We, the Members of the Calasanzian Family, meeting in Daloa, Côte d’Ivoire, from 29 to 31 May 2023, under the theme: “Integral sustainability of our presence in Africa”, wish first of all to recognise that :
- In view of the age of our African demarcations, it is important that we consider the question of the integral sustainability of our missions.
- The Calasanzian Family is and wants to continue to be a living reality in Africa.
Then, to materialise all this, we have subdivided the theme as follows
- Charismatic and pastoral identity in our missions
- Calasanzian leadership
- The economic sustainability of our presence in Africa
Finally, at the end of the talks, the sharing of concrete experiences and the exchanges which accompanied the reflection on each sub-theme, we remain convinced that the future of the Calasanzian Family in Africa requires an effective participation in the dynamics of integral sustainability. To this end, we are committed to strengthening collaboration, fraternity and solidarity in our presence. To this end, we wish to recommend the following:
❖ About our charismatic identity
- Calasanzian identity must no longer be a mere concept for us, but a life.
- For our missions, our identity references must remain: Jesus Christ our Lord, Saint Joseph Calasanz and our founders or foundresses.
- Fidelity to our identity requires us to maintain the following focal points in our missions: the centrality of children and young people, the preferential option for the poor, family ministry, evangelisation, accompaniment, the formation of educators, shared mission and the sense of belonging to the Calasanz Family.
❖ About Calasanzian leadership
- Cultivate effective spiritual leadership following in the footsteps of St Joseph Calasanz, our common founder and the founders or foundresses of our particular Institutes
- To receive more training in Calasanzian leadership in our communities (initial and ongoing training), with a view to exercising leadership more legitimately, effectively and fruitfully.
- Personal motivation is a key element of Calasanzian leadership
❖ On Economic sustainability
- Generating resources by starting from a change of perspective in fundraising, making our spaces and structures viable, supporting our communities and working as a team.
- Manage resources well through regular financial audits, training for those in charge of the works, and effective maintenance of our structures.
- Redistribute resources by relying on the collaboration of all, positive co-responsibility and an effective plan for channelling resources.
At the end of this hopeful meeting for the future, we entrust ourselves and all the members of the Calasanzian Family of Africa to the protection of Saint Joseph of Calasanz, our holy founders and foundresses, and to Our Lady of the Pious Schools. May they intercede for us so that each of our missions bears witness to the beauty of God and his joy for children and young people, and truly achieves integral sustainability.
Signed in Daloa, 31 May 2023.
For the Meeting of the Calasanzian Family of Africa
F. Felicien Mouendji
Assistant General for Africa
