First Religious Profession
We invite you to pray with us for the First Religious Profession of Evelyne, Georgiana and Mary After a long journey of deep reflection and discernment they confirmed their vocation and are joining our congregations and missionary life They went through an intensive period of formation. And were progressively and more deeply initiated into the essential aspects of our religious missionary life, through accompaniment and the experience of an international and intercultural community. During this formation they Have deepened their knowledge of the Christian faith and prayer and developed greater intimacy with Christ; Have grown in inner freedom and responsibility and learned the foundational aspects of human development; Have learned to be open to other cultures, values and learned the languages of the Congregation (English and French) Acquired the ability to discern the authenticity of God’s call, by entering fully into the spirit of the Congregation and to…
In my heart I felt a great desire – a vocation story
Sister Angela Kapitingana is Tanzanian. Sha was several years in mission in Uganda, Zambia, Rwanda, Kenya and DRC. For 5 years she was a formator in the novitiate in Burkina. Currently she is the Superior General in Rome, Italy We asked her about her religious vocation. Here is her story Discovering my vocation was not easy but, in my heart, I had a desire to share my faith with people who have no family, especially orphans. I wanted to show that they are important in God’s eyes. Very early I lost my mother so I wanted to help my sister who did everything so that I could study. I worked hard at school until I had the opportunity to go to university. It was a decisive moment when I felt in my heart a need to get out of myself and reach out to others. I followed by…
Cardinal Lavigerie and the foundation of women congregations
At the symposium held at Tangaza University in Nairobi on 20 September 2025 to celebrate the bicentenary of Cardinal Lavigerie, Sr Hélène Mbuyamba, MSOLA, gave a presentation highlighting the cardinal’s role in the creation of women’s congregations Here is an abstract from the conference of Sr Hélène Mbuyamba, MSOLA At a time when the role of women was limited to domestic and family tasks, Cardinal Lavigerie made clear that for him the apostolate of women was an indispensable complement to the apostolate of men. As a man of faith, broad-minded and endowed with extraordinary vision and foresight, he understood the importance of women’s apostolate among women and recognized their vital role in transforming society. Even women who rarely left their homes were still at the heart of their households and it is in the home that women shape the society of tomorrow. Sisters could reach them and help…
Let us move forward, family of Lavigerie
For Lavigerie’s bicentenary, celebrate his legacy of faith and commitment to the African peoples by drawing inspiration from his missionary zeal, courage and faith, and focusing on his legacy of human dignity. The theme for the bicentenary year was For a passionate and renewed commitment to the African peoples’
Dames d’Afrique – A Documentary on the White Sisters
From the tv channel KTO, Sister Gisela and others share stories and memories in a moving documentary For more than 150 years, the Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Africa, known as the White Sisters, have devoted their lives to working on the African continent. Founded in 1869 by Cardinal Charles Lavigerie, this women’s congregation has left an indelible mark on 15 African countries. By devoting themselves to the education, health and dignity of women, they have marked the history of the continent. Without ever compromising their faith, they adapted to local customs by listening to those in their care. Their social and religious legacy continues today, as evidenced by the vocations that have emerged from their mission countries. Combining historical archives, interviews with specialists and testimonials, director Sebastien Cassen has painted a nuanced and authentic portrait of these courageous women and their unconditional dedication. A KTO/SAISON CINQ co-production,…
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…
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…
My Perpetual Commitment: An Offering of Life to the Lord
From Sister Kandongo Kibole Yollande, on mission in Chad With a heart full of gratitude, I share the profound joy I experienced on the day of my perpetual profession. My life, received as a gift, I have offered to the Lord, the Master of all. In trust and serenity, I approached his altar, ready to hand over my entire existence to him. Yes, I can truly affirm: there is more joy in giving than in receiving. The grace of this unique moment was granted to me. Everything unfolded in peace and in deep fraternal communion. I felt carried by your prayers, your encouragement, and your affection. As our ritual of vows highlights, I leaned on the unconditional love of God and on the support of my sisters. With this certainty, I made my commitment in full awareness, convinced that I do not walk this path alone. This definitive…
Final Vows of our sister Yollande
You’re Invited to Unite in Prayer in Celebration of the Final Vows of Sister Yollande With hearts full of gratitude and joy, we invite you to join us in prayer as our beloved Sister Yollande makes her Final Profession of Vows, committing her life fully and forever to the service of God. Though not all of us may gather in person, we ask you to be present in spirit and prayer. Let us unite in prayer on 19th July 2025. For those who cannot attend in person, the celebration will be broadcast live on Facebook. via this link: https://www.facebook.com/share/1AWG5ADBRK/