Rocca di Papa, Rome – June 7, 2025

After three intense weeks of prayer, discernment, dialogue, and decision-making, the 22nd General Assembly of the Society of African Missions (SMA) has drawn to a close leaving behind a deeply transformative working document that will guide the Society’s mission for the next six years.

On this final full day of proceedings, a spirit of unity and purpose filled the hall. The day opened, as it has throughout the Assembly, with prayer and a few key announcements. The morning then turned to the final review of the Society’s Constitutions and Laws, before the delegates cast their votes on several last recommendations from the various group reports.

In a significant procedural move, the Assembly unanimously mandated the Superior General and his Council to review and approve the minutes of the meetings held on Saturday, June 7, and Sunday, June 8, and to edit and publish the official documents of the Assembly in the Society’s two official languages: English and French.

But this was not just a day for wrapping up administrative tasks. It was a moment of profound culmination—both spiritual and strategic—crowned by yesterday’s unforgettable audience with Pope Leo XIV. The newly elected Pontiff offered words of encouragement and challenge, reminding delegates of the missionary identity at the heart of the Church and of their founder Bishop de Marion Brésillac’s call to radical gospel simplicity and openness to the “folly of the Cross.”

A Church Listening, A Society Responding

The Assembly’s final plenary began with the correction and adoption of the previous sessions’ minutes. One of the final votes clarified a key structural point: the Assembly agreed that the motion concerning the creation of a commission to continue the reflection on the revision of the SMA Constitutions and Laws should be classified as a decision—not just a recommendation. This commission will report to the mid-mandate Plenary Council.

The members also approved the official message of the 2025 General Assembly, boldly affirming the theme that has underpinned every conversation and prayer of the past three weeks:

“Set apart to announce the Gospel in Africa, with Africa, and from Africa.”

This message encapsulates the missionary direction and global commitment of the SMA today—rooted in the African context yet radically open to the needs and cries of the world.

A Milestone Moment

Held from May 18 to June 8, 2025, at the Spiritual Centre of the Sisters Apostles of the Sacred Heart in Rocca di Papa, this Assembly gathered 55 participants—including 28 elected delegates from 21 Units and 27 ex officio members. For the first time, African members formed the majority of the Assembly, a clear sign of the Society’s evolving identity and the vitality of its missionary charism in Africa and beyond.

This year’s General Assembly coincided with the triple Jubilee celebrations marking:

• 200 years since the birth of Fr. Augustin Planque;
• 170 years since the founding of the SMA;
• 150 years since the establishment of the Institute of Our Lady of Apostles Sisters.

Guided by the narrative of the disciples on the road to Emmaus—encounter, discernment, and missioning—facilitators Br. Emili and Sr. Tiziana led the Assembly through a contemplative and synodal process. This framework encouraged deep listening, openness to the Spirit, and a collective focus on what would best serve the Society as a whole.

From Vision to Action

The Assembly identified seven key priorities to guide the SMA’s mission through 2031:

1. Care and Well-being of Members
2. Evolving Realities of SMA Units
3. Financial Sustainability and Solidarity
4. Good Governance and Synodality
5. Integral Formation
6. Rekindling Missionary Zeal Today
7. Witnessing Intercultural Communion

These priorities are not abstract ideas but the result of spirited conversation, grounded prayer, and intercultural exchange. They reflect both the challenges and hopes facing the Society in a rapidly changing world—and a firm resolve to respond in faith.

A powerful new direction statement emerged from the discernment:

“Missionaries of Hope, rooted in Christ and inspired by our SMA Charism, we journey together to build the Kingdom of God with the local Church, through renewed models of evangelization.”

This renewed sense of identity acknowledges the increasing complexity of geopolitical, ecological, and ecclesial realities while holding firm to the Society’s roots in Christ, communal life, and prophetic mission.

The Road Ahead

This General Assembly may be concluding, but its work is only beginning. Delegates leave Rocca di Papa with a renewed sense of purpose—and a clear mandate to breathe new life into the Society’s structures, spirituality, and missionary presence.

As the SMA prepares to publish its official working document, the words of Pope Leo XIV echo in the hearts of all present:

“Be free from all conditioning, as men filled with Christ, able to bring your brothers and sisters to meet Him. Proclaim the Gospel to the whole world.”

Tomorrow: A Closing in Thanksgiving

On June 8, the Society will come together for a final act of gratitude: a closing Mass that will bring three weeks of hard work and grace to a sacred conclusion. Delegates will return to their missions, not just with documents in hand—but with hearts set ablaze by the Spirit of Pentecost, ready to renew the face of the earth.

As Missionaries of Hope, the SMA walks forward—set apart, yet deeply connected—to announce the Gospel in Africa, with Africa, and from Africa.

May Our Lady of Africa guide this journey.
May Venerable Bishop de Marion Brésillac intercede for its fruitfulness.

By Dominic Wabwireh