Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Lome (Agenzia Fides) - “The Catholic Church in Togo was begun on August 28, 1892, when the first Mass was celebrated in our land,” Agenzia Fides was told by Fr. Benoit Eoevi Penoukou, National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in Togo.
"The Mass was celebrated by the first missionaries arrived in the country. There were two priests and three brothers sent by St. Arnold Jansen, founder of the Missionaries of the Divine Word, who are therefore the founders of our Church," continues Don Penoukou. “50 years after their arrival, the missionaries of German nationality, had to leave the young community, because Germany had been defeated in World War I and, in the logic of that time it was impossible to leave German citizens, even missionaries, in Togo (which had been assigned to France).”
The Church was thus entrusted to lay people, until the arrival of the African Missions Society (SMA). The latter passed his hand to the local clergy when in 1962 he was consecrated the first Archbishop of Togo.
"Both the Divine Word Fathers and SMA Fathers left the Church with solid and praiseworthy devotions," says the National Director of POM in Togo. "Among them is the devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus which is celebrated in most parishes, at least in the south, the first Friday of each month. Entire villages fill the main parish for confessions on Thursday nights, for the Eucharist in honor of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. This devotion is deeply rooted in the tradition of our Church."
"Another devotion that endures is the Holy Rosary during the month of October," said Don Penoukou. "Catholics - and even some followers of evangelical churches - literally take the churches by storm. During the week, the Rosary is recited before the Blessed Sacrament along with the Litanies to the Virgin Mary. On Saturday and Sunday, the Rosary is recited and the Litanies are sung.”
"The third devotion, which is becoming increasingly implemented is the Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament every Thursday. Even in some parishes it has become normal practice to have Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in a chapel next door. Everyone comes to pray: children, youth, adults, and elderly. In the capital, Lome, there is a community of sisters with Perpetual Adoration, the Daughters of St. Jansen.
"May the Lord bless all those who keep the flame of mission in their hearts through a real devotional life. The mission has a great need for people and communities who pray and work,"concluded Don Penoukou. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 14/11/2009)
