The SMA Philippine District (SMA PhD) held its District Assembly on February 9–14, 2026, at Bresillac House in Pintong Gubat, Paliparan III, Dasmariñas, Cavite, Philippines. Fourteen SMA Fathers, including Fr. Didier Lawson, general councilor, and three lay collaborators participated.
To set the spiritual tone of the assembly, the gathering began with a recollection led by Fr. Augusto Pulido, Parish Priest of Our Lady of Peace Parish in Parañaque City, Philippines. Inspired by Pope Francis’ call to be “Missionaries of Hope,” participants reflected on responding to today’s changing realities with compassion, companionship, and concrete service.
The new District Superior, Fr. German Patiga, formally opened the assembly, outlining its purpose: to evaluate the District’s life and mission and discern priorities for the next six years. He highlighted the importance of listening to one another, engaging in communal discernment, and formulating a realistic, responsive plan to guide the District’s direction in the coming years.
The first day of the Assembly ended with a solemn mass, where Fr. German Patiga and Fr. Charles Owusu-Ansah took their oath as the new District Superior and Vice- Superior, respectively.
On the succeeding days of the Assembly, Fr. Krzysztof Pachut, the assembly facilitator, guided the members in the review of reports, discussion of the responses to the Preparatory Questionnaire, and instructions for the group work on five key areas, namely: financial sustainability, vocation and formation, lay collaboration, wellbeing of members, and pastoral involvement in the Philippines and Abroad, particularly in Africa.
The Assembly continued with the deliberation and approval of each group’s proposed recommendations and decisions. On the evening of the fifth day, the adopted proposals were submitted to the Redacting Committee for refinement. On the final day, the Redacting Committee presented the proposed Official Text of the SMA Philippine District Assembly 2026 for final discussion and approval.
The assembly approved the Official Text of the SMA Philippine District Assembly 2026, adding Safeguarding Policy as a sixth major focus. Key decisions included creating a Financial Directory, appointing key administrative roles, and revising the safeguarding policy of SMA. The document was unanimously adopted by the SMA Members for implementation over the next six years.
On each day of the assembly, members gather after supper for socialization and bonding. The assembly also had the opportunity to celebrate the birthdays of Fr. Julieto Casapao and Fr. Simon Thomas, who celebrated their birthdays on February 12 and 14, respectively.
The assembly concluded with a Solemn Mass attended by SMA members, seminarians, and lay guests, reaffirming their shared mission to serve as missionaries of hope for the most abandoned in Africa, with Africa, and from Africa.
Angelee Marree A. Abrenica (SMA PhD Lay Collaborator)
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