Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
SMA
Rome (Agenzia Fides) – "Thank you very much, thank you all, thank you for this fraternity": these were the first words spoken by Father François Marie Herve Du Penhoat, elected new Superior General of the Society of African Missions (SMA) at the XXII General Assembly of the Society underway in Rocca di Papa, an Assembly that will end on June 8 (see Fides, 20/5/2025).
The new Superior General, 70 years old, of French origin, served as a missionary for 15 years in Benin, from 1991 to 2013, among the Bariba, a West African ethnic group. He was also in Spain and then in France from 2013 to 2025.
"In recent years, despite many difficulties, including Covid and the internal restructuring of the SMA, you have given everything, you have worked intensely, and you have been very present in the field. You have demonstrated that you are a united and complementary Council, which was also seen in the preparation of the General Assembly," said Father François, referring to the 22nd General Assembly of the Society of African Missions underway.
"This is a key moment of renewal for our congregation. Thank you very much," emphasized the new Superior General, thanking the outgoing Superior General, Father Antonio Porcellato, and the other members of the outgoing council, Father François de Paul, Father Rosario, and Father Christophe. "We are counting on your support and collaboration as we move forward together. We are at the end of a cycle in which we have invested a lot in building our congregation; we must now orient ourselves more towards the missionary aspect, towards others, towards the local Church. We are on the right path that will take us far if we all follow it together. Let us continue like this."
"When the rhythm of the song changes, the dance steps must also change," added Father François, quoting an African proverb. "There may be a change of rhythm, but we must first understand this new rhythm in order to follow it; it may be a little chaotic, it is possible, but the Holy Spirit works where chaos reigns."
Since the founding of the SMA in Lyon in 1856, the African continent has been at the heart of the SMA's mission and life. Over these 169 years, the relationship with Africa has developed and undergone significant changes. In summary, it can be said that Africa, which was initially only the object of the mission, has today become, and is increasingly becoming, an active subject of the mission. Today, the majority of the SMA's permanent members are of African origin. Furthermore, 90% of the more than 300 seminarians in formation are of African origin. For the pastoral work of proclaiming the Gospel, the missionaries and associates of the SMA are 900 members and 200 seminarians, officially present in 30 countries on four continents. The priority is and remains the first evangelization of the African continent. (AP) (Agenzia Fides, 29/5/2025)
