SMA-OLA: New Chapter of Missionary Collaboration in Nantes, France
A new missionary chapter unfolds for the Sisters of Our Lady of Apostles (OLA) and the Society of African Missions (SMA) in Nantes, France.
On 19 September 2026, the Diocese of Nantes celebrated the installation of a new pastoral team for the Parish of Saint-Barthélemy-entre-Loire-et-Divatte, bringing the SMA and OLA together in a shared mission to serve the people of God. This new mission reflects the growing Mission Collaboration between the two institutes and their common commitment to evangelisation in today’s World.
During a joyful Eucharistic celebration, Bishop Laurent Percerou officially installed Fr. Yves Tchogli Koffi Tognisse, SMA, as Parish Priest of Saint-Barthélemy-entre-Loire-et-Divatte. He will serve the parish together with Fr. Emmanuel Ambi, SMA, and Fr. Aloïs Kituba, SMA, as parish vicars. In the coming months, four Sisters of Our Lady of Apostles will join the pastoral team, strengthening this missionary presence through their ministries and witness.
In his homily, Bishop Percerou reminded the congregation that “the vineyard is not that of the parish priest; it is that of the Lord.” Echoing the Gospel invitation, he called priests, religious, and lay faithful alike to respond generously to Christ’s words: “You too, come to my vineyard.” His message highlighted the common responsibility of the whole Church in God’s mission and the importance of working together in mission.
This installation visibly expresses the SMA–OLA collaboration journey that has grown steadily since 2016. Rooted in a common missionary heritage inspired by Fr. Augustine Planque and Bishop de Brésillac, the collaboration continues to deepen through shared pastoral initiatives and intercultural missionary communities.
This collaboration was joyfully celebrated during the Triple Jubilee in Lagos, Nigeria, in June 2026, commemorating the 170 years of SMA, 150 years of OLA, and the 200th anniversary of the birth of Fr. Augustine Planque, SMA.
As we prepare to begin our mission in Nantes, this new mission stands as a hopeful sign of the synodal mission of interculturality in proclaiming the Good News together.