The birth of the new African French Speaking Conference OFM

The Provincial Ministers, Custodes and Presidents of Foundations of Seven African Entities met from 26-28th of February in Lomé Togo so as to erect the new African French Speaking Conference (CAF) of OFM and programme the activities for the year 2025.

The New Conference is composed of the following Entities: 

• The Province of the Incarnate Word of West Africa;
• The Province of St.  Benedict the African (Democratic Republic of Congo);
• The Province of St. Mary of the Angels (Democratic Republic of Congo); 
• The Custody of St. Francis of Assisi (Guinea Bissau); 
• The Custody of the Immaculate Conception (Madagascar); 
• The Foundation of our Lady of Africa (Congo Brazzaville);
• The Foundation of St. Mary of the Angels (Central African Republic).

On 26th February Br Maciej Olszewski, the Guardian of the General Curia, presented the theme “Fraternity in International and Intercultural context”, which was followed by the presentation of Br Franco Mirri, the Director of Foundation OFM Fraternitas who presented the history of the foundation, mission and the practical aspects to be followed while presenting the projects. Br Victor Quematcha, General Definitor for Africa was also present. 

The presentations were followed by the election of the leaders of the New Conference by the Provincial Ministers, Custodes and Presidents. By the Decree of the Erection of the New Conference they elected:

• President: Br Virgile Agbessi (Province of Incarnate Word)
• Vice President: Br Nicodème Muambata Mukatsala (Province of St. Mary of the Angels).
• Secretary:  Br Armando Cossá (Custody of St. Francis of Assisi.

Following the erection of the new Anglophone African Conference, this new body for the animation of the Order is also part of the process of complete revision of the current structure of the Conferences, as formulated in Mandate No. 31 of the 2021 General Chapter.