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MISSION & VOCATION ANIMATION
IN AFRICA TODAY

Introduction

The following working scheme is a fruit of the MVA one month course held in Sagana on the 3^rd of December 2007 to 2^nd of January 2008. The participants drew the conclusions below based on the inputs, interventions and the current MVA reality in the continent.

This scheme is divided into three major blocks: Identity of the Animator, Ministry of the Animator and Methodology of MVA. It is hoped that this proposal will be of value as a guideline to those directly involved in MVA, and those in different pastoral commitments. The proposition can also be useful in the formulation of MVA plan for the region and the continent.

1. Identity of the animator

It is essential for the Mission Animator to have a strong and profound SPIRITUALITY. Spirituality and mission are two complementary concepts. Only a deep engagement in a life of holiness makes one an authentic missionary.

The animator is a person:

• With deep and profound personal experience with Christ and who is convinced of his/her vocation and lives it with joy and passion.

• Well identified with the charism of the Institute as a true daughter/ son of Allamano

• Capable of integrating human and apostolic life with an intense spiritual life

• Updated on the doctrine and teachings of the Church and thus able to respond competently to the challenges of mission today.

• Motivated by apostolic zeal and committed in forming “disciples of Jesus” (Mt. 28: 19)

• Prepared to accompany young people in the process of vocational discernment.

• Capable of animating and involving the community so as to become that which evokes, provokes and convokes.

• Able to cultivate a positive attitude towards the culture, focusing on the values and appreciating the cultural expressions in daily life: learning the language, visiting the people, taking part in the meaningful events in their lives…

2. Mission of the Animator

Mission animation is a priority and an integral part of our being Consolata Missionaries today. Mission animation and Vocation animation are complementary.

• Mission animation for us today is defined by the following: creating missionary awareness in the local church, youth apostolate, accompanying Consolata Friends and Lay Missionaries, Small Christian Communities and other Christian associations.
  

• Vocation animation in its broader understanding is geared towards helping Christians become aware of their call in life as: priest, religious, married, single and different ministries in the church. This understanding also implies praying for and nurturing vocations.
  
  

3. Methodology
   

The methodology of MVA in Africa today takes into account the following factors: Inculturation, Reality of our respective regions, protagonists and target groups, Network/ Team work. These elements among others help determine the frame work of our methodology which we formulate as below:

3.1 Allamanian Pedagogy:

This methodology is person centered:

• Empathic listening in our relationships and dialogue

• Firmness and gentleness,

• Determination and kindness in journeying and forming the person.

• Trust and hope approach.

• Patience and respect in the gradual process of change, growth and maturity.

• “Presence and absence” in the growth journey of the person.
  
  

3.2 Vocation accompaniment

• Personalized support in the journeying of the candidate.

• Evaluation and purification of motivations.

• Verifying and deepening the human and spiritual values.

• Attention to the process of change and internalization of the evangelical values, the spirituality and Charism of the Institute.

• Attention to the person’s determination through the formative journey of searching for God‘s will through prayer and meditation on the Word.

• Personal contact with the candidate’s family.
  
  

3.3 Collaboration: involves solidarity and openness to work with other agents. Complimentarity is in effect enhancing our commitment to formation, animation and evangelization.

• Internal – creating awareness that each Consolata Missionary is a mission animator where he/ she is sent. Working with imc/ mc animation teams (Regional and Continental), formators and formees, Consolata Lay Missionaries, Consolata Friends…

• External – Pontifical Missionary Society, Diocesan pastoral agents, Religious Institutes, youth groups at parish level.
  
  3.4 Communication: it is an indispensable tool for doing mission animation today. In Communication there is: informer, message, recipient and feedback. The means of communication include:

• Publications (missionary magazines, youth bulletins, pamphlets, brochures, posters…)

• Correspondence

• E-mail & Websites

• Radio and TV

3.5 Visits: this is a personal contact with individuals and target groups with the aim of cultivating missionary consciousness. It is also an opportunity for the animator to be updated on the reality.

• Parishes

• Institutions of learning

• Families

• Candidates and missionaries

• Vocation accompaniment, e.g. “Come and see”.
  
  

3.6 On-going formation: Mission is dynamic, therefore there is a need to qualify and re-qualify the missionary and the target groups:

• Seminars, workshops, talks and meetings

• Spiritual exercises

• Vocation and Mission Sunday

• Courses

• Mission Animation resources

• Mission Animation Centers

4. Conclusion

We thank God for having bestowed upon Blessed Allamano the charism of the foundation of the two institutes, mc and imc,. May the missionaries who work in the continent of Africa be a true sign of Consolation.