A gathering of around fifty professionals from diverse fields recently concluded a week-long workshop on Sunday, 4 May. Delegates from five African countries came together to explore the theme of “Catholic Professionals and Commitment to Christian Leadership, Peace, Good Governance, and the Protection of Life.”
The initiative for this workshop was spearheaded by Pax Romana, an international Catholic lay movement. The International Catholic Movement for Intellectual and Cultural Affairs (ICMICA-Pax Romana) is a global community of Catholic intellectuals and professionals dedicated to making a positive impact on the world through their actions.
Participants at the meeting in Cotonou included prominent lay Catholic leaders from Togo, Côte d’Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, and Benin. Members of the organizing movement, Pax Romana, also joined the event, both in person and online, representing nations like Mali, Ghana, and other continents where Pax Romana is active.
Dr. Jules Zannou, the continental president of Pax Romana, expressed the purpose of the gathering, stating, “We are here to deepen our faith, understand our Church better, and address the challenges faced by African societies today.”
Key challenges discussed during the workshop included peace, good governance, and issues related to the protection of life.
Politics for Social Justice
Father Théophile Akoha, a theologian and Vicar General of Cotonou Archdiocese, led a discussion on ‘Ethics in Politics,’ emphasizing the importance of ethics in contributing to peace. He highlighted the role of politicians in ensuring social justice, equity, and integral development while upholding Catholic Social Teaching principles.
Constructing Peace
Dr. Leopold Djogbédé, national head of Sant’Egidio in Benin, led a thought-provoking session on ‘The Christian and the Art of Peace,’ stressing the meticulous construction of peace. He called on Christians to actively engage in promoting peace, especially in regions where elections often lead to conflicts.
Archbishop Roger Houngbédji of Cotonou commended Pax Romana’s efforts, especially in a world plagued by wars. He highlighted the relevance of such meetings in fostering positive change in interpersonal relationships within communities and countries.
