Shared responsibility: formation in the pooling of resources; sharing of experiences.
Saturday, November 7, 2026, was devoted to the topic of shared responsibility in formation regarding the pooling of resources and the sharing of experiences. Following the opening prayer led by Father Marcelo Marciel, Father Benoît Bigard introduced the topic by presenting some of the challenges encountered in our communities, as well as avenues for reflection on how to develop a genuine culture of economic co-responsibility from the very earliest stages of formation for religious life.
In particular, the discussions highlighted the importance of teaching young brothers to manage resources, to be accountable for their use, and to understand that personal possessions and community resources must be approached with a spirit of sharing. There is a draft economic framework that can help us in guiding the brothers through the various stages of their formation journey.
The group discussions highlighted several challenges. Among these was the lack of a genuine culture of oversight and accountability. In some communities, oversight is sometimes perceived as a lack of trust. Added to this are certain habits inherited from the Assumptionist culture of our elders, a lack of transparency in resource management, inadequate accounting practices, and the absence of regular audits. It also happens that brothers receive money from their families or benefactors without informing the community. External solicitations and family needs are also realities that can complicate the pooling of resources.
However, we have shared several positive experiences that can serve as inspiration for our formation houses. These include the presentation of quarterly financial reports, the organization of management formation sessions for younger brothers, the practice of a handover between outgoing and incoming treasurers, and the implementation of self-financing community projects. The opportunity for a brother to discuss his family difficulties with the community superior was also highlighted as a best practice, as it allows for personal needs to be addressed without unnecessarily exposing the brother’s private life.
The discussions also highlighted the need to communicate more effectively with the laity about the needs of our communities and how the congregation operates. Indeed, many people could support our projects and our mission if they were sufficiently informed. It is therefore important to build relationships of trust with benefactors, to encourage campaigns in support of formation and mission, and to explore forms of sponsorship: organizing a network of benefactors and moving from individual sponsors to class- or community-based sponsors. Moreover, co-responsibility is not limited to financial support; it also involves pooling everyone’s talents, skills, and energy.
On the afternoon of Saturday, November 17, 2026, we visited ITAO, a theological institute, where we were welcomed by its rector, Father Lindbergh Mondésir, a native of Haiti. This institute welcomes students from various religious congregations. The faculty consists of priests—including our brothers Nicolas Tarralle and Bienvenu Kamsele—and religious sisters. We also visited Maison Lavigerie, where our brothers study philosophy; it welcomes a diverse group of students, including consecrated persons and laypeople, as well as a few Muslim women. These visits allowed us to learn more about the educational opportunities available in the city of Ouagadougou.
Sunday, November 8, 2026, was a special day, featuring a 9:00 a.m. Mass presided over by Father Jérôme Masumbuko in the basilica of the Marian Shrine of Yagma. Starting at 2:30 p.m., the afternoon was devoted to exploring the Cathedral of Ouagadougou, visiting the community of our Orantes de l’Assomption sisters, and finally meeting with the Religious Sisters of the Assumption. We received a warm welcome in both communities; we celebrated Vespers together with the Religious of the Assumption before meeting in town for dinner. We cannot thank the Ouagadougou community enough for their tireless efforts in taking care of our travel arrangements and our well-being.
May Your Kingdom Come!
Fr. Lucas Sezouhlon