African Regional Conference

The fourth, and final, Regional Conference of the Order took place at Lome, Togo, from 16 to 20 May 2011. Fifty-two people  participated in the conference.   Participants included four Co-Workers.

The theme of the conference was "The Family of Saint John of God in Mission”. The General Curia was represented by the Prior General, Brother Donatus Forkan, and General Councillors Rudolf Knopp and Vincent Kochamkunnel. A number of African Brothers moderated the conference on a daily basis. 

Several Brothers spoke about family cultures and traditions in Africa—their values and challenges, and their implications for the concept of "The Family of Saint John of God". The Conference was put in touch with the current reality of the Order in Africa through presentations made by the respective major superiors.

As is the case in other developing areas of the Order, the Family of Saint John of God in Africa wants to set up structures and practices that will enable the mission of Hospitality to continue without outside support. There was a lively discussion on this point.