Africa
1957: D.R.Congo | 1980: Equatorial Guinea
1989: Gabon : 1999: Ceuta
2004: Togo : 2009: Tangier
With a desire to be recognized in its dignity and to be part of the concert of history; a land of joyful and welcoming people, with great natural wealth but crushed by wars and plundered by corruption from within and without.
Mission
Next to the village
“I desire to work for the glory of God and the good of my neighbor.” Joaquina de Vedruna.
… a desire that is unfolding in Africa through the commitment of the sisters to the people, women and children.
Education in values
We have 9 schools in D.R. Congo and Equatorial Guinea, where more than 2,400 students are educated at the kindergarten, primary and secondary levels. Our educational mission, inspired by the pedagogy of love and the values of St. Joaquina, seeks to form children integrally so that they can face the future with faith, commitment and solidarity. Following Constitution 58, we consider the Christian school as a privileged space of evangelization, open to all and with a preferential option for the poorest. We aspire to create living educational communities, where faith illuminates culture and life, and where all those who collaborate in the school participate in the construction of a more just, fraternal and hopeful society.
Healing with love
We have 4 health centers in D.R. Congo and Gabon, where about ten Vedruna Sisters serve. Our health work is complemented by a pastoral care of accompaniment to the sick, offering listening, closeness and the sacraments, especially the Eucharist.
Inspired by Constitution 60, we understand our service as an extension on earth of the love of Jesus, who went about doing good and healing everyone. We continue the charism of St. Joaquina, who healed with love and helped to discover the Christian meaning of suffering. Our mission is not limited to the care of the body, but also seeks to heal the spirit, always with preference for the poorest and from a deep compassion and spirit of service.
Child liberation and protection
Our mission is above all liberating. Our protection and reception centers (Centre Kekeli in Togo and Arc-en-ciel in Gabon) receive children who are victims of violence, sexual abuse and child labor.
When they arrive at our centers, these children discover a place where they feel welcomed, loved and listened to. Thanks to comprehensive psychological, social, health and educational support, they regain a zest for life and a smile, and gradually come to terms with their condition in order to rebuild their lives.
Our Centers fully embody the spirit of Constitution 61 of our Congregation, which calls us to recognize Christ in those who suffer and to witness to love, faith and hope. We stand with those who suffer, bringing hope, healing and healing to the brokenhearted.
Projects
