Catholic Bishops in Ivory Coast to Discuss Financial Autonomy, Catholic Education at 126th Plenary Assembly

Fr. Kélignon emphasized the importance of the laity's role in the Church, saying, “The Council was renewed last year, making this an opportunity for its members to get to know the Bishops, receive guidance from them, and present their vision on how to engage in the pluralistic fabric of our society.”

He said Catholic education, is to be a “significant focus” of the Bishops’ reflections in Bondoukou. 

“Concerned about the growing problem of drug use in the country, including in schools, the Bishops launched a national awareness campaign on the dangers of drug use from December 16 to 20, 2024,” the CECCI Secretary General recalled.

He continued, “This initiative followed Resolution 45.2 from their 122nd plenary session held in 2023 in Bouaké. The Bondoukou session will provide an opportunity to revisit this issue and address other educational matters.”

Fr. Kélignon pointed out that although the assembly is part of the normal operations of the Episcopal Conference, the CECCI members will also focus on a critical issue — the nation’s future.

“They will likely pray and reflect on the challenges ahead, particularly the 2025 elections,” he said.

He noted that the Bishops do not play the role of moralists or distribute scores but act as watchmen and sentinels. 

“Their role is to point out issues so that those responsible for governing the country take appropriate actions. The Bishops’ task is to offer guidance, not as moral judges, but to help political, economic, and social leaders better understand their responsibilities and fulfill them in a Christian spirit, in line with Gospel values,” he clarified.

Fr. Kélignon invited the people to support the Bishops with their prayers. 

“Everyone is called to participate in making this national ecclesial event a success by accompanying our pastors in prayer so that the 126th assembly will yield the results we hope for,” he said.

The official opening ceremony of the 126th plenary assembly of the Ivorian bishops will take place on Tuesday, January 21. In the evening, a solemn opening Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish of Bondoukou Diocese. 

The solemn closing Mass will be held on Sunday, January 26, at St. Odile Cathedral of Bondoukou Diocese. The occasion will also mark the official launch of the Golden Jubilee celebrations, commemorating 50 years of CECCI.