The Conference of Redemptorists of Africa and Madagascar (COREAM), under the coordination of Father Noel Sottima, C.Ss.R., organized a two-week ongoing formation course for formators, held from June 15 to 27, 2026, at Mazzanti House in Nairobi, Kenya. The seminar brought together Redemptorist formators from Angola, Kenya, Congo (Mater Dei Unit), Nigeria, Madagascar, South Africa, and Zimbabwe to reflect on the future of Redemptorist formation in Africa and Madagascar.
Under the theme “Common Mission, Common Vision, Common Goal – Different Contexts,” the seminar sought to strengthen a shared vision of formation throughout the Conference, respecting the specific cultural and pastoral realities of each Unit. It also responded to the ongoing process of restructuring and reconfiguration within COREAM, emphasizing the need for greater collaboration and unity in the formation of future Redemptorist missionaries.
Over the course of the two weeks, participants devoted themselves to prayer, dialogue, and reflection on the challenges and opportunities facing religious formation today. The sessions were facilitated by experienced Redemptorist confreres who shared valuable insights on various aspects of formation and mission.
Fr. William Ikre, C.Ss.R., led the reflections on “Community Life as Prophetic Witness,” “Challenges and Opportunities in Houses of Formation,” “The Evangelical Vows in the Contemporary Context,” and “Simplicity of Life and Ecological Responsibility in Religious Formation.” He reminded formators that houses of formation are the primary places where candidates learn what it truly means to be Redemptorists. He emphasized that formation is ultimately mission-oriented and should foster growth in the human, spiritual, academic, pastoral, and community dimensions of each candidate. He also urged formators to cultivate communities that embody fraternity, simplicity, and missionary zeal.
Addressing one of the Church’s most pressing concerns today, Father Augustine Mugambi, C.Ss.R., gave a presentation on the protection of minors. He emphasized that, as missionaries proclaiming abundant redemption, Redemptorists have a sacred responsibility to protect the dignity and well-being of every person, especially the most vulnerable. He encouraged formators to educate students on the principles of guardianship, healthy relationships, and abuse prevention, ensuring that formation houses remain safe environments where future missionaries develop integrity and a sense of responsibility.
Father Piotr Chyla, C.Ss.R., led the participants in a profound reflection on Redemptorist spirituality in the contemporary world, posing the important question: How relevant is Saint Alphonsus today? He urged participants not to reduce Alphonsian spirituality to the familiar symbols of the Nativity, the Cross, the Eucharist, and Mary. Rather, he invited formators to rediscover the dynamic vision that inspired Saint Alphonsus: Christ the Redeemer at the center of missionary life; the choice of Christ as the way of life; the search for the abandoned, since Christ sends missionaries to them and, through them, brings them closer to God; and the recognition of the centrality of conscience, always putting the human person first.
Fr. Titus Mutiku, C.Ss.R., led the sessions dedicated to leadership and formation, emphasizing the importance of understanding leadership within different cultural and ecclesial contexts. He emphasized that effective formation requires a balance between each candidate’s personal gifts and the Congregation’s charism. Formation houses, he noted, are where future Redemptorists are prepared for community life and apostolic mission. Candidates should therefore understand from the beginning that formation is not for personal fulfilment, but for the mission of the Congregation.
The final speaker, Father Vimal T., C.Ss.R., offered rich presentations on Alphonsian moral and pastoral theology, the Redemptorist charism, and synodality. He explained that moral theology is deeply rooted in pastoral experience and is expressed through the Redemptorist mission to proclaim that “with the Lord there is plentiful redemption.” Drawing on the pastoral ministry of Saint Alphonsus, he reflected on the priest’s ministry as father, healer, teacher, and judge, particularly in the sacrament of Reconciliation.
Father Vimal also explored the importance of synodality, a vision renewed by the Second Vatican Council and strongly promoted by Pope Francis. He described synodality as the way the Church walks together through listening, discernment, and shared decision-making. For Redemptorists, he explained, synodality resonates deeply with their missionary identity because it calls them to walk together with the people of God, especially those most abandoned. Formation should therefore prepare future missionaries to become servant-leaders who accompany the people of God with compassion and hope.
One of the seminar’s greatest strengths was the opportunity for participants to share experiences from their respective houses of formation. Discussions covered every stage of formation, from orientation and postulancy to philosophy, novitiate, and theology, allowing participants to exchange best practices, identify common challenges, and learn from each other’s diverse contexts. These conversations highlighted both the richness and complexity of formation in Africa and Madagascar, while reinforcing the need for greater collaboration.
The seminar reaffirmed COREAM’s commitment to training formators capable of accompanying candidates in a rapidly changing world, while remaining faithful to the missionary spirit of Saint Alphonsus. Although the contexts in which Redemptorists live and minister differ greatly across the continent, participants recognized that they share a single mission, a single vision, and a single common goal: to train joyful and committed missionaries who proclaim the Gospel of abundant redemption to the most abandoned.
The formation course concluded on June 27, 2026, with a solemn Eucharistic celebration on the Feast of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Patroness of the Redemptorists. The celebration was made even more memorable by the participants joining together in thanksgiving for the Silver Jubilee of the religious profession of Father Noel, C.Ss.R., coordinator of COREAM, who celebrated twenty-five years of faithful service to God, the Congregation, and the people entrusted to his ministry. The dual celebration crowned two weeks of prayer, fellowship, learning, and renewed commitment to the Redemptorist mission throughout Africa and Madagascar.
Fr. Peter Chitabanta, C.Ss.R.
