Many of the General Superiors of our Sister Congregations answered the invitation to the meeting. Sr. Angela Kapitingana MSOLA is in the front row, the fourth from right.
Shared by Sr. Joséphine Toyi, Bene Tereziya Congregation, Burundi
On May 10, 2025, the Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Africa (MSOLA) warmly welcomed the member Congregations of the Our Lady of Africa Family to their Generalate in Rome. This inspiring gathering was a joyful occasion to reunite with our elder Sisters in consecrated life – those who have patiently formed and guided us in living out our unique religious charisms in mission service.
A Triennial Gathering Rooted in Synodality
This important event typically follows the General Assembly of the International Union of Superiors General (UISG), held every three years. The 2025 gathering centered on the theme of synodality, co-responsibility, and unity in our shared missionary journey.
With hearts open to the Spirit, we embraced the opportunity to deepen our collaborative efforts, walking together as pilgrims of hope. The gathering aimed to strengthen bonds and reaffirm our collective commitment to the mission of the Church and our shared values.
Embracing Strategic Partnership for Mission
During our time together, an external facilitator offered insightful reflections on our shared future. A key focus was the development of a strategic plan that enables each congregation’s charism to flourish, while supporting a united and sustainable mission.
This approach emphasized mutual collaboration – moving beyond dependency toward proactive partnership. It’s a call to reframe challenges as opportunities for transformation through unity and intentional planning.
Facing Modern Challenges with Hope
While acknowledging the multiple challenges facing religious life today – such as the global crisis of faith and weakening ecclesial solidarity – our discussions also highlighted emerging opportunities:
- Strengthening institutional planning
- Enhancing inter-congregational networking
- Advancing toward a sustainable, shared mission
Such efforts require a mental shift from acts of charity to a deep sense of shared responsibility within and among congregations. We must act together, with purpose and unity.
Priority Areas and Common Good
Despite some uncertainty about the future, we identified key priority areas where action is essential. With faith in God’s providence, we remain confident that our beloved MSOLA and the wider Lavigerie Family will continue to support us in our mission.
Solidarity, fraternity, and local empowerment now go hand in hand as we witness to the Gospel of Christ across diverse communities. Through shared dialogue, participation, and mutual encouragement, we can deepen our understanding of our unique charisms while working toward the common good.
Gratitude, Unity, and Renewed Mission
What a blessing it is to belong to the Our Lady of Africa Family! We are deeply grateful to MSOLA for their leadership, care, and continued commitment to walking this path with us. Together, we discover new missionary pathways, grounded in synodality and sustained by hope in Christ.
The day concluded with a joyful celebration and a shared meal—a symbol of the unity and joy that define our shared journey.
The participants in the meeting :
The General Council of the Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Africa
Sr. Hellen Bandiho, Sisters of St. Theresa of the Child Jesus, Tanzania
Sr. Noelina Namusoke, Bannabikira, Daughters of Mary, Uganda
Sr. Seraphine Kaitesirwa, Daughters of St Theresa of the Child Jesus, Banyatereza, Uganda
Sr. Margaret Wanjiku Wahungu, Assumption Sisters of Nairobi, Kenya
Sr. Prisca Matenga, Daughters of the Redeemer, Zambia
Sr. Elisabeth Mutamba, Sisters of the Child Jesus, Zambia
Sr. Colleta Bester, Sisters of St. Theresa of the Child Jesus, Malawi
Sr. Virginie Kadima, Soeurs de St Joseph, Auxiliatrices de l’Eglise, R.D. Congo
Sr. Alphonsine Kika Wakilogo, Filles de Marie, Reine des Apôtres, R.D. Congo
Sr. Joséphine Toyi, Soeurs Bene-Tereziya, Burundi
Sr. Pélagie Mujawayezu, Abizeramariya, Rwanda
Sr. Marie Nyirabaganwa, Soeurs Benebikira, Rwanda
Sr. Christina Pogbeyir, Sisters of Mary Immaculate, Ghana
Sr. Esther Thera, Filles du Coeur Immaculé de Marie, Mali
Sr. Jeanne Kanyala, Institut-Famille des Soeurs de l’Annonciation de Bobo, Burkina Faso
Sr. Marguerite Sawadogo, Soeurs de Notre-Dame du Lac, Burkina Faso
Sr. Pauline Sawadogo, Institut des Soeurs de l’Immaculée Conception de Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
Sr. Lina Wanjiku Ndungu, Sisters of the Emmanuel, Kenya (online)
