On the occasion of the Jubilee of Teenagers, Sr. Nathalie Wendata Sedogo shares the work we do with young girls interested in our congregations.
In our Missionary Vocation Animation, we are always in contact with teenagers.
We organize meetings to share information and in Deli we have a group of young girls who meet regularly to discern their spiritual journey.
We are delighted to have established once a month, a visit to the family of each young member of the vocation group. Indeed, every 4th Sunday of the month, all the members of the vocation group spend time with the family of each young person just after mass. Each person brings a dish so that we can have a community meal.
We started with our MSOLA community. All the sisters were mobilized for the reception and animation. The young people asked us questions and focused on the three vows, especially the vow of poverty since they observe that the sisters have beautiful houses, a car… Each of the sisters had to answer to enlighten them on these subjects.
One of the visits that left a lasting impression on us was the one where the father of the family was grateful to the White Sisters, our elders here in Chad.
“The sisters encouraged us to love work.” He added, “Why do today’s young people love the easy way? I used to walk 30 km to go to school in my time. I loved school, but due to lack of financial means, I was forced to stop studying. I promised myself that all my children would go to school, but unfortunately, they don’t like to work hard. They like cheating, fraud, the easy way, movies, easy money… The telephone is good in itself, but many young people have become slaves to this little tool. Sister, thank you for awakening in them the love of work and mutual aid.”
This approach allowed me to have a better understanding of the realities experienced by some young people. Among them, some have only one meal a day, others pay their own school fees… As Pope Francis says,
“being very close to the sheep to smell their scent is a value that requires leaving our comfort zone.”
According to the feedback from the young people, these visits have done good: A family was able to reconcile; it is the first time that a sister has come to our home.”
We are also in thanksgiving to God for the temporary vows of our young sisters. Two of them are from Chad, Valérie Mbaihamdéné and Solange Nodjitelsembe. This is a very good opportunity for Missionary Vocation Animation at our home in Deli.
May Our Lady of Africa continue to intercede so that the Lord gives us young people who are passionate about Jesus and humanity.
