Lyon -France

The wait is over. The Provincial Assembly of the Society of African Missions (SMA) in Lyon has spoken: a new provincial council is in place. But this is no ordinary reshuffling—it is a milestone that will be remembered in the annals of SMA history. For the first time ever, a European province of the SMA is now led entirely by African missionaries. The Province of Lyon has just made a groundbreaking and symbolically powerful decision that signals a major shift in the Society’s missionary and intercultural journey.

A Leadership Milestone for SMA Europe

The newly elected Provincial Superior is Fr. Augustin Placide Houessinou, originally from the Republic of Benin, making him the second African to hold this position in the Province of Lyon.

His Vice-Provincial and first councillor is Fr. Éric Aka, from Côte d’Ivoire, reappointed for a second term. He also holds the historical distinction of being the first African Provincial Superior of Lyon, albeit briefly, following the election of his predecessor to the SMA’s highest office.

Joining them is Fr. Yves Tchogli, from the Republic of Togo, a well-known figure in the Lyon province and current Rector of the Cartières in Chaponost, now serving as second councillor.

A Beninese, an Ivorian, and a Togolese now form the first all-African leadership team in a European SMA province—a symbolic reflection of a changing missionary era.

Passing the Torch

This new team takes over from Fr. François-Marie Hervé Du Penhaot, the former Provincial Superior of Lyon, who was recently elected Superior General of the SMA. His vice-provincial, Fr. Éric Aka, temporarily assumed leadership before the new elections. Also leaving the council is Archbishop Michel Cartatéguy, former Archbishop of Niamey, Niger, who served as second councillor.

The leadership change reflects a profound generational and geographical evolution within the Society—a shift from Europe sending missionaries to Europe becoming a mission field led by those it once sent.

“Lyon is the first SMA province in Europe to be entirely governed by Africans. This is more than symbolic—it’s historic,” one delegate commented.

Assembly Spirit: Openness, Fraternity, and Prayer

The Provincial Assembly, held at the SMA house in Cartières, was marked by open dialogue, deep fraternity, and spiritual grounding. Among the guests was Sr. Victoria Zra, Provincial Leader of the Our Lady of Apostles (OLA) Sisters in France. Her impressions highlight the tone of the gathering:

“It was an open assembly with true listening and no pretenses. The participants were sincere and Spirit-led. Even in different working groups, the same reflections emerged—a sign of unity and shared discernment.”

She praised the daily adoration sessions, which brought a spiritual depth to the assembly’s deliberations, and expressed a desire for continued collaboration between the SMA and NDA, not just in France but worldwide.

A Moment of Rest in Nature

After several intense days of discussion, delegates took a well-earned break. The community ventured to Villars-les-Dombes, where they celebrated Sunday Eucharist with the Chemin Neuf community at the Abbey of Les Dombes. A cheerful meal followed, along with a visit to the 35-hectare Bird Park, renowned for its biodiversity. While the heat prevented viewing the bird show, participants enjoyed a peaceful walk among exotic and native species—a successful day of rest that re-energized the assembly.

Looking Ahead: Planning, Projects, and the Mission

On Monday, June 23, the assembly resumed with house project presentations and strategic decisions for the province’s future. With the new council now fully constituted, the Province of Lyon enters a new phase of its missionary life—one grounded in diversity, continuity, and renewal.

As Bishop Melchior de Brésillac, founder of the SMA, famously declared:

“My work will continue as long as there is a willingness to continue. And you are that willingness.”

Today, that willingness takes the form of three African missionaries in the heart of Europe, ready to write the next chapter in the mission entrusted to them.

By Dominic Wabwireh