NAIROBI, KENYA – From June 10 to 12, 2025, the 4th Global Research Network Convening gathered at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA), casting a revealing spotlight on the pivotal, yet often understated, role of African consecrated women in advancing sustainable development. Organized under the aegis of the Centre for Research in Religious Life and Apostolate (CERRA) Africa Symposium, this global forum moved beyond traditional religious discourse, positioning consecrated life as a driving force for societal transformation.
The symposium’s theme – “Consecrated Women in Africa: Creating Global Impact through Sustainable Development” – underscored a crucial narrative shift: from seeing religious life purely as a spiritual vocation to recognizing its concrete contributions across key sectors. Discussions ranged from formation, education, health, elder care, and innovative ministries, spotlighting the diverse ways women religious engage in today’s pressing challenges.
Theological Grounding for Practical Action
A significant element of the convening was the opening Eucharistic celebration, presided over by Rev. Msgr. Luciano Labanca, Chargé d’affaires of the Apostolic Nunciature in Kenya. His homily provided a profound theological framework for the subsequent practical discussions. Msgr. Labanca’s emphasis on God’s “unwavering faithfulness” and the “solemnity and irrevocability of belonging to God” served as a powerful reminder that the genesis of consecrated life is a divine “yes,” a foundation for radical and grateful human response.
Crucially, Msgr. Labanca’s assertion that “Consecration is not a privilege removed from reality, but an immersion into the heart of historical challenges” resonated throughout the symposium. This statement directly challenged any perception of religious life as detached from worldly concerns, instead portraying it as a deeply engaged and proactive force. His call for “an intense spiritual life, genuine fraternity, and ongoing conversion of the heart” alongside competence and academic achievement underlined the essential balance between spiritual depth and practical efficacy required for lasting impact. The message was clear: sustainable development, particularly in a continent brimming with human and spiritual resources like Africa, necessitates a synthesis of spiritual grounding and active engagement.
From Research to Action: A Collaborative Ecosystem
The symposium was not merely a forum for theoretical discussions but a nexus for action-oriented research and collaboration. The diverse participation, extending beyond prominent representation to encompass intricate networks, highlighted the extensive reach of CERRA Africa’s research and its partners.
The visible presence of the Association of Consecrated Women of Eastern and Central Africa (ACWECA) and its member associations, including the Association of Sisterhoods of Kenya (AOSK), Zambia Association of Sisterhoods (ZAS), and others, underscored the strong regional network. However, the symposium’s depth was truly revealed by the inclusion of organizations like the African Sisters Education Collaborative (ASEC), the Bakhita Partnership, Strengthening the Capacity of Religious Women in Early Childhood Development (SCORE ECD), and the Catholic Care for Children (CCC) initiative. These entities, engaged in critical on-the-ground work, demonstrated the direct link between consecrated life and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The inclusion of caregiving networks for aging sisters, such as the Care for Aging Sisters Association of Kenya (CASAK), further illustrates the holistic approach to community well-being championed by consecrated women. The substantial support from the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation emerged as a critical enabler, empowering CERRA-Africa to gather and analyze data crucial for understanding and ensuring the sustainability of religious life.
CERRA Africa: A Model of Synergistic Research
At its core, CERRA Africa itself stands as a testament to powerful collaboration, bringing together the Association of Sisterhoods of Kenya (AOSK), the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA), and Tangaza University. This local synergy was further amplified by the presence of international partners like the U.S.-based Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA-USA) and other religious-led data centers from Cameroon, Mexico, and India. This global network of research and data analysis is crucial for understanding the evolving landscape of consecrated life and maximizing its societal impact.
ACWECA’s active participation, leveraging the platform for learning and benefiting from action-based research, highlights the pragmatic approach of the symposium. Their delegates’ sharing of extensive practical experience in education, healthcare, elderly care, child protection, combating human trafficking, addressing immigration issues, and fostering climate adaptation directly showcased how their community-based initiatives contribute to the SDGs in Eastern and Central Africa.
The Enduring Legacy of Holiness and Impact
Msgr. Labanca’s closing remarks, echoing Pope Leo XIV, served as a powerful concluding thought: “There is no impact without death. There is no lasting development without holiness.” This profound statement encapsulates the very essence of the symposium’s findings. It posits that the true and enduring impact of consecrated women, particularly in the context of sustainable development, stems not merely from their practical work but from a deep-rooted spiritual commitment. Their “silent and daily fidelity” is the bedrock upon which structures for good are built, making them indispensable “salt of the earth” and “light of the world” in a continent yearning for hope and transformation.
The 4th Global Research Network Convening has, therefore, not just been a gathering of researchers and religious figures. It has served as a critical platform for re-evaluating and recognizing the transformative power of consecrated women in Africa, solidifying their position as indispensable architects of sustainable development and enduring societal change. Rooted in faith and lived through action, their enduring dedication promises a future where communities flourish in both development and hope.