Riaba, Equatorial Guinea. From February 9 to 14, 2026, the city of Riaba hosted the Ordinary Assembly of the Conference of Claretian Missionaries of Africa (ACLA), gathering the Major Superiors of the various Claretian Organisms and missions across the continent. Held under the theme “Missionaries at the Service of the Word and the Most Needy in Africa” (Lk 4:18), the meeting was a significant moment of discernment, fraternity, and pastoral planning for the future of the Claretian mission in Africa.
In a spirit of prayer and mutual listening, participants shared their pastoral experiences and discerned the signs of the times. According to the final message addressed to the Congregation, the Assembly became a true space for listening to the Holy Spirit, within an African context rich in human and spiritual values yet marked by numerous social challenges.
During the working sessions, the Major Superiors revisited their missionary identity and renewed their commitment to serving the most vulnerable. They emphasized the importance of strengthening formation, fostering collaboration among Organisms, deepening pastoral care for young people, promoting the intercultural dimension of missionary communities, and accompanying the various projects of ACLA.
As part of a spiritual and commemorative journey, the participants visited Riaba, the historic cradle of the Claretian presence in Equatorial Guinea, including the former seminary of the Congregation. The pilgrimage continued to Malabo, with visits to the Claretian community of Luba, the mission of Batete, and the Padre Sialo House, where they shared a meaningful encounter with the aspirants. The Superiors also prayed at the cemetery in Malabo, remembering the Claretian missionaries who gave their lives in service of the Gospel.
The Assembly reached its culmination on February 14 with the solemn Eucharistic celebration presided over by Fr. Félix Obaga, CMF, President of ACLA, at Santuario Claret Parish in Malabo. Surrounded by fellow Superiors and many faithful, he gave thanks for the fruits of the gathering. The celebration marked both the official closing of the Assembly and the renewed missionary sending forth of its members, entrusted to the Holy Spirit, to the intercession of the Virgin Mary, and to Saint Anthony Mary Claret, as they continue to proclaim the Gospel in Africa with courage, hope, and fidelity.
Source: Moise Moumassou, CMF, ACLA Secretary
