Bouaflé, Côte d’Ivoire. From April 26 to May 2, 2026, the Independent Delegation Saint John Paul II (Côte d’Ivoire – Burkina Faso) finished a week-long formation on Claretian leadership at the Casa Claret Spirituality Center in Bouaflé. The gathering brought together the Delegation Council, local superiors, parish priests, and heads of ministries, aiming to strengthen their leadership capacities in response to present-day challenges.
This initiative was part of the ongoing journey of this young Delegation, focusing on fostering a leadership style rooted in discernment, service, and mission. During the opening, the Major Superior, Fr. Ange Christophe Bessou Anougba, CMF, expressed the deep gratitude of the entire Delegation to the Superior General, Fr. Mathew Vattamattan, CMF, for his constant support and faithful accompaniment.
The participants were accompanied by Fr. Jude Thaddeus Langeh, CMF, who serves in Claretian Discernment Leadership formation in Rome, together with Fr. Frédéric Kpoumie, Fr. Franck Paré, CMF, and Dr. Peter Newburn. Fr. Joel Nkongolo, CMF, also contributed through a videoconference intervention from Rome.
Through interactive sessions, participants reflected on key themes such as leadership as service, discernment in decision-making, fraternal life, and pastoral mission. The exchanges highlighted the importance of a leadership style grounded in listening, collaboration, and shared responsibility.
This formation forms part of a broader effort within the Congregation to promote leadership characterized by discernment, communion, and service to the mission.
Beyond the sessions, the week was marked by moments of fraternity, shared prayer, and community life, strengthening bonds among the confreres from different countries and encouraging them in their missionary vocation.
The formation concluded with a Eucharistic celebration during which participants were sent forth on mission. Enriched by this experience, they returned to their communities with a renewed commitment to serve with greater availability, wisdom, and dedication.
Source: Fr. Michael Olodigui Olawy, CMF, Secretario
