Welcome to our Community Diary “Coutumier”.
In the pages that follow, you’ll read the principal events that took place at
our International Spiritual Year (ISY) between October and December 2013. We
express our sincere appreciations to all those who visited us during this
period.
The “Coutumier” was kept by Charles-André Edorh (DFGG, Togo)
October
1, 2012: Arrival and Resumption
SMA students from different countries
resumed for the 2012-2013 International Spiritual Year (ISY). There was Solemn Vespers in honor of Saint
Theresa of Child Jesus in the evening.
October
2, 2012: Formal Welcome and Setting the Pace
Formal welcome and general introductory
exercises were facilitated by Fr. Basil SOYOYE, Superior of the house. SMA
students and members of the Formation Team (MFT) partaking in this year’s ISY
briefly introduced each other.
The opening recollection followed in the
evening.
October
4, 2012: Sharing Our Stories
This was facilitated by Fr. Basil. The aim
of the exercise was to enable us have a deeper knowledge of about each other.
Around a lighted candle, the icon of Jesus, a painting of our Founder, the
Servant of God, Bishop De Marion Bresillac, we all (MFT and students) shared
our family history, our journey so far with the SMA, especially our motivation
of joining the SMA.
In the evening of the same day, we
celebrated our coming together with a social evening where lots of talents and
creativities were displayed.
November
5, 2012. Visitors from Strasbourg
A
couple, Lili and Bobi, (SMA honorary members from Strasbourg-) and Fr.
Claude (Strasbourg) visited our Centre Brésillac (CB), Calavi.
November 6, 2012: Visitors from Fraternité Laïque
Missionnaire (FLM), Lyon
4 members of the FLM Lyon visited us. They were: Arnold et Catherine a couple and Theodore. They
were accompanied by Cosme, (member of the FLM, Bénin. During a meeting with the
students, our visitors introduced the FLM, explaining its origin, aims and
objectives. Concerning the origin, they said that the idea of FLM came from
some Catholic students France in 1980, who as laity, wanted to live their
missionary calling in a practical way in association with the SMA. Hence the spirituality
of the FLM as group is based on the missionary spirituality of SMA spirituality.
Where it is possible, members of FLM volunteer for mission in Africa in
association with the SMA. The group has sent many of its members on mission Ad
extra over the years.
November
18-20, 2012: Visit of Fr. Reginald
Nwachukwu, SMA Superior of the District –in- Formation of Bight of Benin (DFBB)
On 20th November, Fr. Reginald
met with the students at the ISY at 12h00
December
8, 2012: : Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception and Foundation day of the
(SMA)
Mass was offered for the intention of the
new mission opened in sierra Leone and the 3 confreres who are working there
for the growth of the mission. Nine
priests concelebrated and the main celebrant was Father André CHAUVIN. Members
of the Amical were present and some visitors too. After the mass, a small get
together was held with friends and the SMA.
December
15, 2012: Christmas Party
December 22, 2012: Christmas Holiday
From December 22nd 2012 to 3rd
January 2013, students were assigned to different parishes for holiday. The
experience is also known as the ”Mini- Stage”. The parishes were in the
following places: Cobly, Gouandé, So Tchanchwé, Perere, Nikki, Kalale, Bouka,
Bougou, Banikani, Za-Hla and finally Djougou.
December
26-29, 2012: SMA Aspirants' Meeting
Centre Bresillac Calavi, welcomed 30 SMA
aspirants from 26 to 29 December 2012. The session was directed by Father
Bernadin SMA (Vocations Director) and his assistant Father Dominic SMA (IDF,
Perere Parish). Fathers Wilfred and Basil took part at the session by animating
conferences. Father Michel L’Hostis, Regional superior SMA Benin-Niger
interviewed 10 candidates for their entrance into MISERETE preparatory program
in 2013. The closing mass was celebrated by Father Francis BARKANADO, vice
superior of DFBB.
