Father José Minaku Lukoli, SJ, has been named to serve as the next President of the Jesuit Conference of Africa and Madagascar (JCAM).

Father General in his appointment letter described him as a Jesuit endowed with “qualities, language skills and experience that will help him to fulfil the office of President with fidelity, courage and spiritual sense.” He further said that “he will be able to take into account the needs and expectations of the Conference and the Universal Society, and be attentive to Jesuits and collaborators.”

In a letter addressed to Major Superiors, Jesuits, and Collaborators, Father Agbonkhianmeghe E. Orobator SJ, the incumbent JCAM President made the august announcement on the Feast of St. Francis Xavier. In the letter, he described Father Minaku, SJ, as a Jesuit with experience in apostolic leadership and in service of the people of God in various ministries in the Society of Jesus. He had previously served as, Socius to the Novice Director in Kisantu, DRC, Socius to the Provincial, of Central Africa Province (ACE), and Rector of Alfajiri College in Bukavu. Father Minaku, SJ, most importantly served as Provincial of the Central Africa Province (ACE). On completion of his tenure as Provincial, he took up the role of Superior and Director of "Centre Spirituel Amani", where he is currently serving as the Assistant Tertianship Instructor. Fr. Minaku, SJ, is one of JCAM’s longest-serving consultors, having spanned two presidential terms.

Fr. Minaku, SJ has had multiple responsibilities at the level of the Universal Society. For example, he participated at GC 36, has been a member of the Advisory Board of the Jesuit Refugee Service, and also a member of the Solidarity in Formation Committee.

In the words of the incumbent JCAM President, Fr. Orobator SJ, “Fr. Minaku, SJ, commands the admiration and respect of many companions and collaborators for his exemplary Jesuit life-mission and his natural and endowed qualities as a caring and compassionate companion and a steadfast and farsighted leader. By personality, stature and outlook, Fr. Minaku, SJ, evinces a robustness that has endeared him to people who have lived and/or worked with him. Father Orobator, SJ, further expressed his conviction that he will bring these extraordinary gifts and a bold and innovative vision to lead the mission of the Society in Africa and Madagascar and beyond”.

Fr. Minaku, SJ, is set to assume his new role on a date to be determined. Let us pray for him as he prepares to assume his new mission. Not forgetting the incumbent Fr. Agbonkhianmeghe E. Orobator SJ, as he finalises his tenure and prepares for future missions.