Rocca di Papa, Rome – June 4, 2025

Under clear skies and the warmth of early summer, the 22nd General Assembly of the Society of African Missions (SMA) entered a decisive day in its third and final week. Delegates from across the globe remained fully engaged as they refined the proposals that will shape the future direction of the Society.

The day began with the review and approval of the previous day’s minutes before transitioning into substantive discussions focused on financial sustainability, member well-being, intercultural community life, and amendments to key themes debated earlier.

Financial Sustainability in Service of Mission

Amid mounting global economic challenges, financial stewardship emerged as one of the day’s central topics. Delegates examined the second draft of the Society’s financial orientations and endorsed a framework grounded in fraternity, responsibility, and foresight.

Multi-year budgets for 2026–2028 were presented prioritizing formation, ongoing missionary engagement, and the safeguarding of SMA’s heritage. A notable proposal was the creation of a dedicated investment fund, inspired by the legacy of Fr. Adolphe Papetard. Designed to ease future financial pressure, the fund aims to generate revenue to support critical shared resources.

Delegates also called for updated fundraising strategies, highlighting the role of professional organizations such as the PACEM Foundation and the importance of trained personnel in financial management and grant coordination. Despite the challenges, the Assembly reaffirmed its deep commitment to responsible financial stewardship in service of the mission.

Missionary Well-Being: A Core Pastoral Concern

Running parallel to financial deliberations, significant attention was given to the holistic well-being of SMA members. The Assembly emphasized that the physical, emotional, mental, social, and spiritual health of missionaries is essential to their effectiveness and to the vitality of the Society itself.

Delegates stressed the importance of care across all stages of missionary life—from first appointments to retirement—underscoring the value of mentorship, spiritual direction, and professional support. A key proposal was the creation of an Office for the Care and Well-Being of Members, which would coordinate holistic support across all SMA Units. The Assembly also reaffirmed its strong commitment to safeguarding and ministerial integrity.

Intercultural Living and International Mission

The Assembly also addressed the realities of internationality and intercultural community life—hallmarks of the SMA’s global identity. Delegates explored ways in which cultural diversity can enrich communal living and strengthen mission effectiveness.

Discussions included strategies for better integration of members assigned to new Units, enhanced language and cultural formation, and the promotion of equality and mutual respect. Proposals ranged from creating international communities and simplifying immigration procedures through ecclesial cooperation to organizing intercultural gatherings between Units with shared histories or languages.

Daily communal life—centered around shared meals, prayer, and fraternity—was highlighted as a vital space for evangelical witness in a fragmented world.

Refining Core Themes: Structures, Formation, and Missionary Zeal

The afternoon was dedicated to presenting amendments to three major themes discussed the previous day:

• The evolving realities of SMA Units
• Integral formation
• Rekindling missionary zeal for today

Working groups returned with revised drafts, enriched by plenary feedback and smaller group discussions.

On the topic of SMA Units, discussions addressed structural viability, the role and status of “seconded” members, and possible reorganization—including a proposal for Kenya to transition from District to Province.

Regarding integral formation, proposals reinforced the importance of continuous formation throughout missionary life. Emphasis was placed on collaboration between formation houses and leadership, spiritual guidance, and intercultural openness.

On missionary zeal, delegates encouraged renewed approaches to evangelization, greater engagement with marginalized populations, deeper collaboration with lay partners, and the reopening or revitalization of missions.

These discussions marked a turning point in the Assembly’s rhythm: the time for reflection is giving way to the courage to make definitive choices.

Looking Toward the Future

As the General Assembly nears its conclusion, a spirit of unity, faith, and hope permeates the proceedings. Delegates are not merely outlining policies—they are actively renewing the heart and soul of SMA life and mission.

The insights and proposals shaped in these days will be refined and incorporated into the final document of the 22nd General Assembly. This document will serve as the Society’s roadmap for the coming years, the fruit of a collective discernment rooted in faith, missionary experience, and the shared desire to walk together toward a future filled with life.

By Dominic Wabwireh