The St. John Paul II Independent Delegation of the Congregation of the Missionary Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (CMF/Claretians) has concluded a weeklong leadership formation program in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, aimed at strengthening leadership and discernment among its members. The program, which ran from May 2 to May 8, 2026, involved participants from Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso.
According to a statement from the Claretian delegation, the formation focused on enhancing the skills of local leaders in governance, spiritual discernment, and community engagement. The sessions were led by facilitators from within the congregation, including experienced missionaries and theologians.
The program is part of the Claretians' ongoing efforts to empower local leadership in the region, which has faced challenges related to security and social cohesion. The delegation emphasized the importance of collaborative decision-making and the integration of Claretian charism into daily ministry.
Participants expressed appreciation for the opportunity to deepen their understanding of leadership in a context of cultural diversity and pastoral needs. The delegation plans to continue such initiatives to support the growth of the Church in West Africa.
