The Society of African Missions (SMA) Ghana Province has officially opened its 2nd Provincial Assembly under the theme “Missionaries of Hope: Called to proclaim the Gospel to the most abandoned in Africa, with Africa and from Africa, a 10-day assembly which started on Monday, September 8, through to September 17, 2025.
The opening ceremony, which coincided with the feast of St. Peter Claver on 9th September 2025, was held at the SMA Provincial House in Accra. It brought together 17 participants, including ex officio members, elected delegates, and guests.
In his opening address, the Provincial Superior, Very Rev. Fr. Paul Saa-Dade Ennin described the gathering as a moment of reflection, renewal, and recommitment to the Society’s missionary mandate.
He reminded confreres that hope remains at the heart of the missionary vocation, echoing Pope Francis’ teaching that “hope does not disappoint.”
Fr. Ennin highlighted that the Assembly takes place within a wider context of celebrations: the Jubilee Year of Hope, the 75th Anniversary of the Catholic Hierarchy in Ghana, and the countdown to the SMA-OLA Triple Jubilee in 2026 (marking 170 years of the SMA, 150 years of the OLA, and 200 years since the birth of Fr. Augustin Planque).
He urged missionaries not to rest on the glories of the past but to “rekindle the golden age of SMA mission” by exploring new frontiers, strengthening collaboration, and embracing creative models of evangelization.
Touching on the Assembly’s theme, he emphasized the African dimension of SMA’s mission: “In Africa, with Africa and from Africa must not remain a slogan, but a commitment to the African cause.”
He challenged missionaries to give voice to African realities, champion African-led mission, and shape evangelization through the richness of African culture, dignity, and spirituality.
Expressing gratitude to confreres, lay missionaries, the Friends of SMA, and collaborators, Fr. Ennin praised their sacrifices, especially during the challenging period of the COVID-19 pandemic.
He also acknowledged the leadership of past and present Apostolic Communities, and paid tribute to Fr. Matthias Kinda, who continues to recover from a recent tragedy.
Looking ahead, the Provincial Superior encouraged missionaries to draw inspiration from SMA founder Bishop Melchior de Marion Brésillac, and to embody a spirit of courage and zeal: “Let us rekindle our missionary spirit and strive to be faithful to our heritage as missionaries of hope,” he urged.
With these words, he officially declared the 2nd SMA Ghana Provincial Assembly open.
In his homily, Most Rev. John Bonaventure Kwofie, CSSp, Metropolitan Archbishop of Accra, encouraged participants to emulate the life of St. Peter Claver, patron saint of slaves, African missions, and interracial justice.
The Archbishop praised St. Claver’s Christlike compassion, recalling how he fought the evils of slavery.
He added, “Our chapter is taking place when you are walking with Jesus to support those who suffer all forms of mental and physical injustice and pain. Our message to them is: you are not walking alone.”
Calling for modern-day examples of holiness, he urged, “We want people who will be our Mother Teresa and other saints and priests like Fr. Campbell and others who have served, or are serving, humanity. We are sent out to preach the Good News to those who are suffering.”
By Theresa Kpordzo
