COREAM Network Meeting
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July 8, 2024The Vice Province of Matadi hosted the COREAM Network Meeting, a significant event that brought together members of the Assembly of the Conference of Redemptorists of Africa and Madagascar (COREAM) and the provincial superiors of their founding provinces, from May 31 through June 5, 2024.Members gathered at a retreat center served by the Redemptorists in Kola of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). In his opening remarks, Superior General Fr. Rogerio Gomes set a clear tone for the week, stating, “If we believe in the Spirit, we can take new steps and change the structures; if not, it will only be one more bureaucratic meeting to deal with structures, and this will give nothing.”
The meeting was a platform for prayer, dialogue and fellowship, where participants discerned how to cultivate the youthfulness and zeal of the Redemptorist presence in Africa and Madagascar while addressing real concerns about the sustainability and self- sufficiency of the missions.Before the formal work began, we took a moment to rejoice! On the Solemnity of Corpus Christi, the Vice Province of Matadi concluded a Jubilee Year commemorating 125 years of the Redemptorist mission to Congo. An outdoor Mass marked the occasion, presided over by Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo, Archbishop of Kinshasa, along with bishops from nearby dioceses.The joyous liturgy was further enhanced by a mass choir blending folk sounds with traditional chants and the delightful presence of little ones dressed in white, who accompanied every song with their joyful dance. Friends of the Redemptorists from parishes throughout the DRC and delegations from Zimbabwe and other parts of Africa joined in the festivities. It was a time for all to come together and reflect on the mission’s long and fruitful journey.
Although the meetings lasted only two-and-a-half days, they were packed with productive discussions and efficient work. Participants made the most of break times, meals, and happy hours to build bonds and delve into specific questions. It was a valuable opportunity for me to engage with the leadership of our Vice Province of Nigeria, including Fr. Michael Emerue, the Vice Provincial, and the Ordinary Consultor, Fr. Godwin Abbah, a vocal to the COREAM Assembly. The moderators also allocated time for the provincials of the “mother” provinces to convene as a group throughout the event, further enhancing the collaborative nature of the meeting.According to the reconfiguration plan, our Vice Province of Nigeria will unite with the Vice Province of Africa-West and the Ghana Mission to form the Province of West Africa by 2028.Although our General Statutes define a Province as a unit with at least fifty members, five communities, and financial independence (cf. GS 088), Fr. Rogerio reminded us that “The mother provinces must not say ‘goodbye,’ they must help the Conference of Africa and Madagascar to move forward with its own forces, by providing it the needed help to do it.” He added, “We cannot let ourselves be paralyzed by the idea that it is not possible, nor by the fact that the mother provinces are going through the process of reconfiguration.” In other words, as we unite with the Provinces of Baltimore and Mexico, we bring with us a continuing responsibility for the success of the mission of the new Province of West Africa.
As noted earlier this year, the Province of Curitiba, which includes our former Vice Province of Manaus, also hopes we will maintain our support and continued bonds. However, we will move forward in these efforts with a new partner in the Province of Europe-South, which supports the existing Vice Province of Africa-West. Such is the fluid dynamics of reconfiguration throughout the Congregation.In the coming year, our Extraordinary Provincial Council will collaborate with the other units of the United States and Mexico to establish a clear plan for financial assistance to COREAM. This is a crucial step in ensuring the sustainability and selfsufficiency of our missions. Network participants also stressed the importance of engaging the entire Congregation in support of COREAM by building up the Solidarity Fund for Africa and Madagascar. To date, units have contributed only €2.6 million towards the €10.0 million goal.For their part, our confreres from Africa and Madagascar commit to adopting strategies for financial independence, such as reigning in the costs of formation and insisting on just compensation from bishops in whose dioceses they serve. They also expressed willingness to offer their energy and talents to help us realize our mission here in North America.
Returning from the DRC, I am filled with a sense of inspiration and hope for the future. I am honored to bring greetings and well wishes on behalf of our Nigerian confreres to the members of the Denver Province, especially those who pioneered our missions in Africa. The Nigerian confreres remember our missionaries with deep affection, respect, and a treasury of stories, some inspiring and others entertaining. I’m delighted to report on the tremendous growth and progress of the Redemptorist mission in Nigeria, with sincere hope for the future. Confiding in God’s will and the good graces of the Nigerian embassy, I look forward to joining our Nigerian confreres at their assembly in October 2024.We also pray that Fr. Michael will be able to obtain a visa to participate in our Provincial Chapter this September. As we reflect on our legacy in Nigeria and our commitment to its future mission, we remember Paul’s encouraging words, “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth” (1 Cor 3:6).