Togo has hosted the 2026 edition of Mariapolis, which was held in Sokodé, in the Central Region of Togo, from August 4 to 9, 2026, bringing together participants from Togo, Benin, Burkina Faso and Ghana for a time of spiritual renewal, fraternity, dialogue and community living under the theme, “Together, Let’s Be a Sign of Unity.”
Organised by the Focolare Movement’s West Africa Territorial Region, which comprises Togo, Benin, Burkina Faso and Ghana, this year’s Mariapolis provided participants with an opportunity to deepen their faith, strengthen bonds of fraternity and experience community living across cultural and national differences.
A major highlight of the gathering was a series of meditations focusing on Christian love, service and care for creation.
One of the reflections, titled “Perfect Service,” drew from the spirituality of Focolare founder, Chiara Lubich, who presents love of one’s neighbour as a path to discovering God, attaining spiritual fulfilment and growing in holiness.
The meditation encouraged participants to pursue holiness through love by approaching even ordinary daily responsibilities such as studying, cooking and working with excellence and a spirit of service. The central message was a call to make one’s entire life a form of service to others.
Another major reflection was delivered by Rev. Fr. Modeste of Burkina Faso on the theme, “The Revelation of Love for One’s Neighbour in the Holy Scriptures.”
Drawing from the biblical command to love one’s neighbour as oneself, as well as the Parable of the Good Samaritan, Fr. Modeste challenged participants to see every person with dignity and compassion.
He emphasised that genuine Christian love requires believers to go beyond human barriers and even extend love to those they consider enemies. According to the reflection, Jesus established love as the “new commandment,” calling His followers not merely to show sympathy or kindness, but to love others in the same self-giving manner that He loves.
Fr. Modeste further stressed that to love one’s neighbour is to love Jesus, because Christ is present in every person. This, he noted, should become a defining mark of Christian discipleship.
The issue of environmental ecology also featured among the key reflections at the gathering. Drawing on the teachings of Chiara Lubich, participants were encouraged to recognise that addressing the ecological crisis requires a transformation of attitudes and the formation of a strong moral conscience.
The reflection highlighted the responsibility of individuals, particularly young people, to respond to environmental challenges and ensure that technological development does not undermine human dignity and the well-being of creation.
It further connected environmental protection with global solidarity, stressing that the earth is a gift entrusted by God to all humanity. Participants were therefore encouraged to begin by addressing environmental concerns within their local communities while developing the moral responsibility needed to confront wider global challenges.
Mariapolis traditionally brings together people of different ages, cultures, professions and Christian traditions, as well as people from other faith backgrounds. Through shared prayer, reflection, dialogue, service and community activities, participants are encouraged to put Gospel values into practice and build relationships founded on mutual respect and love.
The hosting of Mariapolis 2026 in Togo also strengthened collaboration and fraternity among members of the Focolare Movement across the West African region. The gathering created an avenue for participants from the four participating countries to share experiences, deepen their spirituality and renew their commitment to promoting peace and unity.
Some participants shared that the experience in Sokodé ultimately reinforced the message that unity is possible when people choose to build bridges across differences, serve one another and recognise the dignity of every human person.
By Theresa Kpordzo//Newswatch
