SECAM DELEGATION ATTENDS GOLDEN JUBILEE WORKSHOP IN KAMPALA

A delegation from the regional conferences of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) and other continental institutions have held a workshop from 27^th-28^th July, at Munyonyo in Kampala, Uganda to ensure all is set for the launch of the Golden Jubilee Year of SECAM on the 29^th of July, 2018.

Some of the Bishops’ Conferences represented include the Association of Episcopal Conferences of Central Africa (ACEAC); Association of Episcopal Conferences of Central Africa Region (ACERAC); Regional Episcopal Conferences of West Africa (RECOWA/CERAO); Assembly of the Catholic Hierarchy of Egypt (AHCE); Regional Episcopal Conferences of North Africa (CERNA); Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa (AMECEA); Inter-Regional Meeting of the Bishops of Southern Africa (IMBISA); Madagascar and Episcopal Conferences of Indian Ocean (CEDOI); and the host, the Uganda Episcopal Conference (UEC).

Welcoming the delegates to Uganda, the Archbishop of Kampala, Most Rev. Cyprian Kizito Lwanga said Uganda was proud to be associated with SECAM since its inception in 1969 and warmly welcomed all participants to the country, where SECAM was launched in 1969.

Archbishop Gabriel Mbilingi of Lubango, Angola and President of SECAM, acknowledged with appreciation the initiative of the Church leaders in Africa to speak with one voice as they gathered to share ideas for the successful celebration of the SECAM Golden Year which will be climaxed in 2019.

The workshop was facilitated by SECAM’s Theological Committee (COMITHEOL). They called on all Catholics to participate in the celebrations, urging them that the Golden Jubilee year, was a call to return to our ancestral roots, a return to our baptismal promises, proclaiming the gospel in thanksgiving for who we are, remembering the progress we have made in the last 50 years and thanking God for all the continent has enjoyed.

Bishop Mathieu Madega Lebouakehan of Mouila Diocese, Gabon, and first vice President of SECAM and COMITHEOL Chairperson reiterated the need to engage the clergy, religious, and especially the laity in the activities of SECAM Jubilee explaining that such engagement of all Church members is a sure move toward the promotion of the growth and progress of the Church in Africa.

“Unity and collegiality is significant so that dioceses, national and regional conferences strive to have common activities in living through the jubilee year,” Bishop Lebouakehan emphasized.

The Golden Jubilee Year of SECAM will be launched on Sunday, July 29 at the Sacred Heart Cathedral at Lubaga in Kampala, Uganda, on the theme: Church – family of God in Africa; Celebrate your jubilee! Proclaim Jesus Christ your Savior.

Whilst in Munyonyo, the delegates led by the President of SECAM and the Archbishop of Addis Abeba, His Eminence Berhaneyesus Demerew Cardinal Souraphiel CM, planted a tree at the Munyonyo Shrine after one of their evening Masses to signify their visit and also to help in protecting the environment.