Amb. Edith ISIDAHOMEN

The Society of African Missions (SMA) and the Sisters of Our Lady of Apostles (OLA) have officially launched a global Triple Jubilee Year, beginning with a spiritually rich and historically resonant opening ceremony held in Benin Republic from April 28 to May 1, 2025.

Far from being a one-off celebration, this launch marks the beginning of a worldwide pilgrimage of remembrance, thanksgiving, and visioning for the future that will extend until December 8, 2026.

 

The Triple Jubilee Year commemorates three major milestones:

The 200th anniversary of the Birth of Fr. Augustin Planque, SMA, founder of the OLA Sisters; The 170th anniversary of the founding of the SMA by Bishop Melchior de Marion Brésillac; and The 150th anniversary of the establishment of the OLA Sisters.

This year-long journey — themed around “retracing the past, understanding the present, and charting paths for the future” began in Benin, a nation deeply linked to the origins of SMA and OLA missionary work in West Africa. Throughout the jubilee of hope period, celebrations and reflective programs will take place across several countries where the SMA and OLA have missions, reinforcing their global presence and missionary legacy.

The opening ceremonies began with a solemn Eucharistic celebration on April 28 at the Cathedral of Cotonou. A large congregation of clergy, religious, and lay faithful from across West Africa — including delegates from Nigeria, Ghana, Togo, and Ivory Coast — gathered to honor deceased missionaries and give thanks for the enduring impact of their work.

On April 29, attention shifted to Ouidah, a coastal town historically associated with the arrival of the first SMA Fathers and OLA Sisters. Despite a heavy downpour, the day's program was vibrant and deeply spiritual. Traditional dances and performances highlighted the cultural roots of the mission, while a symbolic lamp procession through the streets culminated at the Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. There, the lamps were placed at the feet of the Blessed Virgin Mary and honoured as Mother of the Missions.

A significant highlight was an inter-faith prayer gathering that brought together Christian, Muslim, and traditional religious leaders in a powerful gesture of unity and peace. Representatives from various denominations stood side by side to pray for harmony — a living testament to the values of dialogue and collaboration championed by the SMA and OLA.

The opening ceremonies concluded on May 1 in Porto-Novo with a grand Eucharistic celebration at the Cathedral. The Mass was presided over by His Excellency, Archbishop Reuben Ruiz Mainardi, Apostolic Nuncio to Benin and Togo, alongside Bishop François Gnonhossou, SMA, of Dassa-Zoumé, in company of the Host Bishop including two Bishops and Seventy-Nine priests (majority of whom were SMA Priests led in delegation by the SMA Superior General from Rome; Very Rev Fr. Antonio Porcelatto, SMA).

A notably large delegate of Our Lady of Apostles (OLA) Sisters, led by their Superior General, Sr. Mary T. Barron, OLA, was present for the occasion. Representing the broader missionary family, members of the Mission Support Groups from both institutes (SMA & OLA), hailing from various countries, joined in the celebration.

Also in attendance were members of several other religious congregations, including the Sisters of Our Lady of Fatima, Eucharistic Heart of Jesus Sisters, the Sisters of Saint Augustine, the De La Salle Brothers, and the De La Salle Sisters of Guadeloupe, among others—each contributing to the joyful commencement of the Jubilee journey.

A particularly meaningful highlight was the presence of the President of the National Assembly of the Republic of Benin, accompanied by his wife, underscoring the strong and collaborative ties between the SMA, OLA, and the local communities and authorities.

In his homily, Bishop Gnonhossou emphasized the significance of the triple jubilee journey, underscoring how it offers an opportunity for both congregations to revisit their roots, recognize their present contributions in evangelization, education, and interreligious dialogue, and discern new directions for the future.

The celebrations concluded with the unveiling of specially designed jubilee banners by the Superiors General of the SMA and OLA, followed by a festive agape meal that sealed the unity and joyful spirit of the launch.

As the jubilee year of Hope unfolds, the SMA and OLA will continue to organize events across the continents — a shared pilgrimage that seeks not only to honour the legacy of their Founders but to strengthen their missionary zeal for the world of today and tomorrow.