Consecrated life in Africa must be a sign of hope and synodality – Conferences of Major Superiors of Africa and Madagascar say

The Confederation of Conferences of Major Superiors of Africa and Madagascar (COMSAM/COSMAM) has called on all communities of consecrated life on the continent to become active signs of hope and synodality in today’s world. This was the central message from the 6th General Assembly and Symposium of COMSAM, held in Pretoria, South Africa, from May 27 to 30, 2025.

Gathering under the theme “Hope, Synodality and Empowerment of Consecrated Life in Africa,” the assembly brought together religious men and women from across Africa and Madagascar for days of prayer, reflection, and strategic dialogue on the future of consecrated life. The assembly also marked a Jubilee year for COMSAM, adding a special significance to the occasion.

In a message released at the end of the assembly, the participants stated: “We invite all communities of consecrated life to be laboratories of synodality, signs and sacraments of hope for the Church and the world.”

The statement reaffirmed the commitment of religious communities to deepen their relationship with Christ, promote justice and peace, and actively engage in protecting the most vulnerable in society. “As consecrated persons, we are called to show the world the way to synodality and hope,” the message declared.

COMSAM gave thanks for the leadership of the new Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, “a worthy son of Saint Augustine of Hippo,” and assured him of the obedience, support, and prayers of all consecrated men and women in Africa and Madagascar.

The Assembly was graced by the presence of key Church leaders, including Sister Simona Brambilla, Prefect of the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, and His Eminence Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo, President of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM). COMSAM also acknowledged the support of its key partners, Missio and the Hilton Foundation.

During the week, participants visited historic sites such as Regina Mundi Parish in Soweto, the Union Buildings, and Freedom Park in Pretoria, commemorating the sacrifices made during South Africa’s liberation struggle. These moments were described as experiences of “intense communion with the brothers and sisters who shed their blood for the liberation of South Africa.”

The message also outlined a series of commitments, including the promotion of Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) commissions in national conferences, building communities rooted in peace and solidarity, collaborating more closely with bishops, and embracing African values such as Ubuntu and palaver.

“We want to be for our contemporaries that tree in whose shelter they can rest, that tree that can purify the air around them, that tree that can heal them of their illnesses, that tree that can nourish them,” the statement said, echoing the call of Sr. Brambilla.

The Assembly concluded with a call for greater collaboration, spiritual renewal, and prophetic witness across all forms of consecrated life. The statement was signed on behalf of the COMSAM Executive Board by Sr. Rita Yamba Tadi, FSP, President of COMSAM.