“We must devise new ways of living mission”: Newly Elected SMA Superior General at General Assembly Conclusion

He continued, “Historical research would be needed to review all the attempts at new missionary approaches that have been made over the years in the SMA — some with some success, others forgotten — but at least we can say that ‘we tried.’”

For him, “Creativity must also be at the forefront to achieve a true spiritual renewal in each of us, giving new life to our lives and our commitments.”

Fr. du Penhoat also underscored the importance of unity among SMA members. He said, “Our internationality is a treasure — not always easy to live with — but one that can bring so much and is already a testimony in itself.”

The SMA Superior General noted that their community living and encounters with other others “helps us rediscover our identity, our talents, and in a way, grow in freedom. This richness in diversity is also a beautiful offering we make to the Lord, while being well aware that we carry a treasure in clay vessels.”

“I sincerely hope that our relationships between units will be based on this way of being and acting: giving ourselves wholeheartedly and spontaneously before obeying the law. In this way, we will be true missionary disciples and no longer members of the old covenant,” Fr. du Penhoat, who was elected SMA Superior General on May 27 said.

The May 18 - June 8 SMA General Assembly was held under the theme, “Set apart to announce the Gospel in Africa, with Africa and from Africa!”

The gathering brought together 55 participants for a three-week period of discernment, planning, and renewal. Participants included Provincial and District leaders, elected delegates, facilitators, alongside other invited guests. 

In his June 8 closing remarks, Fr. du Penhoat said, “During these three weeks, we followed the disciples of Emmaus and identified with them. Today, Jesus sends us into the world of the 21st century as he sent the disciples at Pentecost.”

He noted that the participants had lived “a special time of intimacy with the Lord and of brotherhood among ourselves” marked by an “atmosphere of trust and shared joy” and “a great convergence of views” on both challenges and opportunities ahead.

As SMA members return to their respective missions, the Superior General encouraged them to “see how we can pass this on to our brothers, helping them to experience this renewal in their own way.” 

He outlined two key responsibilities: implementing assembly decisions and transmitting the “new spirit that dwells within us.”

“We are often stuck in our past, blocked by our fears. And yet in the Gospel, there are many phrases such as ‘do not be afraid’. Let us not be afraid — neither of ourselves, nor of the future, nor of the world,” the French-born SMA Superior General with pastoral roots in Africa said.

He called for collaboration with local churches and within the SMA family, adding, “We are collaborators who must bring a little ‘extra’ by living our charism to the fullest. Let us be careful to maintain a humble attitude of service and to persevere in our mission so that we can better bring our specific missionary identity to bear.”

Fr. du Penhoat appealed for partnerships. He said, “Let us take greater advantage of our spiritual family — our sister Congregations and the lay people with whom we share a certain closeness and partnership in the Mission.”

“May this encounter and collaboration help us rediscover our identity as missionary Priests and make us understand the complementarity of our states of life and how much we have to enrich each other by sharing them,” he implored.

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Describing the delegates as “missionaries of hope from twenty-three countries with an average age of fifty-one,” Fr. du Penhoat implored God’s grace that the Assembly’s fruits might bear wide-reaching results.

“May this energy continue and spread to wherever we are. May the Spirit join our spirit to impart this new breath to all,” Fr. du Penhoat implored.

Among the resolutions during the 22nd SMA General Assembly was the elevation of the Kenyan District to a Province, a decision delegates said acknowledges “Kenya’s growing institutional maturity and sustained missionary activity.”

The move is to bring “more autonomy in leadership and planning, aligning with the Society’s broader push for contextualized mission approaches,” the General Assembly further said.