SMA begins 39th Spiritual Year in Calavi, Benin

The Society of African Missions (SMA) began its 39th International Spiritual Year on October 1, 2026, at the Brésillac Center in Abomey-Calavi, Benin. The year is dedicated to prayer, discernment, and preparation for missionary life.

Sylestre Tchegbéhou, SMA, provincial counselor and delegate of the Superior of the Benin-Niger Province, presided over the opening Mass. The formation team members Luc N’Dah, Andrzej Grych, Athanas Dotto, Abel Attikassou, and Antonio Porcellato concelebrated the liturgy with 42 seminarists.

The seminarists represent 12 countries. From Asia, participants come from India and the Philippines. From Africa, they represent Nigeria, Benin, Togo, Ghana, Costa d’Avorio, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ciad, Kenya, Tanzania, and Zambia. This group marks the 39th class to participate in the program, which began in 1988.