The African Continental Meeting 2025, a significant event that truly showcased the congregational body of the Salvatorian Sisters in Africa, took place in Masasi, Tanzania, from July 5–11, 2025. It was the first international gathering organized by the current Generalate team under the leadership of Sr. Maria Yaneth, who also served as the meeting’s facilitator alongside Sr. Jacqueline Mwakasu Kona, Vicar General, and Sr. Ellen Sinclair, General Councillor. The Tanzanian Unit guided by Sr. Yasinta Godfrey Kalla graciously hosted the event.
A total of 28 members from the units of Congo, Mozambique, Tanzania, Angola, and Nairobi actively participated in the week-long meeting. As shared by the Sisters, the gathering began in a prayerful and joyful spirit, marked by great enthusiasm. In her welcoming remarks, Sr. Maria Yaneth invited the sisters to greet each other with the words: “I welcome you, I give you space, and we walk together.” These words set the tone for the days ahead—days filled with a deep sense of unity, discernment, and a renewed Salvatorian spirit, as they walked together in faith to discern the paths for the mission in Africa.
The meeting was marked by profound prayer, attentive listening, and respectful dialogue—core elements of the Salvatorian life in Africa. Through deep communal discernment, the sisters experienced what it means to walk, work, and decide together as one congregational body, all while seeking the will of God.
Key Topics Discussed During the Meeting:
- Sharing and exchanging experiences on Synodal Leadership and Interculturality
- Evaluation, discussion, and discernment concerning ongoing joint projects (including Nairobi, Angola, the Common Novitiate, Perpetual Vows Preparation, and Jubilee Celebrations)
- Sharing insights and experiences on Intercultural Formation
Each day of the meeting was well-organized, with every unit contributing by leading the opening prayers in an authentic and meaningful way. The gathering was also uplifted by vibrant traditional dances that added joy and cultural richness to the experience.
The spirit of unity was strongly felt throughout the meeting. Sr. Astrid, Regional Superior of the Congo Unit, expressed her joy by saying, “I am very happy to participate in this African Continental Meeting. It is a very important moment for me to be together with my fellow Salvatorian Sisters—to learn and grow through our shared communion.” Sr. Maria Marlene from the Mozambique Unit echoed a similar sentiment: “This continental meeting has helped me to deepen my understanding of one another, and especially to grow in my understanding of interculturality.” The spirit of synodality was not limited to the Salvatorian Sisters alone. The Salvatorian Fathers and Brothers have collaborated and supported greatly for the success of the meeting.
A joyful highlight of the gathering was the celebration of Sr. Ellen Sinclair’s birthday. She enjoyed a heartfelt celebration organized by the Tanzanian novices, featuring special and spectacular programs. The participants also had a chance to relax and enjoy the beauty of Africa during an outing to the Bridge of Unity and the scenic rock mountains. They were further blessed by the warm hospitality of the Salvatorian Fathers at Mangaka Parish and the company of Bro. Macha, SDS, who accompanied them on the journey.
The meeting concluded with a symbolic and heartfelt gesture. The three African unit leaders Sr. Yasinta Godfrey Kalla, Sr. Astrid, and Sr. Maria Marlene lit a fire together, which was then shared with all the sisters by Sr. Maria Yaneth as a parting gift—a powerful symbol of the light and hope they carry forward. Farewells were exchanged with the blessing words of Bl. Francis Jordan.
We hope that the participants, now renewed and full of hope after the African Continental Meeting 2025, will continue to radiate the same spirit and enthusiasm, sharing with their fellow sisters in their respective units the fruits of this transformative encounter.
