Celebrations marking 70 years of the Franciscan presence in Togo and 25 years of the Province of the Incarnate Word

Moderated by Br. Nicodème Kolani, Provincial Minister of the Province of the Incarnate Word of West Africa, the jubilee festivities marking 70 years of Franciscan presence in Togo and the 25th anniversary of the Province began on October 1st with the triduum in preparation for the Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi. The jubilee brought together all the Franciscan friars of Togo and other countries of the Province and the entire Franciscan family to give thanks to the Lord for the 70 years since the Franciscan charism was established on this African soil. A round-table discussion was organized for this purpose on October 2nd to trace the history of this missionary foundation. It was attended by over 100 people and it was graced by the presence of the Order’s Vicar General, Br. Ignacio Ceja Jimenez, representing the Minister General; Br. Siphelele Gwanisheni, Definitor General for Africa, and also Msgr. Victor Quematcha, former Definitor General for Africa and now Bishop of Bafatá in Guinea-Bissau. For this occasion, he conferred priestly ordination upon three Friars from the Province of the Incarnate Word. The ceremony took place in a festive atmosphere, attended by more than 500 members of the faithful, the Franciscan family, and the families of the newly ordained Friars. 

The highlight of the celebration was the solemn Mass presided over by Br. Ignacio Jimenez, on Sunday, October 4th, Solemnity of St. Francis of Assisi. The Vicar General urged Friars of the Province to faithfully steward the legacy left by the early Friars and to continue this mission with hope. Friars joyfully celebrated the jubilee Mass with songs and dances. A group photo and a festive meal marked the conclusion of the celebration. 

Filled with gratitude for the first Friars who arrived in Togo, Friars look to the future of the Order in the country with great hope and optimism. The jubilee continues in northern Togo on October 9th to 10th, in Dapaong diocese established by Friars. The final closing event will take place in Ivory Coast, where Friars arrived in 1957.

Br. François Lare, OFM
Secretary for Formation and Studies