An unexpected encounter with Mary at Međugorje
Shared by Sr. Lucy Nabweteme, of the community in Lublin, Poland On my return from the 36th International Youth Festival in Međugorje, when we were on the bus on our way back to Poland, our guide invited those who wished, to take the microphone and share their experience of Međugorje with everybody. At first nobody responded to this invitation. I was also not sure whether my vision was to be shared with many people or it was just for myself. I had time to pray in silence and ask Mary. Deep from within I felt the affirmation to go and share about it. Here I share it with you all as a testimony to the love of Mary. In Međugorje, on the 8th of August, during my personal prayer with the word of God for that day, (Deut 4:32–40), I felt an invitation to open myself to…
Jubilee of consecrated life – 8th and 9th October 2025
On the occasion of the Jubilee of consecrated life, which will be celebrated on the 8th and 9th October, we wish to remember the thoughts of our Venerable Mother Marie-Salome, who worked incessantly and with unwavering faith to strengthen our congregation. United in prayer to be religious after God’s own heart
The 36th International Youth Festival 2025 in Međugorje
By Sr. Lucy Nabweteme, Lublin Community, Poland I was entrusted by the Congregation with the mission of Missionary Vocation Animation (MVA) during my pilgrimage to Međugorje, on the occasion of the 36th International Youth Festival 2025, held from 4th to 8th August. Preparing for the Pilgrimage to Međugorje During the preparation for the pilgrimage, I experienced complications with travel documents and some fear about the mission ahead. However, I was deeply supported by my sisters in the community. On the 1st of August, at 3:30 am, we prayed together in our community chapel. The sisters blessed me, and we went to Saint Anthony of Padua Parish in Lublin, where a special Mass was organized for all the pilgrims. The theme of the pilgrimage was: “Let us go to the house of the Lord” (Ps 122:1). The Journey: A Time of Sharing and Prayer Once we boarded the bus and…
Bicentenary of Cardinal Lavigerie: Symposium at Tangaza University Honors His Missionary Legacy
Sr. Xaverine Mukasinga shares with us her participation of the event On the occasion of the bicentenary of the birth of Cardinal Charles Lavigerie, a symposium was held on 20 September 2025 at Tangaza University in Nairobi. This event allowed us to pay tribute to the spiritual, human and missionary legacy of our founder. The day began with a Mass presided over by Archbishop Hubertus van Megen, Apostolic Nuncio to Kenya, who hailed Lavigerie as ‘one of the fruits of the Church’s rebirth after the French Revolution.’ In his homily, he recalled the power of the Cardinal’s witness. The symposium was organised jointly by the Missionaries of Africa, the Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Africa and the members of the association “Lavigerie Lay Movement of Nairobi”, which lives out the founder’s charism in daily life. Cardinal Lavigerie’s commitment to the abolition of slavery was also…
Celebrating the Anniversary of Cardinal Lavigerie in Trier: A Day of Remembrance and Fellowship
From our Sisters in Germany On July 9th, the Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Africa and the White Fathers gathered to celebrate the anniversary of the birth of Cardinal Charles Lavigerie, their founder. The event took place at the Abbey of St. Matthias in Trier, a place rich in history and spirituality, where many community gatherings have already been held — jubilees, funerals, and annual meetings. Honoring Cardinal Lavigerie in chorus with our many ancestors. This special day took on even greater meaning as the sisters also paid tribute to Sister Katharina Kirsch, who had passed away just days earlier. To avoid too much travel in the summer heat — especially considering the age of many participants — the sisters chose to unite the celebration of resurrection with the commemoration of Cardinal Lavigerie’s birth. A solemn Mass was held in their memory, in an atmosphere filled…
The Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Africa: The Birth of a Congregation
The sisters in the courtyard of Saint Charles with the statue of the Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Africa, in the middle On September 9, 1869, eight young women from Brittany arrived in Algiers after a harrowing Mediterranean storm delayed their journey by a day. As their ship battled the tempestuous waters, Msgr. Lavigerie, Bishop of Algiers, waited anxiously and finally sent his blessing across the troubled sea, a prophetic gesture for the challenging path ahead. We remember the 8 September as the birth date of the congregation in remembrance of the blessing Cardinal Lavigerie sent across the stormy waters and in commemoration of the birth of the Virgin Mary, our patroness. Cardinal Lavigerie’s Vision for an African Missions In 1869 Msgr. Charles Lavigerie, Bishop of Algiers was facing a crisis. Cholera and famine had devastated Algeria, leaving countless orphans. He envisioned a missionary congregation specifically adapted to…
Visiting the Garden of Religions in Cologne: A Journey of Dialogue and Discovery
A community outing in a hidden Oasis in Cologne The Garden of Religions may look simple at first glance, but it’s one of Cologne’s most meaningful spaces. Whether you’re religious, spiritual, or simply curious, this garden invites you to slow down, listen, and connect — with others, with yourself, and with the world’s shared values. This garden isn’t a museum or tourist attraction in the usual sense. Instead, it’s a space for interfaith dialogue, reflection, and community. What makes it special is its simplicity. There are no explanatory signs or boards. Instead, visitors are encouraged to explore, experience, and share their own interpretations. It’s a unique space where religion becomes dialogue, and where visitors leave inspired, thoughtful, and perhaps even changed. Exploring the Five Interfaith Symbols The garden is built around five symbolic installations, each designed to invite discussion. The Bell Visitors begin by striking a large bell…
Living the Legacy of Our Pioneer Sisters in Uganda
Back: Sr Restitute, Sr Mechtilde, Sr Marie de l’Espérance – Front: Sr Joachim, Mère Ste Foy, Sr Dorothée By Sr. Alice Bangnidong – Bunamwaya Community, Kampala Honouring Our Missionary Roots Warm greetings from Bunamwaya-Kampala, Uganda! It is with deep joy and gratitude that we share the powerful echoes of the missionary journey of our pioneer Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Africa in Uganda. As we reflect on their legacy, we give thanks for the missionary presence of our Congregation in the Church of Uganda—a presence that has continued to bear fruit through the generations. Though our brothers, the Missionaries of Africa, played a foundational role, today we focus on the lasting impact of our pioneer sisters, who proclaimed the Gospel with courage, compassion, and dedication. A Call to Missionary Identity “I am a Missionary Sister of Our Lady of Africa: wise, dynamic, and dedicated to…
Our Lady of Africa Today: A Mother and a Sign
The Statue of Mary, called Our Lady of the Promise in the General House in Rome Our Lady of Africa Today: A Mother, a Missionary Support, and a Sign of Faith Missionary Sisters share how Our Lady of Africa remains a powerful symbol of trust, prayer, and commitment to the African people and the Church today. Shared by Claire Blanpain, Coordinator. Our Lady of Africa Today: A Living Presence in Our Lives The Feast of Our Lady of Africa, celebrated every year on April 30, gave the Sisters in Hasselt and Antwerp an opportunity to reflect, over a festive snack, on what Mary means to them today. A Mother Close to Us, a Model of Love and Faith Jeanne: “Mary is a model of selfless giving. Our Lady of Africa especially touches me because she was Black. She is a strong support in my mission — like…
When Patience Takes Root
When Patience Takes Root: A Community Journey Through a Sunflower As we grow older, patience is often put to the test: receiving care, waiting for the elevator, living in close community… One day, Sr. Monique Bonami, from our Saint-Joseph community, shared her struggle with impatience—her own and that of others. Together, we decided to reflect on this theme as a community. 🌱 Sowing to Learn At our first meeting, each Sister received a sunflower seed to plant, a Bible verse on patience to meditate on daily, and an envelope with reflection questions to open ten days later. The goal? To observe our own patience during the germination process and compare it to the patience we need in daily life with one another. 🌻 From Seed to Awareness At our second gathering, we shared our experiences. Most described a confident, joyful waiting. Two Sisters felt some anxiety: “Why…