Nairobi, Kenya – 31 August 2026: The V General Assembly of the St. Charles Lwanga Independent Delegation of the Claretian Missionaries of East Africa officially opened on 31 August 2026 in Nairobi, Kenya. The Assembly, which will run until 6 September 2026, brings together 50 members of the Delegation for a week of prayer, reflection, evaluation, discernment, and planning for the future of the Claretian mission in East Africa. The Assembly is being presided over by the Superior General of the Claretian Missionaries, Rev. Fr. Mathew Vattamattam, CMF, who has joined the members of the Delegation for this significant moment of communion and discernment.
The Assembly officially began with a Holy Mass presided over by Rev. Fr. Mathew Vattamattam, CMF. In his homily, the Superior General reminded the participants of their identity and vocation as consecrated persons, emphasizing the importance of allowing the Spirit of the Lord to guide their lives and mission. He encouraged the members to make the Assembly a “Pentecostal experience”—a time of openness to the Holy Spirit, renewal, communion, and missionary enthusiasm.
Following the Eucharistic celebration and a meal shared together, the Assembly proceeded with its official opening session. The gathering began with the enthronement of the Word of God, symbolizing the central place of Scripture in the life, discernment, and mission of the Delegation.The members were then warmly welcomed by the Major Superior of the St. Charles Lwanga Independent Delegation, Rev. Fr. Joy Mampallikunnel, CMF. In his welcome address, he expressed gratitude to the Superior General and all the members for their presence and participation in this important moment in the life of the Delegation.
The Assembly was officially declared open by Rev. Fr. Mathew Vattamattam, CMF, who called the members to journey together towards “greater communion, greater participation and greater missionary vision.” His message set the tone for the Assembly, encouraging the participants to listen to one another, discern together, and renew their commitment to the Claretian missionary vocation. The proceedings are being moderated by Fr. Jude Thaddeus Langeh, CMF, who guided the participants through the programme, activities, and timetable that will structure the course of the Assembly. The V General Assembly is expected to provide an important opportunity for the Delegation to reflect on its missionary journey, evaluate its present realities, discern future priorities, and strengthen its commitment to the Claretian charism and mission in East Africa.
As the Assembly continues, the members are invited to remain open to the movement of the Holy Spirit, trusting that their prayerful discernment and shared participation will lead to renewed missionary commitment and a deeper sense of communion in the Delegation.