map of Burkina Faso
On the 15th december 2001 in Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso), 5 Novices "Smnda" have fulfilled their first commitment.




They responded to the call. Front left to right:
They come from 5 different nationalities , from Africa and Europe
4-SZawadi Barungu from R. D. Congo, appointed to Alger
Véronique Hégron from France, appointed to Ghana
Jeanne d'Arc Ouedraogo from Burkina Faso, appointed to Rwanda
Gosia Fudalej from Poland, appointed to Mali
Béatrice Kayitesi from Rwanda, appointed to Rwanda
(text)

Remise du la lumière
Lorsqu'elles dansent leur chant d'engagement,
elles rendent visible leur unité dans la diversité:
"Vent fou de liberté..."
C'est beau, c'est fort et ça parle aux témoins de
leur engagement.
Dans son homélie, le célébrant souligne ce qui
les lie à la racine de leur vocation:
l'attachement au Christ,
et l'amour de l'Afrique.
Above, Véronique pronounce her oath in presence of Gisèle Harth, Provincial of the West Africa Province,
et signs it on the altar.

On the left, Sr Gisèle gives her
the cross of the Smnda.
Véronique is appointed to Ghana.
Danse d'action de grâce
Thanksgiving dance
The parents of Veronica from France, the uncle of Jeanne d'Arc from Toussiana (Bobo-Dioulasso).
At left : Dafrosa ( Rwanda) Trainer, before on the right Hélène (Congo) Novice Mistress.



December 15th , 2001, "was a day, not like the others", at the Cathedral of Ouagadougou in Burkina Faso. Coming from five different countries, we pronounced our "YES", thus expressing our commitment to follow in the footsteps of Christ, in the religious family of the Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Africa.

We really felt "welcome" in this great international family, by the presence of our sisters who came from three countries of the province of West Africa to surround us with joy.
From a little everywhere, our sisters sent us letters, e-mails, cards, written sometimes with much humour, blessings and good wishes that made us vibrate, that warmed our hearts. What beautiful surprises!!!
The presence of the parents of Veronica from France, the family of Jeanne d'Arc from Toussiana (Bobo-Dioulasso) brought us great joy.

The Eucharist was concelebrated by Father Georges Jacques who was surrounded by several other Missionaries of Africa and diocesan priests,

In his homily, Father Georges invited us to render thanks to God for his works, recalling that
on December 12th , 2001, the Parish Cathedral of Ouagadougou had celebrated the fact that, 100 years ago, it had welcomed the Good News brought by the Missionaries of Africa. "Today", he said, "it is from here, that five young missionaries will leave for other different countries of Africa, to continue the work begun by those who have preceded them".
They responded to the call. Front left to right: Zawadi Barungu Namakoma
Véronique Hégron, Jeanne dArc Ouattara, Malgorzata Fudalej Béatrice Kayitesi.

The hymns, animated by the students of the Missionaries of Africa, and very well accompanied by different musical instruments, led us to shout with cries of joy and helped us to dance for our God to express our gratitude towards Him.

The celebration continued until evening. United in the community of our sisters of the Cathedral parish, we prayed and we shared a meal; and then our big sisters, the young ones in formation and the aspirants offered us very meaningful gifts for our mission: an apron for each one, a sign of service ... this was an invitation to each of us to serve like Christ, 'the' Servant of the Kingdom. We felt that the pelican we had received, invited us to open our hearts with love towards those to whom we have been sent, etc... Each gift was accompanied with song and dance.

We felt happy for the love of Christ that has made us Sisters one to the other. We give thanks to Him for his gratuitous call to collaborate with Him to proclaim His Reign in Africa.

In the name of the young professed sisters of Ouagadougou, 2001

Gosia Fudalej and Zawadi Barungu Namakoma

 

We congratulate them wholeheartedly as well as their family!!!

Formation