Malabo, Equatorial Guinea / Okondja, Gabon. Throughout November 2025, the Padre Xifré Delegation celebrated two significant anniversaries of Claretian presence in Central Africa. The first took place on 16 November at the Claret Shrine Parish in Malabo, marking 75 years of mission. One week later, on 23 November, the community of Christ the King Parish in Okondja joyfully celebrated its Golden Jubilee for 50 years of evangelizing service.
Both celebrations brought together faithful, religious men and women, and diocesan representatives who expressed their gratitude for the witness and dedication of the early missionaries who established the Claretian presence in Equatorial Guinea and Gabon. Participants emphasized that these anniversaries not only evoke grateful memory of the past but also become a call to renew missionary and pastoral commitment in the face of today’s challenges.
During the jubilee Eucharistic celebrations, it was highlighted that the legacy received must be preserved and revitalized, while each new generation is invited to build a solid future for the local communities. In his message, the Major Superior stressed the urgent need for deep renewal to respond more effectively to the social realities shaping the life of these countries. He also reaffirmed the preferential option for the poor as a sign of missionary maturity and a core element of proclaiming the Gospel.
The two Jubilees were experienced as moments of strong spiritual encouragement for the entire Delegation, which thus reaffirms its desire to continue animating ecclesial life wherever it is present. The celebrations concluded with a shared sense of thanksgiving to God for the Claretian vocation and mission, called to continue bearing fruit in the region.
Source: Axel Yolanda, CMF, Delegation Secretary.
