The Synodality of Religious Life In Africa

Conference of Major Superiors of Africa and Madagascar

By Laurika Nxumalo, Photos: Sheldon Reddiar – The Archdiocese of Pretoria is hosting the Conference of Major Superiors of Africa and Madagascar (COMSAM) 6th Annual General Meeting from 26-30 May. The theme of the AGM is “Peace, Synodality and Empowerment of Consecrated Life in Africa”. The AGM is taking place at St John Vianney seminary – a badge of honour for the seminary, as the institution is celebrating 75 years of excellence.

As Catholics, we’re called to be synodal in everything we do. Synod on Synodality emphasises that the Church is called to reflect the richness of its global community, made up of people from every nation and background. Communion, which is one of the pillars of the Synod promoted harmony between different voices, languages, and experiences. The symposium and the AGM will enable religious leaders from different parts of Africa to learn from one another.

The diocese that will host COMSAM’s AGM, is under the leadership of the SACBC Commission for Synodality chairman, Archbishop Dabula Anthony Mpako. The religious leaders will be sitting under the “palaver tree”, deliberating and making decisions together. The AGM will turn into a rough sketch for the commission – the event is an example of walking together in the Spirit.

For the Archdiocese of Pretoria, which is currently running short of vocations, in some way, the hosting of the AGM is a blessing, as it has the potential of assisting the diocese’s efforts of promoting vocations.

Conference of Major Superiors of Africa and Madagascar

Currently, COMSAM, which was founded 20 years ago, represents six African regions, which encompass 108 000 Catholic religious (25 500 men including 16 300 priests and 9 200 clerics or brothers in formation) and 83 200 religious sisters in 55 African countries. All belong to 500+ various international and local institutes and congregations.

The Vatican’s Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life (CIVCSVA) endorsed COMSAM to serve as a network and voice for major heads of religious congregations across the African continent. COMSAM’s objectives are to promote cooperation, formation, and communication, across linguistic and cultural borders in order to serve the Church.

Through their special charisms, the religious in Africa have greatly contributed to the development of the continent. They have been involved in education, health, social services, and the refugee-migrant ministry. South Africa once had the best education system – this was all thanks to the contribution of the religious.

The AGM will put a spotlight on the leadership and importance of religious life on the African continent. This gathering will take a closer look at how African consecrated women and men will shape the future of the Catholic Church in Africa – all this is happening on the grounds of a country that once fought against a system of institutionalized racial segregation and discrimination – and some religious men and women helped them win the war.

We entrust the COMSAM AGM to the intercession of Mary, Mother of God.

Ms Laurika Nxumalo is the Archdiocesan Pastoral Council Secretary of the Archdiocese of Pretoria. She’s also the Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference (SACBC) Council of the Laity Representative of Pretoria and the Deputy Secretary of the SACBC Commission for Synodality.