The SMA-NDA Hermeneutic Seminar is in its 5th day. It is a crucial day in that it is about putting into perspective the elements of history, experience, and the different contexts of the mission yesterday and today. To embrace this important day, the organizers did not skimp on the means. Indeed, they invited an expert in missiology, Father Daniel Ihunnia, MSP. He gave a magnificent presentation on the theme: What is happening to the first evangelization in today’s changing contexts for missionary institutes?

In his intervention, he strongly exhorted the assembly on the importance of the first evangelization in the present world. Among other things, he emphasized the fact that every evangelizing enterprise should allow people to encounter Christ. The truth is that no one meets Christ without experiencing something new in his life. Therefore, he stressed the importance of community in any missionary endeavor. The community is the privileged place where individual talents are cultivated and oriented for the good of the mission and the blossoming of the human person.

After this missiological immersion, participants were better equipped to reflect on these questions: New needs as well as faithfulness to who we are. Are we aware of today’s novelties? Recent developments? On what to work more for the renewal of our life, of our institutes, of our mission?

It was a beautiful day despite the visible tiredness on our faces. It was especially beautiful because God’s grace winked at us twice, and it gave new energy to all of us. Indeed, the Eucharistic celebration at mid-day allowed us to receive communion with Father Basil Soyoye (animator of this session), and Sister Marie-Hélène Robert, who both celebrated 25 years of service in the Lord’s vineyard.

Pierre-Paul DOSSEKPLI