NANTES – Sunday, June 29, 2025.

NANTES – Sunday, June 29, 2025. On the solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, the parish of Blessed Marcel Callo in Nantes celebrated a deeply moving Mass—an intersection of faith, gratitude, and emotion. Three major events converged in one liturgy: the close of the pastoral year, the departure of Fr. Laurent Ore, missionary of the Society of African Missions (SMA) and parish priest since 2021, and the official presentation of the new Provincial Superior of Lyon, Fr. Augustin Placide Houessinon.

A moment of faith and transmission

The Eucharistic celebration, presided over by Fr. Houessinon, offered the community an opportunity to give thanks for the fruits of a dense and fruitful pastoral year. Fr. Laurent, who delivered the homily, shared a message of gratitude imbued with fraternity and hope. Honoring the diversity and dedication of the parishioners, he emphasized:

“Everyone has their place in this parish.”

He also referenced the republican values of liberty, equality, and fraternity, encouraging the faithful to live them daily through the lens of Christian faith.

A seamless pastoral transition

During the same Mass, the parish welcomed a new face: Fr. Benjamin Ubi, originally from Nigeria, who now joins the pastoral team composed of Fr. Christopher Oshaleye (Nigeria) and Fr. Jolidon Abissio Pounika (Central African Republic). A pastoral continuity marked by mission and cultural diversity.

sincere and moving tributes

One of the most touching moments of the celebration came from the altar servers, who praised p. Laurent for his kind presence, simplicity, and attentive ear. A similarly heartfelt portrait was painted by a representative of the Union of Pastoral Agents (UAP), who spoke emotionally of a humble man—warm, football-loving, and gifted with emotional and spiritual intelligence.

A respectful and sincere tribute from the parish leadership

At the end of the celebration, a much-anticipated and emotional moment came from the heart of the Parish Leadership Team (EAP). Boris Misura took the floor—not to recount Fr. Laurent’s life, but to express, on behalf of all, deep gratitude, honoring his desire for discretion. Right away, Boris confided to the assembly:

“I had written a long piece about your life… but I learned that you prefer we not speak about it. So, I rewrote it entirely. Out of respect.”

Without delving into personal or biographical details, Boris delivered a tribute full of delicacy, gratitude, and subtle humor—true to the priest he described: a humble, measured, attentive man, always concerned with peace and unity.

“We will long hold the image of you,
A man of God, gentle guide, filled with virtue.”

“You always sought to bring people together,
To listen, welcome, and never hurt another.”

His words echoed what many quietly felt: the blessing of having been guided for years by a profoundly human, spiritual, and consistently kind parish priest. Boris also praised Fr. Laurent’s missionary spirit, his sense of humor (including his passion for PSG and a certain misplaced football accident), and his courage in navigating parish complexities.

In a simple yet sincere poem, Boris captured what the Nantes community will remember:

“This fall, you’ll take a sabbatical rest,
Dear friend, we hope it brings you your best.
A time well deserved to be renewed,
To breathe, reflect, be gently subdued.”

And concluded with these heartfelt lines:

“Here in Nantes, you’ll always be at home.
There are no coincidences, no chance alone.
Your time with us remains a beautiful story—
The Lord has humor, depth, and glory…
And Saint-Laurent Church bore a fitting name.”

The reverent silence that followed spoke volumes. This was no farewell—it was a warm see you again, marked by affection, respect, and hope.

A tender offering procession

The offertory, led by parish children holding small tea lights—sometimes accompanied by their parents—moved the assembly with its grace and symbolic power. The procession beautifully reflected the transmission of faith within families. At the end of the Mass, symbolic gifts, including stoles offered by the catechumens and the UAP, were presented to Fr. Laurent as signs of the community’s deep affection for their shepherd.

A living memory of SMA Missionaries

Fr. Aloïs Kituba, representing the SMA delegation, acknowledged the fraternal collaboration between the parish and the Society of African Missions over the years. He thanked the community for its ongoing hospitality toward SMA missionary priests who served in Nantes, mentioning Frs. John Suakor, Roger Nicol, Benjamin Ubi, Christopher Oshaleye, and Jolidon Abissio, among others.

A joyful community celebration

The celebration, animated by a multilingual and multicultural choir, reflected the vibrant identity of the Marcel Callo parish. It continued with a joyful gathering in the parish hall, where young and old came together over refreshments in an atmosphere of warmth and fraternity.

A missionary journey in service of the most vulnerable

Ordained in 2001 and born in Lomé, Togo, Fr. Laurent Ore has served in the Central African Republic, Togo, and France—always remaining true to Bishop de Marion Brésillac’s call: “to go to the most abandoned.”

Whether in the underserved neighborhoods of Vaulx-en-Velin, the pygmy villages of Bélemboké, or the urban parishes of Bangui and Nantes, he combined closeness, gentleness, and spiritual depth. His formation in spiritual accompaniment with the Jesuits at Le Châtelard (2017–2019) deepened his desire to help people find God within the realities of their lives.

A new chapter: setting out in trust

Now entering a sabbatical year, Fr. Laurent plans to reflect spiritually on his journey and to continue his pilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago, which he began in 2024. It is a new chapter he approaches with trust and interiority, ever faithful to his calling as a man walking with God.

Opening words from the EAP: a community gives thanks

“On this day celebrating the pillars of the Church, Saints Peter and Paul, we gather to give thanks for what we’ve lived, to thank all those who bring our community to life, and to accompany our parish priest, Fr. Laurent, toward new horizons. May the example of Peter and Paul continue to inspire us.”

Thank you, Fr. Laurent, for your faithfulness, your closeness, and your gentleness.

Bon voyage—and may God Walk with you to the open sea.

By Dominic Wabwireh