“En Route Towards 2026” is a historic triple milestone for the SMA and OLA. 2026 will mark:
- 170 Years of the Foundation of the Society of African Missions (SMA)
- 150 Years of the Foundation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Apostles (OLA) and
- 200 Years since the birth of Fr. Augustine Planque, the 2nd Superior General of the SMA and Founder of the OLA.
Preparation for the 2026 celebrations are being overseen by the Commission for the Common SMA OLA Heritage. It is composed of three OLA Sisters and three SMA Fathers. The purpose of the commission is to help both the SMA and OLA to rediscover their spirituality and charism and to adapt them to the present time. The “En Route towards 2026 programme aims to help in achieving this goal or purpose. There will be three stages in the events planned for 2026 – the first in Benin in April and then move to France in July, where events will take place in Chemy, the birthplace of Fr Planque and then in Lyon, the place where the the SMA began.
Below is a short video featuring the OLA Congregational Leader, Sr Mary T Barron and the SMA Superior General, Fr Antonio Porcellato It was made to launch the “En route Towards 2026” celebration.