Fraternal Greetings in the Heart of Mary,
The fourth among the five mission encounters of different conferences of the congregation took place from September 24 to 30, 2013, at the Claretian Theologate in Ibadan, Independent Delegation of West Nigeria.
The aim of this encounter, convoked by the General Prefect of Apostolate, was to begin reflection about the various priorities for West Africa and the different characteristics that will compose our lifestyle and mission in the next twenty years, having in mind the upcoming General Chapter and the priorities for Africa. We had a heartily welcome from the Claretians of West Nigeria and the services were up and doing. We also felt their generosity and their hospitality in spending time and energy to make us comfortable despite our cultural diversities.
This encounter gathered together 16 persons from the Province of East Nigeria, Delegation of West Nigeria, Delegation of Equatorial Guinea, Delegation of Cameroon, Mission of Gabon, Mission of Ivory Coast, Mission of Ghana and the Mission of North Nigeria. Present were His Lordship, Anselm Umoren, Auxiliary Bishop of Abuja, Fr. Velasco Miguel Angel cmf, General Prefect of Apostolate, Fr. Emmanuel Edeh cmf, General Consultor for Africa, Bro. Robert ApiyoOmondi cmf, General Coordinator of JPIC in the Congregation and Fr. Henry Omonisaye, cmf, Major Superior of West Nigeria. They served as resource persons who fed us intellectually and we drew strength from their inspiring conferences and presentations on the following topics:
The Letter of Father General, “Missionaries”;
The Guidelines and Conclusions of “Theology of our Mission”;
The State of the Mission in our Congregation;
The Congregation in Africa, Towards the future;
Mission and Missionaries in Africa.
These conferences, coupled with other presentations on the Claretian presence in the UN and on our various missions challenged us to do reflect on the quid of doing our mission in the Claretian way. On this note, we have let ourselves thoroughly challenged by the social, ecclesial, and congregational challenges and trends of Africa through these documents and of our reality.
We identify the 5 features of the missionary life style that distinguishes us in this continent:
- Mission as communion
- Centrality of the Word of God
- Option for the poor
- Mission as Dialogue
- Youth Ministry
We began on a positive note by underlying the fact that West Africa is blessed with rich cultural and moral heritage. There is growth in population with particular reference to youth, practice of democracy in sub West African countries, sense of the family, etc. Christianity which came not more than 200 years ago has been planted in all countries in West Africa. From the Catholic perspective, there is increase in numerical strength of indigenous Clergy, Seminarians, candidates for Consecrated life, Catechists and erection of Churches. In the fields of Education, Healthcare, Social Welfare and Dialogue with Government and Civil Society, the Church in West Africa has made some remarkable impacts.
Without lying only on our laurels, we noted that the African Continent (Especially West Africa), despite the above mentioned glories is still the last among the classification of continents in the world. After almost an average of 40 years of independence in many West African Nations, we cannot boast of sufficient development. West African Zone is still marked by outstanding poverty, injustices, political instability, and ethnic/religious crises. It is a pity that children are not sure of their future. Some cannot go to school because of the high prices needed for good education. Children suffer the effects of child trafficking daily. Our youths see a blurred future and they are forced into mass rural-urban exodus.
These are urgent challenges in West Africa and our charism would like to respond to them. We feel challenged to be a light to those who live in darkness and in the shadow of death through the following priority lines:
Option for the poor through the activities of JPIC;
Biblical ministry;
Adequate use of the means of social communication and technology;
Shared Mission;
Promotion of Youth/Vocational Ministry.
We have equally proposed some strategic positions to respond to the urgencies and challenges in this continent. This for us is possible through developmental projects and the revamping of our mission procures, through our skills in bible apostolate, and through retreat preaching and communication. This mission can be better be accomplished by collaborating with the laity and the encouragement of the youths.
It has been a very wonderful experience all these days. We thank the Congregation for this opportunity given to us to reflect on our own mission style in this part of the world. With solidarity we also comment our brothers in other continents who have lived or will still live this precious period we have enjoyed.
We continue to commend you all to the maternal guidance and protection of the Immaculate Heart of Mary
Ibadan, September 30, 2013