When a leader chooses to undergo renewal himself, he demonstrates that growth and formation are responsibilities shared by all. This is precisely what Fr. Narcisse Ogou SEKA, Provincial Superior of the SMA in Côte d’Ivoire, recently chose to do by personally participating in the Inter-Congregational Ongoing Formation Program (ICOF) in Tanzania.

By attending the program himself, he demonstrated that ongoing formation and renewal like Icof are not reserved for those facing difficulties, but are essential elements of a healthy and fruitful missionary life.

Breaking a Silent Barrier

Indeed, in many religious congregations, programs of ongoing formation like Icof are sometimes misunderstood. Some may quietly assume that such programs are meant only for those experiencing difficulties or personal crises. Because of this perception, many hesitate to participate. By choosing to attend the ICOF program himself, the Provincial of Cote d’Ivoire helped break this silent barrier.

After 22 years of priesthood, of which 10 years in pastoral ministry and 12 years in leadership roles such as Vice-Superior, Regional Superior, and now Provincial beginning a second mandate, he recognized the importance of pausing to renew his strength before continuing the journey of service.

His decision sends a clear message: Icof is not a corrective measure, but a continuous process of renewal, growth, and strengthening of the mission.

By embracing this program, the Provincial of Cote d’Ivoire demonstrated that renewal is not only something leaders encourage others to do, it is something they themselves must embrace.

A Decision Rooted in Care for the Mission

The decision to participate in the ICOF sabbatical program was also in harmony with the spirit of the 2025 General Assembly, which encourages greater attention to the well-being of members.

For Fr. Narcisse Ogou SEKA, choosing ICOF in Tanzania also meant leaving everything behind for a time, with the conviction that no one is indispensable, in order to fully focus on a path of renewal.

Such a choice requires humility and trust. Stepping away from responsibilities, even temporarily, is not always easy for someone entrusted with leadership. Yet it reflects a deeper understanding of mission: no one is indispensable, and caring for the mission also means caring for the missionary.

A Journey of Renewal

The ICOF sabbatical program was established by several religious congregations, among which the SMA, to provide missionaries with a space for rest, reflection, and renewal. Its approach is rooted in the four classical dimensions of formation recognized by the Church: human, spiritual, pastoral, and intellectual growth.

This very cycle entitled “Wholeness,” which run from January to March, brought together 23 participants and 3 facilitators from different parts of the world: Zambia, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Malawi, Mali, Nigeria, Kenya, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Bangladesh, and Angola. Participants came from a wide range of congregations, including the SMA, the Spiritans, the Missionaries of Africa, the Medical Missionaries Sisters, the Mill Hill Fathers, the Sisters of Our Lady of Apostles, the Order of Friars Minor (OFM), the Little Sisters of St. Francis of Zambia, the Holy Cross Fathers, and diocesan clergy.

Despite their diverse backgrounds, the participants quickly formed a strong community of mutual support, sharing experiences of ministry, leadership, and faith.

Rediscovering the Source

The words of Jesus in this context take on a renewed meaning: “Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while” (Mk 6:31). For missionaries deeply involved in pastoral and administrative responsibilities, such an invitation becomes particularly relevant.

For the Provincial of Cote d’Ivoire, this period allowed him to revisit the motivations behind his missionary vocation and to reconnect with the deeper foundations of his priestly life. At the beginning of the program, he placed his experience under the symbol of the Magi searching for the Christ child, guided by a star. Interestingly, the first module of the program was titled “Seeking God.”

Through reflection and prayer, this theme invited participants to rediscover the deepest longing of the human heart: the desire to encounter God.

Healing and New Openness

The program also opened a space for inner healing. It allowed participants to recognize personal wounds that required attention, to experience forgiveness, and to grow in reconciliation with themselves and others.

For Fr Narcisse Ogou SEKA, this process led to a deeper openness of heart and a renewed awareness of the importance of balance, spiritually, emotionally, and physically.

Looking back, he acknowledges that experiencing such a program earlier in ministry might have prevented certain difficulties. Yet he also recognizes that God’s timing is always meaningful.

A Message for all

Perhaps the most significant fruit of this experience, in my humble opinion, lies in the example it offers. When a Superior chooses to participate in a program of renewal, it changes perceptions, even for those who were initially hesitant. It affirms that such programs are not reserved for moments of crisis but are valuable opportunities for growth available to all.

Returning with Gratitude

It is therefore with a deep sense of gratitude towards all those who made this experience possible that Fr. Narcisse Ogou SEKA returned to Côte d’Ivoire.

His journey reminds us of an essential truth of missionary life: those who serve others must also allow themselves to be renewed. By stepping away for a time, he has returned strengthened, ready to continue leading with renewed clarity, deeper compassion, and the spirit of a true servant leader.

In many ways, his experience gives concrete expression to the vision of the 2025 General Assembly, which calls the Society to promote the well-being and holistic growth of its members. By embracing this time of renewal himself, he has shown that this vision is not merely a guideline written in documents, but a path meant to be lived.

Through this simple yet courageous decision, he is reminding us that true leadership inspires not only by words but by example.

Brice Ulrich AFFERI