AROUND THE FIRE WITH OUR SISTER HUMBELINA

A letter of thanks from the novices to Sister Umbelina:

“Dear Sister Umbelina, we are gathered around the fire at this important moment to reflect on all that you have shared with us and all that we have learned from you, as a result of your life and long missionary experience around the world. In African culture, being around the fire signifies a time for the transmission of values, where the elders, in a circle and telling stories, share the most important knowledge and teachings with the younger ones, passing on the message and the life lessons that come from someone who has seen much, traveled winding paths, and known how to triumph. Therefore, tonight we want to take this opportunity to express our sincere gratitude for all that you have done for us. We thank you for your dedication, love, vivacity, commitment to teaching the Bible with great skill and intelligence, and above all, for your defense of women’s rights. This has been a great source of inspiration.” and learning for us.

Dear sister, rest assured that these weeks have been days of sharing and drinking from your wisdom and knowledge of the Bible, with joy and passion. We felt guided through the scriptures and through time, revealing to us the greatness of God. A more real God, closer to people, who expresses messages of hope, faith, love, and affection through life. Sister spared no effort and was not held back by age; she came to us to bring us the GOOD NEWS.

We deeply admire her ability to connect with history and the events that have shaped the course of the Bible, relating them to our daily lives. This connection helped us find and give deeper meaning to our purpose of following Jesus not only as high priest, but as a poor and merciful man. Sister knew how to use her confident, powerful, and challenging voice to help us position ourselves as strong women, to live equality as a great value, and to always seek justice for women. She has helped us to be more critical, curious, and seekers of the Truth and to pursue our dreams.

We are so, so grateful for everything we have received from you. Our words will never be enough to express how much we have learned from you. We are sure that we can always count on you. Thank you so much and may God always be with you.

Luanda, January 2026

Novices of the African Continent