Togo Bishops Seek Wisdom for Church and Nation
The 143rd session in Kara, Oct. 11–16, focuses on seminaries, pastoral life, national challenges and marks a centenary celebration for missionary work.
The Episcopal Conference of Togo is holding its 143rd Ordinary Session from October 11 to 16, 2026, in the Catholic Diocese of Kara. Bishops from across the country have gathered to examine the challenges facing the major seminaries for the 2026–2027 academic year, review pastoral activities and the life of the dioceses, reflect on the national socio-political situation, and take part in various audiences and meetings.
In a statement released before the session, the conference called on the faithful to pray that the Holy Spirit grant the bishops "light, wisdom and discernment" in their deliberations "for the good of the Church and the Togolese nation." The invitation concluded: "Let us pray for our Bishops and for the fruits of their deliberations."
Formation, Missions, and Communion
Seminary formation stands among the central concerns of the week. The bishops are weighing the concrete difficulties that confront Togo's major seminaries as a new academic year approaches, an issue that affects the future of priestly ministry in the country.
On October 15, they will mark the centenary of the Pontifical Mission Societies, the Holy Father's network that sustains missionary work throughout the world. A national celebration in Kara is planned.
The session is meant to strengthen episcopal communion and to set pastoral orientations capable of answering the needs of the faithful amid present national challenges.
Church Voice in Public Life
Reflection on the socio-political situation of Togo places both the interior life of the Church—seminaries, pastoral care, missionary outreach—and the condition of the nation on the same agenda. The Togolese episcopate underscores a single responsibility: to serve the people of God and, through them, the common good of the country.