Paths of Marist life in Africa
The yearly Conference of Superiors of the African Continent, known as the CSAC, took place in the Marist International Centre of Nairobi, Kenya, from Feb. 8 – 11.
Its members are Brothers Francis Lukong (Superior of the West Africa District and current CSAC president), Joachim Ezetulugo (Provincial of Nigeria), Joe Walton (Provincial of Southern Africa), Sylvain Ramandimbiarisoa (Provincial of Madagascar), Théoneste Kalisa (Provincial of East Central Africa) and Lorenzo Ndawala (Superior of the MIC).
Vicar general Brother Joe McKee, who is a reference of MIC and MIUC (the university) in the general government, was present like every year, as well as one of the links of the general council with Africa, Brother Antonio Ramalho.
Econome general Brother Libardo Garzón also took part in this encounter.
CSAC is the regional organisation of animation and decision making for Marist Africa. During its annual meeting, it evaluates the path it has taken in the different areas of Marist life, it reflects on and makes decisions on guidelines, it approves plans and budgets and it appoints people holding posts at the regional level.
In this year’s meeting, as usual, it spent a lot of time on the MIC and the MIUC since they are important for the initial formation of young brothers and for the big amount of brothers in its community. (It currently has 78 Brothers from five administrative units.)
It dedicated a full day to the encounter with the team of the New Models project and with the Commission of the Mission in Africa (to analyse and value its strategic plan, which covers the capacity of directors, youth ministry, solidarity, children’s rights…). The encounter included several members of the general administration.
It covered other topics such as: the economy of the provinces and a sustainability plan; vocations, formation and perseverance; lay presence in the Marist life and mission and a better understanding of the lay vocation on behalf of the Brothers…
The provincial brothers and District superiors participated in a workshop animated by former superior general Brother Seán Sammon on Feb. 12 – 13, alongside other guest Brothers.
He spoke of community life, particularly on some concrete difficulties that can come up in the relationship between Brothers.
Once again, the group had a lot of support from the MIC community and enjoyed the beauty of the place, always well taken care of.
They also participated in daily Mass with the whole community, and they began Lent together on Feb. 10, Ash Wednesday.