COVIAM members and CURIA officials came together for a meeting in Nairobi from June 9 – 15, 2024.
The historic gathering was held at Roussel House – a conference facility run by the Donum Dei sisters in Nairobi, Kenya with about 74 confreres were in attendance. The Superior General – Fr. Tomaz Mavric, C.M, the entire General Council together with the Econome General and Secretary General represented the CURIA while all the Visitors, Regional and Mission superiors in Africa and Madagascar came with their council members, economes, communication officers and provincial secretaries.
The meeting was presided over by the President of COVIAM – Fr. Guenole Feugang, C.M. Each Visitor had a chance to introduce his entourage and make a presentation of his Province, Vice Province, Region or Mission. The highlight of the presentations was on the history, membership, vocation and formation, key apostolates, successes and challenges, sustainability and future plans. Visitors were also tasked with enumerating their implementation models for the 2022 General Assembly priorities as well as the plans for the 4th centenary celebrations.
The forum also provided space for interaction between the CURIA officials and the Visitors. The Secretary General presented on the status of the Congregation of the Mission Worldwide and gave an input on the work of provincial secretaries especially in the areas of correspondence and reporting. The Econome General presented financial processes and functions in his office. Various assistant generals made presentations as follows: Fr. Gregory Banaga on formation of our members, Fr. Dominique on Formation of Formators, Fr. Nelio on Vincentian Studies and Commission on Vocations, Fr. Aaron on moral integrity and transparency, and formation of those going for missio ad gentes. Fr. Ziad made a presentation on financial sustainability, a project he is undertaking to help poor provinces plan for sustainability.
In conclusion Fr. Tomaz – Superior General made a presentation on his vision as captured in the 2022 General Assembly final document as well as the 11points of reflection. The superior general invited the confreres from across Africa and Madagascar to put on the spirit of Jesus Christ in a renewed manner and make worthy exploits during the 4th centenary celebrations of the foundation of our Congregation. He also urged visitors and confreres under COVIAM to make concrete their steps in realizing the dreams of the 43rd General assembly thus ensuring a revitalized Congregation in Africa and Madagascar.
Other key moments during the meeting included a visit with the Archbishop of Nairobi – H.E Philip Anyolo who welcomed the missionaries to Nairobi and wished them well. The top leadership of Tangaza University also made a presentation on the programs being offered at the University besides acknowledging the enormous support extend to them by the Congregation. The confreres visited some key apostolates in the Vice Province of Kenya specifically DePaul Centre, St. Lazare House and the Daughters of Charity in Kenya. They also visited a cultural center and an animal sanctuary within the city of Nairobi.
The meeting, which was a huge success, gave the confreres drawn from different countries and cultures an opportunity to interact, exchange notes and journey together as friends. Confreres joined together in colorful liturgies and common meals. The highlight was the last day Mass held at the Resurrection Gardens where parishioners from our nearby parishes were invited. The mass which was presided over by Fr. Tomaz was a beautiful and lively celebration. Afterwards everyone was treated to a sumptuous lunch served at the Donum Dei before watching a documentary which was aired courtesy of Ms. Jessica – a dear friend and benefactor or our Congregation. While the visitors from COVIAM remained for another week of deliberations, everyone returned to their countries on the weekend of 15th – 16th June, rejuvenated and renewed for the mission.
