As we approach the celebration of Easter, the central mystery of our Christian faith, this April 2026 issue of the JHIA Newsletter invites us to reflect on a season marked by both renewal and transition. Easter reminds us that moments of passage, often accompanied by uncertainty, are also moments of grace, where new life quietly takes root. It is within this spirit that we present this issue, shaped by significant developments within the Society of Jesus and the life of the Church in Africa.
A notable moment for the Jesuit Historical Institute in Africa is the appointment of Fr Jean-Paul Savi, SJ, as the new Director of JHIA. The appointment, made by the Chair of the Board of Trustees, Very Rev. José Minaku, SJ, will take effect at the beginning of August 2026. As we prepare for this transition in leadership, we do so with gratitude for the foundations laid and with hope for the continued growth of the Institute’s mission in preserving and promoting the historical memory of the Church in Africa. Such transitions are not merely administrative; they are invitations to renew our commitment to the work entrusted to us.
This issue brings together a rich tapestry of stories that reflect the vitality and diversity of Jesuit life and mission across the continent. We feature the moving account of Fr Norbert Litoing, SJ, professing his Final Vows at Hekima University College, a moment that speaks not of completion, but of a deepened commitment to a life of service grounded in trust. Alongside this, a personal reflection titled Hope in the Cathedral offers a poignant meditation on the Holy Father’s visit to Bamenda, capturing the enduring resilience and faith of local communities.
We also highlight the appointment of Fr Dominique Dhedya Bamunoba, SJ, as the new Provincial of the Jesuit Central Africa Province, a development that underscores the ongoing responsibility of leadership in guiding communities through complex and evolving realities. Together, these moments of vocation, leadership, and witness remind us that the mission of the Society continues to unfold through the lives and commitments of its members.
At the heart of this issue lies a shared theme: that vocation, whether expressed in final vows, leadership, or intellectual work, is sustained not by certainty, but by fidelity. The Jesuit commitment to memory, scholarship, and discernment remains central to this mission. As an institute, JHIA continues to serve the Church by fostering research and reflection that deepen our understanding of Christianity in Africa, ensuring that the stories, struggles, and hopes of our communities are preserved and engaged with thoughtfulness.
As we enter into the Easter Triduum, we are reminded that the passage from death to life is not only a liturgical reality but a lived experience. In the quiet perseverance of communities, in the faithful witness of individuals, and in the transitions that shape our institutions, the promise of resurrection is continually revealed.
As we continue to grow this shared space of reflection and memory, we warmly invite your contributions to upcoming editions of the JHIA Newsletter. Whether it is an article, a brief update, or a personal reflection, your voice remains an important part of this community. We also welcome any corrections that may help us improve the quality and accuracy of our publication. Kindly send your submissions and feedback to ict.admin@jhia.ac.ke by the 25th of each month. Your engagement not only enriches this newsletter but also strengthens the bonds that keep our mission alive and connected.
By the Editorial Team – JHIA
