Clergy focus on inner reflection in a ‘noisy and violent’ world

Feb 14, 2025

By Juste Hlannon
Nearly 640 priests from Benin’s 10 dioceses met for the 50th General Assembly of the Union of Beninese Clergy (UCB), focusing on African priests’ evolving role and mission amid the continent’s growing challenges.

“How can one be a priest in Africa today?” This was the key question at the heart of the recent four-day assembly in Natitingou, northwestern Benin, under the theme: Priestly Identity and Mission: Resolutions and Concrete Implications.

For Fr Cyrille Miyigbena, one of the participants, the very wording of the theme suggests “if not a crisis, at least a desire to prevent one.” He pointed to a “crisis of faith that spares no continent, no sphere of society — including the Church itself.”

Fr Miyigbena highlighted emerging challenges in Benin and across Africa, including “the rise of an ideologically driven pan-Africanism and the resurgence of indigenous religions.” These shifts, he argued, make it essential to reassess the priest’s role in today’s society. In response, clergy members must take a step back and reflect on who they are to understand what they should be and do in a rapidly changing world.

To meet these challenges, UCB members emphasized the need for priests to renew their awareness of their identity as “men of prayer.” The primary resolution from the assembly was a commitment to daily Eucharistic celebrations, spiritual exercises such as retreats and recollections, the Liturgy of the Hours, adoration, Lectio Divina, and devotions to Mary and the saints.

“These practices will help every priest cultivate an inner life of discipline and develop a culture of silence in a world that is so noisy and violent,” explained Fr Hubert Kèdowidé, the newly appointed UCB national delegate.

The organisation also urged its 1,200 members to embrace the evangelical counsels of poverty, chastity, and obedience — not as restrictions but as “a path to priestly fulfilment.” In addition, the UCB called for greater solidarity among priests and announced plans to work with Benin’s Episcopal Conference to establish a financial support system for all dioceses. The long-term goal is to implement a national minimum monthly stipend for all priests and ensure they are enrolled in social security for a dignified retirement.

On the sidelines of the assembly, La Croix International spoke with lay Catholics in Benin about their expectations for priests in Africa today.

“The priest in Benin and across Africa must first and foremost be a man of prayer, close to his parishioners and accessible,” said Athanase Gouhizoun, a member of the Diocesan Council for Catholic Education in Cotonou. “He must embody humility and never appear greedy for money. He should be a good listener and maintain discipline in his relationship with worldly pleasures.”

Alain Hounyo, president of the National Council for the Laity and the Family, underscored the importance of priests remaining faithful to their sacred calling. He pointed to the rapid growth of churches and sects across Africa, which he attributed to widespread disillusionment among Catholics. “Many faithful leave the Church because they are disappointed by the lack of authenticity among some priests,” he said, alluding to concerns over violations of clerical chastity and poverty vows.

As Benin’s clergy seeks to navigate these modern challenges, the UCB’s renewed focus on spiritual depth and community connection signals a commitment to preserving the integrity of the priesthood in an ever-evolving religious landscape. --LCI