Welcome

Welcome to Eric Michel Ministries International in Africa.

The EMMI Africa office is in Johannesburg, South Africa. Through the Interdenominational Assembly of Churches Association Ministry, we are in six Christian African countries (See Metropolitan Archbishop list). But as an Independent Catholic, we are only in South Africa, Cameroon and Nigeria.

Nigeria

🌍 Culture and Ethnic Ties

  • Overlapping Ethnic Groups: European-drawn colonial borders split several ethnic groups between the two countries. Communities like the Efik, Ibibio, Ejagham, Kanuri, and Fulani live on both sides of the border and share the same languages, traditions, and kinship ties.
  • Entertainment & Media: Nigerian pop culture heavily influences Cameroon. Nollywood movies and Afrobeats music are immensely popular in Cameroon, while Cameroonian musical styles like Makossa and Bikutsi have historically influenced Nigerian artists.

🕌 Religion

  • Shared Religious Demographics: Both nations share similar religious demographics. The northern regions of both Cameroon and Nigeria are predominantly Muslim (mostly Sunni), sharing historical ties to ancient Islamic empires like the Bornu Empire.
  • Christian South: The southern parts of both countries are overwhelmingly Christian (primarily Catholic, Protestant, and Pentecostal). Many modern mega-churches based in Nigeria have large branches and massive followings in Cameroon.

💼 Commerce and Trade

  • Informal and Border Trade: Despite occasional official border closures or bureaucratic hurdles, informal trade thrives. Agricultural products, textiles, and manufactured goods flow constantly through major border points like Banki in the north and Ekok in the south.
  • The Trans-African Highway: The Lagos-Mombasa Highway connects Nigeria directly to Cameroon, facilitating the movement of heavily traded goods like spare parts, cosmetics, and electronics from Nigerian commercial hubs (like Onitsha and Aba) into Cameroonian markets.

⚽ Sports and Diplomacy

  • Football Rivalry: While they are close allies, they share one of Africa’s most intense, passionate football (soccer) rivalries. Matches between the Nigerian Super Eagles and the Cameroonian Indomitable Lions are major cultural events in both nations.
  • Security Cooperation: Both countries collaborate closely through the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) to combat security challenges in the Lake Chad basin, particularly the Boko Haram insurgency.

The Third Orders

The Franciscan Path for Those Living in the World

I. What is a Third Order?

A Third Order is a form of consecrated or semi-consecrated life lived in the world, according to the spirit of a religious family.

In the Franciscan tradition, it allows the faithful to:

  • Live the Gospel in simplicity
  • Embrace a life of prayer and charity
  • Remain in their state of life (lay, married, or ordained)

II. The Franciscan Tradition

The Third Order finds its origin in the life and inspiration of St. Francis of Assisi, who called not only friars, but also the faithful living in the world, to follow Christ in simplicity and humility.

From the beginning, men and women desired to follow his way of life without leaving the world.

Thus was born the Third Order of St. Francis, also called:

  • Secular Franciscans
  • Tertiaries

From this desire was born the Third Order of Saint Francis, also known as the Secular Franciscans or Tertiaries

 A Vocation in the World: Our Three Third Orders

Our Three Third Orders

Within Eric Michel Ministries International, the Franciscan vocation is expressed through three complementary Third Orders:

1. Third Order of the Franciscan of the Eucharist (TOFE)

A Eucharistic-centred Franciscan life, rooted in:

  • Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
  • A life offered in union with Christ
  • Service flowing from the Eucharistic mystery

2. Third Order of Franciscans of the Immaculate (TOFI)

A Marian Franciscan path marked by:

  • Total consecration to the Blessed Virgin Mary
  • A life lived through Mary, to Jesus
  • Devotion inspired by the Immaculate

3. Third Order of Saint Benedict (TOSB-Oblats)

A complementary path enriched by the Benedictine tradition:

  • Stability and community life
  • The rhythm of ora et labora (prayer and work)
  • A contemplative foundation for apostolic mission

This is not merely an association—it is a true vocation.

Members are called to:

  • Daily prayer
  • Penance and conversion
  • Works of mercy
  • Fidelity to the Gospel

While remaining:

  • In family life
  • In professional life
  • In society

Our Mission

To live and share the Gospel in the spirit of Saint Francis and Holy Mary:

  • To restore faith where it has grown cold
  • To accompany those seeking God
  • To build a visible and living community of prayer
  • To unite with local churches for the Glory of God

Owned and operated by Eric Michel Ministries International

✠ .Éric Michel Gagnon, O.F.S., M.I
Metropolitan Archbishop
Founder, Primate and President Bishop

Serving in the Franciscan tradition, committed to fidelity, reverence, and pastoral care for all who seek Christ.

A New Life Catholic Franciscan Ministry (O.F.S.)
Province of the Three Marys – North America

Blessing

May the Lord bless you and keep you.
May He show His face to you and have mercy.
May He turn His countenance toward you and give you peace.

Pax et Bonum