Major Superiors from across the Conference of Redemptorists of Africa and Madagascar (COREAM) gathered in Nairobi, Kenya, from March 1st to 6th, 2026, for an enriching leadership formation program aimed at strengthening Redemptorist leadership for the present and the future. The formation brought together the Major Superiors of Nigeria, West Africa, Kenya, Matadi, Zimbabwe, Madagascar, and Luanda, alongside members of the COREAM Council.
The formation sessions were facilitated and led by Fr. Joseph Ivel Mendanha, C.Ss.R., General Consultor, who guided participants through a series of reflections on the evolution of religious life—from earlier models of governance to the realities and expectations of leadership in today’s context. His presentations invited the Superiors to reflect deeply on how the changing face of religious life calls for renewed attentiveness to the human, spiritual, and pastoral dimensions of leadership.
At the heart of the reflections was the centrality of the person of Jesus Christ as the model for Redemptorist leadership. Drawing insights not only from the spiritual tradition of the Congregation but also from lessons in the business world and other leadership disciplines, Fr. Ivel helped participants engage with practical and spiritual tools for guiding communities today. Particular attention was given to the Congregation’s own documents, especially the Pastoral Guide for Superiors, which offers concrete principles for leadership grounded in the Redemptorist charism. Importantly, the formation was not intended solely for the Major Superiors present. Rather, they were encouraged to bring the insights of the program back to their respective units, sharing them especially with local superiors and confreres, so that the spirit of renewal and reflection might benefit the entire Congregation.
One of the highlights of the gathering was the participants’ visit to the Redemptorist Common Theologate in Karen, where they met 26 students currently in formation from Congo (5), Kenya (18), Zimbabwe (1), South Africa (1), and Mozambique (1). The biggest number are the 2nd year students with 7 Kenyans, 4 Congolese, 1 South African and 1 Zimbabwean. They make do with the manageable accommodation they currently have. However, the encounter offered the Superiors a glimpse of the vibrant and multicultural future of the Congregation in Africa and Madagascar. Fr Ivel presided at the mass and urged the students and the Major Superiors to follow the leadership style of Jesus in the context of the world in which we live in reflecting on the Gospel of the day, the call to service.
The formation for Leadership for mission concluded with a deeply symbolic moment during the Eucharist presided over by Fr. Ivel: A communal washing of the feet inspired by the Gospel account of Jesus washing the feet of his disciples. The gesture served as a powerful reminder that authentic Redemptorist leadership is rooted in humble service and fraternal care. As the program came to a close, participants expressed hope for the future that the ongoing process of reconfiguration promises for the Congregation in Africa and Madagascar. The days spent together fostered a strong spirit of solidarity, friendship, and shared mission—an atmosphere that participants carried with them as they departed, strengthened in their commitment to serve their confreres and the mission entrusted to them.
Fr. Godwin Abbah, C.Ss.R.
