A delegation led by Father Luis Marinho, chaplain of the ICCS, and composed of Marcelin Henry DIENE, Vice-President of the ICCS, and Father Éric Basséne, chaplain of ICCS West Africa, made a strong impression with their active presence at the 5th General Assembly of the Regional Episcopal Conferences of West Africa (CERAO).
The assembly took place in Dakar, Senegal, from May 5 to 12, 2025, under the theme: “For a Synodal and Autonomous Church in the Service of Justice and Peace in West Africa.”
On May 6, the ICCS delegation attended the opening ceremony presided over by the President of Senegal and the inaugural mass at Dakar Cathedral.
On May 8, the global chaplain gave a presentation on Scouting—the world’s largest youth movement—and specifically on the ICCS, before an assembly of approximately 150 bishops from 16 West African countries. During his speech, Father Luis emphasized the ambitions and especially the challenges of the ICCS, telling bishops from countries not yet members or currently suspended that we are ready to support them.
Following the presentation, many bishops expressed a desire to meet with us to discuss the specific needs of their dioceses and/or countries.
Alongside the Assembly, and to continue these meetings, we visited with the bishops Gorée Island off the coast of Dakar—once a slave departure point to the Americas—as well as the Museum of Black Civilizations.
We also participated in the closing mass of the conference on Sunday, May 11, 2025, at the Marian Shrine of Popenguine, located about 70 km from Dakar.
On Wednesday, May 7, the ICCS delegation visited a local Scout group during their weekly meeting.
We also had audiences with the Chief of Staff of the Minister of Youth, Sports, and Culture of Senegal, and with the Director of Pastoral Works of the Archdiocese of Dakar.
This was a very enriching experience—one we hope to replicate with other regional episcopal conferences. Help us to connect with them.
ICCS meets with two Guinean bishops in audience. Mgr Raphaël Bala, President of the Episcopal Conference, and Mgr Francis Sylla, Coadjutor Archbishop of Conakry.
ICCS with Archbishop Djalwana Laurent LOMPO of Niamey, Niger
Father Luís Marinho making his presentation to the bishops
Visit to the island of Gorée, the home of the slaves, and mass at Saint Charles Borromée church