The Sierra Leone delegation of the Society of African Missions (SMA) recently experienced a particular significant moment with the canonical visit of the Superior General. This visit, in line with the SMA Constitutions and Laws Art. 83 § 3 , carries special historical, spiritual and missionary significance, as Sierra Leone holds a unique place in the history of the Society. It was the SMA’s first mission territory following its foundation, and it is also the land where the society’s founder, Bishop Melchior de Marion Brésillac, died and was laid to rest.   

The Superior General, Fr François du PENHOAT, was warmly welcomed at the airport by all six SMA priests currently serving in the country. He expressed his joy and gratitude at being able to visit Sierra Leone for the first time since his election as Superior General. He explained that he had come above all to meet the missionaries, listen to them, understand their pastoral realities and, above all, visit the tomb of the Society’s founder.

A PILGRIMAGE BACK TO THE ROOTS OF THE SMA

At this deeply meaningful historical and spiritual site, he paid special tribute to the first missionaries who are buried alongside the founder, as well as to Fr Augustin Planque, who courageously continued the founder’s work after his death. He emphasised the profound significance of this visit, particularly for him as Superior General of the SMA, who had come to honour the pioneers of the Society on the very soil where its missionary history began.

This gesture was especially meaningful in the context of the 200 years anniversary of the birth of Fr Planque. It was an opportunity to acknowledge his commitment and dedication in ensuring the continuation of the missionary vision entrusted to him after the death of Bishop de Marion Brésillac.

This moment of prayer gave the visit a particularly profound meaning. It was much more than an official or administrative exercise; it was a genuine pilgrimage back to the roots of the Society, an expression of gratitude to those who gave their lives for the Gospel, and a renewed call to continue their missionary legacy with faithfulness and courage.

A MISSIONARY PRESENCE REBORN AND GROWING

Today, this presence is organised around three missions, all situated in areas of primary evangelisation:

• Kwama Mission, the oldest of the three, is located in the Archdiocese of Freetown. The mission is served by Frs Rayappa Gumala and Alexander Abah, who work as pastoral agents, together with Churchill, a Kenyan sma seminarian undertaking his pastoral internship.
• Buedu Mission, located in the Diocese of Kenema, in the interior of the country, is served by Frs Peddy Sanda and Hospice Atchokossi, who are committed to the work of evangelisation in this area.
• Zimi Mission, the newest SMA foundation, is located in the Diocese of Bo, close to the Liberian border. The mission is entrusted to the Local Superior, Fr Tongshinen Goteng Damian, together with Fr Didier Akpan, who recently arrived in Sierra Leone.

These three missionary communities reflect the SMA’s determination to rebuild and strengthen its presence in this historically significant land, bringing the Gospel closer to people and communities who are still awaiting their first encounter with Christ.

 LISTENING TO THE MISSIONARIES AND BUILDING THE FUTURE WITH THE LOCAL CHURCH

The days that followed were dedicated to a series of meetings and exchanges. The Superior General first met with the entire SMA missionary team in Sierra Leone. He subsequently held separate meetings with the pastoral teams of each mission, giving them the opportunity to share their experiences, achievements, challenges and hopes for the future.

He also took time to meet the different local communities and each missionary individually. These personal encounters provided a valuable opportunity for every confrere to share about his missionary experience and the realities of his missionary commitment.

Discussions also focused on the future of SMA missionary presence in Sierra Leone and possible projects for its further development.

These encounters clearly demonstrated the Society’s desire to continue its missionary commitment in close communion with the local Churches, through mutual trust, collaboration and a spirit of service.

RETURNING TO OUR ROOTS TO MOVE FORWARD WITH HOPE

This canonical visit will undoubtedly remain an important milestone in the history of the SMA presence in Sierra Leone. It provided an opportunity to reconnect with the historical and spiritual roots of the Society, to recognise the efforts and dedication of the missionaries currently serving in the country, and reflect together on the future of the mission.

Returning to the founder’s tomb, meeting confreres and engaging in dialogue with the local bishops were all expressions of one common commitment: to continue, with the challenges and opportunities of our time, the missionary work begun by the pioneers of the Society.

Sierra Leone which is not merely a place of historical remembrance for the Society of African Missions; is above all a land of missionary hope and a promising future, where the legacy of the founder continues to bear fruit.

Fr Hospice ATCHOKOSSI, SMA