Missionaries of Africa

Gérard Chabanon
Superior General M.Afr.

Second Synod for Africa 
Africa: On your feet!

This invitation issued at the end of the Synod is in the message addressed to the Church and, in particular, to the Church in Africa. In the course of the three-week Synod gathering at Rome, there was a dual insight, key issues for some of the Bishops. They were firstly convinced of Africa’s ability to take its destiny in hand and, furthermore, that the Church must play a determining role in this process.

Missionaries of Africa who participated at the Synod. L.-r.: Bishop Martin Happe (Mauritania), Bishop Francisco Silota (Mozambique), Gérard Chabanon (Sup. Gen.), Bishop Claude Rault (Algeria),
Fr. Seàn O’Leary (South Africa),

In the course of this Synod, there would have been 236 different speeches, the majority from the Synod Fathers and the observers. However, we also listened to some very interesting conferences - in particular from Mr. Jacques Diouf of the FAO – and messages that impressed the Assembly, such as the one given by Orthodox Patriarch Abuna Paulus of Ethiopia.

What can we draw from all this?

I was firstly struck by the quality of the speeches. Practically all those men and women who spoke tried within five minutes to articulate what they held dear and wished to share. In the working groups composed of around 25 people, another element came into play: freedom of speech. We therefore tackled sensitive issues and gave vent to the question marks they raised. Faced with one or other development, we sought to understand the deeper motives underpinning the sources of conflict and violence. Some shared their personal experience, which was particularly poignant.

The groups created their own dynamic, since we were not held down by a predefined context and questions that would have been too narrow. An evolution took place. From being Synod Fathers, we became brothers and sisters in dialogue. The groups provided the opportunity for more friendly approaches to be made. Discussions were resumed during coffee breaks. Documents for reflection were circulated. It seems to me that this is where to look for the fruits of the Synod. This same enthusiasm was re-ignited in the message to the People of God, in which so many found a true reflection of their thinking.

The 57 proposals were presented to the Holy Father in view of the Exhortation. Many topics were raised, sometimes without clear details on how to go about them, but they remain useful points of reference.

In any case, I believe some of these initiatives will appear in some dioceses. There is no doubt that this Synod confirms the commitment of the Church in Africa on the ways of reconciliation, justice and peace. ‘It is not an easy way’, said the Pope during the luncheon that gathered all the participants around Benedict XVI. ‘The temptation would be to fall into politicking or to spiritualise everything’, he explained. However, the problems and obstacles we come across should not prevent us - following the example of the cripple at the Pool of Bethzatha - from taking up our bed and walking onwards, (John 5:1-9)

As Missionaries of Africa, the call is clear. Wherever we are, let us be ready to offer our expertise and our cooperation. All the Institutes of Missionary and Consecrated Li­fe present in Africa are called to come close to life’s casualties and continue to give prophetic witness. (Proposal 42)
Trusting in the future, let us ask the Lord for the grace of discernment so that our commitments always bear the imprint of the Gospel.

Gérard Chabanon

1. Mgr Sithembele Anton SIPUKA, diocèse d'Umtata, Afrique du Sud
2. Mgr Franklyn NUBUASAH, S.V.D., Évêque titulaire de Pauzera, Vicaire Aostolique de Francistown (BOTSWANA)
3. Archevêque Mgr Joseph Tlhagale , archidiocèse de Johannesburg, Afrique du Sud
4. Mgr Barry Alexander Anthony WOOD, évêque auxiliaire de l'archidiocèse de Durban, Afrique du Sud
5. Gérard Chabanon, Supérieur général des Missionnaires d'Afrique
6. Cardinal Wilfrid Napier, Archidiocèse de Durban, Afrique du Sud
7. Mgr Louis Ncamiso Ndlovu, O.S.M. , diocèse de Manzini, Swaziland
8. Mgr Michael WÜSTENBERG, Évêque d'Aliwal, Afrique du Sud
9. Mgr Edward Risi, diocèse de Keimoes-Upington, Afrique du Sud

During the Synod, a number of Bishops and other personalities had rooms at the Generalate. Every morning, a coach arrived at the front gate to take them to the Vatican. In these three pages, you will recognise some of the Bishops who were our confreres in community for a few weeks. There is also a photo of Cardinal Turkson, Ghanaian, whom the Pope appointed President of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace.