Rev. Fr. Michael BANJO

An enriching gathering of the Secretaries General of the Episcopal Conferences of West Africa took place in Lomé, Togo, from 24 to 27 March 2026, under the auspices of RECOWA (Reunion of Episcopal Conferences of West Africa). This body unites the Catholic Bishops’ Conferences of the region.

 

The opening Mass on 25 March, the Solemnity of the Annunciation, was presided over by the Apostolic Administrator of Lomé, Most Rev. Isaac Jogues Agbémenya Kodjo Gaglo, with the President of the Episcopal Conference of Togo, Most Rev. Benoît Comlan Messan Alowonou, concelebrating. Both warmly welcomed participants.

 

Our deliberations focused on strengthening the service of the Episcopal Conferences through effective coordination, transparency, and renewed pastoral vision. It was a profound moment of ecclesial communion, deepening our commitment to serve the Church and society, especially in promoting peace, justice, and the common good across West Africa.

 

The meeting was further enriched by fraternal visits to key ecclesial institutions in Lomé, including St John Paul II Major Seminary, Lomé, Sacred Heart Cathedral, Lomé, and the Regional Caritas Office. These encounters offered concrete insights into the life, formation, and evangelizing mission of the Church in the region.

 

RECOWA brings together the Church in Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo, fostering communion, collaboration, and a shared pastoral vision across the region.

 

We entrust the fruits of this gathering to God and pray for continued unity and greater pastoral effectiveness in the mission of the Church.