(ANS – Goma) – A new chapter in Salesian history began on Monday, August 24, 2026, in Goma, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with the official installation of Fr. Carlos Kabumba Balezi as the first Superior of the new Vice Province of East Congo Africa (ACE), placed under the patronage of St. Joseph.

The celebration, marked by prayer, fraternity, and hope, represents a significant milestone in the establishment and development of Don Bosco’s charism in the region.

The installation ceremony took place during a Eucharistic celebration presided over by Monsignor Henri Chiza, Vicar General of the Diocese of Goma, in the presence of numerous priests, religious, members of the Salesian Family, and representatives of local communities.

Among the Salesian dignitaries present were Fr. Alphonse Owoudou, Regional Councillor for Central-West Africa, and the Provincial Superiors of ACC and AFC, Fr. Aurélien Mukangwa y Fr. Guillermo Basanes, respectively. Fr. Frederick, Vice Provincial of AGL, also took part in the celebration.

A New Step for the Salesian Mission

During the celebration, the Decree of the Rector Major establishing the new Vice Province and the letter of appointment for Fr. Carlos Kabumba Balezi were read aloud.

The new Superior then made his profession of faith and took the oath of fidelity before signing the official documents together with his Vice Provincial.

In his address, Fr. Carlos expressed his willingness to serve the new Circumscription with dedication, emphasizing in particular the importance of “living and working together,” in accordance with the spirit of Article 49 of the Salesian Constitutions.

Fraternal communion and collaboration among all, he emphasized, will be fundamental to effectively carrying out the Salesian mission and to being ever more at the service of young people, the privileged recipients of Don Bosco’s charism.

A Call for Unity in Diversity

The Salesian Family expressed its gratitude to the Rector Major, Fr. Fabio Attard, and his Council for the trust placed in the new Vice Province, interpreting this decision as an encouragement to live out the educational and evangelizing mission for the region’s young people with greater responsibility.

In his address, Fr. Owoudou offered his congratulations to the new Superior and his team, urging them to face the challenges of this new phase with courage. In particular, he emphasized the importance of building unity in diversity among the confreres, an essential element for a shared and fruitful mission.

The day concluded with a convivial gathering, enjoyed in a simple and family-like atmosphere, in the spirit of Don Bosco.

For the new ACE Vice Province, a new chapter in Salesian history thus begins—a journey in which young people remain at the heart of the mission.