Formation for the formators of the Africa Francophone Conference

From September 20 to 29, 2026, a session of formation was held in Lomé, Togo, aimed at the formators of the Africa Francophone Conference.

The meeting was attended by the Secretaries for Formation and Studies and the formators of the conference, coming from Togo, Congo-Brazzaville, Central African Republic, Guinea-Bissau, Democratic Republic of Congo and Madagascar.

Organized by the Secretary for Training and Studies of the Province of the Incarnated Word, the session brought together, in a fraternal atmosphere, those responsible for formation within the Conference of Francophone Africa. The meeting offered them the opportunity to reflect on the importance of cooperation among the various entities of Francophone Africa, to deepen the methods for making it concrete, and thus to contribute to a prophetic testimony in this part of the continent.

The session, led by the Coordinator of the Secretariat for Formation and Studies of the Africa Francophone Conference, was opened by the Provincial Minister of the Province of the Incarnated Word and President of the Conference, Br. Nicodème Kolani, OFM. In his welcome speech, he presented to the participants the expectations of the Conference in the context of formation.

During the proceedings, several topics were thoroughly explored: the role of spiritual accompaniment in formation, the prevention of abuse in formation houses, as well as the transparent development and management of projects. Particular attention was given to the collaboration between the various Francophone entities in the context of formation. The participants also recognized the need to promote interculturality in the spirit of the Order.

The informal moments fostered the sharing of experiences that generated hope in the context of formation and the discussion on the importance of the Franciscan year. Visits to some religious and cultural sites in the country and to the fraternities of the Province of the Incarnated Word also allowed participants to get to know more closely the cultural and spiritual riches of Togo and the formative structures of the Province.

The solemn Eucharistic celebration in honor of the saints, Archangels Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, concluded the session. The participants returned to their respective countries in a spirit of fraternity, expressing the hope that in the future other meetings of this type will be promoted for the formators.

Fr. François Lare, OFM
Coordinator of the Secretariat for Formation and Studies of the Africa Francophone Conference