Community Excursions

On Monday 9th of December 2013, the community of the International Spiritual Year, Calavi had an excursion to Cotonou as part of the celebration of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception and the Foundation Day of the Society of African Missions (SMA).

The aim of the excursion included

1. A visit to the Regional House, Cotonou

2. A visit to the tombs of SMA missionaries buried at the public cemetery in Akpakpa, Cotonou

3. Visit to the Cathedral of Our Lady in Cotonou

4. A tour of the city of Cotonou, the economic capital of Benin Republic.

Fr. Chauvin reading the biography of one the deceased SMA

The activities of the excursions began with a Eucharistic celebration at the Regional House. Soon after the celebration, Fr. Andre Chauvin, SMA (Lyon), 54 years ordained, more than 40 years in Benin Republic, currently the eldest SMA in the country, enthusiastically guided us through our visit. 

At each tomb, he read a small biography of each missionary. It must be mentioned that the story of the life of each of them was inspiring to all, especially to those who are participating in this year's spiritual year program. It was just impossible to be indifferent to the commitment and zeal of our predecessors on mission who gave their lives for the sake of the Gospel, some in the prime period of their lives.

Although difficult to locate, and one necessarily needs the guidance of someone like Fr. Chauvin who knows the place, it is important to note that graves are well kept and the drawing of the chalice on each tombs makes it easy to identify where the missionaries where buried. 

At the end of the visit at the Cathedral, we spent some time to pray individually and collectively for the repose of the missionaries who are buried in Cotonou, Porto-Novo, Agoue, Ouidah and other parts of the country. Deceased Sisters of Our Lady of Apostles (OLA) where also remembered. We trust that their intercession will keep the work of evangelisation in Benin Republic.

Group photograph in front of the Cathedral of Our Lady in Cotonou

Upon returning to the Regional House, Fr. Chauvin facilitated a session on the SMA in Benin-Niger Region. Beginning from the time of Fr. Borghero in 1861, he explained the growth of SMA mission in the Region until the present day. It was interesting for example to learn that the mission in Calavi existed before Cotonou.

Listening to the stories of the heroic witnessing of the early SMA and OLA missionaries both challenges and encourages in our desire to be missionaries from the bottom of our hearts. Contemporary and future SMA missionaries present at these tours and listening to the life of our ancestors on mission all felt proud to be SMA and were aware of the legacy that has been passed down through the years and that must be conserved, improved on and handed down to posterity.

Fr. Bruno Miyigbena SMA (Regional)
Fr. Raja Lourdusamy SMA (Vice Reg)

At the end of the time with Fr. Chauvin, it was the turn of the newly elected Regional Superior, Fr. Bruno Bruno Miyigbena, SMA to address us. He welcomed us to the Regional House. He wished us blessings for this new year. 

The list of SMA Missionaries buried in Cotonou cemetery

Name                             Date of death                        Age

GESLINIER Jules           15^th July 1912                        38 years

VACHERET Charles       30^th Jan. 1923                        58 years

JOLIF Toussaint             20^th March 1937                    64 years

BOURGET Michel          14^th October 1940                  55 years

COLINEAUX Firmin      20^th April 1942                      67 years

FECHTER Albert            2^nd August 1942                    53 years

LIEUTAUD Eugène        12th Nov 1949                      64 years

FERLANDIN Paul          23th March 1952                   41 years

DOUAUD Joseph            14^th Sept 1958                       37 years

FAVIER Jean-Marie        18^th July 1963                        37 years

May they and all the faithful departed rest in peace