“One hand alone cannot clap.” This African proverb reminds us of a truth that is too often forgotten: no collective achievement is possible without an encounter with others. Whether through their advice, expertise, experience, or simply their assistance, it is in this openness to others that success is born, however modest it may be. Today more than ever, the future of humanity, our society, and our institutions depends on the quality of our solidarity and the collaborations we are able to build in a spirit of fraternity that uplifts and moves us forward.

The SMA Fathers of the Provinces of Lyon and Strasbourg, the Sisters of Our Lady of the Apostles (OLA) of France, and the Missionary Catechist Sisters of the Sacred Heart (MCSC) of Menton understood this long ago. The idea of a forum—a true space for discussion, sharing, and collaboration among the councils of these four entities—gradually took shape before becoming a reality at a first meeting in 2021. Since then, whenever possible, the Provincial Councils have gathered each year to discuss common projects with the aim of fostering greater collaboration in service of the Church’s mission in France.

It was in this spirit that, from 20 to 23 April 2026, the four Councils met in Menton, not only to review the past five years of collaboration but also to reflect together on new joint initiatives. As a starting point, they recalled the founding purpose of this forum of meetings and dialogue: to know one another better in order to collaborate more effectively. Following this review of the journey since 2021, two priority areas received particular attention: media and communications on the one hand, and Missionary and Vocational Animation (MVA) on the other.

Regarding media and communications, as in previous gatherings, the participants first evaluated the communication tools currently in use. They engaged in a deeper reflection on the possibility of sharing certain communication resources, particularly in the publication of journals, newsletters, and online content.

Concerning Missionary and Vocational Animation, changes within some of the councils led to the renewal of the MVA team. Taking over from the previous team, this new group will be responsible for developing and coordinating initiatives in this area, ensuring that our missionary charisms continue to thrive, especially in our mission settings throughout France.

During these three days of work and reflection, the members of the four Councils had the grace of meeting Bishop Jean Bonfils in Nice, only a few days before his passing. Still remarkably active and available at the time of our visit, he enriched us with his deeply inspiring experience and encouraged us in the ministry of service and leadership entrusted to us.

Thus, the Menton 2026 gathering was not merely a time of evaluation and planning for the future; it was above all a reaffirmation of a shared conviction: that the unity of hearts and wills, expressed through attentive listening and fraternal action, remains the surest path to bearing fruit in mission. It confirmed once again that mission is strengthened when charisms meet, experiences are shared, and hearts are united in the service of the Gospel.

Fr. Bernardin Mahougnon Kinnoumè,
Provincial Superior of Strasbourg.