Reflections on the 25th Anniversary of ACCCRUS

By: Sr. Eucharia Madueke, SNDdeN
AFJN Women Empowerment Coordinator
ACCCRUS DMV Chapter Member

This year, I was fortunate to attend the African Conference of Catholic Clergy and Religious in the United States (ACCCRUS)’s Silver Jubilee held during their annual National Convention in Dallas, Texas. ACCCRUS was founded to provide an environment of spiritual and social support for African priests and religious living and working in the United States.  

During the four-day gathering (from July 21-25) the group celebrated the important contributions of African priests and religious in the growth and vitality of the Catholic Church in the United States through their pastoral ministry, cultural richness, youthful service, commitment to others, and witness to the faith. Their presence and dedication continues to enrich the Church by strengthening its mission through the diversity of their cultures, experiences, and generous service.

I attended the ACCCRUS convention for several reasons including: (a) to join my fellow African religious to celebrate the special-25-year milestone in the life ACCCRUS; (b) to rejoice and thank God with Rev. Father Aniedi Okure, OP, former Executive Director of AFJN, for the seed planted 25 years ago; and (c) to create connections between the work of AFJN and ACCRUS. 

A significant highlight of the gathering was the keynote address delivered by Fr. Okure who brought his unique and personal perspective to the celebration.  During his speech over 600 African priests and religious were transported back to 2001, when the organization was founded, and learned of the founding vision. He concluded his speech with a renewed vision of ACCCRUS for the next 25 years.

The most impactful moment of the gathering for me was the presentation of awards to both Fr. Okure and Sr. Marie Prefontaine, SNDdeN, for their respective contributions to the establishment of ACCCRUS. Witnessing Fr. Okure, having worked with him for 10 years in AFJN’s Women Empowerment Project, being honored for his legacy of leadership and service to ACCCRUS deeply moved me. It also was a moment of joy and pride to witness Sr. Prefontaine, my own religious community sister, receive recognition of her contributions.  Honoring an African priest and an US woman religious showed the unity in the diversity and the original mission that sits at the core of ACCCRUS. 

Congratulations ACCCRUS on a wonderful 25 Years!  I cannot wait to see what the next 25 will bring.