The Fr. Alejandro Páez, LC is originally from Monterrey, N.L., and arrived in Ivory Coast as a result of a series of circumstances that seem very simple but are undoubtedly guided by the hand of God.
It all began with the initiative of a Regnum Christi consecrated member who, towards the end of 2016, organized a group of young Mexican women to carry out missions in Ivory Coast, a country that was not unfamiliar to Regnum Christi at that time.
The group of missionaries was seeking a chaplain to accompany them, and so they turned to Fr. Carlos Gutiérrez, LC, who at that time was part of the training team at the General Directorate in Rome. Fr. Carlos gladly agreed to accompany them on this special mission.
It was during a chat with Fr. Alejandro, while having coffee, that Fr. Carlos realized he would have to cancel his trip to Africa because it coincided with his spiritual exercises. Fr. Alejandro’s curiosity led him to ask what that trip was about; when he learned what it entailed, he volunteered to be the chaplain himself.
It’s just a trip around Africa
When Fr. Alejandro decided to go to Africa instead of Fr. Carlos Gutiérrez, he initially thought it would be a one-time activity. He did not imagine what the Lord would reveal to him or what he was being called to.
For some time, Regnum Christi had already arrived in the African country, but a series of events caused by a civil war and the death of the priest overseeing Africa-related matters led the movement to decline and almost disappear.
It was during the Feast of Christ the King in 2016 that the very diminished Ivory Coast section would have the presence of a Legionary of Christ for the last time, with hope that in the future (uncertain at the moment) they could return.
The surprise came almost a year after that farewell, thanks to the initiative of the consecrated member to bring Mexican missionaries; in July 2017, seven young women, two consecrated members, and Fr. Alejandro disembarked.
The group of missionaries arrived without knowing the history of the African section, but the members quickly began presenting projects, from board games featuring Our Lady of Guadalupe, missals and liturgical books with the image of Regnum Christi, to plans to open a kindergarten.
Fr. Alejandro returned to Rome with the desire to present what was happening in Ivory Coast and the need to support this vibrant community that had faced many challenges. So, he was assigned to this mission.
Founding ECYD in an African country
The Catholic Church has been a significant driver of social development in Africa. Parish priests are builders and agents of change for their communities. That is why the Church commands respect and love from the people.
In this context, ECYD was born in Ivory Coast naturally, with the charism of Regnum Christi developing through highly committed members with great apostolic zeal.
They launched a first camp for children where they explained what ECYD was, with support from Fr. Melchior Poisson LC and local people. At the end of the camp, they proposed the Covenant with Christ to teenagers. From that camp, the first 10 members of ECYD in Ivory Coast emerged, and now, four of them are responsible for the apostolate.
Fr. Alejandro emphasizes how essential it is to create the right conditions for the charism to grow and “grow in an African way.” Therefore, young people must be involved so they can take leadership of the apostolate, always supported by a formation scheme that helps them increasingly adopt the Regnum Christi style.
But beyond formation, members must live the experience by attending camps and witnessing how apostolic work with teenagers is carried out, so they naturally feel called to participate actively.
During 2020, amidst the pandemic, training for those responsible continued remotely. By 2021, they were able to resume ECYD camps and days, where teenagers receive formation, sacraments, play, and plan their future apostolates.
Africa, the continent of hope
The Church views Africa with a hopeful outlook; it seems that this continent has not yet become accustomed to the faith, and Fr. Alejandro hopes it never does, as habit can lead to indifference.
The first parish in Ivory Coast was established in 1904, so evangelization and its effects are still very new—effects that Europe has long forgotten, such as the dignity of the person and progress through God’s creative call to fullness.
Faith in Africa is fresh and vigorous, and the people of Ivory Coast express their love for the charism of Regnum Christi, seeing it as a means with the potential to change their environment and themselves.
Being an apostle on mission
Fr. Alejandro recounts that when he was a student in the Apostolic, one of his greatest dreams was to be able to go and found Regnum Christi somewhere in the world, but it remained just a childhood dream of a missionary soul.
During his formation, he never imagined he would be carrying out this evangelizing work in Africa. His first visit to Ivory Coast was six months after being ordained a priest, and he is grateful to God for this very special gift.
It has also been the perfect opportunity to focus on what is essential when wanting to bring Regnum Christi to others, which is part of the charism: helping people have a real experience of Jesus Christ so that, in turn, they can bring Him to others.
Currently, Fr. Alejandro combines his doctoral studies with visits to Ivory Coast for ECYD camps. Fr. Dain Scherber LC is currently leading the Kingdom section in the African country.
