The opening ceremony of the academic year 2024/25 at Hekima University College took place on Friday, 16th August 2024, at the Undergraduate Campus. The theme of this year is: ‘HUC@41Forward and Upward: a bold vision filled with Hope’. It is an important day for us since we receive a great man: Cardinal Peter Turkson, Chancellor of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences and the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences, Prefect Emeritus of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development.
We began this day with the opening prayer by Dr. Emmanuel Foro, Rector of Hekima Jesuit Community. Then, Mrs. Margaret Muhoro, Chairperson of the HUC Council, in her speech, invited all the students to be well organized in their studies and treasure every moment they have because “Excellence is not an accident.” After that, Father Marcel Uwineza, Principal of Hekima University College, welcomed our guest of honor, Cardinal Turkson. With excitement and a round of applause, students, lecturers, collaborators, and important personalities acknowledge this unforgettable moment. The speech of Cardinal Turkson was centered on the
theme: “Rethinking power dynamics in the Church and socio-political situations.” Inspired by Vatican II, the Document Ecclesiae in Africa, and the Synod on Synodality, our guest helped us to understand how to analyze power dynamics within and outside the church in relation to the impact of patriarchal society, Economic Power, Clericalism, Child abuse.
Vatican II: time of “Aggiornamento”
Commonly known as Vatican II, the twenty-first Ecumenical Council of the Catholic Church was convened by Pope John XXIII and lasted for four sessions from 1962 through 1965. The work of the Council continued under Pope Paul VI, with the principal idea of updating the church’s practices “Aggiornamento” and questioning the Nature and Mission of the Church, how to improve itself in a changing world by “opening the windows so that the Church can see the world outside and the world also be able to see inside.” One of the Councils main objectives was to bring the Church’s practices in line with the realities of modern life. This involved
revising liturgical practices, adding new vigor to the mission, and learning from others through ecumenism. Engaging with modern society, revitalizing faith by deepening understanding of Doctrine, and reassuring a more personal relationship with God among believers was also part of the Council’s vision. For Cardinal Turkson, Vatican II was a pastoral Council where it was possible to “pour new wine into old wineskins”. For instance, New and old are no longer opposed but complementary.
Power in Vatican II: what kind of power?
According to Cardinal Turkson, “the power expressed in the sixteen Documents of Vatican II is not autocratic but sacramental and synodal.” Indeed, all council Fathers are involved in this power. Although the documents are signed by the vicar of Christ, successor of Peter, everything is consulted. This power involves communion, participation, openness and faith. Vatican II also acknowledged and affirmed the significant role that lay people play in the life of the Church, highlighting their contributions to its mission both within ecclesiastical settings and in broader society. Parallel to this, the council focused on human dignity, stressing that every person is
created in God’s image and should be treated with respect and dignity regardless of their background or beliefs.
Ecclesiae in Africa: The church, Family of God.
The Apostolic Exhortation “Ecclesia in Africa,” promulgated by Pope John Paul II on September 15, 1995, addresses the Church’s evangelizing mission in Africa. This document emerged from the Special Assembly for Africa of the Synod of Bishops, which was a significant event that aimed to reflect on the challenges and prospects of evangelization on the continent. The exhortation underlines that the Church in Africa celebrated its faith at a time when many in Africa were undergoing discouragement and despair due to various socio-political issues. This first African Synod provided an opportunity for African bishops to come together, share their
experiences, and develop a common vision for evangelization. It also highlighted the importance of collegiality among bishops and the need for unity within the Church. Talking about this great event, cardinal Turkson noted with regret the incapacity of the African church to embrace God’s love and mercy. In fact, the conclusion of this assembly tragically coincided with the Rwandan
genocide that occurred between April 7th and July 19th, 1994. Today, in many African countries, he continued, we are still fighting against tribalism, ethnicity, racism, intolerance, syncretism, bad governance, and intergenerational issues, all of them based, of course, on abuse of power or instrumentalization of knowledge. We are invited to rediscover our identity as sons and daughters of God because the Church, as the “Family of God” in Africa, is working on the communal and familial aspects of the Church’s mission and identity on the continent. This viewpoint is rooted in Scripture and Tradition, stressing the interconnectedness of all Church
members, transcending cultural, ethnic, and social boundaries. Centered on the theme: “The Church in Africa at the Service of Reconciliation, Justice, and Peace,” the Second Special Assembly for Africa of the Synod of Bishops held in 2009 reaffirmed this understanding and highlighted that every member has a role to play in building up this Family. The Church is not merely an institution but a living community where love, support, and mutual responsibility flourish. For Cardinal Turkson, “we have the charism to build up the church” by being salt and light for the world.
For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation and Mission.
The main purpose of the Synod on Synodality initiated by Pope Francis is to create a platform for listening and dialogue among all members of the Church: laity, clergy, and religious alike. This journey together is crucial for understanding how the Church can better fulfill its mission in today’s world. The synodal process seeks to answer critical questions about how “journeying together” is currently occurring within local Churches and what steps are necessary for growth in this area.
As a school of Theology and Peace Studies, Hekima is ready to meet the challenge of building together our dreams, transforming our hearts, and strengthening our vocation so that when people see us, they may say: “How beautiful it is for brothers and sisters to dwell together in unity” Psalm 133. For Cardinal Turkson, “much has been done, and much needs to be done” if we put our efforts together and positively embrace the power that serves, unites, reconciles, and celebrates our differences as a gift.
God of our ancestors, God of Mercy, God of Peace and Love, God of Hope, we thank you for this new academic year and for your presence among us. We thank you for our new staff members, new students, and collaborators. We are grateful for our second-year students successful experiences in pastoral fieldwork. We are filled with joy for having met our parents and beloved during this past holiday. Bless us; bless our efforts and sacrifices as we begin this journey with confidence. May the Spirit of Wisdom guide us and enlighten all our activities so that, moving forward and upward with Hope, we may be able to achieve all our projects with
Excellence!
By Sr Ines OKONABENG ATANGANA