(ANS – Lubumbashi) – On Sunday, March 1, 2026, the Salesian Family and the Missionary Animation of the Salesian Province “Mary Most Holy Assumed” of Central Africa (AFC) celebrated Salesian Mission Day 2026 under the theme “Open Hearts, Living Mission,” presented by Deacon Patrick, SDB. In his address, the speaker invited young people to cultivate missionary zeal and availability, encouraging them to become “living missions” themselves by reaching out to the smallest and most vulnerable. After a moment of reflection, the young people gathered at the Salesian parish of Bikira Mwenyi Huruma for the Eucharist, presided over by Fr Hervé Kaputa, a Salesian missionary in Cuba. During the offertory, the young missionaries donated school supplies for children in the missions of Kansenia and Uvira, a concrete gesture of solidarity and sharing. The day continued with words of encouragement from two missionary Daughters of Mary Help of Christians who have served in the Democratic Republic of the Congo for over half a century, urging the young to embrace the Lord’s call without delay or hesitation. The Provincial Delegate for Missionary Animation of the AFC Province, Fr Dominique Kubuya Luanda, made a heartfelt appeal to the young people and members of the Salesian Family present to commit themselves to Salesian Missionary Volunteering.