On the initiative of the General Consultor for the Ministry, Fr. Médard ABOUE, and in collaboration with the Provincial Superiors of Burkina Faso and Benin-Togo, a meeting of the two Camillian Provinces in the Francophone Africa region was held on December 18, 2023, in the auditorium of Saint Camille Hospital in Ouagadougou. Initially, provincial councillors for the Ministry and directors of pastoral health training centers from both Provinces were expected to attend. However, the meeting was extended to include chaplains from public and private hospitals and parish priests. The aim of the meeting was to reflect on the implementation of the Order’s Strategic Plan.

The agenda included the following points: a) Living the ministry with enthusiasm according to the 2023-2028 Strategic Plan of the Order; b) Presentation of ministry experiences in the provinces of the region; c) Proposals for increased collaboration between the provinces.
From the discussions on various points, a better understanding of the Order’s Strategic Plan and the urgent need for greater collaboration between the two provinces emerged. Considering the human resources and healthcare facilities available in both provinces, there was a question on how to strengthen cooperation. In response to this question, it was proposed and entrusted to the provincial councillors responsible for the Ministry the responsibility to meet more frequently to discuss and facilitate the sharing of experiences, expertise, and financial resources. The General Consulta aims to encourage this dialogue for increased collaboration between the provinces. To facilitate this dialogue, greater communication is needed among those responsible at all levels in the provinces. In this regard, Fr. Medard reiterated that the General Consulta hopes that collaborative initiatives can emerge from the grassroots and thus will always have the support of the Consulta.

In conclusion, the idea of the meeting was well-received. It is a framework for exchange that must be promoted. If we create collaborative interests, we will be able to bring together and better leverage the available expertise in both provinces. It was clear that we should work together because unity makes us stronger and more meaningful. Together, we can achieve a lot.

Fr. Jean de Dieu BAGO, Secretary