Kinshasa, 31 July, 2025 / 9:30 PM
The President of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) has acknowledged Africa’s resilience and ability to remain steadfast in the face of the numerous challenges confronting the continent.
In his welcoming remarks during the Holy Mass for the official opening of the 20th SECAM Plenary Assembly, Fridolin Cardinal Ambongo of the Catholic Archdiocese of Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) highlighted the host nation, Rwanda, as a great example of resilience and a symbol of hope.
“We are gathered as a Church in this part of Africa that is suffering, in this country of Rwanda that has scars of recent history, but which is also a country that opens perspectives for the future,” said Cardinal Ambongo in his Thursday, July 31, remarks at the Regina Pacis Parish of the Catholic Archdiocese of Kigali.
He added, “Beyond our suffering in Africa, there are perspectives for the future, and there is hope. We are here for the Church of Africa.”
The church in Africa has continued to witness cases of violence with the most recent incident being the killing of more than 30 people following the July 27 attack on Blessed Anuarite Komanda Parish of the Catholic Diocese of Bunia in Ituri Province of DRC.
The attack, believed to have been carried out by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebel group, took place as parishioners were gathered for a prayer vigil at the church.
In his message of solidarity with the National Episcopal Conference of Congo (CENCO) following the deadly assault, Pope Leo XIV on Monday, July 28, called for the urgent need to “work for the integral development” of the people affected by wars.
The Holy Father said, “This tragedy calls us ever more urgently to work for the integral human development of the suffering population in this region.”
Meanwhile in his July 31 remarks, Cardinal Ambongo also acknowledged with appreciation the hospitality of the Rwandan government and the Episcopal Conference of Rwanda for the adequate preparations of the Plenary Assembly.
“I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all the delegations, and especially to the Rwandan government, for the warm hospitality and generous support provided to all participants of this symposium,” he said.
He continued, “I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to the Church in Rwanda—especially our dear brother, His Eminence Antoine Cardinal Kambanda, Archbishop of Kigali and President of the Episcopal Conference of Rwanda, along with all his fellow bishops in Rwanda, for the excellent organization.”
He invited the delegates at the Plenary Assembly, which is scheduled to conclude on Monday, August 4 for Eucharistic Celebration at the Our lady of Sorrows of Kibeho Shrine so that they can offer “their hope to God through the intercession of Mary.
At the same time, Antoine Cardinal Kambanda of the Kigali Archdiocese, which is hosting the 20th SECAM Plenary Assembly, expressed his joy on behalf of the Church and the people of God in Rwanda for the honor of hosting this continental event.
“It is the first time in Rwanda that we welcome, that we receive this meeting and it is a great honor and joy to have 13 Cardinals and 100 Bishops,” said Cardinal Kambanda in his welcoming remarks at the opening Mass for the SECAM event on July 31.
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