AMECEA is hosting a Pan African meeting of Women’s Catholic Action Movement on the culture of Peace and Reconciliation that will take place in Nairobi, Kenya from 31st August to September 4th2015.
The meeting which has a theme “The African Woman Moving towards the African Year of Reconciliation,” attracts Catholic women across the continent.
The conference which is organized by the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) is meant to reflect on the role of women in the promotion of reconciliation in the continent especially the restoration of broken relationships in homes, community, the Church and society through the settlement of differences. It will also reflect on “The African Woman Moving Toward’s the African Year of Reconciliation” theme, which was launched on 29th July 2015 and will end on 29th July 2016.
This is in response to the call by Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI in the Apostolic Exhortation Africae Munus that “In order to encourage reconciliation in communities, I heartily recommend, as did the Synod Fathers, that each country celebrate yearly a day or week of reconciliation, SECAM will be able to help bring this about and, in accord with the Holy See, promote a continent-wide Year of Reconciliation to beg of God special forgiveness for all the evils and injuries mutually inflicted in Africa, and for the reconciliation of persons and groups who have been hurt in the Church and in the whole of society. This would be an extraordinary Jubilee Year during which the Church in Africa and in the neighboring islands gives thanks with the universal Church and implores the gifts of the Holy Spirit especially the gift of reconciliation, justice and peace.” (AM # 157).
Over 50 participants have confirmed their attendance to workshop that is meant to prepare for the celebration of the African Year of Reconciliation as well as to engage African families in the culture of peace and reconciliation.
According to statement received by AMECEA Online Newsfrom SECAM Secretariat, the justification and motivation of this Women Conference is that “In all aspects of the pastoral work of the Church, at parish and diocesan level in particular, women excel in their commitment and are numerically and qualitatively, without doubt, more efficient among the laity.”
The information further says that to call upon women in numerous initiatives of the Church is therefore a means of ensuring that the results of desired actions by the Church are efficient.
AMECEA Secretary General Fr. Ferdinand Lugonzo on behalf AMECEA Chairman H.E. Berhaneyesus D. Cardinal Souraphiel, C.M., Archbishop of Addis Ababa Ethiopia welcomes the delegates of the conference and wishes them a successful deliberations that would bear much fruits towards a reconciled and peaceful Africa.
By Pamela Adinda, AMECEA Online News