On Sunday 25 May 2026, more than a hundred members of the Salesian family in Lomé made a pilgrimage to the Marian shrine of Our Lady of Liligodo in Gbatope, in a spirit of fraternal communion and spiritual renewal.
As they do every year, the various branches of the Salesian family in Lomé come together for a time of prayer, sharing and fellowship. This year, the gathering took place on Monday 25 May 2026 at the Marian shrine of Our Lady of Liligodo in Gbatope (located some 40 km from Lomé) and was attended by the Salesians of Don Bosco, the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, the Volunteers of Don Bosco, the Devout Friends of Mary Help of Christians, as well as former pupils from Lomé. A total of 110 pilgrims took part in the event.
The pilgrimage centred on two key events: a time of spiritual reflection followed by a time of recreation and fellowship. On their arrival at around 11 am, the pilgrims began a Marian procession to the shrine, punctuated by the recitation of the Rosary. This prayerful walk led to the Eucharistic celebration of the Solemnity of Mary Help of Christians, presided over by Father Sylvain Marie Agbangba, Provincial Vicar of the South West Africa Province (AOS). In his homily, the celebrant reflected on the African family to shed light on the mission of the Salesian family. He spoke of the traditional image of the African home, where the family gathers around the fire to chat, seek advice and strengthen community ties. “It is the same when I see this whole family gathered here,” he said. Continuing his teaching, Father Sylvain compared this traditional family to the Salesian family, which rests on three essential pillars: Jesus Christ, Mary Help of Christians, and the missionary unity of the Salesian family, animated by the fire of the Holy Spirit.
In his view, Jesus Christ remains the foundation of all Salesian mission: ‘Without Him, our mission becomes merely a social activity.’ Mary Help of Christians also occupies a central place in Salesian spirituality: ‘A family without a mother often loses its warmth.’ “Similarly, a Salesian family without a mother would lose its heart,” he said. The preacher went on to emphasise the importance of communion between the various branches of the Salesian family, despite their specific characteristics. All of them, he reminded his audience, “share the same spirit and the same mission in the service of young people, especially the poorest”. Concluding his homily, Father Sylvain emphasised the necessity of the Holy Spirit’s action in the Salesian mission.
After the liturgical service, the pilgrims gathered for a communal meal in a friendly atmosphere. The day continued with games and various recreational activities designed to encourage interaction among the participants.
This gathering enabled the Salesian Family in Lomé to renew its spiritual and missionary unity centred on Christ, Mary Help of Christians and the legacy of Don Bosco. The 2025–2026 annual pilgrimage concluded with a final blessing from Fr Bernard Gaba-Dovi, SDB, Director of the Salesian post-novitiate.
Hombissa Germeland, sdb
The Salesian community of Lomé on a pilgrimage to Gbatopé