering. Yet her story did not end in bondage. She eventually found freedom in Italy, where she encountered the love of God through baptism and chose to consecrate her life as a Canossian Sister.
Her life became a silent hymn of forgiveness, gentleness, and mercy. Despite the brutality she endured, she bore no hatred. In her memoirs, she even wrote of being able to “thank her captors,” for through that suffering, she came to know Christ.
Canonized in 2000 by Saint John Paul II, Saint Bakhita is now the patron saint of victims of slavery, human trafficking, and all those who suffer injustice.
Through her witness, she teaches us that love can transfigure every wound, that true freedom is born in the heart, and that no story is ever too broken to be redeemed.
