It is the eighth day of the Plenary Council and Fr. Emmanuel Zinsou, the Nigerian Provincial Superior celebrates his 14th priestly anniversary. While most of the working documents were voted for yesterday, the document on money matters regarding health went through scrutiny. The medical welfare of all members of the new Units and all members working in Africa will be guaranteed by pooling the sums already available into three Funds that operate at three different levels: 

Local Health Fund (FLOS) in each Unit that is meant cover medical expenses that are not covered by the EMI-MSH and any other urgent medical needs of the members.

Secondly, a Central Emergency Health Fund. (FOCUS), to be used for urgent and serious Health cases that exceed the ordinary financial capacity of the Unit.

Thirdly, an Investment Fund for Health Insurance (FIAS) whose annual income will contribute to the payment of EMI-MSH insurance for members in Africa of the New Units from 2026.

With regard to the Inter-Aid fund, Poland was included as a beneficiary of the 37% equal share of the 18 new Units before the document was voted for. In the previous article, Poland was said to have a national health system that is functional and had pulled out from voluntary contributions toward health fund. But keeping with the spirit of the fund, the 50% of the Inter-Aid Fund invested for the benefit of the new Units from 2014 to 2022, was way before Poland pulled out.

Still on money matters, the General Bursar made a presentation of the different funds and their implications emanating from decisions taken by the PC 2022.

The minutes of the Plenary Council were subjected to amendments by groups and were presented for voting.

A suggestion was made that the Unit superiors should be made aware of the decisions made by the formation teams of the various SMA formation houses especially with regard to Philosophy students arguing that Formation houses do not exist in isolation.

Members were reminded that decision making is one of the most difficult part for the formation team to deal with.

While supply and appeal are scheduled to resume next year, the American Province Superior reminded members that the 2019 General Assembly changed the rules regarding appeal and supply in an effort to reach fairness and justice for the concerned Units and this can be achieved through transparency, communication and collaboration.

It was brought to members’ attention that the Plenary Council is not just a place to make laws but is also a place for sharing.

Appointments of confreres is one other difficult task as there are needs but there are little personnel.
Lyon Province was applauded for welcoming people in the province, including confreres with health issues.

No SMA member should be deprived of the joy of having the experience of primary evangelization, to learn the culture of the people and live among them. Stability of confrères should be linked to the missionary conviction and the idea of priesthood should be that of service.
All working documents were voted and will be made available to members by Thursday both in English and French.
The eighth day came to an end with the Eucharistic celebration presided over by Fr. Emmanuel Zinsou.

                                          By Dominic Wabwireh, SMA