The 20th Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) was officially opened today through an opening mass at Regina Pacis which was presided by Cardinal Peter Turkson, a Ghanian cardinal. In his homely, he emphasized on the fact that God is our father, the church is our mother and this makes all of us brothers and sisters; this gives us a duty to make peace with each other and he asked those who in the mass to try to become the source and pillar of reconciliation. This year’s 20th Plenary assembly will focus on the theme “Christ, Source of Hope, Reconciliation, and Peace. Michael Czerny, SJ, a Czech-born Canadian Jesuit, the prefect of Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development attended SECAM and we are happy to welcome him in Rwanda-Burundi Province which was erected as today 31st July 2025.
During this opening Mass, seven children placed seven doves in seven cardinals’ hands as a symbol of seven gifts of the holy spirit so that that they can let them fly. This is a very symbolic act that was done as a representation of how we should dwell in the holy spirit and allow him to guide us as Christians ( family).
In the afternoon, the event was officially launched by Rwanda’s Prime Minister, Justin Nsengiyumva who thanked the church for its continuous contribution in bring peace and reconciliation in Africa. 
Let’s extend our prayers as we pray for everyone attending SECAM to join hands and efforts to contribute to the unity and reconciliation as the church of Africa and Madagascar and that we become the source of salvation for humankind.