Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
SMA
Lagos (Fides News Agency) – At a time that united history, mission, and renewal, leaders of the Society of African Missions (SMA) and the Sisters of Our Lady of the Apostles (NDA) gathered at the Domus Fidei Center of the Sisters of the Eucharistic Heart of Jesus in Lagos to celebrate an extraordinary triple jubilee: 170 years of the SMA, founded by Venerable Melchior de Marion Brésillac; 150 years of the NDA; and 200 years since the birth of Father Augustin Planque, first Superior General of the SMA and founder of the NDA.
Father Pierre-Paul Dossekpli, a Togolese priest of the SMA, emphasized the existence of “two voices, one charism,” represented respectively by the Superior General of the SMA, Father François du Penhoat, and the Mother General of the NDA, Sister Mary T. Barron, at the close of the Plenary Council (see Fides, 22/5/2026).
The day was deeply centered on prayer: “We are even better when we get along,” Father du Penhoat noted at the beginning of the meeting, reflecting on the long and complex shared history between the two congregations. The Superior General of the SMA affirmed with conviction that this meeting was born not of necessity, but of desire: “I firmly believe that this meeting also marks the beginning of a new chapter. It was not imposed by necessity, but by our desire and our will.” Being a missionary is what constitutes our shared identity: the community cemeteries of Lagos, Ibadan, Agoué, and other coastal locations are its physical manifestation; lives given together so that the Kingdom of God may grow.”
For her part, Sister Mary T. Barron welcomed the assembly, emphasizing the significance of the triple jubilee: “These anniversaries are not mere milestones; they are invitations. They remind us that mission is always a gift received, a shared responsibility, and a future entrusted to us.” The Superior General was clear in referring to collaboration in the missionary context: “It is not simply something nice or pleasant… it is part of our missionary vocation today… for the authenticity of our mission, our witness, and our evangelization.”
Among other contributions, Sister Anne Falola, a member of the General Council of the NDA, offered a reflection that resonated throughout the day: “Being together is not only being at the service of the mission, but is itself a mission.”
The day concluded with the celebration of the Eucharist on the feast of St. Justin, a martyr who gave his life for the truth of the Gospel, considered the providential patron saint of a gathering of missionaries who renewed their shared commitment to proclaiming it. (AP) (Fides News Agency, 3/6/2026)
