When aperitif is served on a weekday at the Missionary International House (MIM) at la Guile, it means something is being celebrated. It could be a feast, an achievement, or an anniversary of a member of the community. Some other times like today, it is about a departure.
Surrounded by twelve members of the Guile community as well as members of the staff, Fr. Charles Kumar who has been up to now the team leader of the SMA International Media center, has been recalled to his Province in India.

Speaking on behalf of the community as his close collaborator, Fr. Dominic described Charles as an “easy-going person and someone capable of relating to anybody without prejudice.” He thanked him for the work he did both for the SMA International Media Center and for the Province of Lyon.  
An adept at long walks and frequent visits to the hill of Notre Dame du Fourvière, Charles’ news of departure came as a surprise to many.
Speaking on behalf of the Lyon Provincial Council, Mgr. Michel Cartatéguy regretted the sudden departure of Charles, but thanked him for his services in the community and wished him the very best in his future appointment.

Fr. Rosario, Brice, and Pierre- Paul in Rome who have closely collaborated with Charles also thanked him for his services and tremendous input in the various aspects of the SMA International Media.
In a letter addressed to Charles, the Superior General, Fr. Antonio Porcellato, expressed his gratitude saying, ” I want to thank you for the very good work you did in the last four years at the Media Center. I personally appreciated the General Assembly 2019 Logo that you designed, inspired by the ideas of some members. I am sure that in the future you will treasure and develop this experience in the field of communications. May the Holy Spirit guide and sustain your missionary vocation in the years ahead.”

Charles who has expressed his desire to go back to the mission in Africa was appointed to the SMA International Media Center in September 2018, after serving as an assistant parish priest of St. Paul of Zobgadjé near the national university of Benin.
As Charles departs for India on Thursday morning, the SMA International media Center team wishes him a safe flight and best of luck in his new appointment.

By Dominic Wabwireh, SMA.