The closing ceremony of ITCJ’s theological training programs for the laity for the 2024-2025 academic year was held on June 22, 2024.

The ceremony took place in the Institute’s chapel during the Eucharist at 11 a.m., which was presided by Fr Joseph Loic Mben, SJ, the head of the program. Fr Aurélien Folifack, SJ, the director of the Institute, Fr Allegbe, SJ, the bursar of the institute, Fr Jean Messingué, former director of the Institute, were the concelebrants along with two deacons Reverends Hervé Kibikula and Augustin Effa, who just graduated from ITCJ (Jesuit Institute of the Society of Jesus). Other formators, among whom the rector, Fr Flavien Zolabi, were seated in the congregation.

Our lay students took care of the liturgical animation. Mr. Kobena Kouame of the program of applied theology read the first reading, while Ms. Pamela Goza read the prayers of the faithful. The occasional choir was principally made of our lay students joined by an organist and a female choir member. During his homily, Fr Folifack stressed that the training programs should concretely transform the faith life of the people attending them. Towards the end of the Eucharist, the students received their certificates and attestations.

There are two theological training programs for the laity at ITCJ. The first program, named initiation to theology, lasts one academic year and takes place from October to June the following year. Classes are held on Saturday mornings at the Institute. The students receive a certificate for those with at least a baccalaureate (diploma awarded at the end of secondary studies) and an attestation for those without a baccalaureate. The program has existed since 2013 and this academic year there were 24 students among whom five were nuns. The second program, called License (bachelor) of Applied Theology (French acronym: LTA) lasts four years. In order to get the degree, one must obtain four certificates, which represent the main branches of theology (Bible, systematics, ethics, pastoral theology), write a mini-thesis, and succeed at the final exam. The LTA program combines online classes (held in business days) and face-to-face classes (held two Saturdays per month at ITCJ). This is the third year of the program, and there were 39 students this academic year.

At the end of this year, 27 certificates and attestations were awarded, which represents a record for these programs. In the annual program of initiation to theology, ten students (six women –two nuns- and four men) received eight certificates and two attestations. The LTA program rewarded 17 male and female students divided into two certificates, the certificate of applied moral theology for the first and second-year students, and the certificate of applied biblical theology for the second and third-year students. Ten students, all males, received the first certificate, while eight –among whom three women- were awarded the second certificate. Mr. Eliason Lookensey Didier received both certificates. M. Aka Mian Louis de Gonzague who is an auditor of the LTA program, received an attestation in applied systematics. M. Dossou Kossou Aristide, who attends the LTA program, was granted the certificate of excellence, which rewards the student who stood out for the quality of his/her service to the school or the community.

The speech of M. Yamba Arnaud, a third student of the LTA program followed soon after the handing out of the certificates and attestations. M. Yamba expressed his satisfaction with the quality of the courses but also wished for some improvement in the programs for the next academic year. At the end of the Eucharist, there was a meal in the esplanade of the institute’s amphitheater, which the students offered. The day was sunny and the weather was good, given that we are in the rainy season.

Let me add that this year, theological training programs for the laity were the last to go officially on vacation. The regular daily programs of theology concluded on June 8. The training programs in counseling had its closing ceremony on June 15. Let us hope that next year will see more successful students, and that the closing feast will be more beautiful with the first batch of bachelor degrees in applied theology.