Bouaflé, Côte d’Ivoire – The Independent Delegation Saint Jean Paul II held its first Assembly from 5 to 11 November 2025, opening with prayer and the blessing of the Claret Spirituality Centre by Fr. Ange-Christophe Anougba, CMF. The first day set a hopeful tone with messages from Delegation leaders and the Superior General, followed by reflections led by facilitator Fr. Jude Langeh, CMF, on the Delegation’s transformative journey.
In the days that followed, participants explored the strengths and challenges of their mission. Group work on 6 November highlighted the “seeds and weeds” shaping their pastoral reality, culminating in a thematic synthesis and a call to become “mystical missionaries.” A two-day recollection, guided by Fr. Langeh, invited members to examine the heart of their religious life through prayer, reconciliation, and discernment. The Sacred Heart Mass on 7 November brought this spiritual pause to a close while opening, with help of the facilitator, Fr Langeh and Br Carlos Verga, the General Consultor, the way to a community dreaming process inspired by Querida Congregation.
A milestone came on 8 November with the profession of faith of Fr. Ange-Christophe Bessou Anougba, CMF, who assumed leadership as Major Superior. Workshops that day focused on shaping the Delegation’s shared dream and commitments, symbolised through creative group work.
Sunday brought celebration and pilgrimage, including the institution of two acolytes during the parish Mass in Bouaflé and a visit to the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace in Yamoussoukro.
The final phase, from 10 to 11 November, centred on designing concrete paths for the Delegation’s future. Working teams refined and adopted strategic directions before closing the Assembly with tokens of gratitude offered to Br. Carlos Verga, Fr. Jude Langeh, Fr. Piotr Beza (Provincial Superior of the mother province: Poland), and Fr. Lukasz Przybyło (Provincial Secretaray of the Province of Poland). The closing Mass, presided over by Fr. Émilien Adou, CMF, and concelebrated by Frs. Siméon Allou and Narcisse Sékré, CMF, concluded the Assembly.
