Abidjan, August 1, 2025 — During a solemn Eucharistic celebration marking the installation of the new leadership team of the SMA Province of Côte d’Ivoire, a homily was delivered by Fr. Rémi Fatchéoun, inviting reflection on the meaning of authority in the Church, rooted in the example of Christ himself. Below is the full text of the homily:
“Jesus taught the people in their synagogue in such a way that they were astonished and said: ‘Where did this man get this wisdom and these miracles?’” (Matt 13:54).
In chapter 7 of the same Gospel, we find a similar reaction from the crowd to Jesus’ teaching: “When Jesus had finished these words, the crowds were astonished at His teaching; for He taught them as one having authority, and not as their scribes.” (Matt 7:29).
At this Mass, we give thanks to the Lord for having given us brothers who will take on the mission of leadership within our Province. We thank them for accepting this service of authority.
What is authority?
Bishop Nicodème Barrigah-Benissan, in his book Crisis of Authority, Abuse of Power, defines authority based on its Latin root augere, which means to increase or to make grow. Thus, authority ” refers to the weight, value, and recognition of a person. It designates someone’s importance and influence. Thus, those who exude authority have weight in the eyes of society, which recognizes such a quality in them. But society recognizes this quality only to the extent that it feels elevated by the esteem granted to that person” (p. 12).
Dear Frs Narcisse, Hervé, and Anthony, you carry weight—not the physical kind, but the weight of your human qualities, the reputation you enjoy among your confreres, and the weight of your years of experience in the SMA.
- Fr. Narcisse Ogou served as a missionary in the Diocese of Bauchi in Nigeria, pastor of Holy Family Parish in Abuja, Vice Regional Superior in Nigeria, Vice Superior of the DFGG, Regional Superior of Côte d’Ivoire, and the first Provincial Superior of Côte d’Ivoire.
- Fr. Hervé Yépié served for many years as a formator, and many SMA members who now hold positions of authority were formed under his guidance. He also served in the USA as a community superior and is currently in charge of the Bishop Paul Pellet Center.
- As for Fr. Anthony Ayeku, has been a missionary in the Diocese of San Pedro, served as Episcopal Vicar in the Bakoué area, and was responsible for family ministry. Dear Fathers, by choosing you to lead the SMA Province of Côte d’Ivoire, we feel uplifted in you.
By choosing you to guide the Province for a six-year term, what has been given to you is not power, but authority—you have been invested with recognized authority.
Bishop Barrigah defines power as “the ability to demand obedience or the legal capacity to make others do something, usually implying the use of force” (p. 12). In contrast, authority belongs to the realm of credibility and recognition.
It elicits obedience by the strength of its values and imposes itself naturally, while power imposes itself through coercion and force.
Dear Fathers, your confreres have recognized you as authorities, and the ongoing Provincial Assembly is working to define the framework of your service. The key themes already emerging are: accessibility, listening, intergenerational fraternity, and synodality.
To these, I would add the image of the “father.”
Intergenerational fraternity.
Our confreres from Lyon, Strasbourg, Spain, Canada, and Italy, who served in this country until recently and passed the torch to us, would be surprised to see a generational issue arise so soon, just as we begin to celebrate our first silver jubilees.
Twenty-five years ago, the question arose between the generation of Fathers Bruno, Obro, Reginald, Romanus… and that of Fathers Roustan, Lemière, Ramon, Basso…
Today, it could arise between the generation of Fathers Narcisse and Hervé and that represented by Fr. Anthony.
We now have an intergenerational Provincial Council. We are confident that you will listen to everyone, regardless of generation, because ultimately, this is about fraternity—a fraternity in Christ where there are neither old nor young, but unity in Christ, a baptismal unity that leads us to build communities of missionary disciples.
Dear Narcisse, Hervé, and Anthony, you are our brothers, but also our fathers.
When we call you “Fathers,” know that this honorary title reminds you of your duty to protect, accompany with patience, advise, encourage, and provide for daily needs. And if there is nothing to give, then listening alone is already a great comfort.
In the mission you have accepted, be assured of our prayers. And allow me, on behalf of all the members of the Province, to promise that we will give you fewer worries so that you may focus on what truly matters—the things that help us move forward.
And the Lord who has called you says: “Take courage, stand firm, I am with you.”
This homily, delivered in a spirit of faith and unity, sets a spiritual foundation for the new Provincial Council of SMA Côte d’Ivoire. It reminds the entire missionary body that true authority—like that of Christ—is not domination, but service that uplifts, listens, and unites.
Brice Ulrich AFFERI
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