SECAM: New JCAM President Urged to Use his “Extraordinary Gifts” to Lead the Society of Jesus
Fr. José Minaku Lukoli, SJ
Sr. Jecinter Antoinette Okoth, FSSA
At the announcement of the new President of the Jesuits Conference of Africa and Madagascar (JCAM) Fr. José Minaku Lukoli, the outgoing president has expressed his desire to see the new leader make use of his “extraordinary gifts” in guiding members of the society.
In a statement shared with AMECEA online Saturday, December 3, Fr. Emmanuel Agbonkhianmeghe Orobator who has served the Conference since February 2017, announced the change of leadership on the day when members of the Society of Jesus also known as Jesuits were celebrating the Feast day of St. Francis Xavier, co-founder of the society.
“With great joy and gratitude, I announce to you that Father General Arturo Sosa SJ has named Father José Minaku Lukoli SJ of the Central Africa Province (ACE) to serve as the next President of the Jesuit Conference of Africa and Madagascar (JCAM). Fr. Minaku needs no introduction to Jesuits and collaborators in the Conference and beyond,” reads an excerpt of the statement addressed to all Major Superiors, Jesuits and Collaborators of the Jesuit Conference of Africa and Madagascar.
Affirming that his successor has all the potentials to take over the continental seat, Fr. Orobator a native of Nigeria said, “There is much I could say about Fr. Minaku, but suffice it to say that I am especially grateful that JCAM will be under his leadership.”
“Fr. Minaku commands the admiration and respect of many companions and collaborators for his exemplary Jesuit life and his natural and endowed qualities as a caring compassionate companion, a steadfast and farsighted leader,” Fr. Orobator described the new President adding, “By personality, stature and outlook, Fr. Minaku evinces a robustness that has endeared him to people who have lived and/or worked with him. I am convinced that he will bring his extraordinary gifts and a bold and innovative vision to lead the mission of the Society in Africa and Madagascar and beyond.”
The incoming President who has served as the longest JCAM consultor having spanned two presidential terms has “a long experience of apostolic leadership in various capacities in the Society, including serving as Socius…, ACE Provincial and Rector,” Fr. Orobator who previously served as Provincial of the Jesuits East Africa Province from 2009 to 2014 expressed in his Saturday letter and disclosed further that Fr. Minaku had also “served meritoriously as Provincial of the Central Africa Province… and Socius to the Tertian Instructor.”
Additionally he served as a member of the Advisory Board of Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) and a member of the Solidarity in Formation Committee.
Referencing Father General’s message to Major Superiors, Jesuits and Collaborators of the Jesuit Conference of Africa and Madagascar Fr. Orobator disclosed: “In his letter of appointment, Father Sosa noted that “Father Minaku is not new to JCAM.” He is endowed with “qualities, language skills and his experience … will help him to fulfill the office of President with fidelity, courage and spiritual sense. He will be able to take into account the needs and expectations of the Conference and the Universal Society, and he will be able to be attentive to people – Jesuits and collaborators.”
The outgoing President called on members of the society to keep Fr. Minaku in prayers as he prepares to assume his new mission.
