Article published by Agenzia Fides 20/5/35
(Agenzia Fides) – A total of 55 delegates—including provincial and district superiors, elected delegates, facilitators, and guests—from around the world gathered in Rome to participate in the 22nd General Assembly of the Society of African Missions (SMA), a time of communal discernment, planning and renewal.
The Assembly officially opened on Sunday, May 18, at the Sacred Heart of Jesus International Spirituality Center in Rocca di Papa (Rome), under the guidance of the 
Superior General, Father Antonio Porcellato. The Assembly offers a privileged opportunity to strengthen unity and renew the SMA’s missionary commitment to serving Africa and the world.
The participants arrived on the afternoon of Saturday, May 17, and participated in an important orientation session to familiarize themselves with the logistical and practical aspects of their stay. The official opening of the Assmebly took place on Sunday with a solemn Eucharistic celebration.
In his opening address, the Superior General emphasized the historic and evolving nature of the SMA. This year, 33 members are participating for the first time, and for the first time 
in the Society’s history, the majority of delegates are of African origin. The average age of participants is 51, reflecting a dynamic combination of experience and renewed energy. The Superior General emphasized listening as a fundamental spiritual attitude for shared discernment. The opening Eucharist was the culminating moment of the day, during which the intentions of the SMA were offered to God, confirming the SMA’s fundamental missionary identity: to set aside to proclaim the Gospel in Africa, with Africa, and from Africa. According to a note from Dominic Wabwireh of SMA International, the Assembly will last three weeks, considered a time of grace, strategic planning, and renewal, during which the SMA will assess its mission and look to the future.
During these days, small group work will be held, offering participants the opportunity to share their expectations and reflect on their contributions to the common mission. At the center of the agenda is a review of the General Assembly Manual, a document that contains the rules, program, and structure for the coming weeks. “The manual is essentially a guiding framework approved by the members of the Assembly to facilitate the entire process,” explained SMA Secretary General, Father Emmanuel Dim. “It contains the calendar, the program, and the various rules that govern the General Assembly. Therefore, it is essential that all members approve it to ensure the proper conduct of the Assembly”.
The goal of the SMA delegates is to make this Assembly not just a time of governance and planning, but a true expression of communion in mission. (AP) (Agenzia Fides, 20/5/2025)