Pope Francis has forever encouraged the religious to be joyful missionary disciples and to share their faith with others as true witnesses of the Gospel. The Redemptorist Missionaries of Africa and Madagascar joyfully met at Antananarivo, Madagascar for their Assembly. The plenary was held at the Centre of the Conference of the Bishops of Madagascar (Ambatoroka) from 1st to 3rd of December, 2025.
Participants in a Spirit of Unity
The participants of the Assembly were, Fr. General, General Consultor from Africa and Madagascar, Coordinator of COREAM, Counselors, Moderators, Provincial, Vice Provincials, Regional Superior, Mission Superiors, Translators, Notaries, the Representative of Brothers and the Representative of the Lay Associates.
Spirit-Led Opening of the Assembly
The meeting began by warm fraternal welcome from Fr. Théophile Bary, the Vice Provincial of Madagascar. Fr. General too was pleased to welcome everyone to the Assembly. He reminded the confreres to rely on the help of the Holy Spirit and to make the plenary room a true Pentecost. Furthermore, he said that it is a time of grace in which every member renews their commitment to the Congregation, the Church and the people they serve.
Major Topics and Decisions Discussed
The Assembly discussed at length many Decisions that were proposed by the General Government. The Decisions discussed were, Common Formation, Ongoing formation of Local Superiors; Revision of the Statutes of the Conference; Funding of Initial formation in Africa and Madagascar; Completion of the Restructuring and Reconfiguration Process; Participation in the International Community Project in Japan.
Restructuring for a Stronger Mission
After the discussions of the Decisions, the Assembly had to take action especially on the Decision of Restructuring. There were three Proposals that were suggested however through voting the plenary members voted unanimously for Three Provinces and a Vice Province. They comprise the Province of Nigeria and Afrique de l’Ouest; the Province of Matadi and Madagascar; the Province of Kenya, Zimbabwe and South Africa, with the Vice Province of Luanda and Mozambique.
Action Plan Toward the 2028 General Chapter
Towards the end of the plenary the new configured Provinces gave their Plan of Action before the next General Chapter 2028. The plan of Action entailed Auditing of the Units, establishment of the Finance Commission, establishment of the Electoral Law Commission, Assembly for the Closure of the Unit, Letter to Fr. General for the Suppression of the Unit, establishment of a Preparatory Commission for the Assembly, Elective Assembly and Creation of the New Province and the Solemn Inauguration of the New Province.
Reports and Final Blessing
Furthermore, there were Reports and Updates from different Commissions in COREAM namely Report from the Procurator of Africa and Madagascar, Report from the Representative of Brothers in Africa and Madagascar and Report from the Representative of the Lay Associates. There were also final remarks from the Coordinator of Africa and Madagascar who promised to accompany every Unit and they should not feel left out. The General Consultor in his final remarks encouraged confreres to always move forward and never look back. Finally, in his concluding remarks Fr. General assured the Assembly of his unwavering support together with his Council. He encouraged everyone not to be afraid but always move forward because the Redeemer is present!
Fr. Isaac Wanyoike MWAURA, CSsR.
COREAM Notary
