The 3rd International COREAM Lay Partners Conference started in Nairobi, Kenya, on the 8th of July, 2025, with delegates from the various Units of COREAM. Delegates from the Province of South Africa, Vice-Province of Nigeria, Vice Province of Matadi, Vice-Province of Luanda, Vice Province of West Africa, Region of Zimbabwe and the Mission of Kenya were all present at the opening Ceremony.
The conference received the beautiful and inspiring message of the Superior General, Very Rev. Fr. Rogerio Gomes, which Fr. Ivel Mendanha delivered. The Superior General, in his heartfelt message, motivated conferes and lay partners in COREAM to be of good, courageous and true missionaries of hope in very practical ways, to our wounded world, especially the wounded within the continent of Africa.
Goodwill messages were also received from the Chair of the General Commission for Partnership in Mission, Ann Walsh, various Unit Superiors in Africa and from the Mission Superior of Kenya, Fr. Titus Mutiku, who formally welcomed delegates to Kenya.
The Conference was declared open by the COREAM Coordinator, Fr. Noël Sottima, after which the Chairperson of the COREAM Commission for Partnership in Mission, Lady Judith Agu, gave her opening remarks with emphasis on collaboration, unity in Mission and the spread of hope and love in the footsteps of the Redeemer.
The first paper at the Conference was delivered on Leadership by Fr. Ivel Mendanha, who gave key qualities of a good leader, which include character, Charisma, commitment, communication, courage, and focus. Delegates expressed deep appreciation for the insightful and well-delivered presentation, which equipped delegates with practical tips to live as missionaries of hope and as Redemptorists.
There was also another brilliant presentation by Fr. Cornel Omondi on the strategic pathway for the growth of partnership in Mission in Africa and Madagascar.
As the conference continues, delegates look forward to a period of formation, integration, prayer and exchange of experiences to strengthen our work with the poor and most abandoned.
Lady Judith AGU
Chair, Commission for Partnership in Mission, COREAM
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