Rocca di Papa, May 19, 2025 — On the serene hills of Rocca di Papa, under clear skies and surrounded by the lush greenery that once inspired Chiara Lubich, the founder of the Focolare Movement, participants of the 22nd General Assembly of the Society of African Missions (SMA) embarked on the second day of their gathering, dedicated to dialogue, discernment, and structural planning.

The morning began with small group discussions, offering participants the opportunity to share their expectations for the Assembly and reflect on the contributions they hope to bring to the collective mission. As conversations deepened, bonds strengthened, embodying the spirit of fraternity and openness essential to the Assembly’s work.

At the heart of the day’s agenda was the review of the General Assembly Handbook — a pivotal document that outlines the rules, schedule, and structure of the weeks ahead.

“The handbook is essentially a guiding framework approved by the members of the Assembly to help facilitate the entire process,” SMA Secretary General, Fr. Emmanuel Dim explained. “It contains the calendar, the program, and the various rules that govern how the General Assembly is to be conducted. That’s why it’s essential for all members to agree on it — to ensure the Assembly runs smoothly.”

In the afternoon, participants reached preliminary consensus on key procedural elements, laying the groundwork for more structured deliberations in the days to come. A vote on the official adoption of the handbook is expected tomorrow.

This day also marked a growing sense of spiritual communion. The participants, as guided by the procedure’s manual, are called to cultivate “an attitude of openness, availability, and receptivity to the action of the Spirit.”

As the sun set over Rocca di Papa, the SMA delegates carried forward a shared commitment: to make this Assembly not only a time of governance and planning, but a true expression of communion in mission.

By Dominic Wabwireh