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…
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…
The Sancta Maria prayer
The Sancta Maria prayer.This is a very ancient hymn sung by the sisters, Fathers and Brothers the Missionaries of Africa – White Sisters and White Fathers,during our family celebrations. This hymn is from the time of St Augustine. A hundred and fifty years ago the Christians of Algeria sang it; Cardinal Lavigerie loved it and he shared it with his missionaries. Since the beginning of the Congregation, Sisters entrust their mission to Mary,singing this hymn. Formerly at the mother house in Algiers sisters met every evening around the statue of Mary to sing the Sancta Maria. Today, this hymn is fervently repeated by all generations of Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Africa during our family celebrations: religious profession, jubilees, gatherings … Holy Mary, Help the afflicted Aid the faint-hearted Comfort the sorrowing Pray for the people Intercede for the clergy Plead for women consecrated to God May all…
Psalm of a migrant abandoned in the desert
I want to live… Lord, my helper and my refuge, from the womb of my mother, you know me and you love me … My mother told me that you never abandon anyone who trusts in you, but you guide them on the right path, and you feed them with the bread of heaven. Look upon me Lord; I am lost here, far away from my country, in a no-man’s land. I want to LIVE! I would like to escape the grasp of the multinationals that made our land a pile of trash … I would like to escape the wars which brought us, the poor ones, so much famine and distress. Lord, I wish to LIVE! But see where I am. Around me, there is no life, only the lifeless bodies of my companions in misfortune. I feel that soon it will be the same for me. I…
Prayer to Our Lady of Africa
Our Lady of Africa, mother of the human family, Be mindful of your African children, at home or dispersed on other continents. You who are full of grace, look upon all those who do not know Jesus, the Son sent by the Father. May his light draw them and make them receptive to the gift of Faith. You, who are one with Christ In suffering and in glory, Be mindful of those assailed by trials, That they may discover His liberating Passover, and live by it in hope. You who turned to Jesus When the wine of joy ran out Be mindful of peoples in distress, That justice and peace may prevail In a united world where Charity reigns. You who, in the midst of the Apostles, Received the breath of the Spirit Be mindful of the apostles of today. May they announce the Word with assurance And proclaim it…