SECAM: ‘The Synodal Spirit of Walking Together is Already A reality in Africa’ Says SECAM President
The President of SECAM, Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo
Andrew Kaufa smm
The President of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) on Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo has announced to the continental body’s membership which comprises of all episcopal conference in Africa, that the commemoration of SECAM Day for this year falls on July 29 and 30, under the theme SECAM, A practical experience of Synodality.
Synodality and Commemoration Theme
Commenting on the theme which, according to a statement that has been released by SECAM Secretariat, is on 29th to 30th July year, the President of SECAM argues that it is the same spirit of communion and fellowship to which the Synod on Synodality is now inviting the Church which also inspired SECAM’s founding fathers says to establish the continental body that would foster and promote communion, joint pastoral action and collaboration among the episcopal conferences on the Africa continent.
“The ongoing synodal journey in the universal Church motivates us to rediscover the treasure behind the formation of SECAM,” says Cardinal Ambongo adding, “The walking together that the synodal process is inviting us to now, has been a reality that SECAM has sought to live since its foundation.”
“The bods of communion, familyhood, teamwork, community sharing, led to the choice of the image of the Church as family of God,” the SECAM President continues by citing Pope Saint John Paul II’s post-synodal exhortation Ecclesia in Africa (no.64) and says, “In fact, the Fathers of the Special Assembly for Africa of the Synod of Bishops recommended the image of the Church as family of God because this image emphasizes care for others, solidarity, warmth in human relationships, acceptance, dialogue and trust.”
Calls to Ownership
Cardinal Ambogo has also taken the opportunity to remind the bishops in Africa of the risk already pointed at during the July 2022 plenary, of losing the sense of collegiality, solidarity and communion when the members cease the sense of ownership.
“The African continental level provides a stage to experience communion, distil our thoughts and identify the main concerns and issues, whether pastoral, formative, political or social. As individuals, we will be lost and rendered irrelevant at the universal level of the Church. We cannot express at the universal level of the church or being African Catholics without SECAM,” warns Cardinal Ambongo who fears that a weak SECAM would make the universal Church deficient “because its fullness lies in all nations and tribes being at home in this Church.
How to Keep Alive SECAM spirit
The President of SECAM appeals to the bishops, priest, religious men and women and the lay persons to renew their love and commitment to the continental institution, SECAM, urging them to remember that the annual commemoration of SECAM Day follows a decision that was taken “in order to keep alive the historic memorable event of the official of the organization by Pope Paul VI on 29th July 1969, at Rubaga Cathedral in Uganda.
“To this end, the celebration of SECAM Day is moved to the following Sunday when 29th July falls on a weekday, and a special collection is taken to support the activities of the Symposium. We therefore reiterate our call for prayers for the symposium on Saturday 29 and Sunday 30, 2023,” reads the statement which concluded with Cardinal Ambongo thanking the continental body’s membership across Africa and the islands for their commitment to evangelization in spite of the many challenges that they face.
“May the Lord Jesus Christ, through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary Queen of Africa, and Saint Joseph her spouse, intercede for each of you and reward you a hundredfold for your generous support this year, and make our Church Family of God more alive, holier and more missionary,” he concludes.
