Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - The Society of Missionaries of Africa (White Fathers) will hold its 27th General Chapter from the 10th May till the 12th June 2010. According to a statement sent to Fides Agency by the Society's Generalate, on the 1st January 2010, the Society had 1,541 members from 37 different countries (5 continents). The average age was then almost 70. However, with 405 candidates in formation, the Society can look forward to the future with serenity. The Society was founded in 1868 by Cardinal Lavigerie, Archbishop of Algiers. It is a Missionary Institute of priests and Brothers living in community. Its aim is to proclaim the Gospel to the peoples of the African world. Because of its origins the Society has always had a particular interest in Muslims.
The Society is thus active in 21 African countries. Outside the African continent, which remains their priority, the Missionaries of Africa are at the service of African migrants in Europe and America. The presence of the Society at Jerusalem was also personally desired by its Founder as a place of prayer, renewal, and dialogue with Eastern Christian Churches.
The last two Chapters (1998 and 2004) strongly emphasised the two priority orientations of the Society, Encounter with Islam and African Traditional Religions, and commitment towards Justice and Peace. The 2010 Chapter, which will bring 42 delegates together, will have 'Our Mission in Africa and in the African world' as its main topic. The Chapter will take place on the premises of the Missionaries of Africa Generalate, 269 Via Aurelia, Rome. The new General Council will be elected by the Capitulants during the 4th week of the Chapter. Those newly in charge will then be at the service of the Society for the 6 years ahead, with the main mission of implementing the Chapter's decisions. (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 4/5/2010)
