It was an atmosphere of joy and reminiscence on Sunday 8th December 2024 as the members of the Mission Support Group, Ibadan Zone (MSG) of the Society of African Missions (SMA) celebrated 168 years Founders Day Anniversary at St. Leo Catholic Church, Challenge, Ibadan, Oyo State.

In his homily during the Thanksgiving Mass, Fr. Henry Chinwuba, (SMA) acknowledged the importance of the celebration of the 168 years of the existence of the Society of African Missions (SMA) in the world. He noted that the history has it that SMA was one of the earliest Missionary Societies to evangelize the people of Africa. "Infact, in Nigeria, the Society of African Missions remains the first Missionary congregation to step into Nigeria. You cannot talk about work of evangelization without mentioning the Founder of the Society of African Missions, Venerable Bishop Melchoir de Marion Bresillac who set foot in Sierra Leone to begin evangelization of Africa." Fr. Henry stated.

The homilist extolled the perseverance of the early Missionaries who lived dedicated lives in order to spread the Gospel of Christ in Africa. He noted that every Catholic, especially those present at the Mass cannot talk about being a Catholic without acknowledging the selfless works of the Missionaries. “Today we celebrate the foundation of the SMA, we celebrate the growth of the Mission, the spread of the mission in our land." The homilist declared.

Furthermore, Fr. Henry pointed out that the mission has not come to an end, rather a new phase has begun. Hence, he challenged the Missionary Support Group of the SMA not to falter in living up to their name as a strong pillar of support for the mission of evangelization, especially for the Society of African Missions SMA. "For the mission of evangelization to spread rapidly, you also must be involved directly in the mission and the first way of being involved in the mission of evangelization is to evangelize yourself and preparing one's heart to receive Christ.” Fr. Henry concluded.

The members of the Missionary Support Group Ibadan Zone of the Society of African Missions, SMA were led by the executive in dancing for the Thanksgiving.

New members were also welcomed to the Missionary Support Group during the Thanksgiving Mass.