In the territory of Muanda, within the Diocese of Boma, December 17, 2025 was an exceptionally joyful day. It marked the celebration of the 130th anniversary of Lycée Mbuetete ya Mbu, founded in 1895.

The entire school community was mobilized for the occasion: the school administration, teachers, students, parents, and alumni all took part in this historic celebration.

Upon entering the school grounds, visitors were immediately struck by the school’s fresh coat of paint and its elegant decorations displayed throughout the campus. Everywhere, one could hear expressions of joy—cheers, songs performed by students, and music played by the school band—creating a festive and vibrant atmosphere.

The jubilee festivities officially began on Thursday, December 11, 2025, and continued until December 16, featuring a variety of extracurricular activities, including:
• Dictation
• Football matches
• Debate conferences
• Traditional dances and spelling competitions
• Poetry and storytelling
• Comedy performances
• Nzango (a traditional game)

The highlight of the celebration took place on Wednesday, December 17, with a Mass of Thanksgiving celebrated within the school premises. The Mass was presided over by His Excellency Monsignor José-Claude Mbimbi Mbamba, the local Ordinary, and concelebrated by thirteen priests from various parishes. They gathered to share in the joy of the Sisters, students, and the people of Muanda—particularly the alumni who had received their education at Lycée Mbuetete ya Mbu.

In his homily, inspired by the readings of the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception (Luke 1:26–38), the patroness of the school, His Excellency emphasized the mission of the school and the values it seeks to instill in its students.

He explained the meaning of the name MBUETETE YA MBU:
Mbuetete means star
(Ya) Mbu means the sea

Thus, MBUETETE YA MBU means “Star of the Sea,” a title attributed to the Virgin Mary in the Litany of the Saints.

The Bishop called upon the school to continue being a guiding star—leading young people away from ignorance, discouragement, and moral decline. He urged it to remain a pilot school, a beacon, and a model institution at every level, capable of transforming mindsets and shaping positive habits. Just as God chose the Virgin Mary to be a pure and immaculate star in the world as the Mother of His Son, the school too is called to shine through excellence and integrity.

Following the homily, the jubilee celebration continued with several symbolic moments:

• The Bishop washed the hands of the Sister Prefect, Sister Yvonne, along with representatives of parents, teachers, and students, symbolizing reconciliation between generations and the resolution of conflicts sometimes encountered in school life;

• The release of two doves as a symbol of peace;

• A candlelight procession beginning from the large Jubilee Candle, led by the Sister Prefect and followed by students, teachers, parents’ representatives, and alumni;

• The presentation of a Certificate of Merit to a teacher who faithfully served the school for 40 years;

• The presentation of a Certificate of Merit to Sister Yvonne, in recognition of the remarkable apostolic work carried out by the Sisters of Charity of Jesus and Mary in the field of education and youth formation;

• The official reading of the letter marking the closing of the Jubilee Year.

As an act of thanksgiving, each class made an offering to the Lord according to the school’s organization. These offerings included sacks of rice and sugar, containers of oil, boxes of soap and tomatoes, flour, a goat, and even envelopes containing monetary contributions.
After the singing of the Te Deum, a hymn of thanksgiving, several speeches were delivered by:

• The Sister Prefect;
• Sister Marie-Auxiliatrice Misenga, the first Congolese Sister to direct the school after the European Sisters. Although currently residing in Mbuji-Mayi, she attended the jubilee thanks to the support of her former students;
• The Coordinator of Catholic Conventioned Schools;
• Representatives of parents and students;
• The Administrator of the Territory of Muanda;
• The Bishop, who expressed his deep gratitude to the Sisters of Charity of Jesus and Mary for their dedication to youth education and to all those committed to forming future leaders of the nation.

After the Mass, refreshments were served, followed by a dance celebration, and finally the official closing of the jubilee activities.

Special recognition was given to the presence of His Excellency Monsignor José-Claude Mbimbi Mbamba; Sisters of Charity from neighboring communities; Sister Marie-Auxiliatrice Misenga, the special guest from Mbuji-Mayi; members of the diocesan clergy; consecrated persons from other religious congregations; political and administrative authorities; teachers and students; parents and alumni of Lycée Mbuetete ya Mbu. All came from far and wide to join the Sisters of Charity of Jesus and Mary in celebrating the 130th anniversary of the school, the first educational institution in the area.

Together, we gave glory to God, the Master of time and history, for this great educational mission.

To all those who contributed, directly or indirectly, to the success of this long-awaited celebration, we extend our sincere gratitude.

Kimpese, January 5, 2026
Sister Hélène Doteane