Calavi – On Thursday, 1 October, the international year of spirituality for 42 seminarians of the Society of African Missions will begin at the Brésillac Centre in Abomey-Calavi, in the Archdiocese of Cotonou, Benin. They come from 12 countries in Africa and Asia, are between 20 and 30 years old, and have already completed the philosophical studies required of those preparing for missionary priesthood.
“Accompanied by a team of five formators, they will spend nine months in an experience of discernment, through periods of reflection and interiority, listening to the Word and prayer, as they prepare to make a decision about their future: whether to continue their vocation as members of the SMA or to discern another form of life and service.”
The testimony comes from Father Antonio Porcellato, who, after six years as Superior General of the SMA, has received a new assignment from his successor, Father François du Penhoat, who appointed him as a formator for a three-year term, renewable for another term.
“I continue to serve in the field of the initial formation of seminarians, an area in which I already worked from 1989 to 2001: six years in Genoa, one year here in Calavi and five years in Ibadan, Nigeria,” the missionary explains. Father Porcellato himself had suggested taking on an assignment in formation. “I am convinced that discernment and initial formation are among the most urgent priorities for the SMA today, which is experiencing a flourishing of vocations in Africa, more moderate growth in Asia, and an almost complete absence of vocations in Europe and America.”
“This year too, around 30 Beninese families have played an active role in the missionary formation of these young men by welcoming, free of charge, into their homes throughout the month of September the seminarians who need to improve their knowledge of French before the beginning of the annual program,” the missionary continues.
Every morning, the seminarians go to the Brésillac Centre, where they meet their classmates for French lessons and have lunch. In the afternoon, each returns to his host family, where he spends the evening and night before returning to the Centre the following morning. The families generally have school-age children, with whom the seminarian naturally interacts and converses, while also taking part in daily activities, meals and times of prayer.
“The group of families who offer their hospitality has existed for decades and has gradually organized itself, identifying each year those families willing to welcome a seminarian. In keeping with the African tradition of hospitality, these families see welcoming others as an opportunity for encounter and are happy to host young people from other countries. In this way, relationships are formed that often continue well beyond the nine months of the year of spirituality spent in Benin.”
This is the experience of Pascaline Assogba, a recently retired university lecturer, who speaks joyfully of the experience she has gained over 20 years of welcoming seminarians. Today, she has what amounts to an extended family in several African countries. “If I travel anywhere on the continent, practically every country has an SMA missionary whom I have hosted in my home and who has now become part of my family,” she says.
On Saturday, 26 September, a closing celebration was held, during which the 24 seminarians who had been hosted by local families expressed their gratitude for the experience.
Spending a month with a Beninese family, besides providing an opportunity to practise French, represents a significant stage in the formation of future missionaries. The young men are called to adapt to foods they have never encountered before, different rhythms of daily life – such as the custom of having dinner very late – and forms of devotion that may sometimes be new to them.
In essence, it is a practical school of proximity, interculturality and adaptability – essential skills for those called to live out their missionary vocation in contexts different from their own. The experience also helps foster mutual understanding and trust among people from different countries and continents, including those marked by tensions or conflict.
These are small, concrete steps towards overcoming divisions, building relationships and contributing to peace.
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