This seminar, ” Bridges and Confluences” is leading the participants to an interior pilgrimage. The event is actually taking place at the Mother House of the African Missions. On Friday, we climbed the hill of Fourvière into chapel where the SMA was founded.
The Eucharist, celebrated in the Chapel of the Dark Virgin linked us directly with the first group of missionaries gathered around Mgr de Marion Brésillac, who consecrated the Society of African Missions to Mary at this very shrine.
In his homily, Fr. Daniel Cardot, former Superior General of the SMA recalled the fundamentals of SMA commitment. Our charism, to be at the service of the very poor, especially in Africa, has not changed, even if it is expressed differently, adapting to different times. (Homily of Daniel).
We seized the opportunity of our presence in Fourvière to visit the cemetery of Loyas, where our confreres who died in Lyon are buried. Among them is, Patrick Downey (Irish, 1861 -1892). He died in Lyon after his time in Africa where he had contacted tuberculoses. The remaining part of the day was free. Each participant looked after his personal programme. Saturday was spent visiting the SMA museum, SMA Media Center and the SMA animation House in Chaponost.
Gérard Sagnol,sma
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