In a momentous gathering, the province of Lyon and the Generalate collaborated to host a round table discussion commemorating four decades of the African Foundation project in Lyon. The event witnessed the presence of esteemed personalities, including five former SMA superior Generals, the current Superior General, archbishops, bishops, priests, and Missionary Catechist Sisters of the Sacred Heart, Our Lady of Apostles sisters as well as the Lay missionary fraternity (FLM).
The occasion provided an opportunity to delve into the evolution, challenges, and successes encountered during the establishment of the African Foundation.
Father Joseph Hardy, one of the esteemed speakers, recalled the inception of the African Foundation project during the 1978 General Assembly. The General Council was entrusted with the task of engaging African church leaders and gathering their perspectives. While anglophone leaders expressed little concern, their francophone counterparts voiced ideological resistance, fearing a departure from the SMA's original charism. However, despite the initial hurdles, the Plenary Council of 1982 courageously presented its findings and recommendations to the 1983 General Assembly, shaping the trajectory of the SMA.
Father Hardy marveled at the mysterious workings of the Holy Spirit, remarking that the fruitful outcomes of that historic decision are now being realized. Each member of the SMA responded to the call of evangelization in the contemporary context. Father Hardy expressed gratitude for the renaming of the 150 Cours Gambetta mother house to the "Maison International Missionaire" (MIM), emphasizing the international nature of the SMA. He cherished the spiritual and cultural complementarity experienced within the SMA, considering it a valuable aspect of the Society.
The recruitment of African members into the Society of African Missions was not without its challenges. Bishop Keeran shared his personal experience of how this decision impacted members on the ground, particularly in Nigeria. He highlighted the positive influence of SMA priests in minor seminaries, which ultimately led to an increase in candidates joining major seminaries. The project received a warm response along the west coast of Africa, with many individuals familiar with the SMA expressing keen interest. While the decision to embrace an international identity from the outset was seen as positive, historical and colonial factors posed challenges, particularly for Anglophone confreres.
Despite the initial reservations, the embrace of internationality proved beneficial for both the SMA and Ireland. The society's commitment to spreading the gospel on a global scale resulted in notable growth in Africa, India, Poland, and Asia. The decision made in 1983 to expand and embrace internationality has had a profound impact over the past four decades.
Father Daniel Cardot shed light on the transformative journey of the SMA since 1952, emphasizing that the foundation's evolution extended beyond financial aspects. The decision-making processes and knowledge-sharing methods underwent significant changes. He highlighted key milestones, including the independence movements of the late 1950s, the transformative Council of 1965, and the challenging times of the 1970s, which led to introspection about the institute's role in emerging African churches.
Father Cardot also addressed various crucial factors that accompanied the challenges faced by the African foundation, such as financial and legal difficulties, financial support from provinces, the commitment to serving Africa and its flourishing church, fostering fraternal relationships with bishops and local communities through visits, and the ongoing construction of training houses and stage. The concerns regarding oaths, stage locations, and the growing acceptance of the project by responsible colleagues from regional provinces were also discussed.
Taking to the floor, Fr. Jean-Marie Guillaume reckoned that the admission of African members into the SMA posed the need for appropriate training facilities. The unanimous decision was made to conduct the formation of future SMAs in Africa, tailored for Africa. Episcopal conferences granted permission for SMA seminarians to study in local seminaries, fostering collaboration and mutual support. Formation houses were established in various African countries, including Calavi in Benin, Anyama in Cote d'Ivoire, and Sts. Peter and Paul major seminary in Nigeria. Additionally, formation houses were opened in Sowutoum/Accra (Ghana), Nairobi (Kenya), and Kabwe (Zambia).
The SMA's engagement in Tangaza College, a consortium of inter-religious congregations in Nairobi, showcased their commitment to theological studies and decision-making processes. Similar collaboration occurred in Anyama, Cote d'Ivoire, with the creation of the Institut Catholique Missionaire d'Abidjan (ICMA).
Father Patrick Kelly, who was drawn to Africa and Asia and joined the SMA, shared his reflections on the mysterious ways of the Holy Spirit. He highlighted his limited knowledge of the events that followed the SMA's opening to Africans. Father Kelly played a pivotal role in establishing an SMA presence in the Philippines and later relocated to India. His experiences demonstrated the profound impact of the SMA's international expansion.
As the round table discussion concluded, participants expressed gratitude for the growth, challenges, and achievements witnessed over the past four decades. The SMA's decision to embrace internationality and welcome African members has allowed the society to spread its mission worldwide, while simultaneously enriching and diversifying its own identity.
By Dominic Wabwireh,SMA
