The COSMAM/COMSAM, Confederation of the Conferences of Major Superiors of Africa and Madagascar, recently held two significant gatherings marked by reflection and discernment: a major Symposium in Johannesburg, attended by more than 400 religious men and women, and the General Assembly in Pretoria, which brought together around 100 participants, including Presidents and Vice-Presidents of national Conferences of Major Superiors.
The shared theme of both events – Hope - Synodality - Empowerment of Congregations in Africa and Madagascar – guided the discussions around three essential dimensions of consecrated life in Africa today: the witness of Christian hope, the synodal path, and the search for new, sustainable forms of autonomy for congregations. COSMAM/COMSAM continues to serve as a privileged space for communion, attentive listening and shared vision, enabling consecrated life across the continent to deepen its reflection and grow in ecclesial co-responsibility.
To highlight the ecclesial importance and universal scope of the gathering, our Dicastery took an active part in both events, represented by the Prefect, Sr Simona Brambilla, MC, the Undersecretary, Fr Aitor Jiménez, CMF, and Daniela Leggio, Head of the Office for Formation. Their presence throughout the sessions served as a concrete sign of the Holy See’s closeness to consecrated life in Africa and Madagascar, and as a recognition of the maturing ecclesial and missionary journey undertaken by the African Conferences with dedication and creativity.
“How can consecrated life in Africa […] truly be a sign of hope that challenges and empowers? How can it bear witness to that disarmed and disarming peace – humble and persevering – which comes from God? How can we truly become pilgrims of hope, witnesses of Love’s triumph, of the disarmed power of Life?”
With these words, Sr Simona Brambilla, MC, opened her address to the assembly, drawing on rich images from African tradition, which proved especially evocative and offered meaningful insights and direction for the future of consecrated life on the continent.
In concluding her remarks, she recalled a phrase dear to Pope Benedict XVI, affirming that Africa “represents a great spiritual ‘lung’ for a humanity experiencing a crisis of faith and hope.” It is a powerful reminder to cherish Africa’s spiritual heritage as a prophetic gift for the universal Church and for the world at large.
