The Missionary Institute of the Friends of Christ is the English translation of the French acronym IMAC which means "Institut Missionaire des Amis du Christe". IMAC congregation was founded by Archbishop Emery Kabongo Kanundowi on the 5th November, 1991. In November 5th, 1995, a constitution was presented to the friends of Christ as a rule of Life. Consequently, on the 5th October, 2000, the constitution was approved (ad experimentum) by the congregation for the evangelization of people in Rome. The congregation is incardinated in the Catholic archdiocese of Mbeya Tanzania. Archbishop John Gervas is the principal Bishop, making it a congregation of diocesan right. The presence of IMAC Congregation in Nigeria was achievable on the arrival of Archbishop Emery Kabongo Kanundowi on the 29th December, 2007. Since then, the IMAC congregation Nigerian Delegation has continued to grow to this stage.The congregation is under the fatherly watch and guidance of Bishop Hilary Dachelem CMF the Catholic Bishop of Bauchi diocese. Who is supervising the IMAC Nigerian Delegation.
The Missionary institute of the friends of Christ IMAC congregation has 10 priests of Nigerian Delegation and 4 deacons with over 40 seminarians across the major seminaries in Nigeria and Cameroon.
Charism: The revelation of Christ's family in prayer and commitment for perfection of charity; the evangelization of the unfortunate; concern for the marginalized; and education of those who are abandoned; as well as Eucharistic Adoration.
Apostolate: evangelization in many parts if the world, parish apostolate, schools, chaplaincy, hospital, prison etc. Adoration before the blessed sacrament, taking care of the sick, elderly, the disabled, the orphaned etc.
We are religious missionaries of faith givers mission: fidei Donum missionarium.
Education of the youth and less privilege in the society.
Friends of Christ embrace the challenge if being a missionary where there is friendship, fellowship, sacrifice and selfless love. For wben I was hungry you gave me food, thirsty you gave me drink, naked you clothed me, and imprisoned you visited me. No one can have greater love than to lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13-14
Four cardinal points of IMAC
Born in Bena-Kazadi-Tshikula, Democratic Republic of the Congo, on July 22, 1940, he was appointed in 1982 as Pope John Paul II’s second secretary, service that lasted until 1987. He worked side-by-side with John Paul II from 1982 to 1987, traveling alongside the Pope on all his international trips. On December 10, 1987 Pope John Paul II gave him the personal title of Archbishop of Luebo in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and on January 6, 1988 he received his episcopal order from Pope John Paul II. Before his appointment as Personal Secretary to Pope John Paul II, Archbishop Kabongo was working at the Vatican’s Secretariat of State until, one day, he received a call from the Pope, as he recalls in the book Accanto Giovanni Paolo II (“Side by Side with John Paul II”): “My first memory of John Paul II was when he appointed me as his personal secretary, so that I could help his first secretary, Stanislaw Dziwisz. I didn’t write a letter or ask for an appointment. That’s why I thank him for his Catholic mentality and for thinking that an African would be a good secretary.”
Revd. Sende Elijah Wanger, born on December 30, 1972, in Mbaduku, Kunav, Vandeikya L.G.A of Benue State, Nigeria, has led a life dedicated to the Catholic priesthood and religious service. Named Wanger at birth, baptized as Elijah, and confirmed as Gerald, he completed his elementary education at Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Nursery and Primary School, Gboko, Benue State, from 1980-85, where he was nominated Head-boy. Elijah was admitted to St. James Junior Seminary, Makurdi in 1985, laying the foundation for his priesthood journey, and graduated in 1991. He furthered his education at the College of Education Kastina-Ala from 1993-1996, earning a National Certificate in Education (NCE), and held various leadership roles, including secretary to National Union of Benue State Students and President of the Historical Society of Nigeria. In 1998, Elijah's calling to priesthood intensified, leading him to St. Charles Lwanga’s Preparatory Seminary, Makurdi, for spiritual year preparation. He proceeded to St. Thomas Aquinas’ Major Seminary Makurdi, graduating in June 2006 with degrees in Philosophy and Theology from the Urbanian University Rome. Elijah served in various capacities during his seminary formation, including Kitchen Prefect and President of the Student Council. Choosing the path of religious life, Elijah joined the Missionary Servants of the Church (MSC) and later the Missionary Institute of the Friends of Christ (IMAC), where he was ordained a Deacon on June 2, 2012. After his diaconate ordination, he was appointed Vocations Director and Bursar of the congregation. He was ordained a Catholic priest on December 2, 2012, becoming the first Tiv Priest of the IMAC Congregation. Fr. Elijah is known for his strong devotion to St. Rita of Cascia and the Blessed Virgin Mary. He currently serves as the delegate superior of the Nigerian/Cameroon Delegation of the IMAC congregation, demonstrating commitment and excellence in administration.
Date of Birth: June 3, 1966 Place of Birth: Makurdi, Nigeria Ecclesiastical Career: Most Rev. Hilary Nanman Dachelem is a devoted member of the Missionary Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, where he took his first vows on September 8, 1988. His commitment to his faith deepened with his perpetual vows, made on September 13, 1993. He was ordained a priest on July 1, 1995, continuing his service in the priesthood with the Missionary Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. On May 31, 2017, he was appointed the Catholic Bishop of Bauchi, and he was ordained a bishop on August 17, 2017. The ordination took place at the Multipurpose Indoor Sports Hall in Bauchi, within the Diocese of Bauchi. Celebrations: Most Rev. Dachelem celebrated his 2nd Anniversary of Episcopal Ordination with joy and gratitude, marking two years of leadership and service as a bishop.