
Marist District of West Africa
The Secretariat of the Laity and Brother John Kusi, organised two three-day workshops in Ghana and Cameroon, with the participation of about 50 laity, men and women, and 10 Brothers at the end of August.
During the workshop in Ghana, district superior Brother Francis Lukong expressed his support for the efforts of improving communion between Brothers and laity at the district.
In Cameroon, Brother Ivo Njongai, the national coordinator of the Marist laity in the country, accompanied the experience.
The animating team was formed by Agnes Reyes of East Asia, Ana Sarrate of Ibérica, Brother Spiridion Ndanga of PACE and Brother Javier Espinosa of the Secretariat of the Laity. The main leaders were the two lay women, Agnes and Ana.
The major themes that were covered in depth included: the vocation of the laity in the Church, the Marist lay vocation, formation processes, communion between Brothers and laity, responses to the African reality. One of the days aimed at presenting the Champagnat Movement as a possible proposal for a Marist path for the laity in Africa. The reflection was accompanied by the study of the documents ‘Being Lay Marist’ and the ‘Life Project of the Champagnat Movement.’ Another space was dedicated to tune into the different realities and lay experiences in the Institute. The document was shared alongside the Secretariat’s proposals to the General Chapter.
The interest and the motivation that was shown throughout the workshop was expressed in many questions posed by the participants throughout the event.
The meetings revived the desire to strengthen both the group of laity in Ghana, as well as the four groups in Cameroon (Bafut / Bamenda, Tatum, Douala, Mbengwi).
In Cameroon, a coordinating Committee was appointed and some future activities for the year were outlined.
It is necessary to emphasize the spontaneous, vibrant and harmonious songs that arose several moments during the day.They can be watched in the video below. They are, undoubtedly, an expression of Marist hearts that manifested the strength and vitality of the charism. Contemplating the group’s singing and dancing, you were encouraged by their smiles, their movements, their joy, their hope and their brotherhood. All this took place within the commitment to build a new La Valla. Then the group of Cameroon passed in front of the altar so that the priest would bless the small memory of the event that had been given to them, a mason's trowel. They wanted it to be a symbol of their desire to promote the future.