Luanda: The Regional Conference of Major Superiors of Southern Africa (RCMSSA) successfully concluded its Second General Assembly in Luanda, Angola, reaffirming the commitment of consecrated men and women to unity, mission, and collaborative engagement across the region. The six-day gathering, held from 28 January to 2 February 2026, was conducted under the theme “Consecrated Life United for Mission”, bringing together 28 delegates from nine Southern African nations for prayer, discernment, and reflective dialogue.
The assembly took place at the Santuário de Nossa Senhora da Muxima Angola’s renowned national Marian shrine, affectionately known as Mama Muxima. This sacred setting provided a deeply spiritual environment for discussions on the life and mission of religious communities in Southern Africa.
Presiding over the assembly was Fr. Jose Joaquim Luís Pedro, outgoing President of RCMSSA, alongside Bishop Leopoldo Ndakalako of the Diocese of Menongue, who serves as the liaison Bishop for consecrated life in Angola under the Episcopal Conference of Angola and São Tomé (CEAST).
In an interview, Sr. Nkhensani Shibambo, Secretary General of RCMSSA and a member of the Companions of St. Angela in Johannesburg, South Africa, described the assembly as “a profound moment of grace, discernment, and deep communion.” She added, “We reflected collectively on our shared mission as consecrated persons in Southern Africa, journeying together in hope, solidarity, and communion.”
The assembly placed strong emphasis on liturgical life as a visible expression of ecclesial unity. The opening Mass was celebrated by Bishop Ndakalako, while the Sunday Eucharist was led by Apostolic Nuncio to Angola, Archbishop Kryspin Witold Dubiel, in the presence of other bishops and archbishops from across the country.
“These liturgies powerfully underscored that Consecrated Life walks hand in hand with the local Church in mission,” Sr. Shibambo remarked. She emphasized that these moments were not merely ceremonial but served as a tangible sign of communion and shared purpose between consecrated communities and the diocesan Church.
Delegates also engaged in in-depth discussions on pressing social and ecclesial issues affecting the region. Topics included poverty, inequality, migration, human trafficking, environmental crises, and the evolving challenges of consecrated life itself particularly in areas such as formation, sustainability, and the holistic care of members.
The assembly concluded with the adoption of several resolutions aimed at strengthening formation programs, promoting ecological responsibility, enhancing leadership within religious communities, and safeguarding the well-being of consecrated persons. These decisions reflect RCMSSA’s ongoing commitment to fostering vibrant, sustainable, and socially responsive religious life.
The Second General Assembly concluded on the occasion of World Day for Consecrated Life, leaving participants inspired to continue their shared journey of service, prayer, and mission across Southern Africa.