By Paschal Norbert
KIBEHO, NOVEMBER 29, 2024 (CISA) – The Standing Committee of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) concluded its second and final ordinary meeting of 2024 in Kigali, Rwanda, on November 29. Running from November 25 to 29, the gathering brought together cardinals, archbishops, and bishops from across Africa and its islands, along with a delegation from SECAM’s Secretariat in Accra, Ghana.
The meeting provided a platform for Church leaders to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the Church in Africa, review recent accomplishments, and plan for the future. Among the significant announcements was the confirmation that the next SECAM Plenary Assembly will take place in Kigali from July 30 to August 4, 2025, hosting over 200 bishops for discussions, prayer, and a pilgrimage to the Kibeho Marian Shrine.
The SECAM Standing Committee serves as a critical body for the episcopal conferences of Africa, uniting Church leaders to reflect on their mission within the continent’s diverse social, economic, and political contexts. Over the five-day gathering in Kigali, the committee exchanged insights about their regions and discussed strategies for addressing pressing challenges.
On November 28, SECAM members joined the Church in Rwanda for the National Feast of Our Lady of Kibeho. The Kibeho Marian Shrine, known as a site of approved apparitions of the Virgin Mary, became a centerpiece of spiritual unity during the celebrations. Speaking at the shrine, Rt Rev Stephen Dami Mamza, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Yola, Nigeria, and 2nd Vice President of SECAM, acknowledged the significance of this pilgrimage: “The feast of Our Lady of Kibeho is a reminder of Africa’s unique role in the universal Church. It was deeply moving to celebrate with the Rwandan faithful at this holy site.”
Bishop Mamza also revealed plans for the next SECAM Plenary Assembly, set to take place in Kigali in mid-2025: “We have had our standing meeting in preparation for our plenary meeting taking place next year here in Kigali, Rwanda, from July 30 to August 4,” he shared during his remarks at Kibeho. He further added, “By the grace of God, you will see over 200 bishops from different parts of Africa, and we have already inserted in our program to come here, all the bishops, on pilgrimage next year.”
The plenary, which will bring together Catholic bishops from across the continent, is expected to focus on critical topics such as peacebuilding, youth engagement, and the role of the Church in addressing Africa’s pressing challenges. Bishop Mamza extended heartfelt gratitude to the Rwandan Episcopal Conference and the Rwandan government for their hospitality and willingness to host the historic event, stating, “Once more, I want to thank very sincerely His Eminence and all the bishops of Rwanda and the government of Rwanda for accepting to host us here next year.”
