The charism of our Society of the Missionaries of Africa has its roots in the charism of our founder, Cardinal Charles Lavigerie, who founded our Society in Algeria (North Africa) in 1868.
We can say that from the very beginning the nucleus of our charism is formed around three basic elements or fundamental principles, namely mission, dialogue and communion.
Therefore, we need to look at these three essential elements taking into account the changing situation in Africa, in the Church and in our Society. Creative fidelity is the best possible term we can give to the exercise of keeping together in a creative tension our fidelity to the original inspiration of the founder on the one hand and the ongoing actualisation of the charism on the other.
- Evangelisation of the African world and beyond: a spirituality of mission
The concept of mission or evangelisation has undergone some important changes in the last decades, especially since Vatican II. Today, mission means, besides establishing and caring for Christian communities, also going out to the peripheries of society and be close to the poor, the suffering, the marginalised and the most vulnerable and allow ourselves to be evangelised by them. Being witnesses of the ‘good news’ of the gospel means being messengers of hope, love and peace. As Missionaries of Africa, we have a special concern or passion for the African world which has grown far beyond the geographical borders of the African continent. We want to give a prophetic witness by our active involvement in justice and peace issues (like modern slavery, refugees, migrants, etc.) and in the care for creation (like protection of our common home, ecological education and environmental action). In all this we desire to adhere to the adagio of our founder: ‘be apostles and nothing but apostles’.
- Encounter with Muslims, Christians of other Churches and believers of African Traditional Religion: a spirituality of dialogue
Our involvement in encounter and dialogue with Muslims and Christians of other Churches goes back to our founder Cardinal Lavigerie. Being founded in Algeria, our Society was born in a Muslim environment and our founder visited regularly the Middle East as director of the Fund for Oriental Schools. As Missionaries of Africa, we continue this important dialogue in line with Vatican II. Besides running some specialised centres (like f.i. PISAI, IBLA, IFIC, etc.), we get involved in the ‘dialogue of life’, making friendship with ordinary Muslims and Christians of other Churches. In today’s context, ecumenism and inter-religious dialogue play a crucial role in the quest for world peace. Our long presence in Africa has brought us in close contact with African Traditional Religion. By practicing inculturation we need to discern what is beautiful, good and truthful in African Traditional Religion and challenge what is negative or harmful. In this important endeavour of dialogue, we are inspired by the adagio of our founder: ‘be all things to all people’.
- International and intercultural community life: a spirituality of communion
Our founder insisted on living and working in communities of at least three confreres as an important aspect of carrying out the mission. Living and working in international and intercultural communities has become a fundamental characteristic of our Society. Living in communities means praying together, taking our meals together and planning our apostolate together. It also challenges each one to put in practice among ourselves ‘fraternal love’ before preaching it to others. Unity is the fruit of mutual love and assures the presence of the Risen Lord among those united in His name. Jesus is the One sending us out on mission as missionary disciples. Here too, we want to live up to the adagio of our founder: ‘be not only united, but one’.
Sharing our charism with lay people: towards a Lavigerian Charismatic Family
Today, a good number of lay people feel attracted to the charism of a founder and a religious congregation, where they find inspiration and direction to give a deeper meaning to their life. At the same time, these persons are a source of renewal for religious congregations.
The Society of the Missionaries of Africa and the Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Africa welcome lay persons who feel attracted to share our charism. They are invited to share in our mission to the African world and beyond through closeness to the poor, the suffering and marginalised and involvement in justice and peace issues and the care for the environment. They are welcome to contribute to encounter and dialogue by establishing friendship with Muslims and Christians of other Churches in their own environment. They are encouraged to promote the spirituality of communion in their own surroundings (in their families, places of work, parishes, etc.).
In this way lay people will be able to contribute a lot to the formation of a truly Lavigerian charismatic family, consisting of three branches, namely the Missionaries of Africa (fathers and brothers), the Missionary Sisters of our Lady of Africa and the Lay Lavigerian Movement.