The Superior General of the Society of Jesus, Rev. Fr. Arturo Sosa, SJ, is embarking on a historic 10-day apostolic visit to the North-West Africa Province (ANW). The visit began last Saturday.

This journey marks the first-ever visit by the Father- General to the five-country province, which comprises Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and the Gambia. It also represents the first time a Jesuit Superior General has toured the territory in over 15 years, following the 2009 visit of his predecessor, Fr. Adolfo Nicolás, SJ.

The highly anticipated regional tour is hosted by the ANW Provincial Superior, Fr. John Ghansah, SJ.

According to a statement by the ANW spokesperson, Fr. Chijioke Azuawusiefe, SJ, the extensive itinerary is designed to enable Fr. Sosa to witness first-hand how Jesuits and their collaborators address the needs of the church and local communities in the West African sub-region.

Accompanying Father General from Rome are Fr. Chukwunyenum “Chuks” Afiawari, SJ, who serves as the global Director of Communications for the Society of Jesus and the interim Regional Assistant for Africa, alongside Fr. Jesús Miguel Zaglul Criado, SJ, General Counsellor of the Society of Jesus.

During the 10-day tour, Father General will travel from Liberia through Ghana, ultimately concluding his journey in Nigeria. His route brings him directly to various Jesuit communities, schools, parishes, and social ministries in Monrovia (Wein Town and Caldwell), Liberia; Accra and Cape Coast in Ghana; and Lagos, Abuja, Benin City, and Port Harcourt in Nigeria.

He will pay courtesy visits to prelates and ecclesial authorities in these locations as well as meet and celebrate the Eucharist with Jesuits and their partners in mission who play a part in the life and apostolate of the Society of Jesus: teachers, parishioners, young adults, students, and other individuals served through the ministries of the Province.

The commitment to this widespread ministry is rooted in the origins of the Order. Commonly known as the Jesuits, the Society of Jesus is a religious order within the Catholic Church founded in 1540 by St. Ignatius of Loyola and officially recognised by Pope Paul III. (The Nation)