In a spirit of missionary sending, the Lay Missionary Fraternity (FLM) gathered this weekend at the Maison des Cartières in Chaponost to mark the beginning of its new mission year. While two of its members, David and Gray, continue their work in Togo and Benin, the fraternity spent time in sharing, prayer, and reflection on strengthening its identity and missionary dynamism alongside the Society of African Missions (SMA).

The Maison des Cartières was filled with reunions and genuine exchanges. The goal was clear: to launch the mission year with a sharpened awareness of the fraternity’s current realities. Participants enjoyed warm fellowship while also engaging in deep reflection, nourished by times of prayer rooted in the Word of God.

A highlight was the presentation by Father Éric Aka, Vice-Provincial of the Lyon Province, who shared his extensive missionary experience in Liberia. His insights provided valuable context for the upcoming mission of two volunteers, Marielle and Clément, who will soon be serving in that country.

The meeting also provided an opportunity to frankly address the fraternity’s challenges:

The departure of some members, highlighting the need for ongoing accompaniment

The importance of strengthening fraternal bonds through regular prayer meetings

The integration of new members like Blaise and Paul who have expressed interest

Updates from David in Togo and Gray in Benin grounded the discussions in field reality. David presented his project on reading instruction in Kabiyè language in middle schools near Kara – an initiative addressing the literacy crisis. Gray reported on progress in translating Exodus into Foodo – a meticulous task requiring great precision.

The weekend concluded on a hopeful note with the welcoming of Bruno and his wife Caroline, accompanied by their four children. Their testimony about a year spent as volunteers in Liberia was particularly appreciated, especially when their two eldest daughters shared their experiences. These accounts helped prepare for the departure of Marielle and Clément, who will teach French, Physics and Mathematics respectively in Liberia.

A highlight of the Eucharistic celebration presided over by Father Claude Vincent was the blessing of the volunteers which he conferred, followed by the mission sending by Beatrice, the FLM leader. This dual gesture, performed in the presence of SMA fathers and the faithful, deeply moved the assembly. The commitment of these volunteers embodies the sending dimension proper to the FLM, symbolizing the missionary sending of each member according to their vocation.

Strengthened by this weekend of renewal, the FLM begins this new mission year aware of its challenges, but confident in its vocation: to be, with the SMA, a “sign of the missionary spirit at the very heart of the Church’s life.”

By Dominic Wabwireh