Martyrdom of Saints Perpetua and Felicite
“One day” says Perpetua, “while we were having lunch, they suddenly took us for questioning. We arrived at the forum. The rumor soon spread to neighboring districts and there was a huge crowd. We were mounted on the platform. My companions, interrogated first, made their confession. When my turn came, my father was there with my son. He pulled me from the stairs begging: ‘Have mercy on your son.’ Hilarianus, the procurator said: ‘Spare the gray hairs of thy father, spare the tender age of your son; sacrifice out of reverence for the emperors.’ I said, ‘I will not do it.’ Hilarianus asked: ‘Are you Christian?’ I said, ‘I am.’ When my father came up close to convince me, he was chased away by order of Hilarianus and struck with a rod. I felt the blow to my father as if I myself had…
The time of fidelity
Celebrating 25 years, 50 or 60 years of religious life is an opportunity to contemplate the journey of fidelity lived with the Lord, with her sisters and all those she met in Africa or elsewhere. On the occasion of her Golden Jubilee, Sister Nicole Robion witnesses to this fidelity of the Lord and her own: The burning bush In my burning bush the message you gave me: “Do not be afraid of the fire!” In the Holy Land he knew me. “I will be with you.” I am the one to marvel To give him the joy of accompanying me. “What joy I would have if I saw you all walk with a firm and resolute step in the vocation to which our Lord has called you. However, I respect your freedom so that born of his divine inspiration, it would be your voluntary…
Fioretti from Zambia 1
Often at night I would pray near a river close to the house, it flowed, sang, and jumped. One day at a crossroads, I met a boy of about six years, very cute. On his bare chest shone a medal. I said, “But I do not know you, what’s your name? ” Straightening and very proud, he said: “Nine Ibrahimu” “I am Abraham” What a great introduction to the beginning of these pages, this encounter with Abraham !!! I want to write about the Bible in the lives of Zambians. ____________________________ Another meeting: I was returning from the village, further down the road I see two men talking with a boy of 10 or 11 years who was returning from school. The men continue their way, the child arrives at my side, he is laughing. We greet and I tell him “you seem very…
Come mix your colors with me
Around the theme of peace and living together, the library of the Palmiers in Algiers, organized for the first time a summer camp from 20 to 25 July 2015 for neighborhood children. A dozen facilitators (seven young Algerians, two Congolese Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Africa and Marion French DCC) prepared singing workshops, crafts (origami, painting, salt dough …), theater and magic for children from 6 to 10 years. We began with an educational game in the morning, where even the most timid children got involved! Each day, a group of children was responsible for preparing the tea. The last day, parents were able to admire the works their children had done during the workshops. The children presented a show with little theater skits about living together. Each presented the job of their dreams: doctor, architect, pilot, mechanic, cook, teacher, police officer, housekeeper, lawyer. Meriem, aged…
Pray from the Encyclical “Laudato si”
“We feel it is urgent to incorporate in all our apostolic commitments, the dimension of justice, peace and integrity of creation. We want to express our solidarity with all humanity and participate in this reconciled CREATION event which Christ is moving towards its fulfillment.” 2011 General Chapter of the Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Africa Pope Francis in his encyclical “Laudato si” after comparing the earth as our home according to the spirituality of St. Francis of Assisi, he calls it Sister Earth. He writes: “This sister Earth is crying because of the damage we cause her by the irresponsible use and abuse of the goods that God has deposited in her.” This encyclical is the basis of our prayer. Let us listen to the old song of the scouts: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit O Lord,…
Prayer for Missionary Vocations
Holy Spirit, You are the fire that the risen Jesus lit on the earth to reveal the boundless love of the Father.. Burn today in the hearts of young people so that leaving everything to follow Christ, they might discover the true joy of the disciples. Send them into the silence of the desert, as passionate seekers of the living God. You Jesus, who were sent into the world, send them beyond frontiers as witnesses filled with missionary zeal, men and women with an apostolic heart. Support our faith and boldness for your Kingdom in Africa, wherever we are. Strengthen our communion through our cultural diversity, so that it might be a sign of your love without limits. You Jesus, who were sent into the world, awaken in the hearts of many young women the desire to commit themselves, joyful and confident in the…