Renewing the Missionary Spirit: A Retreat in the Footsteps of Brésillac and Planque
Merville, France – From 18 to 25 June, members of the Society of African Missions (SMA), the Sisters of Our Lady of Apostles (OLA), and the Missionary Catechist Sisters of the Sacred Heart are gathered at the Maison Diocésaine of the Diocese of Lille in Merville for a week of spiritual retreat, reflection, and renewal.
Bringing together participants from France, Poland, and Italy, the retreat offers a unique opportunity for members of congregations that share a common missionary heritage to deepen their spiritual roots and strengthen their commitment to the mission entrusted to them by their founders.
The retreat is being facilitated by Fr. Basil Soyoye, SMA, and Sr. Anna Rosa, OLA, who are directing the participants through a journey centered on the spirit and missionary vision of Bishop Melchior de Marion Brésillac, founder of the Society of African Missions, and Fr. Augustine Planque, founder of the Sisters of Our Lady of Apostles. Through prayer, reflection, conferences, and shared experiences, participants are invited to rediscover the evangelical zeal that inspired these pioneering missionaries.
The gathering takes place within the broader context of the Triple Jubilee celebrations, an important moment of thanksgiving and remembrance for the congregations linked to the missionary legacy of Brésillac and Planque. The retreat not only commemorates the past but also encourages participants to discern how the founders’ vision can continue to inspire missionary outreach in today’s world.
A particularly meaningful moment will take place on 25 June, when participants will travel to Chemy, the village of Fr. Augustine Planque. There, they will celebrate the Eucharist in honour of the founders and in thanksgiving for the blessings received through their shared missionary heritage. The pilgrimage to Chemy will provide an opportunity to connect more deeply with the history and spirituality that continue to shape the lives and ministries of the participating congregations.
Throughout the week, the atmosphere of prayer, fraternity, and intercultural exchange will reflect the richness of a missionary family united by a common call to proclaim the Gospel. As participants listen anew to the voices of Brésillac and Planque, they are encouraged to carry forward the founders’ vision with transformed courage, creativity, and hope.
In a world marked by rapid change and many challenges, this retreat serves as a reminder that authentic missionary service is rooted in a deep encounter with God. It is from this encounter that new energy emerges for the mission, enabling religious men and women to continue witnessing to the Gospel with conviction and joy.
The prayer of all involved is that this sacred time of reflection and renewal will rekindle their missionary zeal and strengthen their commitment to serving God’s people wherever they are called.