We retrace for you through these images, key moments that defined 2025 for the SMA :
15 January – 10 April 2025
In preparation for the 22nd General Assembly, delegates participated in four online preparatory meetingsduring the year 2025.
These sessions focused on orientation, sharing of expectations, and early discernment, helping delegates enter the Assembly with a shared understanding of the challenges and hopes facing the Society.
18 May 2025 – Opening of the General Assembly
18 May 2025 – Opening of the General Assembly
The 22nd General Assembly of the Society of African Missions officially opened on 18 May 2025.
The Assembly was inaugurated by Fr. Antonio Porcellato, then Superior General, with his address followed by roll call, and the celebration of the Eucharist.
Delegates began a three-week synodal journey of prayer, listening, and discernment, guided by the theme:
“Set apart to announce the Gospel in Africa, with Africa, and from Africa.”
26–27 May 2025 – Leadership ElectionsWeek Two of the Assembly
During the second week of the Assembly, delegates focused on key leadership elections:
• 26 May 2025 – Election of the Superior General
• Fr. François du Penhoat was elected as the new Superior General of the Society of African Missions.
• 27 May 2025 – Election of the General Councilors
The members of the new General Council were elected, completing the leadership team that will guide the Society in the coming years.
5 June 2025 – Kenya Elevated to ProvinceGeneral Assembly Decision
The Assembly approved the elevation of Kenya from District to Province, a historic decision reflecting the growth, maturity, and missionary vitality of the Society in the region.
6 June 2025 – Audience with the Holy FatherVatican
SMA delegates were received in papal audience by Pope Leo XIV, who encouraged them in their missionary vocation and reaffirmed the importance of evangelization rooted in hope, communion, and service.
7 June 2025 – Final DeliberationsClosing Phase of the Assembly
Delegates concluded the main work of the Assembly with:
• Final votes on key texts
• Adoption of working documents
8 June 2025 – Closing of the 22nd General AssemblyRocca di Papa
The General Assembly formally concluded on 8 June 2025.
In his closing reflections, the new Superior General emphasized unity in diversity, missionary hope, and renewed commitment as delegates returned to their respective mission.
SMA Provincial Assemblies Across SMA Provinces
Life of the Society After the Assembly
16 June – 21 November 2025SMA Provincial Assemblies Across SMA Provinces
Following the General Assembly, various SMA Provincial Assemblies were held around the world.
These gatherings focused on:
• Receiving and implementing the Assembly’s orientations
• Discernment at local level
• Installation of new Provincial Leaders
7 October 2025 – New AppointmentsSMA Districts and Delegations
A series of new appointments across SMA districts and delegations took place, with several new superiors and council members named to support mission leadership at local level.
1 December 2025 – Call to Prayer
The Superior General issued a call to prayer for the Papiri captives, inviting the entire SMA family to unite in solidarity and hope.
8 December 2025 – Foundation Day
On the eve of SMA Foundation Day, 7 December 2025, the new Superior General delivered an official message to the entire society, an important moment of thanksgiving and renewal of missionary commitment.
12 December 2025 – 30th anniversary of the formation house of Nairobi
The SMA formation house in Nairobi celebrated its 30th anniversary, highlighting three decades of training and service to the Church and society at large.
22 December 2025 – Papiri Captives Freed
The year closed with joyful news: the Papiri captives were freed, a moment of relief and gratitude shared across the SMA.
As this visual journey comes to an end, the images of 2025 leave us with a deeper sense of gratitude and hope.
It was a landmark year for the Society of African Missions, marked by deep discernment, leadership renewal, structural growth, and renewed missionary hope.
These images capture a year lived in communion — a Society walking together, listening, discerning, and renewing its commitment to announce the Gospel in Africa, with Africa, and from Africa.
As we step into the new year, may 2026 be a time of continued blessing, unity, and missionary zeal. May the Society grow ever stronger in its service, guided by the Spirit, and may each member experience joy, courage, and perseverance in their mission. Let this coming year be one of hope, fruitful endeavors, and renewed dedication to sharing the Gospel in every corner of the world.
Brice Ulrich AFFERI
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