By Samson Adeyanju
The Institute of Consecrated Life in Africa (InCLA), has launched its 8th International Theology Conference, drawing theologians, clergy, and consecrated persons from across Africa to the nation’s capital for a week-long exploration of faith, culture, and spirituality.
The conference, themed “African Perspectives and Contributions to the Consecrated Life,” seeks to highlight Africa’s growing influence in enriching global theology and deepening the understanding of consecrated life through the lens of African spirituality, culture, and communal values.
In his welcome address, InCLA Director, Rev. Fr. Dr. Peter Ikechukwu Okonkwo, CMF, described the gathering as an opportunity to celebrate the richness of the African experience of consecrated life and its prophetic witness in the Church and society.
He emphasized the role of African communities in reinterpreting the evangelical counsels of poverty, chastity, and obedience within local cultural realities.
“The next few days will feature discussions, paper presentations, and spiritual encounters that aim to deepen our appreciation of the Consecrated Life as a gift to the universal Church and particularly to Africa,” Fr. Okonkwo said.
Archbishop Fortunatus Nwachukwu, Secretary of the Dicastery for Evangelization, underscored the spiritual significance of consecrated life.
“Consecrated life represents total self-donation to Christ, placing Him above all else. It is a life of perfection, giving oneself completely to God,” he said.
The opening ceremony featured the inaugural Mass and the laying of the altar stone at the InCLA Church, symbolizing the institute’s commitment to theological excellence and spiritual formation.
Since its establishment, InCLA has aimed to be Africa’s premier center for the study of consecrated life, offering specialized academic and formation programs.
The institute’s annual international conferences, now in their eighth edition, have consistently explored themes ranging from collaborative ministry and formation for authentic mission to responses to societal challenges such as COVID-19 and the Church’s role in promoting peace and hope.
Fr. Anthony Kanu, OSA, President of the Conference of Major Superiors of Nigeria (Men), lauded the conference for providing a platform for dialogue, research, and exchange, noting that Africa’s spiritual heritage and communal ethos enrich the universal Church.
The week-long event is expected to inspire renewed vigor among consecrated persons, foster collaboration across African dioceses, and highlight the continent’s growing contributions to global theological discourse.
