On Sunday, January 19, 2025, the official opening of the Provincial Chapter of the Religious of the Assumption in West Africa took place in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. This chapter brings together representatives from five countries: Côte d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Benin, Togo, and Niger.
The Provincial Chapter, running from January 19 to January 26, 2025, gathers 32 participants, including 24 religious sisters and 8 lay members of the Assumption family. Notably, in addition to elected lay delegates, some invited collaborators are also participating.
This gathering aligns with the continuity of the General Chapter, aiming to develop the Provincial Project for the next six years under the theme: "Moved by the Spirit, in dialogue with our realities, we will discern new paths of synodality for our time."
The opening Mass, celebrated on Sunday, January 19, 2025, was presided over by Father Jean Paul Sagadou, an Assumptionist priest, and concelebrated by Father Jean Paul Django of the Order of Saint Augustine, who was visiting Abidjan.
In his homily, Father Sagadou briefly explained the importance of a Chapter in the life of a Congregation or Province and invited everyone to pray for the successful progress of this event.
The Provincial Superior thanked the religious sisters and brothers from other congregations, as well as the laypeople who came to support the Religious of the Assumption on this special occasion.
After the Mass, the chapter participants, led by the Provincial Superior Marie Claire Issifi of Christ the Redeemer and carrying the Chapter kit, proceeded in a solemn procession to the Chapter room.
For our community, this opening marks an opportunity to fully embrace the spirit of the Chapter and understand its significance. It strengthens our hope in the context of the Jubilee Year proclaimed by Pope Francis. May the Lord enlighten us through His Holy Spirit during all our discussions.
Konan Lucien Lay Member of the Assumption, Daloa (Côte d’Ivoire)