at the Chapel of the Postulate

Great is our joy to recall the canonical visit of our Superior General. Indeed, after his first canonical visit to Brazil that he carried out when providentially attending the episcopal ordination of his predecessor, the Superior General, Father Benzy, decided to visit the Cardinal Emile Biayenda Region. This was in accord with our General Statutes, which states that the Superior General “makes the visitation of the Provinces/Regions at an opportune time” (SG 74.01.4).

Arriving on June 17 accompanied by Father Anaclet Bambala, the Vicar General for Africa and Responsible for the Region, Father Benzy entirely devoted his time among us with moments characterized by deep fraternal communion. That said, we can subdivide his visit into three moments, namely: that spent with the various confreres of the respective communities (communities present in Brazzaville and Pointe Noire), that with the local ecclesial authorities (the Apostolic Nuncio and the Archbishops) and that with the different parish councils.

First, Father Benzy devoted a period of intense and sustained fraternal communion with the various confreres. This time were twofold in that he was present for everyone both communally and individually in accord with Canon 628 §3 that states: “Members are to act with trust toward a visitator, to whose legitimate questioning they are bound to respond according to the truth in charity. Moreover, it is not permitted for anyone in any way to divert members from this obligation or otherwise to impede the scope of the visitation.” It in keeping with this spirit that Father Benzy was met by all the confreres of our communities in Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire. In a remarkable keen sense of brotherhood, he continued his meeting with the religious of Yaoundé and Bertoua whom he addressed by videoconference during his speech to the Region delivered at the end of his visit to the Congo. Then, he continued his fraternal exchange likewise with the Sisters Servants of the Blessed Sacrament and the aggregates.

 Secondly, his visit had an impact extending beyond the borders of our modest community. He demonstrated a true and deep fraternal communion during his meeting with the various pastors of our capitals: the metropolitan archbishops of Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire. Their exchanges and discussions were about possible occasions of communion to be carried out more often.

Visit to the sisters Servants of the Blessed Sacrament at Pointe Noire	The Superior General and the Superior of the community of the Servants

Thirdly, the Superior General’s meetings were not only with simple brothers linked intrinsically to the Congregation. He made a point of meeting the different parish councils for moments of in-depth sharing.

In short, Father Benzy taught us: “community life is a continuous process”. In this regard, we can hardly wait for the Superior General to return among us soon. These moments of sharing and fraternity were profound and formative for our Region which is on the path toward its provincial status.

“There are many strengths in the Region” said Father General. Hence, it is important to unify them in order to build the Province of the future and the future of the Province. A Province which will therefore be strong in its administrative management and solid in financial administration.

Written at Brazzaville on 10 July 2024

Father Divin Maboundou Ngongo, sss
Regional Secretary