Photo Credit: Pierre Paul Anani Dossekpli

Days after the visits of two batches of Nigerian bishops to the SMA and the Sisters of Our Lady of Apostles (OLA) in Rome, the SMA Generalate welcomed another delegation from West Africa. This time, bishops from Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Gambia arrived for a visit, a warm expression of the SMA’s ongoing commitment to walking alongside the local Churches of the continent.

For many present, the gathering was as much about reconnecting as it was about fraternity. After a time of sharing between the General Council and the Bishops — covering the joys and challenges of mission, the common history, and the future — the day continued with midday prayer followed by lunch.

Bishop Henry ARUNA of the Diocese of Kenema in Sierra Leone spoke with evident warmth about the deep historical ties between the congregation and his country. “The SMA has a very powerful history with Sierra Leone,” he said. “The founder came to Sierra Leone and died there with our people, for our people.” He noted that after approximately 150 years, the SMA returned to continue the vision of its late founder, Bishop Melchior de Marion Brésillac, and are now active in the Diocese of Kenema, running St. John the Baptist Mission in Buedu: “They are in a very rural part of the diocese” he added, “few in number, but full of zeal and courage to spread the Word of God.”

From Liberia, Bishop Andrew J. KARNLEY, Bishop of Cape Palmas, expressed gratitude and reflected on the importance of this kind of direct encounter. Being present at the Generalate, he noted, offered a chance to renew the bonds that unite bishops and missionaries in a shared faith and mission.

Fr. Eric Aka, who previously served in Liberia and knew several of the visiting bishops echoed this sentiment, describing the bishops’ willingness to carve out time from a demanding ad limina schedule as a sign of gratitude and commitment to deepening relationships between the SMA and the local Churches.

The bishops’ presence was met with warm words from Fr. François DU PENHOAT, Superior General of the SMA, who recalled the long-standing relationship linking the Society with the Church in Africa.

Welcoming the bishops of Liberia, he expressed his gratitude, stating that the bond between the SMA and the country dates back to 1906, when the missionaries first arrived, taking over from the Spiritan Fathers.

Turning to the bishops of Sierra Leone, he also expressed gratitude for the support given to the SMA missionaries since their return to the country.

He extended a special welcome to Bishop Gabriel Mendy, CSSp, of the Diocese of Banjul in Gambia, noting that while the SMA has no mission in Gambia, his presence stands as a testimony to a fraternity that transcends the boundaries of mission.

He subsequently reiterated before all the bishops the missionaries’ commitment of the SMA to serve with courage, creativity, and faith. “May this encounter foster our collaboration,” he said, “for the good of our Churches and the Kingdom of God.”

As the day drew to a close, it was clear that the visit had strengthened more than collaboration, it had renewed friendships.

Even on the eve of Holy Week, as Fr. Damian BRESNAHAN put it, brothers in mission still found time to eat, pray, and walk together : a testament to a bond rooted in shared mission, fraternity, and faith that stretches far beyond the walls of the SMA Generalate.

Brice Ulrich AFFERI