June 3, 2026 | Saint Agnes Parish, Maryland, Lagos, Nigeria

By Pierre-Paul Dossekpli

On June 3, 2026, Saint Agnes Parish in Maryland, Lagos became the setting for an extraordinary celebration marking the culmination of the SMA–OLA Triple Jubilee. In an atmosphere of deep faith and heartfelt thanksgiving, hundreds of faithful, missionaries, and friends of both congregations joined their voices and hearts to give thanks to God.

The solemn Mass was presided over by the Very Reverend Father Monsignor Anthony Obańlá, Chancellor of the Archdiocese of Lagos. Concelebrating with him were Father François du Penhoat, Superior General of the Society of African Missions (SMA), together with his entire Council, and Father Emmanuel Dim, Provincial Superior of Nigeria. The entity superiors of the SMA and Father Martino, parish priest of Saint Agnes. Priest friends from the diocese and SMA confreres on mission in Nigeria also joined in this solemn concelebration.

The assembly was truly representative of the global mission. Among those present were Sister Mary T. Barron, Superior General of the Sisters of Our Lady of the Apostles (OLA), accompanied by her Council; entity superiors from OLA missions around the world; numerous OLA sisters currently serving in Nigeria; as well as friends of the SMA and OLA who gathered to share in this milestone moment.

Following the Mass, participants shared a fraternal meal in the parish hall. The evening was enriched by captivating performances from African folk groups, offering a vibrant testimony to the deep roots the mission has put down in local cultures.

“For me, it’s coming back home, very joyful. We came a long way, to think of 150, 170, and of course the birthday of the Founder (200). For the two congregations coming together — and it’s not just that we are having a handful of people. We could see the whole SMA congregation coming in during the procession; at that moment, I felt the presence of God among us. And looking at us too, the whole congregation of OLA sisters presents there at Mass together, thanking God for our lives. It is very, very wonderful. And God keeping us at this particular time in history — it is not a coincidence; it is providential for me. I am very grateful to God. And the beauty of having the friends of OLA and the friends of SMA there with us, and the parishioners. It means that the mission has grown from the seed that was sown in the years back.”
— Sister Francisca Karounwi, OLA Superior, Egypt

To relive the highlights of this historic day, we invite you to watch the video prepared by Father Brice of the SMA Media Office.