For Father Selvaraj Melkie, a doctoral student in missiology at the Catholic University of Lyon, his journey to France has been an experience of spiritual growth, cultural adaptation, and meaningful encounters with the Society of African Missions (SMA). Originally from India and a member of the MSFS congregation (Missionaries of St. Francis de Sales), Father Melkie’s story illustrates the power of faith, community, and the universal call to mission.

“It was October 13, 2023, when I arrived at MIM-Lyon,” Father Melkie recalls with a smile. “I didn’t even know what the three-letter acronym stood for: Maison Internationale Missionnaire.” What followed was a warm welcome that set the tone for his stay. “I didn’t feel like a stranger right away, as I had already lived with the African community in Mozambique. In a way, it felt like coming home, as there were many African priests. I also met an Indian priest there.”

However, the initial sense of ease soon gave way to the challenges of adjusting to a new culture and environment. “The first day went well, but from the second day onward, things started to change for me. I felt isolated and increasingly nostalgic,” he admits. Yet, the unwavering kindness and support of his SMA confreres helped him navigate this transition. “The SMA was not entirely unfamiliar to me, as I had already encountered some of their priests in India. But my understanding of them had been somewhat peripheral.”

In his first days, Father Melkie observed quietly and integrated gradually. “At first, I would often slip away after meals and prayers. Though they noticed, none of the SMA members reproached me. Instead, they gave me time to adjust to the context, the situation, the new culture, and the new environment,” he shares. This patient and understanding approach left a deep impression on him. “I spoke little and kept a low profile within the community, but whenever I was present, no one made me feel like an outsider. They would check in on me, ask small questions, and engage me in their own ways, however modestly. And day by day, things started to improve for me.”

Curiosity led Father Melkie to explore the mission and charism of the SMA more deeply. He came across a passage in their constitution that resonated profoundly with his experience: “Motivated by the Gospel of Christ and faithful to the charism of our Founder in the mission entrusted to us, we bear prophetic witness to God’s compassionate love for the world (cf. John 3:16). Attentive to the ever-evolving signs of the times, and with a spirit of openness and dialogue, we cooperate with local churches and with all those who share our objectives. We work primarily among Africans and people of African descent, engaging in a ministry of service and empowerment.”

For Father Melkie, this text encapsulates the essence of the SMA’s mission. “To be motivated by the Gospel of Christ: the Gospel is nothing more than a message of love for all, and the SMA is no exception to this,” he reflects. “In my view, the driving force behind all their activities is the very love that Christ preached and taught. This is evident in everything they do, from morning until night.”

He highlights the SMA’s attention to the signs of the times, their openness, and their commitment to serving others. “Reading the signs of the times and responding to people’s needs is a fundamental principle of any missionary congregation,” he notes. “The very fact that they have numerous indigenous priests and continue to invest in foreign lands for missionary work—despite many religious congregations closing due to a lack of vocations—is a defining trait of the SMA.”

Father Melkie also speaks of the SMA’s strong sense of dialogue and community. “The way they welcome newcomers to MIM is remarkable,” he says. “With so many people coming and going, conversation naturally flows. The weekend meals are particularly unique.”

But what stands out most for Father Melkie is the SMA’s commitment to service and empowerment. “The spirit of mutual assistance is highly visible in SMA’s daily life,” he observes. “Almost all confreres, whether senior, junior, or middle-aged, are always ready to support one another.” Whether it is driving someone to the airport or helping students refine their language skills, these acts of solidarity reflect the SMA’s mission in action.

To Father Melkie, the SMA embodies the famous words of Saint Francis of Assisi: “Preach always, and if necessary, use words.” “They live what they preach and preach what they live,” he says. “This is the way of life that the SMA upholds in Africa, Asia, and Europe.”

As Father Melkie continues his doctoral studies and his journey with the SMA, his story is a reminder of the transformative power of faith, community, and mission. In the heart of Lyon, amidst the challenges of a new culture and the warmth of a welcoming community, he has found not just a place of study, but a home in which to grow in his vocation.