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SMA–OLA Triple Jubilee Pilgrimage to France

The SMA–OLA Family joyfully prepares to embark on a pilgrimage to their roots, an important journey of thanksgiving and communion, as they celebrate the grace of Mission. From 23 to 28 July 2026, members of the SMA–OLA Family will gather in Lyon and Chémy, France, to walk in the footsteps of their missionary heritage and celebrate the rich history that unites them for the proclamation of the Gospel. This special pilgrimage marks three important milestones: • 170 Years of the Society of African Missions (SMA) • 150 Years of the Sisters of Our Lady of Apostles (OLA) • 200 Years since the Birth of Fr. Augustine Planque, SMA — Founder of the Sisters of Our Lady of Apostles and First Superior General of the Society of African Missions. Going to Lyon and Chémy is an opportunity to return to the spiritual and historical roots of the SMA–OLA Family. It is a moment to give thanks for the missionary journey that began through the inspiration, audacity, courage, and sacrifice of their founders, whose vision continues to animate the mission of both Institutes today. The history of the SMA and OLA is deeply intertwined. Inspired by the missionary zeal of Bishop Melchior de Marion Brésillac, Founder of the Society of African Missions, and carried forward by Fr. Augustine Planque, SMA, his successor and the founder of the Sisters of Our Lady of Apostles, this shared heritage has continued to bear fruit across continents. The pilgrimage will lead participants to places that [...]

Formation, discernment and renewal in consecrated life

Preparatory Programme for Perpetual Vows in Agou, Togo 2026 Formation, discernment and renewal in consecrated life The OLA Postulancy in Agou, Togo, hosts the Preparatory Programme for Perpetual Vows, a two-month journey of formation and discernment for 11 temporary professed Sisters from six countries as they prepare for their final commitment in the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Apostles (OLA). The programme opened with a warm welcome from Sr. Pétrina Pletou and a message from Sr. Mary T. Barron, Congregational Leader, who invited the Sisters to embrace the grace of interior attentiveness—being attentive to God’s presence, the movements in their hearts, and the OLA charism that continues to inspire their missionary vocation. Each participant presented a personal symbol representing her vocational journey and hopes for the programme. Celebration of the Holy Eucharist was presided over by Rev. Fr. Jean Paul Kpatcha, SMA, Provincial Superior of the Society of African Missions in Togo, accompanied by fellow SMA priests. He encouraged the sisters to entrust their journey to God’s grace and guidance. The participants come from Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria and Togo. The programme is coordinated by Sr. Emilienne Tougouma, Member of the Congregational Council responsible for Initial Formation, with the support of accompanying Sisters and translators. Throughout this formative experience, the Sisters will deepen their understanding of OLA spirituality, missionary identity and consecrated life as they prepare to make their perpetual vows. We entrust them to the loving protection of Our Lady of Apostles and invite the [...]

Mission Sown in Fidelity

Mission Sown in Fidelity: Honoring the Legacy of Melchior de Marion Brésillac On the 167th anniversary of the death of the Venerable Melchior de Marion Brésillac, Founder of the Society of African Missions (SMA), the missionary family he envisioned continues to draw strength from the seed he planted more than a century ago. His life, offered entirely for the Gospel, remains a living heritage — one that continues to inspire generations of missionaries across continents. This commemorative day carries a double significance within SMA tradition. It is not only the remembrance of the Founder’s passing, but also the moment when missionaries recall their first oath, the consecration that marked their entry into a lifelong commitment to evangelization. At the SMA Generalate, no new consecrations were made this year, yet every confrere celebrated the anniversary of his own missionary “yes”: – some marking 8 years of service, – others 10, 20, 30, or 40, – and Father Andrea celebrating an extraordinary 48 years of missionary fidelity. These achievements are not mere numbers. They are signs of a deep truth: each vocation is rooted in the Founder’s offering. Every missionary life is a fruit of his sacrifice, and every year of fidelity becomes, in turn, a new seed sown for the Church and for Africa. Mission Begins with God: Called by Name The first reading from Isaiah (Is 45:1, 4–6) reminds us that mission does not originate in human initiative. It begins with God’s call: “I have called you by name… though [...]