Some Practical Ways to Live Your Faith Inspired by the Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Africa
Lent is a season we often associate with sacrifice, giving something up, praying a little more, trying to be better.
But what if Lent is not about giving up, but about opening up? Opening our hearts to God, to others, and to the world He loves.
Inspired by the Ignatian spirituality of the Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Africa you can rediscover Lent as a time to grow roots in Christ and stretch out our hands in love. These are not only for religious sisters, they are a path for every baptized Christian.
Deepening our relationship with Christ: The interior journey
At the heart of MSOLA life is a personal relationship with Jesus.
Mission begins in prayer. Without roots, a tree cannot grow; without prayer, our faith cannot bear fruit.
This Lent, try to:
- Set aside 10–15 minutes daily for silent prayer. Simply sit in quiet place with the Gospel of the day and ask “What is Jesus saying to me?”
- Review your actions and feelings at the end of the day. You can also make a journal of it: Where did I experience God? Where did I resist love? Where was I grateful?
Lent reminds us that our life is not about perfection, but about returning, every single day, to the heart of Christ.
Walking with others: The mission through encounter
The Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Africa have always lived
close to the people they serve, listening, learning languages, and sharing daily life.
Their witness reminds us that faith is relational.
This Lent, consider:
- Reaching out intentionally to someone who is lonely or struggling. You can do this just by listening more than speaking. You do not have to solve problems but just be present.
- Reconciling with someone from whom you have grown distant. Sometimes you do not have to look for right or wrong in a relationship, you just have to be present.
True fasting is not only from food, it is abstaining from indifference, judgment, and selfishness. Lent invites us to recognize Christ in others.
Gospel of Matthew 25:40
“Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”
Responding to the needs of our world: Faith in action
The missionary spirit of MSOLA has always responded to real human needs:
education, healthcare, justice, peace, care for creation, interreligious dialogue.
Their example echoes the vision of their founders, Cardinal Charles Lavigerie and Mother Marie-Salomé,
who believed that the Gospel must touch concrete realities.
As lay Christians, you may not travel to another continent, but you are missionaries exactly where you are.
You might ask yourself this Lent:
- How can I be more attentive to the poor in my community?
- Can I support a charitable initiative, volunteer, or advocate for justice?
- How can I reduce my consumption as an act of solidarity and care for creation?
Fasting can become generosity. Prayer can become courage. Almsgiving can become solidarity.
Living Lent as a Pilgrimage of Hope
Lent is not meant to leave us burdened, but renewed.
It is a journey toward Easter and resurrection.
The spirituality of the Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Africa reminds us that mission flows from love. When we allow Christ to transform us, we naturally become signs of hope.
This season, instead of asking only, “What should I give up?”, we might ask:
- What kind of person is God inviting me to become?
- Where is He sending me today?
- Who needs my presence, my prayer, my compassion?
Lent is a school of love.
And love, when rooted in Christ, always becomes mission.
May this Lenten season help each of us grow deeper in prayer, wider in compassion, and stronger in faith so that, wherever we are, we may live as missionary disciples in our families, workplaces, and communities.
