Lome, 07 November, 2019 / 4:10 am (ACI Africa).
As the Catholic Church celebrated the feast of All Saints of Africa on November 6 amid an increase in the number of sainthood causes from the world’s second most populous continent, an African missionary priest is of the view that African-born Saints need to be given a more prominent role in the Church to make them “better known” and loved among Africans to counter the seeming disconnect between African Christians and African Saints.
“Today in Africa, it is necessary that in our programs of evangelization in general, and catechesis in particular, the African saints occupy a fundamental place, so that they are better known to the Africans themselves, to continually inspire their actions,” Fr. Donald Zagore, SMA has said in a reflection sent to ACI Africa.
“A pastoral that builds on the legacy of African saints would be beneficial to the continent,” he adds.
The Daily Missal describes the feast of All Saints of Africa marked on November 6 as a feast of men and women “who, down through the ages, have followed the Lord with courage, love and dedication.”
“Many of these saints are unknown to us, while others are remembered in various countries on account of their exemplary life of discipleship. Their example and teaching remind us of our call to holiness, while their intercession makes it possible for us to achieve it, thanks to God’s grace,” the Daily Missal documents and concludes referencing November 6, “The feast we celebrate today is a foretaste of the joy we shall experience one day in heaven.”
