Nearly 640 priests from Benin's 10 dioceses gathered for the 50th General Assembly of the Union of Beninese Clergy (UCB) to discuss the evolving role of priests in Africa in light of numerous challenges.
Nearly 640 priests from Benin's 10 dioceses recently gathered for the 50th General Assembly of the Union of Beninese Clergy (UCB) in Natitingou, northwestern Benin. The four-day assembly, themed 'Priestly Identity and Mission: Resolutions and Concrete Implications', focused on the evolving role and mission of African priests in the face of growing challenges on the continent.
The key question posed was 'How can one be a priest in Africa today?' This question reflects a desire to address challenges, including a 'crisis of faith' that affects all aspects of society, including the Church. Fr. Cyrille Miyigbena, a participant, highlighted emerging challenges in Benin and across Africa, such as the rise of ideologically driven pan-Africanism and the resurgence of indigenous religions. These shifts necessitate a reassessment of the priest's role in contemporary society. To meet these challenges, UCB members emphasized the need for priests to renew their awareness of their identity as 'men of prayer'. The assembly's primary resolution was a commitment to daily Eucharistic celebrations, spiritual exercises like retreats and recollections, the Liturgy of the Hours, adoration, Lectio Divina, and devotions to Mary and the saints. Fr. Hubert Kèdowidé, the newly appointed UCB national delegate, explained that these practices will cultivate an inner life of discipline and a culture of silence in a noisy and violent world. The organization also urged its 1,200 members to embrace the evangelical counsels of poverty, chastity, and obedience, not as restrictions but as a path to priestly fulfillment. The UCB called for greater solidarity among priests and announced plans to work with Benin's Episcopal Conference to establish a financial support system for all dioceses, aiming to implement a national minimum monthly stipend for all priests and ensure their enrollment in social security for a dignified retirement. On the sidelines of the assembly, La Croix International spoke with lay Catholics in Benin about their expectations for priests in Africa. Athanase Gouhizoun, a member of the Diocesan Council for Catholic Education in Cotonou, said, 'The priest in Benin and across Africa must first and foremost be a man of prayer, close to his parishioners and accessible. He must embody humility and never appear greedy for money. He should be a good listener and maintain discipline in his relationship with worldly pleasures.' Alain Hounyo, president of the National Council for the Laity and the Family, emphasized the importance of priests remaining faithful to their sacred calling, pointing to the rapid growth of churches and sects across Africa, which he attributed to widespread disillusionment among Catholics. 'Many faithful leave the Church because they are disappointed by the lack of authenticity among some priests,' he said, alluding to concerns over violations of clerical chastity and poverty vows. As Benin's clergy seeks to navigate these modern challenges, the UCB's renewed focus on spiritual depth and community connection signals a commitment to preserving the integrity of the priesthood in an ever-evolving religious landscape
PRIESTS AFRICA BENIN FAITH CHALLENGES SPIRITUALITY UC RELIGIOUS LANDSCAPE
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