The Missionary Spirit at Assumption
The East Africa Vice-Province will host the second Assumptionist Missionary re-reading Session in Arusha, at the Austin House community, from June 23 to July 3, 2026. Under the theme “Missionaries of the Assumption and Apostles for the Kingdom,” the session responds to the guidelines of the 34th General Chapter (No. 112), but it also expresses a conviction, as Father Ngoa Ya Tshihemba, Superior General, in his message to the participants: “This session is the fruit of a deep conviction, one that is imposed by reality itself: the future of our Congregation will be commensurate with the authentic missionary passion that we cultivate within ourselves and around us.”
Coming from various parts of the world, the participants form a colorful mosaic within the assembly, creating a very diverse group made up of missionaries, young people in formation, and formators. The session centers on sharing experiences, reflection, and the evaluation of missionary practices, featuring several thematic presentations and active interaction among participants. It thus offers everyone an opportunity for listening and dialogue, discernment and conversion, and aims to foster greater collaboration with our major superiors to stimulate the missionary spirit throughout the Congregation.
Indeed, this is the guidance provided by the Father General: “You have gathered to share your experiences. This is also a time for reflection that will help us make progress in how we encourage, prepare, support, and evaluate missionary experiences within the Congregation. We want to do better tomorrow. May each of your remarks, suggestions, and contributions be guided by this desire to improve the quality of our responses to the various missions entrusted to us.”
The timing of these events, coinciding with a gathering of the Oblate Sisters of the Assumption, was providential. The Sisters, who were organizing an international retreat for formators on the theme “Formation and Mission,” were able to join us for an enriching time of sharing and reflection, fraternity, and fellowship. In the joy of consecration out of love for the Kingdom of God, the sons and daughters of Father d’Alzon renewed their commitment to live out and pass on the charism they have received with creative fidelity. Together, we want to be men and women rooted in Jesus Christ, living in apostolic communities. We seek to be missionaries who respond to the challenges of evangelization in our time through a courageous, evangelically meaningful, and transformative presence.
After participating this Sunday in the solemn celebration at the Saints Peter and Paul Parish in Kijenge (Arusha), where 160 children received their First Communion, the session begins its second week… Adveniat Regnum Tuum.
Fr. João Gomes, A.A.
Assistant General
