From Sr Bernadette Djekoye on mission in Algeria
“But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?” (luke 1:43)
These words of Elizabeth, expressing both humility and deep joy, resonate with what I experienced when Pope Leo XIV was welcomed to Algeria.
It is with great joy that I share with you my experience of this visit to Notre-Dame d’Afrique on 13 April 2026. For several months, preparations had been intensifying, both within the Church and on the part of the Algerian government, whose commitment was admirable. Everything was organised very well.
On the morning of 13 April, from a large stadium, extensive transport arrangements and an impressive security operation were put in place to take us to the basilica, situated on the heights of Algiers. This place is highly symbolic: it is both a place of prayer for Christians and a site also frequented by Muslims for contemplation or to visit. It thus embodies a true sign of dialogue and coexistence.
What struck me deeply was seeing Christians and Muslims gathered together, even in the rain, to listen to and welcome the Pope’s message together. The various testimonies shared were very moving.
I was particularly moved by Cardinal Jean-Paul Vesco’s welcoming address, in which he recalled that the Diocese of Algiers was founded by the White Fathers and the White Sisters. This recognition is both an honour and a responsibility: it calls us to keep alive, even today, the legacy of faith, missionary zeal and commitment left by our White Sisters and White Fathers who went before us.
The Pope invited us to cultivate a genuine culture of encounter, for it is in encounter that life and hope are born. He has encouraged us to be pilgrims of peace in our communities and in the society that welcomes us.
He also spoke of the Mediterranean and the Sahara as a geographical and spiritual crossroads of considerable significance, warning us: they must not become places where hope dies. This call urges us to be bearers of hope, capable of recognising in difference not a threat, but a fellow traveller. In his message, the Pope highlighted three essential elements for our mission in Algeria: prayer, charity lived in joy, and a commitment to peace and unity.
He reminded us that faith does not isolate, but opens up; it unites without blurring distinctions, brings people together without standardising, and fosters true fraternity.
For me, this visit was a profound opportunity to renew dialogue with our Muslim brothers and sisters. The Basilica of Our Lady of Africa is not just a church for Christians: it is also a place where Muslims come to pray, light candles and entrust their intentions to God. This echoes the beautiful invocation inscribed in this place: “Our Lady of Africa, pray for us and for Muslims.”
Another aspect that struck me was the reality of the small Christian community in Algeria, which numbers barely ten thousand faithfuls. Despite this, the Pope was keen to come and visit us, to encourage us, support us and reassure us of his prayers. This reminds me of Mary’s Visitation to Elizabeth: a discreet yet essential presence, bringing comfort and hope.
I felt this closeness very strongly in our conversations and testimonies. Through our commitments, prayer strengthens us and helps us to unite more closely with Christ, so that we may live out our mission according to his heart. For me, this visit restores visibility and meaning to the presence of the Catholic Church in Algeria, where people sometimes ask us, ‘Why are you here? or what are you doing in Algeria?’ This visit also rekindles the hope for lasting peace between religions.
I give thanks to God for the grace I had to meet the Pope in person and to greet him. I was touched by his simplicity, his joy and the peace he radiated. I entrusted our mission as White Sisters to him, asking him to pray for us. At the end of his message, he encouraged us with these words: “I encourage you to continue your work in Algeria as a united and open community of faith.”
May this visit renew our commitment to following the Lord Jesus Christ and strengthen us in our mission and efforts to be peacemakers in our world, which is plagued by war and violence.
“Our Lady of Africa, pray for us and for the Muslims.”
