Catholic Scouts in Bunia Launch New Pastoral Year with Commitment to Service

The Catholic Scouts in Bunia, Democratic Republic of Congo, have kicked off their new pastoral year with a vibrant ceremony at Saint Paul Brazza Lumumba parish. The event, which took place on November 15, 2026, brought together young scouts from various parishes, who gathered in an atmosphere of joy, fraternity, and prayer. The theme of the year is "Together for an engaged scouting youth, serving the Church and society," which encapsulates the scout's mission to believe, serve, and build peace.

The ceremony began with a thanksgiving mass celebrated by Abbé Dieudonné Urom, chaplain of Canal Sud of the Catholic Scouts of Bunia diocese. In his homily, he officially launched the scout year and the contribution campaign of the Bunia Diocesan Bureau of Catholic Scouts. He urged the scouts to remain steadfast in prayer, faith, and commitment, and to reject violence, becoming artisans of peace and living together in their families and society.

Maître Héritier Motema, diocesan coordinator of Catholic Scouts in Bunia, expressed gratitude to the young scouts for their presence and to parents for entrusting their children to the movement. He emphasized that scouting is a school of life that forms responsible, disciplined, and useful young people for the Church and the country. Motema also highlighted the importance of the scouts' role in promoting peace and health in their communities.

The event also included a sensitization session on the Ebola virus. The coordinator encouraged scouts to be messengers of health and peace in their families, schools, and neighborhoods. By respecting hygiene rules and sharing accurate information, each scout can help protect their community and save lives. This commitment demonstrates that the Catholic Scouts of Bunia are also dedicated to public health.

The pastoral year opening ceremony concluded with songs, prayers, and fraternal reunions. Scouts left with a clear mission: to live their faith courageously, serve without tiring, and promote peace wherever they go. With this engaged youth, the Bunia diocese can hope for a vibrant Church and a more fraternal, solidary, and peaceful society.

The Catholic Scouts' focus on commitment to service, faith, and peacebuilding aligns with their mission to make a positive impact in their communities. By engaging in activities that promote peace, health, and education, the scouts aim to become responsible and active citizens. The movement's emphasis on discipline, responsibility, and solidarity is expected to shape the young scouts into leaders who can contribute to the development of their communities.

As the new pastoral year unfolds, the Catholic Scouts of Bunia are expected to undertake various activities that promote their values and mission. With the guidance of their coordinators and chaplains, the scouts will strive to make a meaningful difference in their communities, upholding the principles of scouting and serving as role models for their peers.

Key points

• Catholic Scouts in Bunia launch new pastoral year with commitment to service, faith, and peacebuilding.