A place for encounters and dialogue
by Tanja Jung-Klein Located in the heart of Karlsruhe, in Germany, is the Haus (house) Lavigerie, run by our sisters Sr. Vankalck Chantal and Sr. Weber Kordula together with the Missionaries of Africa (White Fathers). It is a place where people of different cultures, religions, and life stories come together to talk and experience community. At Haus Lavigerie, the focus is on encounters, mutual respect, and intercultural and interreligious dialogue. People from diverse backgrounds find an open space here where they feel welcome and can learn from one another. A particular focus is the support and assistance of refugees and migrants. This includes language support, integration assistance, personal consultations, and networking with church and social service organizations. Many people gain guidance, encouragement, and new perspectives through this support. Together with the White Fathers, the sisters are also involved in raising awareness about issues such as displacement, migration,…
Three sisters and a Home
From left: Sr. Xaverine Mukatabaza from Rwanda, Sr. Scholastique Makita from Congo and Sr. Redempta Kabahweza from Uganda The ‘Pope Francis Rescue Home’ (PFRH) in Malindi, Kenya, is a project run by the Catholic Diocese of Malindi (CDoM) in partnership with the Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Africa. It adopts both a reactive and preventive approach to child protection and safeguarding, providing high-quality short-term rehabilitation services to children who have been victims of abuse in parts of Kilifi, Tana River and Lamu, in Kenya’s coastal region. The project is overseen by the Government of Kenya, through the Department of Child Services. The PFRH adopts a dual approach, both preventative and responsive, to child protection. Responsive interventions include: Psychological counselling and psychosocial support provided by three full-time counsellors. Home visits to facilitate reintegration. Basic health services, school education and/or vocational training. Legal assistance in collaboration with law enforcement…
Let’s celebrate the end of the Season of Creation
October 4: Season of Creation Closing Event 9am New York / 6am Los Angeles / 4pm Nairobi / 9pm Manila Link to join on Zoom
Gift: a fruitfull life
By Sr. Marie Sakina, from the community of Lilongwe in Malawi The parable of the sower and the soils of Lilongwe: How Tikondane Care nurtures vulnerable lives to full fruitfulness The Parable of the Sower, found in Matthew 13:1-9 and 18-23, serves as a profound framework for understanding the challenges and triumphs of social interventions. When applied to the mission of Tikondane in supporting street-connected children, this biblical narrative transitions from an ancient lesson into a living reality. The parable reminds us that transformation requires both a dedicated sower and a receptive environment. In the scriptural text, Jesus describes four outcomes for seeds scattered by a sower. Some seeds fall on the path and are immediately devoured by birds. Others fall on rocky ground, springing up quickly but withering under the sun due to a lack of deep roots. Some fall among thorns, which choke the growing plants.…
Let us celebrate as long as we can!
By Sr. Elisabeth Biela from the Köln community in Germany 100 Years in Trier, 116 Years in Germany Is this not a reason to get up, break the routine of each day and beat loudly the drum? This is what the drum told us: “Come all to Trier, bring your whole self, do not hesitate, you can do it: Talitha Kum!!” And, of course, all understood the call of the drum, did we not hear it for so many years in Africa? And as many as possible came from Cologne, from Senior centre, from St. Elisabeth. Only the sisters of Karlsruhe could not come, we missed them, but other occupations held them. We were not alone. A delegation of the Heiligkreuz Parish, where we started 100 years ago honoured us with their presence. Our joy was great as they brought the cross that had been for so…
Transforming Tomorrow: Changing with Hope
Shared by Xaverine Mukatabaza, Nairobi Kodek Community, Kenya In our world of today, there are so many situations and events that are happening, and we have no control over them. The wars, famine, floods, displacements, unemployment, etc. Climate change is also causing famine and the high cost of living in our societies. For example, in some parts of the countries, there has been no rain for some years, which has caused drought and famine. People are wondering, how are we going to survive? Even if the government leaders are to support the people, will they satisfy the people who were used to feeding themselves, to getting fresh food from their own gardens? The lands have been destroyed by chemicals that are being put in the soil. How are we going to survive all these? People are dying left and right, affected by diseases that even the doctors are…
Pride and solidarity in Morocco
The “Couture – Creation” workshop is an initiative launched by our sisters, Rehema Kimesera Toiwoki and Maria Carmen Ocon Moreno, in Ouarzazate, Morocco. During Cardinal Cristobal Lopez Romero’s visit in March 2026, the women spoke of the “transformation” experienced through this workshop. We, the women of this workshop, wish to express our deep gratitude to the Church, as well as to our dear sisters Rehema and Maria, who have walked alongside us throughout this beautiful adventure. It is with great emotion and sincerity that we take this moment to express what lies deep within our hearts. Since our arrival at the workshop, we have shared many wonderful moments together. We are fortunate to work with you, with the sisters, and even with our guests, all united in a warm and caring atmosphere, just like a true family. This unique environment has made every day precious and unforgettable. …
The birth of a congregation
Since the beginning of Christianity people have formed communities to live and pray together, to follow in Jesus Christ steps. Faithful communities organised themselves in orders and congregations to promote the good news and to respond to a particular charism (from the Greek word charis, meaning “grace” or “free gift”) that, as the Holy Spirit, inspired the founder with the identity and mission of the congregation. Some orders may last for centuries, some disappear, others are created. The perennial renewal of the Holy Spirit in each generation asks all of us to confront the challenges of our times with an open heart and to respond with bravery and compassion. The 19th century (the years 1800) were very uncertain and insecure, in Europe and abroad, with revolutions and social upheaval and in those times many Christians were inspired to create communities to assist the victims of war, famine and…
“Dearest Father Lavigerie” a letter from Alice
Dearest Father Lavigerie, It is now 134 years since you joined the Father whom you loved and served so dearly. I am writing this note to give you news of the mission in Algeria and also of your daughters in the community at Hydra. It is with joy that I reaffirm to you that we have kept alive the flame and zeal of the missionary charism that you bequeathed to us. Over the years, Mother Marie Salomé and all the generations of White Sisters who have taken up the torch of your dream have kept the lamp burning and have faithfully passed it on to us. Today, in turn, we continue this mission in communion within the Archdiocese of Algiers, of which you were the shepherd with a loving and devoted heart. As you have always advised us, we allow ourselves to be guided by the Holy Spirit and…
Taking root in Christ, the source of our charism
The sisters on temporary vows of the Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Africa (SMNDA) took part in a period of formation, sharing and renewal centred on the theme: ‘Taking root in Christ, the source of our charism’. This took place during their meeting organised by the General Council. It was held in Ouagadougou, at the monastery of the Benedictine monks of Koubri, from 16 to 30 July 2026. Sister Nadine Nana, from the Ouagadougou community, gratefully shares the fruits of this session. The session was led by Sister Jeanne d’Arc, Assistant General on behalf of the Council, together with Sisters Margaret Kibola, Carmen Sammut and Vickness Muleya, who accompanied us throughout the session and the retreat. The Mission Committee also contributed to this gathering. We express our deep gratitude to them for their availability and commitment. The theme of the session was explored in depth through…