Indian Ocean Catholic Bishops Commit to “supporting each other, pooling resources” in Synodality Spirit

In their collective statement, CEDOI members also say they commit themselves to “live out the solidarity between our Churches by listening to the heartbeat of the world and undertake joint initiatives to give greater expression to this walking together.”

“We commit to collaborating effectively in pooling our resources and encouraging greater participation by the people of God, with their diverse charisms, in the governing bodies of our Churches,” they say.

The Catholic Church leaders go on to invite the people of God to “keep the flame of hope burning in our islands amid the many challenges we face.”

During the July 17-24 meeting, the Catholic Bishops say they “listened to each other, in a fraternal atmosphere, to review the road we have travelled.”

“The Bishops and their Vicars General were able to draw on the experience of their elders; letting ourselves be guided by the Holy Spirit, we discerned new avenues to be opened to consolidate the walking together within CEDOI,” the Catholic Church leaders say.

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In the collective statement in which they announce that the celebration of the 40th Anniversary of CEDOI will take place on 2 May 2025, the Catholic Church leader entrust themselves to the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, “the star of our islands”. 

“She accompanies us on this synodal path to shape the face of a Church of communion, participation, and mission,” the Catholic Bishops say, and implore, “May we continue to walk together as bold witnesses of hope for our islands.”

Jude Atemanke is a Cameroonian journalist with a passion for Catholic Church communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Buea in Cameroon. Currently, Jude serves as a journalist for ACI Africa.