Around this time last year an article on this website reported that twenty-nine young men completed their Spiritual Year in Calavi, Benin and officially became members of the Society of African Missions. (See https://sma.ie/twenty-nine-new-sma-members/) Since then they have continued their training and preparation for priesthood. Some began their theology studies while others have undergone a year of pastoral experience/training, in a culture and country other than their own. This meant living and working with local people, in parish situations, under the guidance of experienced SMA missionaries. Among these was an Italian student, Anselmo Fabiano who was appointed to Egypt. Below is an edited version of a short article 
he wrote as he came to the end of his pastoral year.
“I feel privileged to have experienced such a different side of the Church, also sharing some steps with my Muslim brothers. A precious opportunity to live a missionary experience with the Coptic Church of Egypt.”
“A pilgrim in the silence of the desert, among ancient monasteries, minarets that reach the sky, and such a different and fascinating culture. There have certainly been difficulties. The mission is also made up of unexpected events, challenges, and unimaginable experiences,” he notes. “And precisely for this reason, I thank God even more for having protected and accompanied me even in 
difficult times, allowing me to feel and touch His living presence in my life.”
“I cherish in my heart the people I have met, the many moments of shared life during family visits, in liturgical celebrations, in faith and in the friendship received and given. My daily life has been imbued with humanity and relationships that have granted me the grace to touch with my own hands the faith and love for the Lord of this people.”
“In these days I have renewed my “yes” to the Lord in the Society of African Missions, promising to dedicate my life to proclaiming the Gospel to the nations, and especially to Africa. An intense moment of prayer and celebration, in the simplicity and joy of the faith of these people. With this “yes” another step on my journey towards the priesthood begins.”
“It is a time for farewells, memories, smiles, and hugs before returning to Italy,” Anselmo concludes. “My heart is full of gratitude for these years of missionary life (i.e. in Benin and Egypt), for the many encounters and experiences lived in this land.”
Anselmo Fabiano has now returned to Italy for theology studies in Padua beginning another step on his journey toward the priesthood.
First published on the Italian SMA website https://www.missioniafricane.it/anselmo-fabiano-tempo-di-saluti/ and also by Agenzia Fides, 4/6/2025 The photos are from https://www.missioniafricane.it/