In the midst of the “poor”
At the “Poverello” in Brussels, I find myself in the midst of the “poor” of all kinds and from all over the world. These people need to eat, but also need attention and friendship. I often have the opportunity to speak Arabic. I am very happy; I go there once a week. The Poverello is an association in the area of the North Station in Brussels. At noon we serve hot meals to needy people, street people … We serve from 100 to 150 meals a day. This takes place in a very good atmosphere. I visit people living alone, disabled or elderly who need certain services: For a year I took communion to Gaby, a former prostitute who now elderly, does not “work” anymore. She has always lived in this neighborhood. Thus I was able to dip into this milieu–a very rewarding discovery. This woman of faith challenged…
Dear Mr. /Mrs….
MIGRANTS : Faced with this situation the Sisters of Our Lady of Africa and the Missionaries of Africa sent a letter to political leaders of the European Union and European countries, asking them to address the causes of migration and proposing a change in the economic policy. In May and June, many migrant trying to get into Europe lost their lives crossing the Mediterranean. Despite numerous protests, statements and letters from associations, individuals and some politicians, the European Union, and most European governments and politicians continued to strengthen the closure of their borders to prevent economic migrants and political refugees from entering in Europe. Dear Mr. /Mrs…. We need to transform our economic system: We appeal to you o To promote in your own [party, government, parliament…] a reflection on the root causes of migration and a discussion on the required transformation of our economic system. o Initiate and…
O Migrant, “rest here” with us…
My brother, My sister, You left everything, your home, your family, your friends, your country…. You left, set out,.. arriving in an unknown country, With people who speak another language, Who have different customs, a different religion than yours…. How many obstacles encountered, not counting all those met on the way… in Sinai, Turkey, Libya, on the seas…. and now in the country where you seek a welcome. In addition, without an apparent future, With tomorrow’s insecurity, In search of the papers to regularize your situation, Lacking the necessary for your vital needs. Being unable to speak, to really express yourself….. Unable to comprehend all these papers, not knowing what they mean, What to do …… O my brother, O my sister in humanity, I would like to be able to say to you… “rest here” with us,…. do not worry. I hope that…
The disastrous effects of the Mining Industry in Africa
Africa is rich in reserves of minerals. It is a leading producer of gold and coltan (used in electronic devices) and other minerals.
Rally in London: alert on climate change!
We were 4 Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Africa – that is to say – Florence, Harriet, Laurence and I went to the big lobby on Climate Change at Westminster. Laurence took these photos of us waiting to meet our M.P. and of me talking to her.. Her name is Rupa Huq and do you know that I spoke to her about how climate change affects Migration… the advance of the desert and the submerging of the islands.. She agreed very strongly.. As you see she is of Asian descent and she spoke about her homeland which has been threatened by flooding for many years.. 17th June 2015, Sr Marie
Relations Africa – Europe
Africa Europe Faith and Justice Network (AEFJN) AEFJN is a Christian Network that strives to eliminate injustice and to promote Equity and Economic Justice in the relations between Europe and Africa. We do that by lobbying (working towards promoting just legislation and transforming the laws that cause Injustice and poverty). The members are Catholic International religious Congregations working in Africa and in Europe. About 80,000 persons in Africa and Europe are involved directly or indirectly in the activities of AEFJN. The International Secretariat in Brussels lobbies the European Union while the 11 national antennae in Africa and Europe lobby the national Governments and Parliaments. AEFJN was born in 1988 from two calls The deteriorating of the economic situation in Africa, despite developments efforts, and the call of missionary congregations to transform that situation. The call of Pope John Paul II to the missionaries to be present…
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…
Migrants in the Algerian desert
Already two weeks ago I wanted to write something about a particular adventure – an adventure about migration; an adventure about human encounter. It is still possible to have beautiful encounters, free encounters, transforming encounters. Ghardaia, November 2013, the first hints of rain, little drizzles in the evening. The day is sunny and fresh, otherwise cold! The small desert offers its stones to the sun’s rays as if to suck the heat and keep it for the nights, already difficult to bear without shelter. The Algerian cities have been visited for the past year by unusual people, women and children from the south, begging by day, disappearing at night. At first like the war-refugees from Mali, then recognized as Nigerians, their presence questioned, sometimes disturbing, often leading to compassion. Algerian Associations mobilize quickly to bring them food, especially when cold attacks these scantily clad people. Some newspapers write about them.…
Can women be Apostles?
“In spite of the zeal of the Missionaries, their efforts will not produce sufficient fruit if they are not seconded by women apostles working with the women. Men cannot give this service themselves, only women have free access to pagan women and are able to maintain charitable relations with them; help them in their trouble and so touch their hearts. This apostolate does not stop with the women, for a woman is a fountainhead because she is mother.” Cardinal Lavigerie underlined the importance of woman’s place in the world and in the Church. He saw her as an agent in the transformation of society through her role as “head” of the family, parallel to that of man. Hers is a ministry of love and of humanity. “Women are destined to be the most effective missionaries of the African peoples” 1871