2015-07-31 12:47:00

SECAM launches the year-long African Year of Reconciliation


SECAM the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) on Wednesday, 29 July, celebrated 46 years of existence and used the occasion to officially launch the African Year of Reconciliation (AYR), which had been recommended by Pope emeritus Benedict XVI in his Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation, Africae Munus.

The celebration held on the annually celebrated SECAM Day, took place at the headquarters of SECAM in Accra, Ghana, beginning with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, which was presided over by the Director of the Biblical Apostolate of Africa and Madagascar (BICAM), Father Yves-Lucien Evaga Ndjana.

In his homily delivered in French, Father Evaga acknowledged the growth of the Church in Africa saying, “The commemoration of SECAM Day has within it a vitally important spiritual meaning for it helps us reflect on the Church as family of God which is seen building up each day in Africa.”

Archbishop Charles Palmer-Buckle of Accra, who joined the celebration after the Eucharistic celebration, addressed the gathering on behalf of the SECAM President saying, “My dear people of God, I welcome you to the headquarters of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) in the name of the President of SECAM and in my own name as Treasurer of SECAM. Thank you very much for honouring our invitation.”

He went on to explain the meaning of SECAM from its foundation to the member conferences to its present leadership to the diplomatic status with Ghana and the process for an Observer Status with the African Union (AU), which is underway.

He further explained the twofold purpose of the gathering as a celebration of the 46th anniversary of the founding of SECAM and the launching of the African Year of Reconciliation (AYR) respectively.

“The Second and equally important reason is as follows: After an official visit and pilgrimage by the Standing Committee of SECAM to Rome which was climaxed with an audience with His Holiness, Pope Francis in February this year SECAM, having had discussions with the Pope and some dicastries at the Vatican, decided to celebrate a continental year of reconciliation to start from 29 July, 2015 and end on 29 July 2016,” Archbishop Palmer-Buckle said.

 “In this regard, SECAM is organizing several workshops and seminars at the Regional and Continental levels. The promotion of reconciliation will have an ecumenical outreach as well as involving all other religions in Africa,” Archbishop Palmer-Buckle revealed and appealed to governments and international organizations in Africa as well as Partner Agencies “to help in the efforts towards attaining a more reconciled Africa.”

He also alluded to the Synod on the Family saying, “apart from the year of reconciliation, SECAM is also preparing for the forthcoming Synod of Bishops on the family in Rome in October 2015 in the light of the many challenges that the family in Africa is faced with.”

Archbishop Palmer-Buckle concluded his speech by appealing for contributions from Church members in Africa through the initiative dubbed “SECAM Day Collections,” namely, a day when local churches in Africa are expected to organize collections from the faithful to help sustain the activities of SECAM.

 

“In view of our resolve to strive for self-reliance all our Conferences have been asked to kindly take a special collection in all Churches in Africa on a Sunday close to 29 July, 2015 or any day that is convenient to them before the end of this year- 2015,” he explained.

“May our continent be increasingly modelled on the ever timely teaching of Christ, the true ‘light of the world’ and the authentic ‘salt of the earth,’” he concluded as he officially declared “the Continental year of Reconciliation duly launched.”

The laity who attended the Wednesday evening event told CANAA that they appreciated the celebration and recalled SECAM Treasurer’s appeal to the laity to support SECAM implement its activities.

“If there is a real follow up, funds will be raised,” a participant at the celebration observed, adding, “there is the need to have a person responsible for such fundraising. As a layperson, I know that we are generous and are always willing to help Church activities,” a Ghanaian couple said.

“May the Lord, through the intercession of the Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church, give much success to SECAM in its various missions. May the Lord bless our Church on the continent, may he shower us with his joy,” Father Evaga concluded in his homily.

(By Fr. Don Bosco Onyalla, CANAA)

Email: engafrica@vatiradio.va

 

 








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