Speaking the Tunisian language changes everything!
The Tunisian Arabic lessons given by the White Sisters have a long history! After the courses given by the White Fathers at IBLA, the White Sisters organized a basic plan of more intensive courses from 1937. A Learning Centre was founded in 1957 in Montfleury (a district of Tunis) as well as a library for secondary school students. Intended initially for young White Sisters studying literary and dialectal Arabic, with training in Islamology, the language centre has gradually opened up to other foreigners living and working in Tunisia. The first candidate was a doctor who felt the need to speak Arabic with patients and their families. The Learning Centre ensured the teaching of Tunisian Arabic to foreigners and training in Tunisian culture. In 2017, the “Maison d’Etudes de Montfleury” closed its doors and the Tunisian Arabic lessons were transferred to Tunis, to the premises of the Prelature, near the cathedral…
Volunteers in Dar-es-Salaam
Volunteering with one of our communities is a way to get to know our charism better and to have an experience full of faith and conviviality. Here is the account of the experience of two girls who wanted to spend a few months as volunteers in our community of Dar-es-Salaam We are two young business school graduates. Before beginning our professional life, we wanted to take a few months to share what we had the chance to receive during our studies. We have chosen to take part in a project to support women entrepreneurs in Dar es Salaam. We are therefore leaving for 3 months to meet the Tanzanians, and particularly the four women that we accompany. Each of them has a project with a social or environmental goal. During this stay, we are fortunate to be welcomed by the Community of the Sisters of Our Lady of Africa: the…
Christiane and her Desert Rose
With happiness in her eyes, Christiane Baulieu talks to us about the sand rose, its extraction in the desert, all that it represents for her today. “If by chance you come to see me in my room at Chevilly Larue (which would make me happy!) you will be able to see above my cupboard, a beautiful stone, the one we call “Rose des Sables”. All Saharan people know about it. The “sand rose” is different depending on where it is found. Thus, that of El Goléa is different from that of Ouargla made of gypsum crystals. Sand roses were and still are very popular with tourists. Just see as soon as they arrive, the crowd of small sellers rush towards them… Because in fact, it is their livelihood. But can you tell me, where do they find these sometimes very large pieces of rock? In the desert? Yes, but only…
Book review: THE DEY OF THE HOSPITAL An adventurer in Algeria
In her first novel, “The Dey of the hospital – An adventurer in Algeria”, Laurence Huard bears witness to the hope and courage of those who leave their countries. In a style that is both accessible and pleasant, Laurence testifies here to exceptional lives and journeys! She says she was overwhelmed by extraordinary encounters, which remain in her memory. It is these very strong links with Algeria that she wants to keep so that these lives are not forgotten, their paths are not erased, and that these adventurers are recognized and honored. She is totally transparent, so that these encounters that have touched her, in turn affect the readers. Here is what the media say: “In twenty years of life on the African continent, Laurence Huard, a young Angevin, full of dynamism and enthusiasm, has crossed paths with extraordinary men and women. By writing, she lends them a voice and…
A prayer for our earth
A prayer for our earth All-powerful God, you are present in the whole universe and in the smallest of your creatures. You embrace with your tenderness all that exists. Pour out upon us the power of your love, that we may protect life and beauty. Fill us with peace, that we may live as brothers and sisters, harming no one. O God of the poor, help us to rescue the abandoned and forgotten of this earth, so precious in your eyes. Bring healing to our lives, that we may protect the world and not prey on it, that we may sow beauty, not pollution and destruction. Touch the hearts of those who look only for gain at the expense of the poor and the earth. Teach us to discover the worth of each thing, to be filled with awe and contemplation, to recognize that we are profoundly united with every…
To do what God wants
Mother Salomé spoke very little of herself, wrote even less, and shortly before her death most of her writings were destroyed at her request. On the day of her First Communion, young Marie-Renée prayed “to be a great saint by doing what God wants.” Even at the end of her life, it was still the same desire. Her nurse told her, “I think the good Lord is coming to get you.” And Mother Salomé repeated her favorite saying: “When He wants … I am not afraid.” During the day, she often repeated this request to the holy Virgin: “Through your example, may the constant cry of my heart be that of Jesus: ‘Father, may your will and not mine be done.‘ ” From this comes her devotion to daily duty, to ordinary actions. She writes: “We must work without ceasing for our sanctification. However, we cannot do it by extraordinary…
Come and see – from 29th to 31th July 2022 in Poland
From 29th to 31th July 2022 in Lublin (Poland) Weekend for women aged 18 to 35 years, wishing to discern their vocation, to get to know our congregation better.For those willing there is a possibility to come earlier or extend the stay. In the programme: meetings with other young people who are discerning their vocation meetings with the Missionary Sisters of the Our Lady of Africa from the Lublin community presentation of the charism of the Congregation and learning about the missionary work of the Sisters time for personal and community prayer with the Word of God And all this in an international and intercultural atmosphere. Useful information: Cost: Voluntary contribution Registration: Until 24 July 2022 Place: the house of The Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Africa ul. Powstańców Śląskich 30/32, Lublin (Poland) CONTACT AND REGISTRATION: Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Africa sr. Gosia Popławska E-mail: powolanie@siostrybiale.org Tel:…
Remain in my love
A testimony from the Juniorate of 2021-2022 The Juniorate is a time of discernment that novices spend in the General House in Rome. In these five months, they follow the formation of preparation for the final vows. “Taste and see how good is the Lord.” Our Juniorate project was marked by the symbol of a tree rooted in the African world. By its roots it is oriented towards the source from which it receives life. We expressed our desire to be rooted in Christ, our source. We desire to live this time well and take advantage of our growth in order to better commit ourselves to the mission. This desire accompanied us during our journey, and allowed us to receive and taste the fruits of our various experiences. Indeed, this stage of the Juniorate allowed us to be away from all our apostolic and community activities, with a view to…
Prayer for peace
Lord God of peace, hear our prayer! We have tried so many times and over so many years to resolve our conflicts by our own powers and by the force of our arms. How many moments of hostility and darkness have we experienced; how much blood has been shed; how many lives have been shattered; how many hopes have been buried… But our efforts have been in vain. Now, Lord, come to our aid! Grant us peace, teach us peace; guide our steps in the way of peace. Open our eyes and our hearts, and give us the courage to say: “Never again war!”; “With war everything is lost”. Instill in our hearts the courage to take concrete steps to achieve peace. Lord, God of Abraham, God of the Prophets, God of Love, you created us and you call us to live as brothers and sisters. Give us the strength…