The Catholic community of Senegal gathered this Sunday, November 16, 2025, in Nguéniène, for the solemn opening Mass of the Golden Jubilee, marking 50 years of presence of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate (OMI) in Senegal and Guinea-Bissau. The ceremony was presided over by Father René Marie Diouf, Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia of the Archdiocese of Dakar, on behalf of Archbishop André Gueye of Dakar.

Having arrived in Senegal in November 1976 and then in Guinea-Bissau in 2003, the OMI are now deeply rooted in the pastoral and social life of both countries. Faithful to the charism of their founder, Saint Eugene de Mazenod, they strive to evangelize and serve the most vulnerable populations.

According to Reverend Father Vincent Waly Diouf, superior of the OMI Delegation of Senegal and Guinea-Bissau, the Golden Jubilee is "an invitation to a renewal in our mission, therefore to a deeper communion with the children of God to whom we are sent".

He also praised the efforts of the pioneering missionaries while acknowledging the challenges they faced. "Much effort has been made over the decades, but there have also been shortcomings. We believe that everything that has been accomplished has contributed to the glory of God," he said.

This jubilee will be marked by numerous spiritual and festive activities. An icon of the Virgin Mary, accompanied by a relic of Saint Eugene de Mazenod, will travel to all the mission posts served by the Oblates. This pilgrimage through the parishes will allow the faithful to experience moments of prayer, reflection, and gratitude.

Father Louis Diedhiou, an OMI missionary, recalled the profound meaning of this celebration. "It is to give thanks for the blessings received and to ask forgiveness for our limitations. We also want to honor the missionaries of the first group, who are now sick or elderly, and pray for their recovery," he said.

In Senegal, the Oblates administer seven parishes and two Marian shrines spread across the dioceses of Dakar, Kaolack, Tambacounda, Kolda and Ziguinchor. Among these places are the parish of Mary Immaculate of Parcelles-Assainies (Dakar), the parish of Nguéniène (Thiès), the parish of Koungheul (Kaolack), Koumpentoum (Tambacounda), Temento (Kolda/Ziguinchor), the Marian shrines of Elinkine (Ziguinchor) and Temento (Kolda).

In Guinea-Bissau, they serve three parishes: Farim, Antula and Kassol, spread across the dioceses of Bissau and Bafatá.

In keeping with the Jubilee Year of Hope celebrated by the universal Church, Father René Marie Diouf recalled that the Oblates, missionaries by vocation, "walk alongside the poor, the lowly, and the forgotten to help them rediscover their dignity as children of God." He emphasized their contribution to education, healthcare, pastoral care, and support for rural communities.

Through this Golden Jubilee, the Oblate Missionaries of Mary Immaculate wish to renew their commitment to "continue to sow in hope" for the benefit of the people of Senegal and Guinea-Bissau.