“Youth is for taking risks, good risks, risks full of hope. It is meant to be staked on great things. Youth is meant to be given away, to help others to know the Lord. Don’t keep your youth to yourselves: get out there!”
— Pope Francis (2014), 37th National Convocation of the Renewal in the Holy Spirit.
At the III Pan-African Catholic Theology and Pastoral Network (PACTPAN) Congress, held in Abidjan, a profound spiritual and intellectual awakening unfolded for young Catholics across Africa. Centred on the theme “Journeying Together in Hope as Church Family of God in Africa”, youth delegates from diverse backgrounds came together to share stories, challenge conventions, and reimagine their role in shaping both the Church and society. In essence, their voices echoed a bold and unmistakable declaration: Africa’s youth are no longer waiting; they are leading. Many described the event simply as “A Congress That Changed Us.”
Highlights from day-to-day events at the congress
The congress opened on August 5th with a warm welcome led by Mons. Jean Bonzo Kouassi and the Church in Côte d’Ivoire, with a funfair and entertainment.
Theology Meets Innovation
Wednesday’s sessions explored the African conciliar tradition, grounding participants in theological heritage while spotlighting youth-led innovation. Leonard Josaya of Malawi advocated for inclusive leadership and disability empowerment. Nigeria’s Marthina Mlumun Akighir bridged faith and digital influence, offering strategies for Catholic social media engagement. Rev. Fr. James Ogbuigbo’s presentation of a pan-African Catholic app drew praise for its practicality in uniting liturgical resources, events, and formation tools across borders. According to Samuel Kamara, a young man from Sierra Leone, “The young speakers showed how technology and tradition can walk hand in hand.”
Service, Leadership, and Laudato Si
Thursday’s leadership strand, guided by Coach Désirée Wanteu and Sr. Agnes Sory, emphasised servant-hearted action. The poster session was a highlight, showcasing young people’s grassroots projects that embodied hope and sustainability. For instance:
• Denis Kioko Wakine’s Jitegemee Foundation in Kenya combined farming, boreholes, and talent development.
• Camille Agbeva’s pilgrimage platform from Benin used digital tools to support devotional life and local economies.
• Samuel Kamara’s own project in Sierra Leone applied Laudato Si principles to recycling, framing environmental care as a Christian responsibility. “It’s about making the world a better place for you and me,” he said.
Women of Faith and the Call to Dignity
Friday’s celebration of African women heroes of faith, led by Sr. Jane Kimathi and Sr. Titilayo Aduloju, was both moving and mobilising. Fr. Moyo Mgcini’s talk on human dignity urged participants to translate rights into lived realities. Testimonies from youth survivors of human trafficking and activists on Saturday, including Benjamin Edomwonyi (Nigeria) and Sr. Mirriam Chisenga (Zambia), brought gruelling personal experience and pastoral urgency to the conversation. Marthina returned to the stage, this time as a bridge-builder among influencers, reminding the audience that youth are not waiting for answers; they are creating them.
Voices of Vision: Youth Rising at PACTPAN Abidjan
Marthina Akighir, a Nigerian, noted that the congress was a transformative experience. “We arrived as strangers but quickly became companions,” she shared. “Bound by our faith and determination to make a difference, we created a space of laughter, prayer, and critical reflection.” Marthina described the congress as a living network of young Africans united by bold visions for change. “Leadership isn’t about position,” she said. “It’s about serving with humility and courage. I left Abidjan with a renewed sense of responsibility to build a more inclusive and hopeful future.”
Building the Church of Now
As the Congress concluded, delegates returned home not just with memories but with missions. They left as ambassadors of hope, ready to build bridges, challenge injustice, and lead with faith. No doubt, the III PACTPAN Congress in Abidjan was a transformative gathering for African Catholic youth. From digital innovation and anti-trafficking campaigns to deep theological reflection and intercultural bonding, participants emerged empowered to lead change in their countries, communities, and the Church. Their message is clear:
“We are the Church of now.”
