The Institute of Consecrated Life in Africa (InCLA) has opened its 8th International Theology Conference, drawing theologians, clergy, and consecrated persons from across the continent to Abuja for a week-long reflection on faith, culture, and spirituality.
The conference, themed “African Perspectives and Contributions to the Consecrated Life,” seeks to highlight Africa’s growing role in enriching global theology and deepening the understanding of consecrated life through the lens of African spirituality, culture, and community values.
In his welcome address, the Director of InCLA, Rev. Fr. Dr. Peter Okonkwo, described the gathering as an opportunity to celebrate the richness of the African experience of consecrated life, its values, challenges, and prophetic witness within the Church and society.
“Africa, as the cradle of deep spirituality and communal solidarity, offers a vibrant context for understanding how the evangelical counsels, poverty, chastity, and obedience are lived and reinterpreted within our cultural realities.
“Over the next few days, we will engage in discussions, paper presentations, and spiritual encounters aimed at deepening our appreciation of the Consecrated Life as a gift to the universal Church, and especially to the Church in Africa,” he said.
Speaking to journalists, Archbishop Fortunatus Nwachukwu, Secretary of the Dicastery for Evangelisation, emphasised that consecrated life represents total devotion to Christ.
“Consecrated life means a total self-donation to Christ, placing Him above everything,.
“As Jesus tells us in Matthew 19:29, anyone who abandons all for the kingdom of God will receive a hundredfold and eternal life. It is a life of perfection, of giving oneself completely to Christ,” he explained.
Also addressing participants, Rev. Fr. Henry Omonisaye, Vicar General of the Claretian Missionaries, underlined the practical relevance of theology in daily living.
“The whole act of theology brings us closer to God, especially as we reflect on the meaning He gives to our daily lives.
“Consecrated life is not just a vocation but a mission that impacts everyone we encounter,” he said.
A highlight of the opening ceremony was the inaugural Mass and laying of the altar stone at the InCLA Church, presided over by Archbishop Nwachukwu.
Since its establishment in 1920, InCLA has continued to promote in-depth study and reflection on consecrated life, empowering consecrated persons and the wider Christian faithful to face the challenges of modern and secular society.
Comments are closed, but trackbacks and pingbacks are open.