From April 28, to May 9, 2025, a formation course was conducted for friars of the African Federation of Conventual Franciscans (AFCOF) who are engaged in the ministry of formation for the first time and who have not had any formal training in this area. The course was taught at the St. Francis of Assisi Friary/Novitiate in Saltpond, Ghana. This is the second time such a course has been offered. The first time was two years ago (2023) in Nairobi, Kenya.
In all, thirteen friars attended the course. They came from Zambia, Kenya, Ghana, Malawi, Uganda and Tanzania. This two-week intensive course was facilitated by friars from the Provincial Custody of St. Anthony of Padua in Ghana namely, Friars Joseph Kwame BLAY, Eugene ANTWI-BOASIAKO, Anthony Senanu ASUH, Anicetus TAALAAR, Charles Ekow Sam Rhule AMOAH and Moses Kabenla ARTHUR. They all have been formators in the Custody at one point. Two of them are currently engaged full time in that ministry. There was also some input from the Divine Word Missionary, Father David Selasie AGAH.
The topics discussed were grouped into four main areas: Documents of the Order on Formation, Pedagogical Skills for Formation, Psychological Perspectives on Formation, and Conventual Franciscan Formation in the African Context.
The friar participants were truly grateful for the practical insights gained on this important ministry in the Order and came to understand the critical role a formator plays as far as the future of the Order in Africa is concerned. They asked that the course be continued and that in future, even more time should be allocated in order to better integrate the topics being covered.
During the intensive two-week program, there was some time for socializing at the St. Francis of Assisi Friary/Novitiate and an opportunity to participate in a fraternal outing to some interesting sites in Ghana.
Friar Moses Kabenla ARTHUR, President AFCOF Formation Commission
Coordinator of the Course
