Remembering Our Pioneers: A Call to Renew the Missionary Spirit
Remembering Our Pioneers: A Call to Renew the Missionary Spirit On Monday, April 28, a vibrant and heartfelt gathering took place at the Cathedral of Cotonou to celebrate the Eucharist in honor of the late missionaries of the Sisters of Our Lady of Apostles/OLA and the (Society of African Missions) SMA who have passed on to eternal life. The big Bresillac family members—priests, sisters, and lay associates—from countries like Benin, Ghana, Togo, Nigeria, and Ivory Coast came together to pay tribute to these pioneers of faith who dedicated their lives to spreading the Gospel. The Mass was led by Father Désiré Salako, the Provincial Superior of Benin, alongside some confreres, including Father Antonio Porcellato, the Superior General, Father François de Paul Hungue, the Vicar General, and numerous leaders from African delegations, as well as missionaries from the surrounding regions. In the Mass, the homily emphasized the importance of remembering the sacrifices of the early missionaries, and honoring their efforts while avoiding self-admiration. These missionaries gave up everything to spread Christ’s message under difficult conditions. The mission continues today in a world shaped by globalization and distractions, requiring missionaries to embrace inner detachment, openness, and cultural immersion. Father du Penhoat highlighted three key attitudes passed down from the first missionaries: generously dedicating oneself to the Lord, recognizing one’s role in transmitting the faith, and growing spiritually and humanly in the missionary vocation. The Church is called to renew itself through unity, simplicity, and charity, and, inspired by the Holy Spirit, we [...]
