The Africa Regional Conference, the first preparatory stage looking ahead to the next General Chapter, was held from 04 to 06 October 2023 at the St John of God Hospital in Afagnan, Togo. The opening day coincided with a series of auspicious events: the celebration of the memory of a great Saint of the Church, St Francis of Assisi, the name day of Pope Francis, to whom we offered our best wishes, and the publication of the Apostolic Exhortation "Laudate Deum" (the second part of the encyclical "Laudato Si'").

In addition to the Brothers and Co-workers of the region, the Superior General, Brother Jésus ETAYO, Brother Pascal AHODEGNON, General Councillor, and Brother André SENE, General Secretary, also attended the Conference.

The theme of the next General Chapter will be "Hospitality in a Changing World" and it will be organised using a different methodology from the one adopted by the Order in the past. Above all in the the preparatory stage, the focus will be on the most inclusive participation possible (Brothers, Co-workers and guests) throughout the entire process leading up to the Chapter. 

This methodology, promoted by the moderator of the Chapter, Matthieu Daum, was explained in detail to the participants at the beginning of the conference so that they could be actively and properly involved in the second stage to be held in the Provinces.

The first morning session, coordinated by Brother Pascal AHODEGNON, consisted of several stages:

1.         Brother Pascal AHODEGNON explained the Chapter methodology.

2.      The participants listened attentively to the Prior General's address, which focused mainly on the major theme of the synodal spirit of union and communion this very day with the synod fathers gathered in Rome. For the Superior General, the future of the Order in Africa requires an opening of the spirit, leaving our comfort zones to go towards the peripheries. Afterwards, the assembly watched with great attention the videos of Matthieu DAUM, the moderator of the General Chapter.

3.       After the screening of the videos, there followed a discussion between the participants in plenary session. The general spirit that emerged from this exchange was the need to broaden our awareness as Brothers and Co-workers beyond the confines of our Hospitaller communities, to commit ourselves to overcoming all the obstacles to our hospitality in order to open up new prospects for the future.

 

The afternoon was mainly devoted to group work, followed by presentations and discussions, and concluded with a closing prayer.