Bukavu, DR Congo - The 67th bi-annual plenary of the JCAM was held at the Amani Spiritual Center, in Bukavu, in the East of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), from 22-24 October 2023.

The seven Major Superiors were present, namely: (Frs) Rigobert Kyungu, SJ (ACE), the host, John Ghansah, SJ (ANW), Mathieu Ndomba, SJ (AOC), Kizito Kiyimba, SJ (AOR), Jocelyn Rabeson, SJ (MDG), Fabien Gasigwa, SJ (RWB) and Leonard Chiti, SJ (SAP). They were accompanied throughout the plenary by the JCAM President, Fr. José Minaku, SJ.

Father General's Regional Assistant for Africa Fr. Fratern Masawe, SJ, and the Delegate of the Roman Houses (Dir) Fr. Johan Verchrueren, both from the Roman Curia, honoured this meeting with their presence. It should also be noted the presence of Fr. John the Baptist Zamcho-Anyeh, SJ, Socius to the JCAM President and the coordinator of this fruitful meeting.

Despite the reality that the city of Bukavu is located in a so-called red zone due to the protracted conflicts and endemic wars in the Eastern parts of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Major Superiors were quite moved by the hardworking people of the city, the peaceful environment of the Amani Centre, a haven, that is breathtakingly beautiful and the hospitable warm welcoming by the Director of the Centre, Father Jacques Ngoma, SJ.

The plenary was preceded by an eight-day retreat that began on the evening of October 12. It was led by Fr. Peter Bwanali (SAP), former Provincial of the province of Zambia. He knew how to find the right words and concrete examples to edify the retreatants. A moment of faith sharing was planned each day and it allowed the Major Superiors to discuss in depth and consolidate their friendship in the Lord. After the retreat, a day of rest was planned during which the Major Superiors visited the sanctuary of the Servant of God Mgr Munzihirwa whose cause of beatification is patiently continuing its course.

The plenary began on the morning of October 22. In his presentation, the JCAM President acknowledged that the presence of everyone was a show of solidarity with those who are suffering in that battered part of the DRC, in the indifference of the international community. Fr. Minaku, SJ, also gave reference to the recently circulated De Statu Societatis (DSS) saying that, the document provided an opportunity to nourish the exchanges and accompany the goals of that plenary. He also highlighted the contexts of our world today: from global warming to the resurgence of wars and coups d'état, which are and have continued to negatively impact Jesuits' various projects and generally the mission.

The October plenary also took to the task of budgets for common formation centers and of the JCAM office. After debates and deliberations, the various budgets were adopted, with modifications where necessary.

Another highlight of this plenary was in light of the project by the Eastern Africa Province (AOR) regarding the creation of a university.

The meeting ended with a meal to which the neighbouring Jesuit community and the community of sisters working at the Amani center were invited. As usual, at the final whistle on October 25 morning, the major superiors dispersed, continuing their pilgrimages, in the service of the mission of Christ, in their respective provinces and elsewhere.