May 22, 2006VOL. 44, NO. 10Oakland, CA

A very brief history of Catholicism in Africa

By Voice staff

Catholicism arrived in Nigeria with the Portuguese in the 15th century, but really took hold with the arrival of missionary priests in Lagos in 1865. Two decades later, say historians, Catholicism had reached Igboland in Nigeria’s south.

Two religious congregations of men, the Holy Ghost Fathers and the White Fathers (so called because of their white habits), evangelized in Africa. These priests were trained in African languages and exhibited a high degree of cultural flexibility.

They, in turn, trained African catechists who brought many Nigerians, particularly in Igboland, into the Church. One historian cites the Catholic growth there from 5,000 in 1900 to 74,000 in 1912.

The missionaries also established Catholic schools which strengthened the Catholic community.

Two major events in the 1960s – decolonization and Vatican Council II – dramatically changed life for African Catholics. Encouraged by the Council, they assumed a greater role in the life of the Church and also took up leadership in the social and political struggle for national independence.

By the early 1970s, the European and American missionaries began voluntarily to relinquish their leadership in Africa to native clergy. By 1994, 90 percent of the bishops were African.

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