News archive

Formation on Minors Protection at ICMA

“The issue of child sexual abuse in our societies, but also in the Church, is a scourge that dramatically impacts the lives of thousands of children, as well as families around the world. It is the wish of ICMA to equip its students in the fourth year of theology (a year of deepening of theological knowledge and acquisition of skills essential to the new challenges of pastoral care) with the necessary skills to develop within mission, a safe environment for children and vulnerable people.

From November 13 to November 24, the ICMA School of Theology is pleased to welcome Fr. Stéphane Joulain, Missionary of Africa, Doctor in Counseling and Spirituality at Saint Paul University in Ottawa. and specialized in cases of sexual abuse. Fr. Stéphane Joulain, who is now working with the Center for Child Protection (CCP) of the Pontifical Gregorian University (http://childprotection.unigre.it), will animate during this period and for the students in the fourth year of Theology, a session entitled “Preventing the sexual abuse of minors. Building together a safer Church for all.” This session will be sanctioned by a “Certificate in Prevention of Sexual Abuse of Minors” issued jointly by the CCP of the Pontifical Gregorian University and the Catholic Missionary Institute of Abidjan.”

( Taken from the  website of the Catholic Missionary Institute of Abidjan )

Celebrate the 150th in sobriety?

In 1968, the General Council of the time asked the question: “how to celebrate the Centenary of our Society”. We excluded a hulde zitting (tribute session) in Rome, expensive and without a future. The suggestion of Fr. Robert Chaput (always “down to earth!”) was chosen: give each confrere 5 dollars to celebrate the centenary in his community! I recall this fact which could inspire the current General Council to do something similar. It would cost less than in 1968, since our number has declined considerably!

Just a souvenir sent with my best regards!

Waly Neven, survivor of the council 67-81.

Webmaster’s note: Inflation must be taken into account! According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, prices in 2017 are 603.4% higher than prices in 1968. Therefore, the $ 5 graciously offered to confreres in 1968 would now be equivalent to: 5 x 603.4: 100 = 30.17 USD or 25 €

Gaby Claerhout, R.I.P.

Father Luc Putzeys, Provincial Delegate of the sector of Belgium,
informs you of the return to the Lord of Father

Gaby Claerhout

on Saturday the 2nd December 2017 at Avondrust, Varsenare (Belgium)
at the age of 82 years, of which 57 years of missionary life
in Uganda, Chad, Burkina Faso and Belgium.

Let us pray for him and for his loved ones.

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AEFJN Annual General Meeting

Africa Europe Faith and Justice Network (AEFJN), a network of 48 congregations of men and women religious working for economic justice between Africa and Europe, held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on the 10th of November 2017. Around 20 members congregations were represented at the meeting which was held at the Generalate of the Missionaries of Africa. Continue reading “AEFJN Annual General Meeting”

Intention of the Pope

DECEMBER :  The Elderly.

That the elderly, sustained by families and Christian communities, may apply their wisdom and experience to spreading the faith and forming the new generations. Continue reading “Intention of the Pope”

Turbulence and Re-definition in the Society 1960-1980 (PE nr. 1085)

The Society in the early 1960’s

In the years following the Second World War, the Society experienced a period of expansion and spiritual renewal. There was a great increase in numbers. In a period of ten years (1947 – 1957) the Society went from 2,380 to 3,167 and in 1965 it was over 3600. Many new communities were founded and new activities initiated. The Society officially became Continue reading “Turbulence and Re-definition in the Society 1960-1980 (PE nr. 1085)”

Towards 150 years: The countdown (PE nr. 1085)

The first novitiate of the Missionaries of Africa opened its doors in October 1868 in Algeria. In 2018, we will celebrate 150 years since we were founded: 1868-2018. We wish to make this celebration of our foundation an occasion to deepen our charism. The tone was already given in 2008 when we celebrated our 140th birthday. In its letter of the 21st February 2008 on vocation and missionary promotion and entitled “En route for the 150th Anniversary” (published in the Petit Echo 2008/04), the General Council of the time Continue reading “Towards 150 years: The countdown (PE nr. 1085)”

Philippe Antoine, R.I.P.

Father Patrick Bataille, Provincial Delegate of the sector of France,
informs you of the return to the Lord of Father

Philippe Antoine

on Monday the 27th November 2017 at Bry-sur-Marne (France)
at the age of 91 years, of which 47 years of missionary life
in Mali, Burkina Faso, Algeria and France.

Let us pray for him and for his loved ones.

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Prince of Peace – Advent recollection (Herman Bastijns)

The child we are waiting for at Christmas has many names: Son of God, Son of Man, Immanuel, Messiah and also the Prince of Peace among other wonderful names in Is 9, 5. During this Advent, it is on this last name that I would like to reflect. In order to reflect on peace, it might be helpful to ask the question: What is the deep root of violence and war? Perhaps, the answer to this question may be found in a parable of Jesus, the story of the workers at the 11th hour.

Download the full text of the Advent Recollection of Herman Bastijns :

Sr. Margaretha Hermle (Sr. Bonita), R.I.P.

The Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Africa
invite you to share their hope and to pray for

Sr. Margaretha Hermle (Sr. Bonita)

From the Diocese of Rottenburg
and from the Community of the Seniorenzentrum in Trier
entered into Eternal Life this morning,
the 20th November 2017
at the Seniorenzentrum in Trier

She was 90 years of age and was in her 58th year of missionary religious life.
He missionary life unfolded in Algeria and in Germany.