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AFRAM 4CDs Triennial Meeting Fosters Deep Reflection, Collaboration, and Mission Renewal in Congo
Kasmir Nema, SVD
General Communications Coordinator
Held in the vibrant heart of Kinshasa, this gathering became a space of intercultural encounter, spiritual renewal, and collaborative visioning for the future of the Society of the Divine Word in Africa.
The assembly opened with a deeply symbolic Bible procession, setting a sacred and contemplative tone. Rooted in the Word, this act embodied the unity of the SVD family and reaffirmed our commitment to Gospel-centered mission.
In his welcoming address, Fr. Godefroid Manunga-Lukokisa, SVD, Provincial Superior of Congo, offered a compelling overview of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s social, political, and cultural context. He highlighted the dynamic presence of the SVDs in the country and especially underscored the transformative reach of the Biblical Apostolate beyond the Congregation.
Plenary sessions were animated by the Generalate Coordinators: Fr. Marcelo E. Cattáneo (Mission Animation), Fr. Wojciech Szypula (Biblical Apostolate), Fr. Kasmir Nema (Communications), and Fr. Richard Quadros (Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation – JPIC).
Their presentations invited deep reflection, inspiring discussion, and a renewed commitment to the SVD’s missionary identity across all four dimensions.
Highlights included best-practice presentations from the Zone. One notable contribution came from Frt. Cosmas, a seminarian from the Common Formation Centre (CFC) in Kinshasa, who shared how seminarians participate in mission animation through family visits and digital outreach. Despite limited resources, they creatively contribute daily online reflections on the Word of God—illustrating the fusion of pastoral care and digital evangelization.
Fr. Jean Yangia Kaniki, SVD, reminded participants of the spiritual foundation underpinning all four dimensions, emphasizing the centrality of SVD spirituality and the legacy of St. Arnold Janssen in guiding authentic missionary engagement.
Breakout sessions allowed participants to evaluate, exchange insights, and propose new strategies for each characteristic dimension. The final two days focused on formulating and synthesizing action plans, both by dimension and collaboratively across dimensions. These were reviewed and affirmed in a common session, providing a united roadmap for the AFRAM Zone for the coming three years.
The hospitality of the host province was warmly acknowledged, with participants expressing gratitude for the excellent organization, welcoming atmosphere, and the rich integration of local African perspectives throughout the program.
The 2025 AFRAM 4CDs Meeting in Kinshasa stands as a testament to the vibrant life of the SVD mission in Africa—a mission continually renewed through dialogue, discernment, and a shared commitment to proclaiming the Divine Word in today’s world.
