In Goodwill Messages, SIGNIS Africa Lauded for “enriching” Understanding of Artistic Icons, Legacies, Potentials

The President of CEPACS, an entity of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM), uses the book of Exodus to illustrate religious support for artistic work.

“In the book of Exodus God endorsed art by singling out Bezalel, son of Uri... of the tribe of Judah. He then filled him with the spirit of God in wisdom, knowledge and skill in every kind of craft,” Bishop Badejo says in the statement dated May 31.

Credit: Gregory Odiakosa

The Nigerian member of the Vatican Dicastery for Communication since his appointment in December 2021 continues, “Few things can underscore more the importance of this conference than this Biblical fact.”

In collaboration with Regina Cultural and Art Exhibition, SIGNIS Africa realized the four-day conference that concluded on June 14 under the theme, “Sacred Symbols, Cultural Identities: Rethinking Iconography and Imagery in Global Religions.”

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In his Goodwill message, Bishop Badejo said that the theme of the Conference that took place at Holy Ghost Cathedral of the Catholic Diocese of Enugu is “necessary,” especially in the contemporary world.

“With the evolution of time and tides, given the role which imagery plays in the Christian religion, the theme you have chosen for this conference and exhibition/ is not only timely but necessary,” the Local Ordinary of Oyo Diocese, who started his Episcopal Ministry as Coadjutor Bishop of the same Episcopal See in October 2007 said.

Credit: Gregory Odiakosa

The Conference, Bishop Badejo went on to say, “is a necessary exercise to help breathe a fresh understanding into the role and place of art in Christianity and in the Church as it relates to important contemporary issues.”

Expressing regret for being unable to attend, CEPACS President said he hoped for the success of the Conference. He said, “I pray that the conference and exhibition achieve unmitigated success and set us all on a new path for regular appraisal of the importance and instrumentality of art in our life and religion.”

On her part, the SIGNIS World President, Helen Osman, expressed her support for the SIGNIS Africa Conference, saying, “I encourage your seminar on Rethinking Iconography and Imagery in Global Relations.”

“During your conference, I will be remembering you in prayer in a special way as I gaze on these beautiful icons and reflect on how people use their God-given talents to express love for God and for all people,” Ms. Osman said in her goodwill message also shared with ACI Africa on June 18.

Credit: Gregory Odiakosa

Meanwhile, in his keynote address at the June 11-14 SIGNIS Africa Conference, Bishop Gerald Mamman Musa of the Nigeria’s Catholic Diocese of Katsina advocated for the inclusion of “visual literacy” in programs of catechism at Parish level to enhance understanding of religious images.

“The faithful must be taught that religious images are not idols but signs pointing to the divine,” Bishop Musa said during his June 12 presentation titled, “Windows to the Divine: Iconography, Religious Images, and Communication as Instruments of Evangelization, Catechesis, and Enculturation in Nigeria.” 

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Credit: SIGNIS

The Nigerian Catholic Bishop emphasized that “Parish catechism programs should integrate visual literacy into prayer and sacramental life.”

“Dioceses and seminaries should encourage the training of artists who can blend theological depth with African artistic forms—wood carvings, textiles, beadwork, and murals that reflect both tradition and transcendence,” Bishop Musa said. 

Silas Mwale Isenjia is a Kenyan journalist with a great zeal and interest for Catholic Church related communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Linguistics, Media and Communication from Moi University in Kenya. Silas has vast experience in the Media production industry. He currently works as a Journalist for ACI Africa.