UCC: Heading towards the Platinum Jubilee for the institution's 70th anniversary

KINSHASA, July 17, 2026 – Seventy years of academic and spiritual excellence are being prepared starting today. This Thursday, July 16, 2026, Father Léonard Santedi, Rector of the Catholic University of Congo (UCC), officially presided over the first preparatory meeting for the institution's Platinum Jubilee. This historic anniversary, which will culminate on April 25, 2027, marks seven decades of existence since the creation of the Faculty of Theology in 1957 within Lovanium University, now UNIKIN.

Led by the Rector, an inclusive organizing committee has been formed. It brings together representatives of the academic, scientific, administrative, and technical staff, as well as the alumni network. Held under the banner of thanksgiving, these celebrations are intended to be both an exercise in reflection and a springboard for the future.

An international program

To honor this historic milestone, the UCC will deploy a range of scientific, cultural and sporting activities:

• A major international conference on the theme: "University and the construction of a new humanity" .
• Honorary distinctions , including the awarding of honorary doctorates and prizes for excellence.
• Cultural and sporting events , combining Eucharistic celebrations, a classical concert and a major inter-university football tournament.

For Father Léonard Santedi, this jubilee is a unique opportunity to capitalize on the rich heritage of the UCC to better anticipate the challenges of tomorrow. For, as he forcefully reminded everyone, "the future is yet to come."

A fitting adage: The tree that celebrates its roots prepares its finest fruits for future seasons.

TMNews@090726