CCEE-SECAM Seminar in Luxembourg: Continental pathways of synodality

The CCEE-SECAM Seminar in Luxembourg, from 25 to 28 May 2026, officially opened. The gathering brings together delegations from the Council of European Bishops’ Conferences (CCEE) and the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) under the theme “Evangelisation and Synodality: Continental Pathways.”

On 26 May, participants gathered at the Abbey of Echternach for Holy Mass celebrated by Cardinal Ladislav Nemet. The bishops later joined the famous Echternach Dancing Procession, locally known as the “Iechternacher Sprangprëssioun,” a centuries-old religious tradition rooted in devotion to Saint Willibrord and recognised by UNESCO.

The seminar officially opened in the afternoon with welcoming remarks from Archbishop Gintaras Grušas and Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo, President of SECAM. Both Church leaders emphasised the importance of strengthening collaboration between Europe and Africa as the Catholic Church advances the implementation phase of the Synod on Synodality.

The third day of the seminar, 27 May, began with Holy Mass presided over by Archbishop Grušas. Discussions throughout the day focused on the implementation of synodality in local Churches across both continents.

Synodal Conversations

Among the key presentations were contributions from Cardinal Hollerich on the Synodal Team of European national delegates and from Bishop Lucio Andrice Maundula, who reflected on the African synodal experience. Cardinal Nemet also addressed participants on the European Synodal Task Force, while Archbishop Anthony Muheria shared pastoral experiences and best practices from the African context.

The afternoon sessions featured “Conversation in the Spirit,” a synodal method of dialogue and discernment, followed by plenary discussions that allowed participants to exchange experiences and perspectives from their respective Churches.

This seminar seeks to deepen reflection on the implementation phase of the Synod on Synodality while also examining the challenges of evangelisation in Europe and Africa in the light of Evangelii Gaudium.

The final day, May 28, will focus specifically on evangelisation in the European and African contexts. Presentations are expected from Bishop Alexandre Joly and Archbishop José Manuel Imbamba, 2^nd Vice-President of SECAM.

The seminar will conclude with group discussions, a final summary session, and Holy Mass presided over by Archbishop Grušas.

Established in 2004, the CCEE-SECAM Seminar is a long-standing event designed to foster dialogue and collaboration between these two continental Church bodies.

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