In ending their mandate as councilors of the Lyon Province of the Society of African Missions (SMA), Archbishop Michel Cartatéguy and Father Éric Aka have not made an attempt at re-election. In this exclusive interview, they reflect on their years of service, hardships they’ve faced, and what they hope for the future of the SMA.

A Deliberate Withdrawal from Leadership

Having been in line for possible appointment as Provincial Superior, Archbishop Cartatéguy withdrew his name—twice. “I’ve been out of the SMA for 20 years. Just because we wear a zucchetto doesn’t mean we’re qualified to do everything! The Society has changed, and I haven’t kept up with it.”

His realism does not undermine his commitment to serve: “I no longer dream big—I’ve learned we don’t choose our mission; we receive it. I’ll bloom wherever I’m planted.”

The Beauty of Worship as a Missionary Tool

Popular in Lyon for his liturgical sense of beauty and social organization, Cartatéguy has a love affair with sacred aesthetics. “Beauty speaks of God. Liturgy is not ritual; it’s art—how we speak, sing, decorate, and gather. Whether in a cathedral or a thatched hut, it should be done with dignity and care.”

He also believes living spaces are an expression of mission. “Beauty invites. A welcoming environment fosters peace, openness, and attention to others.”

Passing on a New Generation of Leadership

For Vice-Provincial and Provincial Bursar Father Éric Aka, the time was one of generation transition. “I never felt I was ‘the first African’ in these offices. I saw it as the Province of Lyon making a deliberate handover while still being virile. This is about good living transmission.”

The experience, he says, was highly communal: “Everything was done together. Decisions came from consensus. No topic was off-limits. Everyone brought their strengths to the table.”

Tangible Challenges, Concrete Responses

Staffing French missions was one of the most urgent challenges. “We appealed to SMA entities in Africa and India, and needed to ensure these confreres were comfortable and could perform at their best.”

Another challenge was the maintenance and renewal of SMA properties to support modern mission needs better. “Studies are underway, and implementation teams are active.”

Financial pressures also demanded creativity: “We’ve focused on making SMA communities financially sustainable and on modernizing donor engagement.”

Serving the Human Spirit

Reflecting on his decision not to seek another term, Aka cites declining health. “It’s only fair to step aside and let others carry on. I’ll still be available to help as needed.”

He is speaking proudly of some of the accomplishments: the MIM project, new parishes opened, the SMA’s return to Paris, and the successful studies of so many confreres. “Also, the harmonious collaboration between the SMA and institutes close to it such as the Brésillac family is something I value.”

Hope for the Future

Ahead, there is challenge and opportunity, predicts Father Aka. “France is mission territory again. That’s an open door for the SMA to share its missionary expertise. But we need people.”

Financial solidarity remains the core principle. “Lyon can be a global support hub for the SMA. We also need to incorporate more lay collaborators—doing much better in this respect, one of our chief strengths.”.

He also praises the SMA retirement home. “It’s a very fraternal and spiritual atmosphere. The challenge is to maintain that spirit while balancing the books.”

Both men agree that leadership is service. “It touches something holy in every person. As Ivorians say, ‘Sheep may walk together, but they don’t have the same price.’ Every confrere, every collaborator is a sacred vignette,” says Aka.

He concludes with an insight that speaks to both their experiences: “Priesthood is a ministry to mankind, in God’s behalf. And Christ is still the example of leadership.”

By Dominic Wabwireh