Dear Brothers,
Yesterday, Frs. Reginald, Francis Barka-nado and myself completed the major handover and this gives me the freedom to formally write to express my sincere gratitude to you all for the time I had to serve as Leader of  our great Unit, the Bight of Benin District in Formation.The period between January 1, 2009 and January 1, 2012 has been that of great learning for me. I learnt a lot about the dynamic nature of our Unit, especially of our members. I learnt a lot about myself and as I finish, I leave enriched and blessed. Surely, there were moments of tension just as there were moments of great encouragements, and thank God, these moments of encouragement were more.

I truly believe that what so ever the case, all of us put our best with good intentions for the progress and good of our Unit and our members. The spirit of solidarity and generosity that comes up spontaneously where ever the need arises is worth mentioning. I am sure this spirit will keep our passion for mission and for the growth of our Unit alive.

It is this generosity and dynamic enthusiasm that I am sure encouraged us to respond to some missionary challenges in the Pygmy area of Central African Republic, in Babaso, Ghana and in the various houses of formation in Africa and outside the continent when we were called upon.At the inter-Unit level, I can humbly say that our Unit enjoys a place of honor, respect and trust. At this juncture, I cannot but salute the dedication of all the brothers working in other Units. You make us proud!

During my visitations, I met great missionaries in the places I went. Men loved, admired and respected by their communities. That gladdened my heart. Please keep it up. As a Unit, we can indeed count our blessings and name them one by one. We can count these blessings so that we can be aware of how much we have been endowed with possibilities that are yet to be exploited for the glory of God, the advancement of the Kingdom (to borrow the expression of our holy Founder) so that we can continue with Faith Hope and Charity, “neglecting nothing to proclaim the Gospel” in the spirit of mission Ad-vitam.

I want in a special way thank the Frs. Francis Barka-Nado, Martin Kavanagh, Tim Cullinane, Denis Agbeyandzi, Michel L’Hostis, Maure Henry and Patrice Dossoumou for their collaboration during this period. I thank the General Council, Superiors of all other SMA Units who supported us, assisted our Unit and encouraged us. I am very conscious that “only by their sacrifices can we continue…” and so, borrowing again from that beautiful prayer for our benefactors, I pray that God grant you “the grace you stand in need of”

Finally, I want to congratulate Fr. Reginald on his election and Fr. Francis for his re-election. I have no doubt with the riches of their experiences and our collaboration in our commitment to mission and the growth of our dear Unit, they will lead us to greater level with our prayers. I commit myself whole heartedly to support them. Finally, I ask you to thank God with me and to pray for me as I take a period of break from now until the time I will be taking my next appointment, hopefully, in our dear continent, Africa.
Once again, thank you and God bless each one of you in your ministry.

Yours sincerely
Basil SOYOYE, SMA

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