Libreville, Gabon. The Assembly of the Independent Delegation of Padre Xifré, in the region of Gabon was held on the 4th and 5th of June 2024 in the Claretian community of Essassa, on the outskirts of Libreville. It was attended by all the Claretian missionaries working in the region and the members of the Delegation Council.

Fr. Felix-Obaga Eworo Bilogo, CMF, the Major Superior, underlined the importance of this annual meeting to evaluate the missionary life, highlighting the celebration of the 175th anniversary of the Congregation and the 50th anniversary of the Claretian presence in Gabon, “two events that inspire us to be more dynamic in the service of the Church and the Congregation”.

He also addressed the question of the patrimony in Gabon, making a clear distinction between the goods of the local Church and those of the Congregation. He recalled the trust placed in them by the Bishops and the need for constant renewal in order to live an apostolic lifestyle, to revitalize the ministry and to strengthen the sense of belonging to the Church and to the Congregation.

The Assembly was divided into two main parts: in the first part the Prefectures shared the activities and concerns of their respective areas of responsibility. The second part of the Assembly was dedicated to listening to the communities. Each community presented a report on its apostolic activities and the spiritual and fraternal life of its members. The Assembly made comments and asked questions in order to improve the Claretian presence in this region.

The Secretary of the Delegation, Fr. Axel Yolanda, CMF reminded the members to share information about the apostolates in order to make them visible to the whole Congregation. He also encouraged the Assembly to use the Congregation’s website: claret.org.

Source: Father Axel Yolanda, CMF, Secretary of the Delegation.