The CANA Mission was launched in Senegal in 2021 and around 30 couples are currently involved. The first CANA retreat took place last summer. Senegal is one of the 11 pilot countries for the CANA year, so I was keen to come and see the reality of the mission in Senegal for myself and to support this young and dynamic initiative.
By Marie Bourbonnais, a consecrated sister of the CNC, head of the CANA International Mission
CANA Weekend at Keur Moussa
We enjoyed a wonderful CANA weekend at Keur Moussa Abbey on the theme of ‘Tenderness and Sexuality’. 17 couples were present, and several were attending for the first time: either because they had taken part in a few CANA Welcome monthly meetings, or because they are in their CANA year without having yet attended the CANA week. Nearly 25 children were present.
The weekend went very well. I admired the work of the local team and their various contributions, which were very insightful. They have a rather remarkable way of getting newer couples involved: at every event, they ask a new couple to take charge and assign a core couple to support them. Isabelle & Fulgence were therefore in charge of this weekend, supported by Chris & Nelly. As for the national CANA leaders, Antoine & Madeleine, they were looking after the children and gave a teaching session. The core team members are very dedicated; it’s inspiring.
The theme of the weekend was very well received by the couples. The teachings and testimonies were relevant to the couples, and the highlight was the time set aside for reconciliation within the couple’s relationship.
We attended Mass at Keur Moussa Abbey and I had the opportunity to pray at various services with the twenty or so monks. I was able to chat with one or two of them who were well aware that the Community is based at Hautecombe Abbey. I also took the time to visit the Benedictine nuns based five minutes from Keur Moussa, at Keur Guilaye Abbey. These two places share the same liturgy that we are familiar with, with the coras and drums… it is magnificent and deeply prayerful.
It was therefore a wonderful visit, full of promise for CANA and for the Community!
