III Pan-African Catholic Jubilee Congress on Theology, Society, and Pastoral Life (5-10 August 2025, Abidjan)
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4 PM: Welcome Speech: Mons Jean Bonzo KOUASSI
The Church in Cote D’Ivoire/West Africa:
(Bishop of Grand Bassam, religious, a lay woman/Secretary of RECOWA/Ivorian Youth)
Dinner
Wednesday August 6: African Conciliar Tradition from the Council of Nicaea to the Synod on Synodality,
Opening Mass: 7.30 am: Officiating Cardinal Ignace Bessi
Breakfast: 8.30am
Morning Session (9.30-11.30am): Presiding Norah Nonterah and Maurice Agbai
Paschal Okpaleke: Conciliar Traditions in Africa: From Nicaea to Vatican II: Exploring Historical Lessons in Response to Ecumenical Challenges
Johann Pock: The Consequences of Synodality in Church Leadership
Bishop Hiiboro Kussala: Implementing the Synod on Synodality in Africa: Lessons from the Early Church
Florence Oso: Building Ujamma and Palaver in a Synod Church Family of God in Africa
12-1pm: Palaver on Synod on Synodality: From Pope Francis to Pope Leo: Presentation of the African Commentary on the Synod on Synodality and An African Palaver on the Synod on Synodality:
Ikenna Okafor
Matthew Agbai
Beatrice Faye (African School of Synodality)
Augustine Anwuchie
Stan Chu Ilo
Vitalis Anehobi
1pm: Lunch
2-4pmConcurrent Session 1 English: African Palaver and Conciliar Tradition in the African Church Family of God, Presiding Chioma Asuzu
Everisti Cornelli: Revisiting Ecclesial Unity: African Palaver and Conciliar Tradition in the African Church
Nnaemeka Ali: “A Three-Legged Stool Does Not Wobble:’” African Palaver, Councils, and Synodality in the Church.
Titus Pacho: Palaver as a Foundation for Leadership and Governance in the African Church
LEONORA et ANDREW OBARA: education, child welfare and family stability.
Concurrent Session 2 English/French/Portuguese: The Church of Life in Africa
Kinikonda Okemasisi: Care of Mother Earth: Hope and Abundance for the People of Africa
Yannick Essengue Le vitalisme : Une Approche Africaine du rapport entre l’humain et Terre Mère
Richard Rwiza: Integral Ecology in view of Laudato Si: A sign of Hope.
Meghan Clark: Journeying Together in Hope through Global Solidarity
5-6pm (poster sessions) showcasing the projects of African Catholic Youth (David Amperesa/ Claire Kiragu leading)
- Leonard Josaya (Malawi) – Empowering young people with disabilities: building a better community together.
- Marthina Mlumun Akighir (Nigeria) – Building a community of faith: collaborative strategies for Catholic Digital influencers.
- OUEDRAOGO Ramodgwendé (Burkina Faso) Action des jeunes pour les personnes vulnérables
- James Ogbuigo (Nigeria): An African Catholic App for all things Catholic in Africa.
7.00-9pm: Dinner/Presentation of the African Commentary on the 16 documents of Vatican II (Vol.1): Stan Chu Ilo/Josee Ngalula
Thursday August 7: Building the Future on Servant and Transformational Leadership, Presiding Coach Desiree Wanteu and Sr Agnes Sory
Mass: 7.30 Officiating: Archbishop Fortunatus Nwachukwu (Dicastery for the Evangelization of Peoples, Vatican City)
Morning Session (9.30-11.30am): Spiritual Leadership in the Church in Africa, presiding by Sr Agnès Sory
Presentation of the findings from the ongoing research on Transformational Spiritual Maturity in Church leadership in (Researchers for the Templeton Religious Trust Fund)
Fr. Clement Majawa : Malawi
Nathaniel Soede : Benin
Sr. Paschaline Dubam: Cameroon
Fr. Alex Ojacor: Uganda/Usa
Cardinal Wilfrid Napier
12.00-1.00 palaver on spiritual leadership in Africa, presiding Bishop Hiiboro Kussala
Interventions:
Mother Rita Yamba (President of COSMAM)
Edel Akighir
Prof Mary Getui
George Nembunzu
Afternoon Concurrent Session 3 (2-4pm): Presentation of the Research and Proposals for Best Practices in Transformational Servant Leadership in the Church in Africa, presiding, Sr Agnes Sory and Coach Désiree Wanteu.
Sr. TOVO SESSI Frida Apolline
Sr. NDIAME Marie Agathe
Sr. Angélique SARR
Sr. NSOM Jackie
Concurrent Session 4: The Future of African and Diaspora Theology presiding by Sr. Ngah Solange
Solomon Oyepa: Abila as a Metaphor for Vitality: An Inquiry into Ecclesiology, Abundant Life and Synodality in the African Church
Fr Tulumelli: Journeying Together in Hope: The Contribution of African Women
Fr Larry Dowling: The Cancer of Racism in the Church
Jerome Emmanuel Ekassi: Rome vs. Africa: The Theological Eclipse of the African Church Family of God.
5-6pm (poster sessions) showcasing the projects of African Catholic youth (Likibi Begerac/ Miliam leading).
1 Denis Kioko Wakine – Jitegemee foundation; Self- dependency:farming, borehole, and natural talents ( Kenya).
- Mark Nyoro (south-sudan) – Youth empowerment and awareness initiatives.
- Camille Agbeva (Benin)- Reference pelerinage Benin: plateforme de recensement des lieux de pèlerinage catholique au Bénin.
- Samuel Eugene (Sierra Leone) – empowering youth through recycling: A Christian approach to waste management.
7.30-9pm: Dinner/Celebrating SECAM/COSMAM. Allocutio on the Church of the Sheeves by Archbishop Fortunatus Nwachukwu Presiding by Fr. Bienvenu MAYEMBA
Friday August 8: Celebrating the Gift of African Women Faith Leaders, presiding Sr Jane Kimathi and Sr Titilayo Aduloju
Mass: 7.30 am presiding Bishop Kanmurum*
Morning Session (9.30-11.30am): Presentation of the Unsung African Women Heroes of Faith ( 4 teams from Uganda, Kenya, Nigeria, and Cameroun).
Yetunde Akerele: Nigeria
Solange Nga: Cameroun
Rose Nyirumbe: Uganda
Ambrose Kilonzo: Kenya
11.30-12.30: PACTPAN Assembly/Business Session, presiding Fr Stan Chu Ilo : Formalization of Pactpan Côte d’Ivoire
Afternoon Concurrent Session 5 (2-4pm): Religious Freedom, Religious Persecution and Human Rights, presiding Elizabeth Nduku, Felix Enagho
Fr Moyo Mgcini: This topic should be reframed Education in Human Dignity: The quest for making Human rights a reality.
Augustine Mugambi: The Role of Technology in Promoting Freedom, Human Dignity and Human Rights in a Divided World.
Fr. Norbert Atta Embracing Our Shared Humanity: Rethinking the Intersection of Religious Freedom and Human Rights (An African perspective)
Augustine Anwuchie: When a Right Becomes a Wrong: Ethics of Religious Freedom and Persecution in Africa.
Afternoon Concurrent Session 6 (2-4pm) Exploring Women Wellbeing for Sustainable Africa Presiding by Sr Titilayo
Jane Nambiri: Women’s Wellness in the Family Set Up in Africa
Marie-Agatha Ozah: Women’s Wellness in the Political Space in Africa – Prof. Sr Marie-Agatha Ozah
Monica Nyachowe: Women’s Wellness in the Economic Space in Africa
Rosemary Arrah: The Role of the Church in the Wellness of Women in Africa
Concurrent Session 7 (2-4pm): Pontifical John Paul II Institute on Marriage and Family Sciences Presiding by Fr Pascal
Prof Vincenzo Rosito: Migrations and Human Mobility
Fr Brice Quinsou: Proteger la Dignite et les Droits des Enfants
Fr Dominique Rosario : L’espoir à notre époque : perceptions..
Peter Nickson White: Leveraging Local Resources: Emphasizing the Role of the Youth in Fostering Holistic Flourishing within Church Communities
4.30-6pm (African Palaver: World Catholicism and our Pilgrimage of Hope: Presiding Kevin Foy and Edel Akighir).
Susan Abraham: The Reception of Vatican II in World Catholicism: The Contribution of Concilium International Journal
Theogene Havugimana: Self-Reliance and Missio Dei from Africa to the World
Peter Dey Mey: The Role of the See of Rome in a Synodal Church: Pope Francis and the cum et sub Petro.
Ernest Okonkwo: Catholicism and Hope: The Renewal of the Canon Law
Dinner/allocutio from Bishop Hiiboro Kussala, Chair of PACPAN’s Episcopal Advisory Board presiding by Mons. Jean KOUASSI
Saturday August 9: African Youth Day: Focus on African Children and Youth, presiding Sr Josephine Awino and Bindré Roger Dayamba
Mass: 7.30am: Presiding: Cardinal Wifrid Napier
The Church of Now: How African Catholic Youth are witnessing to their Faith: Morning: (9.30-11.30 am): Presiding by Dayamba Bindré Roger
Testimonies from Representatives of the African Catholic Youth Council from each of the 7 regions of Africa.
1 Benjamin Edomwonyi: East Africa (Kenya)
2 Sr. Mirriam Chisenga : southern region (Zambia)
3 Giningakpio Justin Dapu : South Soudan (East Africa)
4 Ike Vivian Amarachi: West Africa (Nigeria)
5 BHE OBAME Narcisse Narcisse (GABON) Central Africa
7 Representatives from north africa
8 An Ivorien youth***(Loc to nominate)
11.30-12.30 Palaver on the Vision 2050: The Future of the Church Family of God in Africa, presiding Fr Rafael Simbine/Sr SIA Solange
Speakers:
Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo
Rafael Simbine
Ab Pr. Thomas Tchoungui
Vitalis Anaehobi
Stan Chu Ilo
Afternoon Concurrent Session 8: (2-4pm): Focus on Abundant Life: Family, Children, War, and Peace presiding Sr Sia Solange
Concurrent Session 1: Family, Health and Healing Mons. Jean Kouassi
Mathias Kyatekerwa: Spiritual and Moral Formation of Children within the Family and Community in Africa.
Sylvia Ruamba: The Situation of Children’s Rights and well-being in Africa.
Fr Paul Igweta Mungathia: Evangelization, Digital Faith Formation, and Liturgical Participation of children in Africa (AMECEA)
Joseph Tshiambi: Defi theo-catechetiques pour une éducation a al foi transformante, engageante et vivifiante dans l’église famille de Dieu en Afrique
Grace Akunna John-Emezi: Ethical Dilemma in rural clinical setting in Nigeria
Concurrent Session 9: Religion, Family, and Wealth presiding: Tanya Ball and Larry Dowling
Mellyne A. Ogonjo-Okina/ Kelechi Agugo: The African Family: A Shining beacon of Hope and Renewal
Chioma Asuzu/ Vincent Arisukwu: Theological Reflections of Marriage: A Synodal Approach in Africa
Robert Yeboah: From Isolation to Community: The Healing Impact of a Synodal Church on African Families
Paschal Mwakio: Medical assistance in dying Vs spiritual assistance in death. Understanding Distinct Approaches to End-of-Life Care.
4.30 to 6.00pm: Hope in History, presiding Josephine Awino
Martine GOKRA: Memory and Hope
Bill Cavanaugh: Hope in God or in Idols
Collins Nwafor: Hope, Religion and the Good Life
Joan Mwaura: Hope through Evangelization and Leadership
6.30-8.00pm: Closing Mass and Commissioning: Cardinal Fridolin
8-10pm: Dinner, closing ceremony, Awards, Dance and music:
Allocutio: Cardinal Napier
Sunday August, 10 Closing Mass and departures by Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo
Venue of the Congress: Catholic University of West Africa (UCAO) of Abidjan Cocody.
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Contacts:
Chair, Local Organizing Committee: Rev. Fr. Mons. Jean Bonzo KOUASSI
Email: jeanbonzo72@gmail.com
Phone: +225 07 92 77 93
Organizing Secretary: Bindré Roger DAYAMBA
Email: dbindreroger@gmail.com
Phone: +226 65 45 54 51
Co-conveners:
Mons. Jean Kouassi Bonzo (Chair, Local organizing committee, Vicar-General, Grand Bassam Diocese): jeanbonzo72@gmail.com
Sr Sia Solange (Director, Center for the Protection of Minors and Vulnerable Persons (CPM-PV), Catholic Missionary Institute of Abidjan): srsiasolange@yahoo.fr
Madam Martine Gokran (Institut de Théologie de la Compagnie de Jésus (ITCJ) martinekoua@yahoo.fr
Sr. Pro.f Agnes Sory (Professor of Canon Law, Urban University, Rome, Coordinating Servant II, Pan-African Catholic Theology and Pastoral Network) agnsory.no@gmail.com
Principal Convener: Fr Stan Chu Ilo, Senior Research Professor, Center for World Catholicism and Intercultural Theology, DePaul University, Chicago, U.S.A.
Coordinating Servant, Pan-African Catholic Theology and Pastoral Network : coordinating.servant@pactpan.org
Partners:
Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM)
Confederation of Major Superiors of Africa and Madagascar (COSMAM)
Dicastery for Evangelization (Section on Second Evangelization)
Institute of Missiology, Missio
Center for World Catholicism and Intercultural Theology, DePaul University, Chicago
Tangaza University College, Nairobi, Kenya
Catholic University of Central Africa, Cameroun
Institut de Théologie de la Compagnie de Jésus (ITCJ), Abidjan
Catholic University of Eastern Africa
Toronto School of Theology
United States Catholic Mission Association
Friends of Pan-African Catholic Network
Catholic University of Zambia
Sacred Heart University, Gulu, Uganda
Catholic University of Leuven (KULeuven)
Centre Vincent Lebbe (UCLouvain)
University of Vienna
University of Notre Dame
Durham University
Veritas University, Nigeria
Université Catholique de l’Afrique de l’Ouest, à Abidjan
Concilium International Journal
Orbis Books
ACI Africa
Institute of Advanced Catholic Studies
Pontifical John Paul II Institute
Partners:
Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM)
Confederation of Major Superiors of Africa and Madagascar (COSMAM)
Dicastery for Evangelization (Section on Second Evangelization)
Institute of Missiology, Missio
Center for World Catholicism and Intercultural Theology, DePaul University, Chicago
Tangaza University College, Nairobi, Kenya
Catholic University of Central Africa, Cameroun
Institut de Théologie de la Compagnie de Jésus (ITCJ), Abidjan
Catholic University of Eastern Africa
Toronto School of Theology
United States Catholic Mission Association
Friends of Pan-African Catholic Network
Catholic University of Zambia
Sacred Heart University, Gulu, Uganda
Catholic University of Leuven (KULeuven)
Centre Vincent Lebbe (UCLouvain)
University of Vienna
University of Notre Dame
Durham University
Veritas University, Nigeria
Université Catholique de l’Afrique de l’Ouest, à Abidjan
Concilium International Journal
Orbis Books
ACI Africa
Institute of Advanced Catholic Studies
Pontifical John Paul II Institute