African Catholic Voices

Send us a textFr Edward Obi, a member of the Missionary Society of St Paul (MSP), shares with us the humble beginnings of this missionary society in Nigeria, and the extraordinary growth and impact of Nigeria's MSP fathers in taking the Gospel to their African brothers and sisters, and their mission to the West. His testimony is compelling and captivating.  

Send us a textUgandan Fr Ruffino Ezama is a Comboni missionary father and Provincial for North America. In this engaging podcast, this outstanding humanitarian, theologian, and Church leader, shares his first person narrative of the joy, challenges, and opportunities of being an African missionary to fellow Africans, and to Europeans and North Americans. He addresses the important question of how African missionaries to fellow Africans can become self-sustaining by promoting a new approach to mission in Africa that is less dependent on the West. 

Send us a textFr Augustine Anwuchie, a priest of Awgu diocese, Nigeria shares his experience of being a missionary to fellow Africans in Maradi Diocese, Niger Republic. His witness to the poor and the marginalized, and his outreach to Muslims and practitioners of African Traditional Religion, and the security risks he and his small flock of Christians in this diocese  with less than 1000 Catholics face everyday is a Gospel worth hearing by all. 

Send us a textWhat lessons are we learning from the hospitalization of Pope Francis about the health and wellbeing of pastoral agents? Fr Stan Chu Ilo reflects on the health challenges of pastors and how our pastors can be transparent with their health, and embrace health improvement, healthy lifestyle, and simple health protection and prevention practices. He proposes that pastoral agents cannot take care of God's people or God's Church if they cannot take care of their health. 

Send us a textUgandan Catholic theologian, peace advocate, and expert on pastoral theology and synodality, Fr Ambrose J. Bwangatto, speaks on the urgent need to end the ongoing war in the Congo. He lays a roadmap for peace for the long suffering people of the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Great Lakes Region. He argues that in these difficult times many people are looking up to the Church to be close to the suffering masses of God's people. He commends the efforts of the Church and calls on the warring parties most of whom bear Christian names to put down their arms and walk the path of peace. His call for political justice, equity, and inclusion, and for a new logic of love  is both inspiring and compelling. 

Send us a textFr Walter Ihejirika, the President of Signis Africa and a professor of development communication at the University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria, shares his life experiences and his journey of faith and vocation to the priesthood. A foremost academic and scholar, and an influential Church communication expert, he invites us in this episode into his world of communicating faith, and why he believes in a better future for Africa amidst recurring challenges. He shares some spiritual and practical insights on how African Catholics and indeed all Christians should celebrate this jubilee of hope as people of faith on a pilgrimage of hope to that future which is in the hand of God. 

Send us a textSr Leonida Katunge speaks on  the movement of the Catholic Church in Africa to end the scourge of human trafficking and modern day slavery in the continent. She bemoans the sexual exploitation of our young girls and women; the destruction of the lives of our young boys; and this stain on our society in Africa. She invites everyone to commit to this fight to end this silent and ancient crime in Africa and the world.  We invite you to join the movement to fight for some of our most vulnerable and innocent members of society who are condemned to die by criminals, greedy people, and corrupt government and immigration officials who are working in cahoots to promote this dirty and evil crime against our children and youth.  

Send us a textToussaint Kafarhire, S.J,  the current President of the African Studies Association of Africa, ASAA; political scientist, and expert on social justice, religion, democracy and peace, political violence and conflicts in Africa Great Lakes Region, analyzes the unfolding crisis and war in Congo. Prof Kafarhire helps us to understand the complexities of this destructive war, the people responsible for this unacceptable situation and suffering, and how peace can be restored in the Congo. Together with Kafarhire, we call for an end to the conflict. We call for dialogue among all the stakeholders. We appeal to the Rwandan government to withdraw its forces from Congo, and appeal for respect for human lives and  a ceasefire to give peace and dialogue a chance. 

Send us a textOn this 3rd Sunday of Advent, Fr. Stan reflects on the profound question asked by tax collectors, soldiers, and all who approached John the Baptist: “What should we do?” This question is as relevant today as it was then, not only as an ethical and spiritual inquiry but as a guide to finding true joy and purpose in life.Fr. Stan draws from the Gospel of Luke, showing how John the Baptist pointed to the Messiah while embracing his unique role as a prophetic voice in the wilderness. His life teaches us that true happiness comes from accepting ourselves as God made us and living out our vocation authentically.Let this reflection inspire you to embrace yourself and live your calling confidently and joyfully. Subscribe for more reflections, share your thoughts in the comments, and let's journey together through this Advent season.

Send us a textEn ce 3e dimanche de l'Avent, Martine Kouadio-Gokra nous invite à méditer sur cette question essentielle : “Que devons-nous faire ?” Comme dans l'Évangile de Saint Luc, où Jean-Baptiste s'adresse au peuple, cette interrogation nous guide dans notre préparation spirituelle à Noël.Martine nous exhorte à transformer nos cœurs et nos actions. Elle explore la joie véritable promise par Dieu, une joie qui vient de la bienveillance, du partage sincère et d'une vie alignée sur les préceptes divins. Dans ce “dimanche de la joie”, elle nous appelle à porter une joie profonde à ceux qui nous entourent, en vivant avec simplicité et amour authentique.Rejoignez cette réflexion pour découvrir comment incarner cette joie et vivre pleinement la grâce de l'Avent. Abonnez-vous pour plus de méditations, partagez vos réflexions en commentaires, et cheminons ensemble vers Noël avec foi et espérance.

Send us a textOn this 2nd Sunday of Advent, Fr. Stan delivers a powerful reflection on the call to prepare the way of the Lord. Drawing inspiration from the Prophet Baruch and the Gospel of Luke, he reminds us of the urgent need for spiritual renewal and conversion.Fr. Stan explores the message of John the Baptist: “Make straight the paths, fill the valleys, and level the hills.” This is not just about physical preparation but a deep spiritual transformation. He challenges us to identify and remove the obstacles in our hearts—pride, fear, and distractions—that prevent us from fully welcoming Christ into our lives.Join Fr. Stan in this reflection as we journey through Advent, preparing our hearts and souls to receive the Lord. Subscribe for more reflections, share your thoughts in the comments, and let's prepare together for Christmas.

Send us a textEn ce 2e dimanche de l'Avent, Martine Kouadio-Gokra nous invite à répondre à l'appel à la conversion et à préparer le chemin du Seigneur. En s'appuyant sur les lectures du prophète Baruch et de l'Évangile de Luc, elle nous exhorte à abandonner nos “robes de tristesse et de misère” pour accueillir pleinement la gloire de Dieu dans nos vies.Martine explore le message puissant de Jean-Baptiste : “Aplanissez les chemins, comblez les vallées, et abaissez les montagnes.” Cet appel est une invitation à identifier et à surmonter les obstacles spirituels qui nous éloignent de Dieu, pour laisser sa grâce transformer nos vies.Rejoignez cette méditation inspirante pour approfondir votre foi et marcher avec confiance vers Noël. Abonnez-vous pour plus de réflexions, partagez vos pensées en commentaires, et préparons-nous ensemble à accueillir le Seigneur.

Send us a textEn ce 1er dimanche de l'Avent, Martine Kouadio-Gokra nous offre une réflexion inspirante sur la vigilance et la conversion en préparation de la venue du Seigneur. À travers les lectures du prophète Jérémie et de l'Évangile de Saint Luc, elle nous rappelle que les jours meilleurs sont à venir et que notre rédemption approche.Jésus nous invite à redresser la tête et relever le cœur, à ne pas laisser nos vies être alourdies par les distractions, les peurs, ou les préoccupations matérielles, mais à veiller et prier pour accueillir l'amour, la paix, et la joie qu'Il nous apporte. Martine nous exhorte à faire de Dieu notre priorité essentielle et à préparer non seulement l'extérieur, mais aussi l'état de notre cœur et de notre âme pour cette période de grâce.Rejoignez cette méditation pour entrer pleinement dans la grâce de l'Avent et faire de Dieu la priorité de votre vie. Abonnez-vous, partagez vos réflexions en commentaires, et marchons ensemble vers Noël avec foi et espérance.

Send us a textAs we enter the 1st Sunday of Advent, Fr. Stan shares an inspiring reflection on the importance of vigilance and prayer in preparing for the coming of the Lord. Drawing from the Prophet Jeremiah and the Gospel of Luke, he reminds us of Jesus' powerful call: “Be vigilant at all times and pray.”In a world filled with distractions, anxieties, and material concerns, this season invites us to refocus our hearts and minds on God. Fr. Stan urges us to embrace this time of grace as an opportunity for conversion, trusting in the Lord's promise of redemption and peace. Advent is not just about external preparations but about preparing our hearts and souls to welcome Christ with love and hope.Let this reflection encourage you to embrace the Advent season with renewed faith and hope. Subscribe for more reflections, share your thoughts in the comments, and let us prepare for Christmas together in love and unity.

Send us a textIn this profound reflection on the Solemnity of Christ the King, Fr. Stan calls us to surrender fully to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Drawing from the readings in Daniel, Revelation, and the Gospel of John, he highlights Christ as the Alpha and the Omega, the Shepherd of our souls, and the King who reigns with justice, love, and peace.Fr. Stan invites us to lay our burdens before Jesus and allow Him to take full control of our lives. In a world filled with turmoil, violence, and misrule, he echoes the timeless call of Pope Pius XI: to return to God and let Christ's kingdom guide our hearts, homes, and communities.Let this reflection encourage you to renew your trust in Jesus and experience the freedom and joy of living under His reign. Subscribe for more reflections, share your thoughts in the comments, and join us in celebrating Christ the King.

Send us a textEn ce dimanche du Christ, roi de l'univers, Martine Kouadio-Gokra nous invite à redécouvrir la véritable nature de la royauté de Jésus. S'appuyant sur les textes du Livre de Daniel et de l'Évangile selon Saint Jean, elle met en lumière une royauté d'amour, basée sur la vérité, l'humilité et la simplicité.À travers cette méditation, Martine nous exhorte à réfléchir : vivons-nous cette royauté d'amour dans nos actes, paroles et relations ? Laissons-nous inspirer par l'exemple du Christ pour proclamer avec assurance : “Il est le roi de ma vie.”Rejoignez cette réflexion pour nourrir votre foi et découvrez comment exercer cette royauté d'amour dans votre vie quotidienne. Abonnez-vous pour plus de réflexions, partagez vos pensées dans les commentaires et célébrons ensemble la gloire de Dieu.

Send us a textEn ce 33e dimanche du temps ordinaire, Martine Kouadio-Gokra nous invite à une réflexion profonde sur le choix de la vie éternelle et l'importance d'une véritable conversion. S'appuyant sur les lectures tirées du Livre de Daniel et de l'Évangile selon Marc, Martine souligne l'assurance de la délivrance de Dieu au milieu des épreuves et des détresses. Elle nous pose cette question cruciale : Où nous situons-nous ? Vivons-nous pour la gloire éternelle ou sommes-nous tournés vers la honte ?À travers cette méditation, Martine nous rappelle que seul le Christ, par son sacrifice, peut nous garantir la paix véritable et la joie durable. Elle nous exhorte à revenir pleinement à Dieu, à lui offrir notre vie et à faire de Lui notre refuge et notre stabilité, comme le déclare le Psalmiste : “Seigneur, tu es mon refuge et mon partage.”Rejoignez cette réflexion inspirante et laissez-vous guider vers une vie de foi et de paix intérieure. Abonnez-vous, commentez vos réflexions et engageons-nous ensemble dans cette voie de conversion.

Send us a textIn this inspiring 33rd Sunday Reflection, Fr. Stan reminds us of the unshakable hope and courage that faith in God brings. Reflecting on the stories of six women who conquered cancer through their unwavering trust in God, Fr. Stan challenges us to live with the same fearless faith. Anchored in Psalm 16, he calls us to declare boldly: “The Lord is my portion and my cup.”Drawing from scripture, including Daniel, the Gospel of Mark, and Habakkuk, Fr. Stan emphasizes that while life may bring adversities, uncertainties, and trials, God is always in control. We are reminded that our mission is not to predict the future but to trust God fully, proclaim the good news, and be witnesses of His love and power.Subscribe for more reflections, share your thoughts in the comments, and let us grow in faith together.

Send us a textIn this 32nd Sunday reflection, Fr. Stan draws profound spiritual lessons from the inspiring stories of the widow of Zarephath and the widow in the Gospel of Mark. Despite their poverty, these women exemplified unwavering faith and boundless generosity, offering us a model of true Christian discipleship. Join this reflection and uncover how these widows' acts of selflessness reveal the heart of a true disciple.Subscribe for more reflections, share your insights in the comments, and let's deepen our faith together.

Send us a textEn ce 32e dimanche, Martine Kouadio-Gokra nous invite à réfléchir sur le sens profond de donner avec foi et confiance. À travers les exemples de la veuve de Sarepta et de la veuve de l'Évangile, Martine nous montre l'importance de donner de tout cœur, même dans la difficulté, en s'abandonnant totalement à Dieu.Ces femmes nous rappellent que la vraie richesse se trouve dans une foi qui se traduit par des actes de générosité. En ouvrant nos mains et notre cœur, nous permettons à Dieu de travailler en nous et de répondre à nos besoins.Rejoignez cette méditation pour découvrir comment vivre une foi qui donne sans crainte. Abonnez-vous, partagez vos réflexions en commentaire, et que cette parole vous inspire à une foi généreuse.

Send us a textIn this heartfelt reflection, Fr. Stan delves into the essence of Christianity: love. Inspired by Mother Teresa comforting a dying man, this meditation reminds us that God is Love and that every act of compassion reveals the face of God. Fr. Stan explores Jesus' commandment to love, calling us to devote ourselves to God and to love our neighbors as ourselves. His message sheds light on how love can heal a world torn apart by hatred, violence, and indifference.The world is waiting for signs of love and mercy. May this video inspire you to live out this love daily. Subscribe for more reflections, leave a comment, and help us share the message of God's love.

Send us a textEn ce 31e dimanche, Martine Kouadio-Gokra nous invite à méditer sur le plus grand des commandements : aimer Dieu par-dessus tout et aimer notre prochain comme nous-mêmes. En s'appuyant sur les passages du Deutéronome et de Marc, elle nous rappelle que l'amour de Dieu doit être au centre de notre vie. Jésus nous enseigne que notre amour pour Dieu doit être total – de tout notre cœur, de toute notre âme, et avec toute notre force.Mais Martine nous pose aussi une question essentielle : comment pouvons-nous prétendre aimer Dieu si nous négligeons notre prochain ? Que ce soit en famille, avec nos amis, nos collègues, ou même avec ceux qui nous rendent la vie difficile, Jésus nous demande d'aimer sans exception. C'est avec l'aide du Saint-Esprit que nous trouvons la force de vivre cet amour divin au quotidien, en suivant l'exemple de compassion et d'humilité du Christ.Rejoignez-nous dans cette puissante réflexion et qu'elle vous inspire à approfondir votre relation avec Dieu et avec les autres. Abonnez-vous pour d'autres réflexions, partagez vos pensées en commentaire, et marchons ensemble dans la foi.

Send us a textFriends and family of the late Nigerian Dominican priest, professor, and prophet, Fr Iheanyi Enwerem (1950-1974) pay tribute to this exceptional and courageous Catholic scholar, political scientist, humanitarian, composer, writer, preacher, and spiritual leader. 

Send us a textDans cet épisode, Mgr Georges Bizimana, évêque du diocèse de Ngozi et administrateur apostolique de Bubanza au Burundi, partage ses réflexions sur l'esprit de synodalité au sein de l'Église. Invité par Nnaemeka Ali, il discute de l'importance de vivre l'Église comme une véritable famille, dans un esprit de coresponsabilité, de complémentarité et d'entraide. Mgr Bizimana revient sur son expérience lors du synode à Rome et aborde les leçons clés tirées de cette session historique : l'importance d'écouter les uns les autres, de valoriser la diversité et de renforcer les liens communautaires. Il nous lance également un message d'encouragement à poursuivre cette transformation ecclésiale pour témoigner de l'amour du Christ et contribuer à la conversion de la société. Abonnez-vous, partagez vos réflexions dans les commentaires, et découvrons ensemble comment l'Église africaine avance main dans la main vers une plus grande communion !#VoixCatholiquesAfricaines, #Synodalité, #MgrBizimana, #ÉgliseEnFamille, #ThéologieAfricaine, #BurundiCatholique, #ÉgliseSynodale, #CommunionEtDiversité, #RéseauPanafricain, #ÉgliseEnMission

Bienvenue chers frères et sœurs ! Dans cette réflexion du 30e Dimanche, Martine Kouadio-Gokra nous invite à méditer sur la promesse de restauration et de libération de Dieu. En se basant sur le Livre de Jérémie, elle nous rappelle comment Dieu rassemble Son peuple dans la souffrance pour le conduire vers la paix et le renouveau. Ce message d'espérance se poursuit avec l'Évangile de Saint Marc, où Barthimée, animé par sa foi et sa persévérance, appelle Jésus pour être guéri. Martine nous interpelle sur notre disposition à agir avec foi face aux épreuves de la vie. Pouvons-nous, comme Barthimée, saisir les opportunités de transformation que Dieu nous offre ? Dans cette réflexion, nous sommes encouragés à nous libérer de nos fardeaux, à persévérer, et à appeler Dieu avec un cœur sincère. Abonnez-vous pour plus de réflexions, partagez vos pensées dans les commentaires, et que cette méditation vous inspire à vivre une relation profonde avec le Christ !#RéflexionDominicale, #Dimanche, #RestaurationDeDieu, #FoiEtPersévérance, #MartineKouadioGokra, #MéditationChrétienne, #RéflexionSpirituelle, #ÉvangileDeMarc, #ParcoursDeFoi, #RéflexionDuDimanche

Discover the inspiring story of Bartimaeus, the blind man whose unwavering faith led to his miraculous healing by Jesus. Despite being silenced by the crowd, Bartimaeus cried out louder, recognizing Jesus as the Messiah. His faith was rewarded, transforming him from an outsider to a disciple.Key Takeaways:Faith overcomes obstacles.Leave your past and follow your true calling.Even naysayers can become your supporters.Let Bartimaeus' story inspire you to persist in faith and embrace new beginnings.

In this podcast episode, Father Vitalis Anaehobi, Secretary General of the West African Bishops' Conference, shares his reflections on Synodality and the ongoing efforts for Church unity. Engaging in conversation with Ali, Father Vitalis talks about the atmosphere during the second synodal session, highlighting the spirit of collaboration, friendship, and mutual understanding among the delegates. He also emphasizes the importance of preparing and equipping the Church for its mission by listening to the Holy Spirit and interpreting the Gospel in the context of today's challenges. As a representative of the Assembly from Nigeria, Father Vitalis shares his hopes for the Church's future, particularly in fostering unity and developing formation programs for bishops, priests, religious, and laypeople. Join us in this insightful conversation to understand how the synod is shaping the Church in Africa and beyond. Don't forget to subscribe and share for more episodes exploring faith, community, and Church unity!#SynodalityPodcast, #AfricanVoices, #FatherVitalis, #ChurchUnity, #SynodExperience, #CatholicChurch, #FaithInAfrica, #ReconciliationAndFaith, #SynodJourney, #Synod2024

In this podcast episode, Nora Kofognotera Nonterah, a professor of theology at Kwame Nkrumah University of Technology, shares her journey and reflections on Synodality from an African perspective. In her discussion with Nnemeka Ali, OMI, she delves into the concept of synodality as a way of “journeying together” within the Church and beyond, touching on how this idea shapes relationships within families, communities, and even at the global level. Nora explains the importance of active listening, communal growth, and the impact of cultural values like Ubuntu on fostering a synodal spirit in both personal and Church life. Throughout the episode, Nora emphasizes the methodology of “spiritual conversations,” an approach centered on listening without judgment and engaging deeply with others. Join us as we explore how these themes are being lived out within the African Church and their implications for the wider Church. Like, Subscribe, comment, and share for more insightful conversations on faith, community, and synodality.#SynodalityPodcast#AfricanVoices#NoraOnFaith#ChurchAndCommunity#Synod2024#FaithInAfrica#UbuntuInFaith#SpiritualConversations#AfricanPerspectives#CatholicChurchPodcast

Dans cet épisode de podcast, Sœur Josée Ngalula (PhD), théologienne congolaise et religieuse de Saint-André, nous partage son expérience au Synode 2024, offrant des perspectives uniques sur les Voix Africaines. En tant que première femme africaine dans la Commission théologique internationale, elle revient sur son implication dans les travaux synodaux, ses échanges avec des théologiens africains, et l'importance de la synodalité pour l'Église universelle. Elle nous fait découvrir les défis, les espoirs, et les richesses apportées par l'Afrique à cette assemblée synodale. Écoutez ce podcast pour plonger dans les coulisses de cet événement ecclésial majeur et comprendre comment les voix africaines jouent un rôle crucial dans la transformation de l'Église catholique. Abonnez-vous pour ne manquer aucun épisode sur la synodalité et la place de l'Afrique dans l'Église mondiale !#PodcastSynodalité#VoixAfricaines #SoeurJoseeNgalula#Synode2024#SynodalitéAfrique#ThéologieAfricaine#EgliseEtSynodalité#PodcastTheologie#LeadershipFeminin#EgliseCatholiqueAfrique

Liturgical abuses are becoming more disturbing in many churches in Africa. This is the conclusion of Sr Leonida Katunge who speaks on why some strange rituals and practices invented by some priests in the Catholic liturgy are liturgical abuses that need to be stamped out immediately in Africa. But in order for this to happen, there is the need, she argues, to deepen liturgical formation for priests and other pastoral agents. In addition, there is the need to deepen the faith of the People of God and to address some of the root causes of liturgical abuses and the blind and uncritical adoption of practices from the Pentecostal churches and aspects of African traditional religions. Sr Katunge shows us how to address these liturgical abuses, and improve the quality, beauty, and solemnity of our liturgical worship in Africa. 

An Invitation to be hopeful in the midst of the Cross that you are carrying in your life at this very moment. There is no cross or challenge that you face today which the Lord cannot help you to overcome. Be Strong. Hold on to your faith. Trust God. Know that God suffers with you and carries the Cross with you. This is an inspirational message to help you live with hope and positive attitude even when you are going through the valley of darkness. 

A call on Church leaders to become true disciples of the Lord. This an invitation for an end to rivalry, envy, dirty politics, and pursuit of vain glory in the Church and a challenge to embrace the mission of the Lord with humility, gentle, caring, and compassionate spirit for peace and integral salvation. This way the Church can be a model on how to heal the world of conflicts and wars that continue to destroy God's beautiful world because of the politics of domination, power, exploitation, falsehood, and money. 

Fr Andrew Kaufa, the Director of Communication of the Association of Member of the Episcopal Conference of East Africa, shares the joys and hopes of African Catholics in the synodal journey so far. 

Fr Don Bosco Onyala, the editor-in-chief of the Association for Catholic Information in  Africa (ACI Africa) speaks on the 5th anniversary of ACI Africa, and the joy of being an African Church communicator. He shares the success story of ACIA, the vision and plan for the future, and the challenges and opportunities of communicating the Good news about Africa to African people and the world.

Recently the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) issued an important letter on liturgical abuses in the country. In this episode, Bishop Augustine Echema the head of CBCN's Liturgy Committee gives a context to this letter, deepens an understanding of the foundation of the liturgy and inculturation theology. His pastoral insights are refreshing, compelling, and magisterial on the beauty of the Catholic liturgy. Bishop Echema teaches us why all priests and Catholic faithful must stay faithful to the sacred tradition of Catholic liturgy, and lead God's people faithfully, fruitfully, and reverently into the mysteries of divine life through our beautiful Catholic Mass, and other rituals of the sacraments and Word and Worship that are truly doors to the sacred.  

What led the Holy Prophet Elijah to wish for death? How did God respond to his request? You may have reached the end of your strength in life and like the prophet your enemies may be pursuing you. There is help in God always. When we bring our stories, fears, hurts, and frustrations to God, we receive divine help and food for the journey. There is help always for those who do not turn in on themselves, but rather turn to God in all things.  

We have in Jesus, the Bread of Life, all that God in God's love and goodness has offered for our spiritual and material life as human beings. God has freely given us this gift without any merit on our part for our own good and sanctification.  May we always be grateful for this gift and come to the Lord everyday with faith and joy to receive from the Lord this gift which for us here on earth is a foretaste of what is to come as well as the fulfilment even here and now of the deepest desires and hunger of our souls—Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the word, happy are those who are invited to the supper of the Lamb.

All the Popes since the Second Vatican Council have sang the praises of African Christianity. Africa is witnessing an exponential growth in the population of Catholics. However, since the publication of Fiducia Supplicans and the rejection of the document by the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM),  the Church in Africa is beginning to take the lead in the affirmation of the teachings of Church on marriage and family life, and maintaining the traditions of the Church once received from the saint on some of the most contested issues in today's Church. Is this the beginning of the end of Western leadership of the Church, and the beginning of the leadership of the Catholic Church by the Church in Africa? This episode introduces the main issues that will be the focus of the podcast between now and the Second Session of the Synod on Synodality in October, 2024: Is Africa ready to lead the Catholic Church? Is the African Church the new face of the future of Catholicism?

Dr Jude Dumfeh, an award winning internal medicine and pediatric physician and his wife, Evelyn Dumfeh share with us the challenges they faced when their daughter was diagnosed with sickle cell disease. Their family experience is a testimony of love that triumphs all things; sacrifice in the midst of pain; and hope and faith in God's goodness and healing that is brought about through prayers and the intervention of modern medicine. They have a word of advice to all families facing the challenges of supporting a family member who is suffering from sickle cell disease. They help us understand the complexities and complications of this disease, especially in many African countries with limited access to medical intervention like bone marrow transplant and other therapies. 

In this Easter homily, Bishop Gerard Musa of Katsina Diocese delivers a touching message about the incredible transformative power of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. He eloquently explains that for believers, death is not the ultimate end but instead a transformation to a new life. The bishop emphasizes that faith in Jesus means that death is not a permanent separation from loved ones, but rather a transition to the eternal presence of God. Bishop Musa's message serves as a reminder of the hope and joy that arise from the resurrection, and the promise of everlasting life for those who have faith. Indeed, in death, life is transformed

As Pope Francis celebrates his eleventh year on the Chair of Peter, some Catholics might disagree on his legacy; but all agree that his papacy has been consequential. In this episode, we look at some of the central teachings of Pope Francis and especially the current Synod on Synodality, and his call for missionary conversion and for a Church with  an open doors that goes out to those at the existential peripheries of life. We note that since the retirement of Cardinal Sarah in 2021, and the end to  Cardinal Turkson's tenure at the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development (2022), there is no African Cardinal heading any Roman dicastery. It is important at this decisive point in the papacy that Africa's voices, contributions, and representation be prioritized and respected  given that what goes on in the Church in Africa is going to determine the future and shape of Catholicism into the future.   

Christians are called to give alms to the poor and reach out to all those who need our help. In this episode, we talk about doing charity and working for justice and the best way to do almsgiving so as to find favor with God. We also critically analyze the challenging social conditions in many African countries and discuss what is causing so much poverty, suffering, and misery in the continent and how to change this unacceptable social conditions through charity and social justice. 

In this episode, we talk on the importance of prayer in the lives of African Christians. During this Lent, we are invited to deepen our prayer life. The episode delves into different kinds of prayers and raises the questions: How can we pray better? Does God answer all our prayers? Must we pray always until something happens? Is there something like an unanswered prayer?

The Gospel presents to us the story of a woman who was searching for God. She was a woman who had no name. In the NT, those who have no name are usually people who have no status in society. She was also a Samaritan. The Samaritans were regarded as inferior spiritually by the Israelites because they were unfaithful to God's covenant and worshipped idols. They were outcasts. Jesus however breaks the prejudices of his people: by talking to a Samaritan woman, asking her for water and even spending some time with her in the richest and longest dialogue in the New Testament. Before God, we are all equal. In Jesus no one is lost in the crowd. In Jesus it is no longer a man's world but a world fit for all; where God's children, male or female, White or Black, rich or poor have equal dignity and respect before God. In this dialogue Jesus elevates the status of women by making them hearers of his word and sharers in his missionary work. Jesus shows that he can go to any extent to bring all humanity into the cycle of God's love. He came to confront and heal the ancient divisions which have kept people apart. He welcomes all: the rejects of society, the sinners as well as saints, the faithful and unfaithful children of God. He however always invites people to leave their past and seek the highway that leads to truth, life and salvation that is in him. He came that all of us will have life and light; that all of us will have self-esteem and pursue our ordered ends free from social restrictions and settled prejudices. He came to offer everyone the water of life.

In this episode Sr Jane and Fr Stan discuss the Lenten discipline of fasting, abstinence and penance. They invite the people of God to a deeper reflection on the reality of suffering and poverty in Africa. God's people are already living a long penance of fasting with the rising cost of living, inflation, and failing governments that have failed to take care of the poor and the masses of our people. How can preachers speak God's Word on how to live the Lenten discipline of fasting and abstinence to a people who already do not have food or drinks? This Lent becomes a time for spiritual solidarity with those who are hanging on the Cross and to prophetically denounce the systems and structures that have made lives for many of our brothers and sisters a perpetual fast from the good things of life. 

In this episode, Sr Jane Kimathi, shares her stories of the life of the African female religious. In this frank discussion, Sr Jane teaches us how to fall in love with God and how  African religious women are living their religious life faithfully and fruitfully. It is a life that they live on earthen vessels amidst two fires that burn in the religious: the fire of love for God and spirituality, and the fire of one's sexuality and the desire for intimacy with another. In this synodal moment, Sr Jane raises the question that she wants us all to consider: How can our families, clerics,  the laity and the Christian community support the female religious to faithfully live their vowed commitments to God?

In this episode, Sr Jane and Fr Stan offer some spiritual insights on how we can journey together throughout these forty days with the Lord. The Lord invites you to walk through the desert with faith and trust in the Lord who leads us on the way. The Lord asks you today to leave your slavery to sin and fear behind; to leave your past behind; and to cast all your weaknesses behind you and to focus your gaze on the Lord who leads us to freedom. We pray that the spiritual insights contained in this episode will help you by God's grace to journey  fruitfully and faithfully with the Lord and with your brothers and sisters, especially those who suffer or are alienated from us, into Easter joy. May this 'desert experience' bring to each one of us a fresh experience of new life in Christ as the Lord waters our souls with the freshness of divine love and life, and saturates our lives with the comforting mercy and healing grace coming down like gentle dews from heaven above-Sr Jane and Fr Stan

In this recent episode of the African Catholic Voice, a group of amazing African Digital Faith Influencers had an interesting conversation with Sr Titilayo Aduloju. They discussed a six-month formation program that aims to help them stand up for their faith among their peers who live in the digital peripheries. The influencers also shared that this program is fully in line with Pope Francis's vision for young people to use the digital space to evangelize and become digital missionaries. They are not just getting ready for the certificate program physically and mentally, but also spiritually. These young people are from Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, and South Sudan, and they believe that after completing the seven modules, they will be able to create digital content that can influence other African youths positively. This program is expected to help them become more confident and knowledgeable digital content creators, capable of inspiring others with their faith.

Archbishop Scicluna of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of Faith has called on the Church to consider ending celibacy as a way of preventing clerics from living " a dangerous double life." Chapter 11 of the Synodal synthesis report also invites us to pay attention to "different opinions that have been expressed about priestly celibacy." This episode begins this conversation in Africa. We look at the joys and sorrows of compulsory priestly celibacy in the Church with a special attention on the  African context. We ask the question: Could  African Catholicism offer the church today a renewed understanding of celibacy and how to live it faithfully and fruitfully? OR Could African Catholicism offer the church today the path to a situation where married and unmarried priests can serve the Church side by side with each other? 

Co-hosts, Sr Jane Kamathi and Fr Stan Chu Ilo discuss sex, sexuality, and the taboos around them in Africa. They delve into the beauty of sex, sexuality, and the theology of the body. They answer the questions: Why are people uncomfortable to talk about sexual issues or to discuss about their sexuality in Africa? Why are people unwilling to open up about the traumas and abuses they have suffered in relationship? Why don't we pray often in our church to God for our sexuality and our relationships? And why are people not opening up about their struggles with their sexuality or their sexual relationship, especially if things are not working well? This episode is the first in our synodal conversations on some of the important and sometimes uncomfortable topics that we believe we need to deepen an understanding of so that the people of God could be guided on how to offer up their bodies to God and to one another. We all are invited to live fully the beauty of our sexuality and entire being as a gift to God and to others according to the will of God.