“Let our lives be filled with confidence, hope”: New Superior General of Society of African Missions

He also shared two personal images that sustain his spiritual life, saying, “Jesus and I, yoked like two horses pulling a carriage—He pulls more than I do, making the burden light. And the Holy Spirit as car headlights guiding me through the night, revealing each step as I move forward.”

The new SMA Superior General entrusted himself and future elected leaders to the grace of the Holy Spirit, praying for “courage, compassion, transparency, and the strength to build fraternity through collaboration.”

Fr. du Penhoat expressed gratitude to the outgoing leadership and prayed for a renewal of spirit throughout the congregation.

“May a powerful breath arise from this Assembly, one that deeply renews our congregation, and breathes new life into each of our confreres and seminarians, so we may all recommit with more heart and strength,” he implored.

Born in 1959, Fr. du Penhoat was Ordained a Priest in September 1985.

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His journey with the SMA began after earlier service as an agricultural technician in the Diocese of Lokossa in the Republic of Benin from 1976 to 1978. His initial formation took place in the District of Spain, with seminary studies in Madrid and at the Missionary Institute of London (MIL), followed by a master’s degree in spirituality in Spain and formator training in France.

Throughout his missionary career, Fr. du Penhoat alternated service between Spain and the Bariba region of northern Benin, blending direct pastoral engagement with organizational leadership. 

He joined the Lyon Province in 2008, was elected to its provincial council in 2013, and later became Provincial Superior in 2016 and again in 2019.

Following the election of Fr. du Penhoat, the SMA members at the General Assembly turned their focus to the discernment of the new General Council, whose members are to be elected on Saturday, May 31.

Delegates outlined the need for leaders who are collaborative, prophetic, visionary, and rooted in the intercultural and international identity of the SMA.

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

The gathering brings together 55 participants—including Provincial and District leaders, elected delegates, facilitators, and invited guests—for a three-week period of discernment, planning, and renewal.

According to a statement convoking the assembly, the aim is to “protect the patrimony of the Society, to evaluate its life and work with a view to renewing its energies in the pursuit of its mission, to plan for the future and to elect a Superior General and his Council for the coming term.”

In his remarks during the opening ceremony on May 18, the outgoing Superior General, Fr. Antonio Porcellato highlighted the historic significance of the Assembly, noting that 33 members are participating for the first time.

He emphasized listening as a vital spiritual posture for the Assembly, calling it the cornerstone of their shared discernment.

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Jude Atemanke is a Cameroonian journalist with a passion for Catholic Church communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Buea in Cameroon. Currently, Jude serves as a journalist for ACI Africa.