From Nairobi

The 70th Congregation of Procurators began this morning with a concelebrated mass at 9:00 am presided by Father General. Two members of the Congregation are absent for different reasons, Father Federico Lombardi and Father Lisbert D’Souza.

The liturgy was well prepared and was a true spiritual experience for all. The readings were proclaimed in different international languages, while the songs were in various African languages.

In his homily, Fr Nicolas commented on the readings of the day’s liturgy, highlighting that we had been gathered here from all over the world and called to unity because God has chosen us. Therefore, we can say with the prophet Hoseah: “You are my Lord”. Turning to the Gospel, he reminds us that we are sinners, but that God is fully alive in us and gives us strength and life as He did with the girl in the Gospel of Matthew.

The first informal session that followed gave a historical overview of the Congregations of Procurators in the Society of Jesus and communicated some general information. During this session there was distribution of working material. Afterwards, each Conference met in separate groups to suggest possible names for the secretary of the Congregation, and to propose to Fr. General names for the Steering Committee.

The first session of the congregation took place in the afternoon. The Formula (procedures) was explained together with some juridical aspects. At the end Father General gave a brief exhortation to the participants to live with intensity this experience of the Society celebrated for the first time in Africa .