The fundamental objective of this symposium is to unite attendees in a reflective contemplation of the written or witnessed works of sisters, as presented in the diverse services rendered to the Church and society. The existence of consecrated life in the world predates the Church. Historiography indicates that Roman Catholic missionaries to Africa consisted of both men and women who fulfilled complementary functions in the evangelization of God’s people.

Nevertheless, notwithstanding the extensive presence of consecrated women in the Catholic Church in Africa, there is a dearth of documented information regarding them. Regarding the works and the presence of sisters in Africa, much rhetoric exists. The purpose of this symposium is to facilitate the dissemination of the research conducted by consecrated women religious sisters in Africa and beyond. To achieve this, the CERRA-Africa Data Centre will offer sisters, stakeholders, benefactors, and other mission collaborators an opportunity to reflect on the lives and works of these women. Writers should base their reflections on their encounters with the sisters in the mission, whether it be in educational institutions, the social sector, or any other setting where they have worked together. Numerous individuals have been affected by the remarkably subdued presence of sisters in the world.

The term “silent presence” refers to cloistered Catholic nuns, whose interactions with the outside world are considerably more restricted in comparison to the “active” women religious. Sisters, whether as congregations or individuals engaged in evangelization, do the following: in their healing ministry, they restore hope to the sick; as educators, they impart practical knowledge that transcends academic boundaries; and in their social ministry, they collaborate with the Church and society to confront pervasive societal issues that threaten humanity. To provide direction for this introspection, four thematic areas have been delineated: education, sister ministries, care for the elderly, and formation.

Education

Education, as a fundamental element for human survival, has been a focal point for the Conrad Hilton Foundation through the African Sisters Education Collaboration (ASEC) programs since 2007, providing education to over 6,000 Consecrated Women Religious. The symposium aims to explore the intersection between education and poverty alleviation in society, recognizing education as an indispensable tool not only for personal and spiritual growth but also for community development. Through formal education and professional training, Sisters enhance critical skills and broaden their horizons, ultimately contributing to social, economic, and political development. The significance of education in advancing both individuals and communities, particularly the pivotal role of education in overcoming gender discrimination and fostering gender equality, is a key theme in this symposium, emphasizing the transformative impact of Sisters’ education on society’s progress and well-being, as cited by Galguera (2015), UNESCO (2015), Roehlkepartain, Patel (2006), and Fredriksen, Kagia (2013).

Formation

John Paul II states that “Formation then is a sharing in the work of the Father who, through the Spirit fashions the inner attitudes of the Son in the hearts of young men and women”
(July, 1986). According to Umeozor (2018), formation is a procedure in which individuals are supported by a knowledgeable mentor to be receptive to divine invitations, to discover their true selves, and to develop holistically as individuals who internalise the teachings and values of Jesus Christ and fulfil His mission within the Church by the requirements of the religious institute’s founding patrimony. Aspiration for religious formation evolves into a lifelong commitment to continuous formation. It consists of the following five areas of emphasis: human, intellectual, doctrinal, social, and spiritual aspects of existence.

Fundamentally, religious formation introduces an individual to the knowledge of God, which in turn strengthens their yearning for a more profound and intimate connection with Him. Religious life endeavours to shape individuals in their interpersonal relationships. In addition, religious formation conforms to societal and Church- approved moral standards. Religious formation also encompasses spiritual formation, which assists individuals in becoming more profoundly acquainted with God via spiritual exercises, reading, prayer, and the sacraments. In conclusion, formation is concerned with the development and growth of the human being, taking into consideration mental, behavioural, and personal integration. The experience that individuals in formation acquire equips them with the wisdom and self-assurance necessary to confront the unavoidable demands and obstacles of the global community and society at large. Religious formation encompasses significant domains that require contemplation and investigation. The Church’s role in religious formation, Church growth in light of religious formation, the content of religious formation and global development, religious formation and interpersonal relationships, and the relevance of religious formation to the mission of the Church are a few of these topics.

Care for the elderly

The issue of ageing members is a pressing concern in Africa and globally, impacting both secular institutions and religious congregations, including a significant number of elderly individuals or those on the cusp of ageing. Legislative measures, such as those seen in South Africa with the establishment of safeguards for the rights of older persons in 2006, and Kenya’s development of the Healthy Ageing and Older Persons’ Health Strategy 2022–2026, aim to provide social security and community-based care for the elderly. However, challenges persist, with issues of isolation, financial constraints, and lack of support systems affecting the elderly’s access to essential resources and care. Despite efforts such as pension and social protection programmes, gaps in effectiveness arise due to inadequate coordination, financial resources, and government structure, leading to reliance on reserves within religious congregations to address the issue of caring for the elderly.

A study conducted by the CERRA-Africa Data Centre reveals the disparity in age distribution within congregations, as elderly members outnumber younger ones, raising concerns about sustainability and caregiving. The challenges faced by cloistered nuns in providing for elderly community members underscore financial constraints and inadequate resources for medical needs and accommodation. The study highlights the strains faced by these nuns, given their reliance on external contributions for sustenance due to limited income-generating activities, posing additional hurdles in caring for the elderly and ensuring their well-being amidst financial and resource constraints within the religious communities.

The symposium will employ a participatory methodology, providing greater flexibility for all attendees to express their thoughts and reflections. Regarding interaction with participants and adherence to the structured schedule, presenters and their respondents shall comply. The purpose of the paper presentations, and question-and-answer sessions shall be to generate new insights, knowledge, and solutions to the problems raised during the sessions. The methodology of the symposium shall additionally incorporate breakout sessions in addition to plenary sessions.

Plenary Sessions

These sessions shall serve as a forum for experts to engage in high-level dialogues concerning emerging issues, contribute to the body of knowledge, and ruminate on personal experiences in relation to the symposium’s themes. Moderators shall ensure that pertinent emergent issues are afforded the opportunity to be highlighted by experts debating various themes.

Breakout Sessions

Participants shall have the opportunity to delve more deeply into emerging issues during breakout sessions and presentations. It will be an opportunity for individuals to inquire, express their opinions, and offer recommendations regarding impending obstacles. The selection of these sessions shall be based on the expertise and areas of interest of the participants in order to elicit symposium outcomes.