Dehonian Jubilee 2026: Gathering in Kisangani, November 23–26

From November 23 to 26, 2026, the city of Kisangani, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, will beat to the rhythm of the Dehonian Jubilee (2024–2028). As the third stage of a commemorative journey begun in Saint-Quentin (France) and Brussels (Belgium), and continued in Quito (Ecuador), this gathering—marking the centenary of the death of the Venerable Father Léon Dehon and the 150th anniversary of the Congregation’s foundation—will place special emphasis on the oblative dimension of the Dehonian vocation. Yet, as a health crisis continues to weigh on the nation,how is such an international gathering being organized? To take stock of the preparations and key aspects of this event,Father Dieudonné Munia, Provincial Secretary of the Priests of the Sacred Heart in the DRC, answered our questions.

Good day, Father Dieudonné. Thank you for your presence here in Rome and for your availability for this interview dedicated to the preparations for the third stage of the Dehonian Jubilee in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Which specific sites have been chosen for this jubilee?

Fr. Dieudonné Munia, SCJ: The Dehonian Jubilee in the Democratic Republic of the Congo will be celebrated from November 23 to 26, 2026. Initially, the General Administration had selected two sites: Kisangani and Wamba.Unfortunately, given the logistical constraints and transportation challenges within the country, the province decided to concentrate the celebrations in Kisangani. Nevertheless, the preparatory commission has designed a program featuring various fringe activities around these days. These will primarily be intended for province members, while remaining open to the entire Dehonian family wishing to undertake this pilgrimage.

The Priests of the Sacred Heart inaugurated their first mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo—then the Belgian Congo—in 1897. It was Father Dehon himself who sent the first missionaries. Since then, the Dehonian presence has been profoundly transformed. Could you give us a brief overview of the history of this mission in the Congo?

Indeed, the first Dehonian missionaries arrived in the Congo in 1897: they were Fathers Gabriel Grison and Gabriel Lux. The mission began in Kisangani, at the Saint-Gabriel site, before expanding gradually toward the eastern part of the country. However, it took about fifty years before the first confreres of Congolese origin were admitted to religious formation. Among them, one persevered to the very end: Brother Dieudonné Oulimwengu, who passed away in 1976. Subsequently, the province continued to grow and witnessed many vocations, leading to the current vitality driven by enthusiastic young members.

How many members does the Congolese Province of the Priests of the Sacred Heart currently have, and in which regions are you established?

To date, the Congolese Province has 142 members, including young men in formation. We are established in eight dioceses across the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

What are the main fields of apostolate for the Dehonians in the Congo?

Our apostolate is very diverse. We are actively engaged in parish pastoral work through the care of multiple parish communities. We also work in schooling and education through our network of schools. In addition, we are invested in social pastoral ministry, particularly through a reception and residential center for children facing family breakdown. Finally, we run a spiritual center, not to mention our confreres engaged in various specialized pastoral ministries.

Following Saint-Quentin and Brussels, then Quito in Ecuador, this third stage will bring the Congregation together in Kisangani. What will make this third stage of the Dehonian Jubilee on Congolese soil distinct?

As the Superior General highlighted in his letter, the uniqueness of the celebration in the Congo lies in the emphasis on oblation, a constitutive dimension of our Dehonian charism. This theme was chosen in memory of the martyrdom suffered by our confreres during the 1964 rebellion. In total, 26 Dehonian religious lost their lives. It is this supreme witness of sacrifice and shed blood that led the General Administration to choose this theme for the celebration in the Congo and for Africa as a whole.

What are the broad outlines of the program for this jubilee?

The program developed by the province highlights fraternal communion. The aim is to offer the entire Dehonian family the opportunity to experience a spiritual pilgrimage in the footsteps of our martyrs. The days will feature conferences led by speakers from diverse backgrounds, along with key moments of prayer and recollection. An entire day will be specifically dedicated to a pilgrimage to the actual sites of our confreres’ martyrdom. Finally,moments of fellowship and fraternal sharing will allow us to deepen the bonds of communion within our religious family.

For several months, the country has been dealing with health alerts, particularly concerning the Ebola virus disease. How are you preparing for this event in such a context?

It is indeed a major concern. As you noted, the Congo has been affected by the Ebola virus disease for some time, primarily in the eastern region. According to government statements, the active center of this illness is located mainly in the east, notably in Ituri Province. Nevertheless, the situation is being closely monitored by health authorities, who have strengthened surveillance at borders, airports, and within local communities to curb any risk of spread.

At the designated venues and accommodation centers, what practical measures have been put in place to safeguard the health of participants?

The province, and especially the preparatory commission, works in close coordination with health services and administrative authorities. We strictly apply current health protocols and will adapt our measures to whatever directives are issued between now and November. All necessary safeguards are being implemented to protect the safety and health of participants, both at lodging facilities and during gatherings and local travel. Careful registration tracking and adequate supervision will enable everyone to experience this stage with complete peace of mind.

Father Dieudonné, what message would you like to share with our confreres and all those looking ahead toward Kisangani?

The DRC Province rejoices deeply and is preparing with great fervor to welcome the Dehonian family. Despite current logistical and health challenges, we are making every effort to ensure this jubilee is a true time of grace and spiritual renewal. A jubilee is above all a celebration of joy. All who gather in Kisangani, as well as those joining us from afar through the Congregation’s communication channels, will form one single body in prayer and thanksgiving. We invite everyone to participate fully in this major event: see you in Kisangani from November 23 to 26, 2026!