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In Angola

Life and Mission of the Sisters in Angola

In 1936 6 sisters of Alsace set up two missions in the high plateau of the heartland of Angola, far away from urban areas.
They cared for the sick, looked after orphans and prepared girls and women for miscellaneous challenges and for taking over responsibility in family and society.
In subsequent years more communities were opened and from 1947 onwards native women were accepted to religious formation.

 




At present there are 31 communities in 12 dioceses and one community in the neighbouring country Namibia.

4 of the 159 sisters of Angola live their personal mission in Europe. We are happy that there are women in postulate and noviciate who prepare themselves for life in a religious order as well as a large number of sisters in juniorate. 

Society faces a lot of challenges:
* The consequences of civil war (1975 – 2002) are still perceptible. Many children grow up as orphans. Reconciliation on a national level and consolidation of peace calls fort the commitment of every single inhabitant of the country.

* Unemployment and corruption are severe problems. The gap between poor and rich people is constantly expanding. Women suffer due to discrimination and violence.
* Rural areas in particular suffer from massive shortcomings in the fields of healthcare and education.    In 1975 free instruction was introduced and education is compulsory. Nevertheless the percentage of people unable to read or write and of children not attending school is still high. There is a lack of schools and of skilled teachers in the country. The government concentrates on the development of big cities.

Key aspects of the sisters’ mission and their answer to multifaceted hardships.
Church aims to be present wherever major difficulties occur. Efforts are out in education so that people become able to form their own opinions and to keep general human, moral, Christian and traditional virtues. Our sisters do their work in the same intention.

Education- Social Efforts - Encouragement of women

* Children are looked after in 2 orphanages

* Sisters at their work in nusery scool

* Sisters lead boarding schools to allow girls of rural areas better education

* Lessons are given in schools of the state, the diocese or other religious orders.

 

* Alphabetisation is provided for grownups as well as further education for teachers.
* Sisters participate in the program of catholic church which wants to foster the position of women in Angola

Health Care
* Centres of  Healthcare and dispensaries are led

* Sisters serve in Hospitals.

Pastoral Service
* Sisters participate in the work of parishes in urban and rural areas.
* Catechesis is held for all agegroups.

* Youth pastoral, family pastoral and service in various groups of apostolate work.
* Formation of catechists.

Groups ,who want to live according to the spirit of our foundress, are  accompanied
* „Associate Lay-people“
* Groups of children  „Mother Alphonse-Marie“

Sisters want to be attentive to all people, especially to those who suffer or are need in human, moral or spiritual need.