From June 5 to June 7, rectors, chaplains, and other officials from Catholic universities across Africa and its islands are gathering in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, for a seminar aimed at promoting the evangelizing mission and revitalizing Catholic universities in Africa.
Organized by the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) and themed “Promoting the Evangelizing Mission of the Catholic University,” the seminar addresses the increasing secularization of Catholic educational institutions, particularly due to Western influences. It aims to reinforce their Catholic identity and mission.
The seminar also aims to ensure that African Catholic schools and universities remain committed to evangelization and nurturing future generations in the Gospel spirit of freedom and charity.
According to Fr. Rafael Simbine Junior, SECAM Secretary General, speaking on behalf of the President of SECAM, Fridolin Cardinal Ambongo, the bishops of Africa and Madagascar emphasized in their recent document, the Kampala Document, that education should foster both intellectual and spiritual development, shaping moral consciences and instilling human and cultural values illuminated by the Gospel.
They urged Catholic educational institutions to be centers for transmitting knowledge imbued with truth, underpinned by a Christian conscience, and guided by the Social Teaching of the Church. “They are tasked with making the Gospel message of Jesus Christ present and advancing in various cultural realms,” the document reports.
Similarly, the Vatican II Declaration on Christian Education, “Gravissimum Educationis,” recognizes that Catholic schools serve diverse cultures and must proclaim the Gospel not just through words but through the exemplary lives of educators.
This document tasks the entire educational community with presenting faith as an appealing option, mirroring the humble and supportive example set by Jesus Christ and his disciples.
“With this seminar, we wish to give back to the Catholic Universities in Africa their noble mission to be vibrant communities with the Gospel spirit. Places where students are helped to blossom in their baptismal newness, weaving human culture with the message of salvation. Centers where true education seeks the formation of the human person with respect to his ultimate goals and the good of the societies to which he belongs,” Father Simbine highlighted.
The Catholic Church is a significant partner in global education, operating numerous schools from nursery to university levels.
