The Christ the King Cathedral in Daloa vibrated to the rhythm of the solemn closing mass of the 5th general assembly of the National Council of the Laity of Ivory Coast (CNL-CI), on Sunday, May 17, 2026. On this occasion, Bishop Marcelin Yao Kouadio, Bishop of the diocese, officially sent the faithful on mission, urging them to become agents of change both within the Church and in Ivorian society.

A call for boldness and action

During the final blessing, the Bishop of Daloa emphasized the crucial importance of the commitment of the baptized. Far from being mere observers, the laity must, in his view, fully assume their responsibilities.

“You are essential actors and above all bold witnesses capable of taking initiatives for the building up of our Catholic Church in Ivory Coast. The Catholic Church, our archbishops and bishops, are counting on you,” Bishop Yao Kouadio emphasized.

The bishop urged the assembly to radiate the values of the Gospel in their daily lives, whether in their families, at work, in administration, or at the heart of their respective communities.

The assembly of "maturity"

For Marc Krou-Aka, president of the CNL-CI, this 5th edition marks a historic turning point, which he describes as an assembly of "maturity." This gathering has fostered a collective awareness: every Christian must see themselves as an active builder of a more fraternal nation.

The main points of the rally

1. Dates and location: From Thursday 14 to Sunday 17 May 2026, at the Diocesan Reception Centre in Daloa.
2. Central theme: “Lay people, witnesses of hope and builders of a fraternal society” .
3. Main objective: To mobilize the faithful around their baptismal vocation to respond to Christ's missionary call and become vectors of hope.

As a national coordinating body, the CNL-CI thus reaffirms its role as a compass for Catholic laypeople, stimulating their civic and spiritual engagement for the future of the country.