On 08 and 09.01.2024, a meeting of national and diocesan chaplains and leaders of Catholic Action movements and other apostolic associations took place in Bujumbura at the Centre National de Formation Permanente des Laïcs. There were 54 participants.
The two-day meeting, which focused mainly on evaluating the achievements of the 2023 pastoral year and planning activities for 2024, was chaired by His Excellency Bishop Salvator Niciteretse, Bishop of the Diocese of Bururi and President of the Episcopal Commission for the Laity, Family and Life (CELFV), who is also the FIAC Coordinator for Africa.
His Excellency the Bishop recalled the vision and mission of the lay apostolate, namely to promote lay people who have a mature, responsible, conscious and committed faith; a faith that has an influence in the Church and in Society.
Accordingly, the following five main areas have been identified in the 2024-2027 Strategic Plan:
– Axis 1: Promote the formation and accompaniment of the elite, young people, children and specific groups, at all levels.
– Priority 2: Promote training and support for families and the NFP (Natural Family Planning) method.
– Priority 3: Promote a global Formation (biblical, dogmatic, spiritual, moral, human, etc…) as well as the accompaniment of Chaplains and Leaders of Catholic Action Movements and other Apostolic Associations.
– Axis 4: Promote a culture of peace and reconciliation in Burundi based on the principles and values of the Social Doctrine of the Church.
– Axis 5: Promote communication and media coverage of the activities of Catholic Action movements and other apostolic associations.
It was recommended to all Chaplains and national and diocesan leaders of Catholic Action Movements and other Apostolic Associations to give priority to these areas.
It was also an opportunity to launch the Holy Father’s theme (“Joyful in Hope” /Rom 12,12) which will prepare young people for the Jubilee of 2025.
