In the light of the theme of GA 2019 “A family faithful to its missionary charism in the changing and complex context of today” was celebrated the first Provincial Assembly of the SMA Ghana Province under the theme: “Gathered under the tent for a renewed spirit”, taken from two biblical texts: Joshua 18:1 and Romans 12:2.
This theme reminds us that the first agent of evangelization is the Holy Spirit and that we are a family “sent” as family to commune with God and to announce the Gospel to Africans and those of African origin in the world. We therefore need His guidance and protection as well as renew our missionary spirit from the source.
The First-ever Provincial Assembly took place from the 1st to the 7th of December 2019 at the SMA Provincial House in Oshuiman (Accra Ghana) under the presidency of Fr. Fabien SOGNON- Provincial Superior Pro Tempore with the Vicar General of the SMA Fr. François-de Paul HOUNGUE present.
This assembly brought together eleven (11) delegates, four (4) invitees and two (2) OLA Sisters: Srs Elizabeth AMOAKO-ARHEN and Benedicta MANTE as facilitators. The Assembly began in the evening of 1st of December 2019 at about 8:30pm with the welcome address and the report from Fr. Fabien Sognon on the state of the Former DFGG.
Due to the busy schedule of the Archbishop of Accra, the Vicar General of the Archdiocese Very Rev. Fr. John Louis presided over the opening mass of the Assembly, recounting the roles and importance of SMA in the life of the Church in Ghana.
The overwhelming support of all the delegates in the election of the first Provincial Superior Very Rev. Fr. Paul ENNIN, Fr. Dennis Senyo ETTI as his Vice and Fr. Tranquillin Junior BIRO-MOEBA as the Councillor was not only impressive but signs of hope. An encouraging sign of acceptance and expression confidence in the team.
Among the decisions taken at the assembly are: (i) new enthusiasm and commitment to mission and to the most abandoned, (ii) outreach programmes to the youth, (iii) migrants, (iv) financial autonomy, (v) working with the OLA sisters and other Religious Congregations as well as with laity.
The celebration of the first-ever Provincial Assembly of the New SMA Ghana Province ended on 8th December 2019 with a colourful triple celebration: (i) the 163rd Anniversary of the foundation of the SMA; (ii) the inauguration of the New SMA Provincial Superior and his Council; (iii) the launching of the 140th Anniversary of the SMA presence in Ghana. The Eucharist Celebration was presided over by the His Grace Most Rev. Peter Akwesi SARPONG, (Archbishop Emeritus of Kumasi and an Honorary Member of the SMA) with about 30 SMA Priests, many OLA sisters, other Religious Congregations, Friends of SMA as well as a good number of Parishioners of all the SMA Parishes and communities in and around Accra.
We are most grateful to all who in diverse ways contributed enormously to the success of the first ever Provincial Assembly of the SMA Ghana.
By: Mark GEBE
posted by: Mark
