Catholic sisters from across Africa, together with canon and civil law experts, Church
leaders, and safeguarding professionals, gathered in Nairobi, Kenya, from 30 th to 31 st
July 2026 for the African Conference for Catholic Sisters Canon and Civil Lawyers
Conference. The conference was held under the theme: “Prophetic Witness of Catholic
Sisters in Canon and Civil Law Matters: Learning, Connecting and Building a
Community of Practice for the Common Good.”
The two-day conference provided a unique platform for learning, collaboration, and
professional networking, enabling participants to deepen their understanding of canon
and civil law while strengthening their commitment to justice, safeguarding, and the
mission of the Church. During her welcome remarks for participants, Sr. Eutrophia
Chao Mwakamba, Director of CASILEP Kenya, said the conference theme invites
Catholic sisters to reflect deeply on the evolving profession of sisters engaged in legal
matters.
She emphasized that the gathering was an opportunity to strengthen knowledge, share
experiences, and build a vibrant community of practice capable of responding to
contemporary legal and pastoral challenges facing the Church and society.
A solemn welcome was delivered by Rev. Monsignor Luciano Labanca, Chargé d’Affaires
ad interim of the Apostolic Nunciature in Kenya, who conveyed the Apostolic
Nunciature’s support for the initiative. He underscored the vital contribution of Catholic
sisters in promoting justice, safeguarding human dignity, and serving the Church with
competence and integrity in legal ministries.
The conference commenced with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist presided over by
Rt. Rev. David Kamau, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Nairobi. In his homily,
Bishop Kamau urged and encouraged participants to remain faithful witnesses of the
Gospel by exercising justice, compassion, and integrity in their legal apostolates while
serving God’s people with humility.
The Participants thereafter received remarks from Sr. Luciana Wanyahoro, Chairperson
of the CASILEP Advisory Board, and Sr. Prof. Jacinta Mary Adhiambo, MCESM,
Chairperson of the Association of Sisterhoods of Kenya (AOSK). Both leaders
emphasized the importance of ongoing formation. Collaboration, and professional
excellence among Catholic sisters involved in canon and civil law, noting that their
expertise is increasingly essential in strengthening governance, accountability, and the
protection of vulnerable persons within the Church.
Delivering the keynote address, Sr. Jane Wakahiu, LSOSF, PhD, Association Vice-President of the Catholic Sisters Initiative at the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation,
challenged participants to embrace their prophetic vocation by becoming credible
witnesses of justice, transparency, and servant leadership. She encouraged Catholic
sisters to continue investing in legal education and to use their knowledge in advancing
the mission of the Church and promoting the common good across Africa.
The first day’s technical sessions focused on Safeguarding: The Role of the Church and
Consecrated Persons in Upholding Human Dignity through Effective Safeguarding
Measures. The session was led by Dr. Francesco Pappalardo, Legal Consultant to the
Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors, with Dr. Claudia Giampietro
serving as co-presenter. The discussion examined the Church’s legal and pastoral
responsibility in creating safe environments where the dignity and rights of every person
are respected and protected.
The session featured a distinguished panel that included Bishop Luis Manuel Ali
Herrera, Secretary of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors, who
highlighted the importance of accountability, transparency, and collaborative
safeguarding efforts within the universal Church.
The Participants also benefited from an insightful presentation by Sr. Dr. Mary Lembo,
a psychotherapist from Togo, who explored safeguarding in contemporary institutes of
consecrated life. She emphasized the need to foster healthy communities through
prevention, awareness, trauma-informed care, and a culture of mutual responsibility
that protects vulnerable persons.
While in another key presentation, Sr. Dr. Kelly Connors, a canonist from the United
States, addressed canonical procedures concerning the separation of members from
institutes of consecrated life. Her presentation covered leave of absence, exclaustration,
discretionary dismissals, and canonical warnings, offering practical guidance on
applying canonical norms with justice, charity, and due process.
The day’s sessions concluded with a vibrant panel discussion followed by an interactive
question-and-answer session. Where Participants engaged the presenters on practical
legal and pastoral issues affecting religious institutes, demonstrating a shared
commitment to continuous learning and strengthening professional practice.
The African Conference for Catholic Sisters Canon and Civil Lawyers reaffirmed the
growing contribution of Catholic sisters in legal ministries across Africa. By fostering
learning, collaboration, and a strong community of practice, the conference
strengthened the capacity of participants to provide prophetic leadership in canon and
civil law while promoting justice, safeguarding, and the common good in the Church
and society.