Rocca di Papa, May 21, 2025 — On the fourth day of the 22nd General Assembly of the Society of African Missions (SMA), delegates gathered under the bright skies of Rocca di Papa to receive and reflect on a landmark presentation: the comprehensive report of the Superior General and his Council. More than a retrospective, the report offered a bold and strategic vision for the Society’s path forward in a rapidly evolving global context.

A Time of Gratitude and Transition

Superior General Fr. Antonio Porcellato, now approaching the end of his term, opened the session by expressing deep gratitude to his Council members—Fathers François de Paul, Francis Rozario, and Krzysztof Pachut—and to the leadership teams across provinces, districts, and delegations. “The Society is no longer what it was 50 years ago—or even 12,” Fr. Antonio reflected.

Indeed, the numbers bear witness to a transformation: over 70% of SMA’s 370 seminarians are now African, and the majority of active missionaries hail from the African continent. This shift marks a major evolution in the SMA’s identity—from a European-led society to a dynamic and international missionary family rooted in Africa.

From Africa as Mission Field to Africa as Mission Force

Fr. Antonio highlighted a key change in how Africa is perceived within the Society—not merely as a destination for mission, but increasingly as a source of mission. Today, 22% of SMA’s 508 active missionaries serve in primary evangelization areas, mostly across 12 African countries. Another 45% work in urban parishes and specialized projects, while the remainder contribute in formation, administration, and leadership roles.

Fr. Antonio also addressed the growing number of mission requests coming from countries such as Chad and Papua New Guinea. He clarified that the SMA’s intention is not to establish a permanent presence in these regions, but rather to offer a helping hand, supporting local Churches through short-term or transitional missionary assistance. This approach reflects a spirit of solidarity and flexibility, while acknowledging the limited personnel resources currently available. Responding to these new calls will require strategic planning—and may even necessitate scaling back or closing some long-established missions in better-resourced areas.

Strengthening Global Identity Amid Structural Challenges

The Assembly revisited the 2019 restructuring that established 10 provinces and 8 districts, aimed at promoting local responsibility. While progress has been made, not all entities are self-sustaining—some struggle with staffing, political instability, or financial constraints. The Assembly will deliberate on Kenya’s request to transition from district to province, alongside broader questions of interdependence and shared funding mechanisms.

Formation: Building the Future Church

Fr. François de Paul Houngue presented a detailed report on initial formation, a cornerstone of the SMA’s long-term vision. With 11 formation houses currently operating, the average cost of preparing a missionary over 10 years stands at €35,000 per seminarian. Rising numbers of vocations, especially in West Africa, are placing pressure on existing infrastructure. To meet this need, a new philosophy house is being built in Tanzania, and a second Spiritual Year Center is planned in Zambia, funded through the sale of the former Manila house in the Philippines.

Meanwhile, Fr. Francis Rozario shared developments in ongoing formation, celebrating a decade of the Inter-Congregational Ongoing Formation (ICOF) program, which has enriched the spiritual and pastoral lives of 40 SMA missionaries to date.

Justice, Peace, and a Call for Institutional Commitment

Fr. Krzysztof Pachut addressed the SMA’s work in Justice and Peace and its collaboration with the OLA Sisters. While acknowledging progress, he raised concerns over the lack of a centralized SMA office for social advocacy, calling for stronger institutional backing for these vital ministries.

Governance and the Road Ahead

The Assembly also returned to the complex issue of constitutional reform. Although the changes from the 2019 Assembly have been integrated into governing texts, a commission led by Fr. Rozario recommended that a full separation of Constitutions and Laws be pursued during the next mandate.

Delegates concluded the day in small group discussions, considering the implications of the Council’s report. From questions of sustainability and formation to future mission expansion and governance, the day reflected the Society’s commitment to discernment and communal responsibility.

A Spirit of Hope and Purpose

While challenges remain, the Assembly is fueled by a shared sense of purpose and a desire to remain faithful to the SMA’s founding spirit. As Fr. Antonio reminded the delegates: “Our first vocation is to proclaim the Kingdom—like Brésillac, who left everything for the Gospel.”

As the Assembly continues, the delegates look ahead not just to policies and plans, but to the kind of missionary presence the SMA must embody in today’s world.