Rocca di Papa, Rome – June 2, 2025

Pilgrimage to Assisi: A Journey of Communion 

On June 1, delegates traveled to Assisi, where they celebrated Mass at the Basilica of St. Clare—a rare privilege on a day when the basilicas were closed to the public. The pilgrimage, described as a “family experience” by participants, became a living metaphor for the assembly’s theme of walking together. 

During the Mass, a moving ritual unfolded: delegates laid hands on the General Council in a gesture of solidarity, praying for the Holy Spirit’s guidance. The moment resonated so deeply that bystanders—including an Italian seminarian and a Chinese backpacker—requested similar blessings. 

The visit was not without drama. One delegate, Fr. Éric Aka, was hospitalized in nearby Gubbio—a town tied to St. Francis’ legend of taming a wolf—for a recurring ailment. Updates confirmed his stable condition. 

Republic Day Deliberations: Drafts Take Shape

The third and final week of the 2025 General Assembly of the Society of African Missions (SMA) began with renewed energy at Rocca di Papa, despite the Italian public holiday marking Republic Day. Delegates pressed ahead with determination, aware that they are shaping a roadmap for the future of the Society.

On this milestone day, working groups began presenting their first draft proposals—documents that are the fruit of several days of intense prayer, reflection, and spirited dialogue. The atmosphere was one of attentiveness and shared purpose, as Assembly members offered feedback and support in a spirit of collaboration.

Two central themes emerged during the day’s presentations: Intercultural Communion and the Care and Well-being of Members—both considered vital for the identity, cohesion, and mission of the SMA.

Intercultural Communion: Walking Together in Diversity

One working group presented their reflections on intercultural communion, describing it as a living testimony to the Gospel in a multicultural world. They emphasized the need to strengthen unity within SMA Units, advocating for deeper understanding and respect for differences in culture, age, and background.

Key Recommendations Included:

• Promoting language and cultural learning, especially during formation.
• Ensuring equal treatment of all members within Units.
• Opening leadership roles at all levels to members of any nationality.
• Encouraging shared prayer, meals, and recreation as a way of building fraternal bonds.
• Developing communities as spaces of dialogue, renewal, and pastoral inspiration.

The team also reaffirmed the importance of internationality—not just as a logistical necessity but as a spiritual asset that enriches mission and community life. Proposals were made to create international communities within Units, foster cross-border collaboration, and ease immigration processes with the support of bishops and religious leaders.

Care and Well-being of Members: A Holistic Vision

The second draft focused on the comprehensive care of SMA members—physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and socially. This pillar, delegates agreed, is indispensable for vibrant missionary life and effective service.

Grounded in scripture and the charism of the SMA, the proposals offer a broad and compassionate strategy for care across all stages of a member’s journey.

Recommendations Included:

1. Transition and Accompaniment:

• Establish structured programs to accompany members from permanent commitment through their early years of ministry.
• Create a database of resource persons for support and mentorship.

2. Ongoing Care for Leaders and Members:

• Launch initiatives for ongoing formation tailored to different life stages.
• Introduce mentoring and coaching for leadership teams.
• Recognize retirement as a gradual process and include it as part of formation planning.

3. Members in Special Circumstances:

• Foster honest dialogue among Unit leaders to find shared solutions.
• Ensure visits and support to members facing personal or pastoral challenges.

4. Integrity in Ministry:

• Empower the existing Office of Integrity in Ministry to develop a universal code of conduct.
• Organize workshops on ethical ministry and authentic witness.

5. Safeguarding:

• Strengthen the Safeguarding Office’s oversight of policies protecting minors and vulnerable persons.
• Establish a dedicated Office for Care and Well-being at the Generalate to coordinate all related initiatives.

Synodality and Good Governance: A Framework for the Future

Other ongoing discussions highlighted themes of governance, leadership, and synodality. Inspired by Pope Francis’ call to “journey together,” the Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to servant leadership, mutual accountability, and shared discernment.

Leaders were encouraged to promote humility, open communication, and cooperation across Units, while also supporting deeper involvement of lay missionaries. Appointment processes were reviewed, with emphasis placed on internationality, pastoral growth, and mission stability.

Pentecost Focus: “Without the Spirit, Mission is Propaganda” 

With Pentecost a week away, the assembly’s opening prayer framed their work: 

“Without the Holy Spirit, the Church is just an organization… but with the Spirit, mission becomes Pentecost—alive and transformative.”

A Marist brother, inspired by discovering a Roman road during a hike, captured the mood: “The sacred path matters more than the destination. Our shared journey is the goal.”

Looking Ahead with Clarity and Commitment

The diversity of themes—ranging from intercultural living and safeguarding to synodality and leadership—may seem vast, but delegates are weaving them into a unified vision. Each proposal contributes to a broader tapestry of renewal, rooted in the Gospel and attentive to the signs of the times.

As the Assembly moves toward its final resolutions, there is a shared sense of clarity, unity, and responsibility. The days ahead will be crucial, but the foundation has been laid for a stronger, more inclusive, and missionary-focused SMA.

“Even on a public holiday, the Spirit doesn’t take a break,” said one delegate. “We’re walking this final stretch not just with urgency, but with hope.

By Dominic Wabwireh