SMA GENERAL ASSEMBLY BEGINS IN ROME
On Sunday May 18th the Opening Ceremony of the 22nd General Assembly of the SMA took place in Rome.
The General Assembly is a very significant moment in the life of the Society of African Missions. It takes place every six years and is an occasion when representatives of all units of the SMA from around the world gather for a three-week long period of evaluation, prayer, reflection and discussion. From this will come plans and decisions that will guide the 
life of the Society for the next six years. A new international leadership team will also be elected.
For the first time in the history of the SMA the majority of the delegates are of African origin and the average age of those attending is 51 years, which indicates a good balance between older and younger delegates. While many of the delegates have attended previous General Assemblies, for thirty-three of those present at this meeting, it will be their first time.
The opening ceremony began with a formal roll call of the delegates attending. This was followed by the inaugural address of the Superior General and President of the Assembly, Fr Antonio Porcellato. He emphasized listening as an essential attitude during the Assembly as a foundation for meaningful dialogue and discernment.
Sr Mary Barron OLA Congregational Leader said that the Assembly “was not just an important moment in the life of the SMA but also in the life of the Church. Whenever a Congregation gathers in Assembly to discern the future, it’s really an ecclesial moment. So we assure our brothers of our sincere prayers, especially for the next three weeks, as they gather and meet together to listen to the needs of the world, the needs of the Society and to discern what it is that God’s Spirit is calling them to right now as SMA Missionaries, set apart to announce the Gospel in Africa, with Africa and from Africa. We assure all of our prayers and best wishes and may God’s Spirit guide you every moment of each day.”
To view of video report or the opening day from Re Dominic Wabwireh of the SMA Media Centre, Rome click here
