In an interview with the communication office of the Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference (SACBC), Fr Emmanuel Mvomo, Secretary General of the Confederation of Conferences of Major Superiors of Africa and Madagascar (COMSAM), spoke about the significance of the upcoming COMSAM Symposium and General Meeting, scheduled to take place in South Africa from May 23 to 30, 2025.

This marks the first time the event will be hosted in South Africa, a milestone that reflects the growing unity and collaboration among religious communities in the region. The gathering also coincides with Africa Month, further highlighting its importance in affirming African identity and solidarity within the Church.

About COMSAM

Established in 2005 by the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM), COMSAM is a confederation that brings together the Conferences of Major Superiors from across the African continent. It serves as a platform for collaboration among religious congregations and works in close partnership with the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life in the Vatican. COMSAM’s mission is to support, strengthen, and empower consecrated life in Africa.

A Landmark Gathering in 2025

The decision to host the 2025 Symposium and General Meeting in Southern Africa coincides with the recent formation of the Regional Conference of Major Superiors of Southern Africa (RCMSSA) in 2022.

Fr Mvomo described this as a moment of great joy and hope, celebrating what he called a “newborn” initiative in the life of the Church in Southern Africa. The event marks a significant step in fostering regional ecclesial collaboration and seeks to promote solidarity among religious communities in Angola, Mozambique, Botswana, South Africa, Lesotho, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Eswatini.

The Symposium will be held from May 23 to 25 at St. Dominic’s Girls School in Boksburg, Johannesburg, under the theme: “Hope, Synodality, and the Empowerment of Consecrated Life in Africa.” It will address critical issues such as the empowerment of African religious congregations, the importance of synodality within the Church, and safeguarding practices in response to the global issue of sexual abuse.

The Symposium and General Meeting will see the attendance of key Church leaders, including Sr Simona Brambilla, Prefect of the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, and Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo, President of SECAM. Their participation underscores the global Church’s commitment to supporting and accompanying the religious communities of Africa.

Key Voices in Attendance

Sr Brambilla’s presence is especially meaningful, as she is the first woman to lead this Dicastery. Rather than delivering a formal address, she has chosen to accompany participants throughout the symposium, engaging directly and personally with religious leaders from across the continent.

Invitation to Religious in Southern Africa

In the Friday, May 16 interview, Fr Momo extended a heartfelt invitation to all members of religious congregations in Southern Africa to participate. He emphasized that COMSAM is not a mysterious or distant body, but a vibrant and accessible confederation dedicated to fostering unity and mutual support among religious communities across the continent.

A Church Rooted in Hope

Reflecting on the recent election of Pope Leo XIV, Fr Mvomo expressed his confidence that the new pontiff will carry forward the vision of Pope Francis—particularly the emphasis on peace, the renewal of the Church’s identity, and a commitment to the Word of God. He expressed hope that this new chapter in the life of the Church will also support and affirm the mission of consecrated life in Africa.

For further details, including daily updates and live streaming information during the event, visit the social media platforms of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) or the official COMSAM website.