Pactpan Africa, Author at Pan-African Catholic Theology and Pastoral Network

The Church After Pope Francis: What African Catholics Want from the Future Pope

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What are the expectations of the Church in Africa for the future after the remarkable service of Pope Francis? What are we hearing as theologians and pastoral leaders in Africa from our people in their joys and sorrows, hopes, and concerns for the future? This palaver will reflect on Africa’s priorities and vision for the future as Church Family of God. The 18 African Cardinal-electors will go into the Conclave fully aware that the divisive issues in contemporary Catholicism often neglect the concerns and needs of Africa. Even though Africa is the continent where the Catholic Church is witnessing its fastest growth, this demographic advantage has not reflected in influence in the Global church because of many factors including racism and the continuing effects of colonialism and the asymmetrical power relations between Africa and the rest. Have the Catholic churches and regions in Africa been impacted by the polarization in today’s Church especially on issues of marriage and family life, same-sex marriages, immigration, climate change, the place of women in Church leadership, and the autonomy of local African Catholic dioceses and institutions from the central authority of the Roman Catholic Church? The Catholic bishops of Africa have displayed a remarkable unity on these matters as was shown in the clarity of vision in their articulation of the African agenda during the Synod. Could the Catholic Church in Africa be an alternative staging ground for new forms of faith and life that is faithful to the church’s traditions but also open to meeting the spiritual hunger of today’s world with some vibrancy of worship? Could the Church in Africa offer a depolarizing space for finding new answers to emerging questions troubling many people through dialogue, consensus-building using the tools of the African palaver and communal embrace of all people rather than with old and tired Eurocentric answers and repetitive rituals? Even though Africa is today the continent witnessing the highest growth in population in the Catholic Church, why is the idea of a Pope from Africa still considered by some as a remote possibility? These questions and more will be discussed by our theological and pastoral experts through the African palaver.

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Report on the Human Trafficking Documentary Production Initiative Presented by: KATUNGE

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Spotlight: Dr. Sylvia Gaudence Ruambo

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Dr. Sylvia is a devoted professional who advocates for disability, children, and women’s rights. She is the founder and executive director of Support for Future Foundation (S4F), an organization dedicated to promoting the welfare and rights of children, particularly those who are vulnerable or have disabilities. Dr. Sylvia helps children and young people with disabilities by providing therapeutic services, assessing their educational needs, supplying assistive devices, and offering rehabilitation services. She also works as an advocate for children’s rights and development, using her expertise in child and disability rights to make a positive impact. Dr. Sylvia is active in several organizations, including the Pan-African Catholic Theology and Pastoral Network (PACTPAN – Children’s Unit), the Tanzania Child Rights Forum (TCRF), and the Early Childhood Development (ECD) program. As a Child Protection Representative, she works with and for children, teaching them about their rights, and educating adults about child safeguarding through her “teach to protect” slogan. Dr. Sylvia also educates adolescents on sexual and reproductive health, including menstrual hygiene. She is involved in “breaking the silence” camwspaigns in Tanzania, which aim to remove the shame and stigma surrounding menstruation so that girls can menstruate healthily with dignity. She is a member of the Tanzania Menstrual Health and Hygiene Coalition (MHH Tanzania) and the Sexual and Reproductive Health & Rights (SRHR) Coalition of Tanzania. Dr. Sylvia uses various platforms such as religious institutions, schools, media, and social media to disseminate her messages and share knowledge. Dr. Sylvia is an active participant in the 16 Days of Activism. She trains women human rights defenders (WHRDs) on safe online practices and protecting children from offensive digital content. She is a Digital Security Trainer trained by Defend Defenders – Uganda. Dr. Sylvia uses her collaborative and innovative skills to mentor WHRDs and children’s rights activists, encouraging them to be creative and innovative agents of social change.

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The Malawian BBI Cohort took part in Maula Deanery Youth Recollection by Fr Jean KESSE.

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On November 1, 2022, Pope Francis had a virtual encounter with University Students from different parts of the continent. At that event that became the official inauguration of the Building Bridges Initiative, the Pope encouraged the youth to become the architects of their futures. “Young people, says the Holy Father, have to be involved socially, politically, religiously, culturally and intellectually.” They must fight to protect their society from those threatening to destroy it. And this must begin today, not tomorrow, insists the holy father. But this involvement in the life of their Church requires that they be well-equipped both intellectually and spiritually to maintain a balance as they soar in the vast space of the planet. Consequently, some Malawian BBI cohort members participated in Maula Deanery Youth Recollection to replenish their spiritual treasures. The spiritual exercise that took place on March 25th gathered more than 750 youths under the theme “May they all be one” (John 17:21). The recollection included several spiritual activities, starting with the Way of the Cross, followed by a Mass and lunch. To be faithful to the African holistic view of spirituality, the recollection did not stop with teachings and liturgical activities. The youth entertained themselves with different cultural and sports activities. Throughout the day, the speakers encouraged youth to reflect on the importance of unity in their lives and in the world around them. The Way of the Cross helped them meditate on Jesus’ sacrifice and his love for all of humanity. It was also their way of spiritually preparing themselves to work for their future and all the youths on the continent. This brings to mind the words of the pope to the participants of the virtual encounter: “Please continue working, striving for your future; don’t allow yourselves to be enslaved; be cautious and make sure you stay alive,” During Mass, the youth prayed together and received the Eucharist, strengthening their connection with God and each other. The theme “May they all be one” from John 17:21 reminded them of Jesus’ call for unity among his followers and encouraged them to strive for peace and understanding in their relationships with others. The entertainment also had a spiritual component, with music and performances that uplifted and inspired the youth to live out their faith with joy and enthusiasm. The recollection provided a meaningful and transformative experience for all who participated.

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Laudato Si in Tangaza University College-Kenya by Kinikonda Okemasisi

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Some faculty members from Tangaza University College in Kenya, in partnership with the “Laudato Si team” of the Pan-African Catholic Theology and Pastoral Network, initiated an ecological project on April 29, 2023. Together, the team established a sustainable agroforestry garden at the Endonyo Sidai primary school in Kajiado County, Kenya. The project aims to provide food for primary school pupils.It was a grandiose event as the University students and faculty members worked with their younger siblings to realize the project successfully. The pupils were delighted to acquire knowledge from their elders regarding environmental responsibility. The African proverb, “When the mother goat grazes, the kids watch her mouth,” was evident as the younger children at Endonyo Sidai Primary School watched and imitated their elders’ actions. It was heartwarming to see everyone working together to protect our planet.The proposed initiative aims to enhance the educational attainment of all educational institutions within the local community. Moreover, this joint project of the Laudato Si group and Tangaza University College staff responds to Pope Francis’s call for environmental protection. For example, in a speech he gave in January 2015 to a group of youth in Manila, the holy father reminded us, “As stewards of God’s creation, we are called to make the earth a beautiful garden for the human family.” The Holy Father insisted that this was vital when he said: “When we destroy our forests, ravage our soil, and pollute our seas, we betray that noble calling.” The purpose of this event was to foster a passion for environmental protection among the younger generation of Africans.The team raised funds locally to plant various fruit trees such as paw-paws, oranges, mangoes, and avocados, as well as local vegetables such as Sukumawiki, spinach, Managu Saget, Sorghum, and many more. As determined as they are, this is only the beginning of their project to assume their responsibility as true custodians of God’s creation.

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Uganda Cohort Extends Charity to Kayunga-Galiraya Community by Devis Ampereza

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St. Charles Lwanga Catholic Community and MUBS-Uganda youth conducted a charity visit to Kayunga-Galiraya on Easter Monday as part of the Building Bridges Initiative. They provided items such as clothing, food, and educational materials collected during the Lenten season to the vulnerable members of the Kayunga-Galiraya community. This visit continues an online conversation between Pope Francis and African University students on November 1st, 2022. In that great event, Pope Francis listened to young Africans and heard what they wanted to do for God, the Church, and society in Africa and how the church leadership in Africa could help them realize their dreams. Uganda was selected to participate in this online conversation with Pope Francis, and Devis Ampereza passionately narrated their question to the Holy Father. Their question mainly focused on immigration, citing why most young African men and women leave their homes to seek asylum. Since the Republic of Uganda is the African country hosting the most refugees, the youth are concerned about realizing their dream of ending poverty, war and sales of arms. Nevertheless, despite Uganda’s policies for welcoming refugees, the country still faces economic migration challenges. Furthermore, many young Ugandans are leaving the country to work abroad because they cannot afford to live a sustainable life in the country. Therefore, youth are concerned about working together to end the war, poverty, and young Africans’ voluntary search for asylum in Europe, North America and other developed countries. Even so, the youth still have a spirit of brotherhood and wish all people to live together in harmony with all that is required to sustain their lives. Consequently, the youth conducted a charity visit to embrace inclusivity, welcome everyone as brothers and sisters in one Holy Church and continue with the Holy Father’s Building Bridges Initiative. The youth participated in the celebration of the Holy Mass at St. Charles Lwanga Catholic Community. During his homily, the Assistant Chaplain, Fr. Charles Mpiima, noted that we are today’s church and must make the church what we want it to be. He stated that acts of charity are essential in the Catholic Church because they demonstrate a spirit of brotherhood and hope for the less advantaged. He emphasized that the happiness of those in need is the happiness of God. He therefore concluded by advising the youth to be humble and always learn from the Holy Father, Pope Francis’ humility. Similarly, the Deputy Chaplain, Fr. Raphael Ddamba encouraged the young people to reflect on Matthew 25:35-40 because, whatever we have done for the people of Galiraya, we have done it for God. The caretaker of the area, Fr. Jude Matovu, explained that they serve over 25 sub-parishes, and the people are basically fishermen, farmers, and cattle herders who are always in great need and unable to provide for their families. He greatly appreciated the donated items and thanked the students for thinking about those in need. Additionally, the Parish Council chairperson appreciated the University students for thinking about them and sharing the Easter message with them. This community, displaced from their homes and living temporarily in that area, was pleased that the university students have decided to start their Building Bridges Initiative project with them. They received the gifts items with deep expression of appreciation and happiness.

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