News archive

Pastoral Cycle Methodology and Systemic Transformation

Posted on by Vitus Danaa Abobo
From right to left, Sr. Gréard Ventura, Emile Kimembe, M.Afr., Michel Ouedraogo, M.Afr., and Prosper Harelimana, M.Afr.

 “Pastoral Cycle Methodology and Systemic Transformation” was the theme of the third day of our training session. Lev 19:33-34, Luke 24:18-35, Pope Francis’ message on the occasion of the 110th Day of Refugees and Migrants and his recent statements on the new migration policy of the United States have laid the foundations and guided the reflections of the day.

            As the theme of the day indicates, the various speakers of the day had the objective of helping us understand the methodologies of the pastoral cycle. Various panellists, representing different institutions, accompanied us. The RMWG (Refugees and Migrants Working Group Working Group), the Advisor of the Research and Reflection Section of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, the Secretary of the Scalabrini Foundation, a JRS (Jesuit Refugee Service) executive and a session focused on the butterfly diagram helped us to dissect the methodologies of the pastoral cycle.

            All these sharing sessions have introduced us to the method of SEE (becoming aware of the realities of the world), ANALYZE / JUDGE (why is this situation happening?) and ACT (What would Jesus have done? What concrete action should be taken? What does the Bible teach me about such a situation? How do the teachings of the Church enlighten me in the face of such a challenge? How does the charism of my religious institute guide me in the face of such a problem? What do my convictions as a man or woman of faith tell me in the face of such a situation?

            In essence, the purpose of the day’s teaching was to help us make the connection between the methodology of the pastoral cycle and our ministerial experiences. To do this, the group work that concluded the day’s session consisted of rereading some of our pastoral experiences and seeing how we have integrated (perhaps without knowing it) the methodology of the pastoral cycle.

By: Michel Ouedraogo, M.Afr.

13th February in the life of Charles Cardinal Lavigerie

Posted on by Vitus Danaa Abobo

The Social Teaching of the Church and Systemic Transformation

Posted on by Vitus Danaa Abobo
From left Fr. Roy Thomas, SVD; Sr Gretta Fernandes, SpSS; Gaia Mormina – General Secretary of the Scalabrini Foundation; Judith Behnen – Senior Major Gift Officer Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS); Mons. Robert Vitillo, Senior Advisor of the Research and Reflection Section-Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development (on screen).

Second Day of the JPIC Workshop: The Social Teaching of the Church and Systemic Transformation

New wine, new wineskins! Here we are on the second day of the Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) training workshop. This new day focused on the Social Teaching of the Catholic Church and systemic transformation.

Four conferences were on the agenda. First, group work on the integrity of creation. Secondly, a video-conference on the theme What is happening to our common home and to the peoples of the world? Thirdly, a video-conference on the theme The Social Teaching of Pope Francis: A Response to the Cry of the Earth and the Cry of the Poor. And finally group work on some guiding questions. In view of climate degradation, how do you react personally or in your community? What challenges do you face? Can integral ecology give hope?

From the beginning, this second workshop reminded us that today more than yesterday it seems undeniable that the world is experiencing several crises: ecological, health, economic, political, food, etc. These various crises not only challenge our universal conscience, but also push us to act differently in order to redefine our action for the care of our common home. In this second workshop, the various speakers did not hesitate to point out some concrete facts that are at the basis of the various crises in today’s world. Among other things, we can highlight the issue of domination, green energy, food security, conflicts caused by mining, self-centeredness and also systemic problems.

The comfort of some creates suffering for others, they insisted the speakers! Faced with this reality, we have been invited, as Pope Francis recommends in Laudato Si, to ecological conversion and systemic transformation. In fact, conversion is first and foremost an individual path. Everyone must feel responsible for our common home “earth”. Yes, the earth is a common good. As a result, we must move from egocentrism to eco-centrism. 

By: Emile Kimembe, M. Afr.

12th February in the life of Charles Cardinal Lavigerie

Posted on by Vitus Danaa Abobo

Pilgrims of hope for systemic transformation for the common good of all creation

Posted on by Vitus Danaa Abobo

JPIC MISSION: PILGRIMS OF HOPE FOR SYSTEMIC TRANSFORMATION FOR THE COMMON GOOD OF ALL CREATION

On 10 February 2025, the Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) Commission – USG – UISG, Rome started a five-day formation workshop for the year 2025. Living in «a world fragmented by wars, conflicts, poverty, and the effects of climate change», it becomes imperative to work towards a radical change of systems that make these challenges persistent.

The JPIC Formation Workshop 2025 brings together both in presence and online, Promotors and those involved in JPIC related ministries for a capacity building workshop. The aim of the workshop is to offer the necessary knowledge, skills, and tools to discern appropriate responses to the current needs of human society. The training provides «a space for participants to reflect, discuss, and share, allowing them to grasp essential theoretical concepts for their work and service» both at local and global levels.

Around 45 participants (in person) and 130 participants (online), have the opportunity to interact, share knowledge and experiences. The Missionaries of Africa are both contributors and participants in the workshop. Like many other JPIC Promotors, confreres involved in the Justice, Peace, Integrity of Creation, Encounter and Dialogue (JPIC-ED) apostolate, expect once again, to enhance their capacities to better serve Africa and the African world.

The theme for the workshop is keenly chosen. It is coined as JPIC Mission: Pilgrims of Hope for Systemic Transformation for the Common Good of All Creation. It touches the core of our missionary apostolate. It reminds us that we are all pilgrims of hope, called to announce the Gospel of Christ, not for our own sake, but for the sake of all Creation. It is a challenge. Working towards a radical change of systems that oppress humankind is not easy. However, we all have to dare being prophetic.

It is our hope that this formation workshop, together with the celebration of  the Bicentenary (CML200), will bring new energy, zeal and missionary enthusiasm in the JPIC-ED ministry of our Society.

By: Prosper Harelimana (M. Afr.)

Michael Targett R.I.P.

Posted on by Vitus Danaa Abobo

Society of the Missionaries of Africa
Father Hugh Seenan, Provincial Delegate of the sector of Great Britain,
informs you of the return to the Lord of Father

Michael Targett

on Monday, 10th February 2025 in London (Great Britain)
at the age of 89 years, of which 65 years of missionary life
in Ghana, Canada, France and Great Britain.

Let us pray for him and for his loved ones.

Download here the announcement of Father Michael Targett’s death

Milestones in the life of Father Michael Targett

Born in :
Fulham
on : 03/04/1935		Spiritual YearMissionary OathPriesthood
Ordination
Diocese :
Westminster		07/09/195526/06/195903/02/1960
Citizenship :
British		‘s-Heerenberg
(Netherlands)		Carthage
(Tunisia)		Totteridge
(Great Britain)

Bionotes

01/09/1960Etudes BibleRoma, M. G.Italia
01/01/1965Prof. Maj. SeminaryTamale, Major Semin.Ghana
01/08/1969Superior Spir.YearDorkingGreat Britain
01/07/1971Superior Spir. YearBirkdaleGreat Britain
01/06/1972Named Prov. CouncilGreat Britain
01/07/1972EastviewCanada
20/09/1973Spiritual YearBirkdaleGreat Britain
01/06/1974MoursFrance
01/01/1975Année SpirituelleOttawaCanada
10/09/1976Dir.:Spirit. CentreKumasiGhana
01/09/1993Sabbatical[U.S.A.]U.S.A.
05/03/1995Staff Renew. CentreWa, WayneGhana
16/10/1999Elu Cons.Provinc.Ghana
01/01/2001Spiritual CentreKumasiGhana
13/10/2004Elu Cons.Prov.Ghana
01/09/2022ResidenceLondon,Little EalingGreat Britain
10/02/2025DCD (89)LondonGreat Britain

11th February in the life of Charles Cardinal Lavigerie

Posted on by Vitus Danaa Abobo

10th February in the life of Charles Cardinal Lavigerie

Posted on by Vitus Danaa Abobo

9th February in the life of Charles Cardinal Lavigerie

Posted on by Vitus Danaa Abobo

Working Session on Safeguarding of Minors for Confreres in the PAC

Posted on by Vitus Danaa Abobo

Follow-Up Working Session on Safeguarding of Minors for Confreres in the PAC Province, Bujumbura, Burundi (February 15–26, 2025)

The General Council of the Society of Missionaries of Africa (White Fathers), through the Coordinator for Integrity in Ministry (CIM), remains committed to safeguarding of minors and persons in situations of vulnerability, as outlined in the Society’s policy Art 4. In this Bicentenary year of our Founder, this commitment reflects the vision of Charles Cardinal Lavigerie, who emphasized the dignity and respect of every human person, particularly those in vulnerable situations.

Pursuant to this mission and in line with the CIM’s strategic plan, a follow-up working session has been organized in Bujumbura, Burundi, from February 15–26, 2025. The session aims to review and update the safeguarding policy and codes of conduct for the PAC Province. This initiative reaffirms the General Council’s dedication to a safer and more accountable Church, in harmony with Pope Francis’ call for transparency, care, and responsibility, as articulated in Motu Proprio Vos Estis Lux Mundi (2023).

SAFEGUARDING IS OUR COMMITMENT

By: Lowrent Kamwaza M.Afr.
Coordinator for Integrity in Ministry