The Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Africa and the Missionaries of Africa are honored to announce a special year of celebration, culminating on October 31, 2025, to mark the 200th anniversary of the birth of our beloved founder, Cardinal Charles Lavigerie. This anniversary holds deep meaning for all of us—Sisters, Brothers, and Fathers—who are continually shaped and guided by his vision and commitment.
Beginning on October 31, 2024, we are invited to dedicate this coming year to Cardinal Lavigerie, embracing the theme: “For a passionate and renewed commitment to the African peoples”.
In remembering our founder, we reflect on his lifelong advocacy for social justice, his tireless dedication to humanitarian efforts, and his pioneering work in promoting human dignity. His vision for a just and equitable world continues to inspire us today. Cardinal Lavigerie said of his missionaries:
“They must make themselves all things to all, so as to win souls to Jesus Christ and his Church. They will not hesitate before any difficulty, not even death, when it is a question of extending the Kingdom of God ” (Constitutions of 1882, Chapter 1, Art. 2).
This anniversary calls us to renew our commitment to Cardinal Lavigerie’s mission and vision, embracing his spirit of dedication and compassion as we work toward a more just world for the African peoples.
(Text inspired by the letter of Fr. Stanley Lubungo, M.Afr, and Sr. Angela Kapitingana, MSOLA, for the launching of the bicentenary of the birth of Cardinal Lavigerie)
