Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Yako (Agenzia Fides) – The Sisters of Saint Mary of Torfou arrived in Yako (Burkina Faso) on January 6, 1957, where they began their first missionary experience outside France. The journey was made by three Sisters, anxious to make the Gospel and the charism of their Founder (Father Charles Foyer) known to the African people. Three years beforehand, a decision made by the General Chapter encouraged the “foreign missions,” which would be a new experience for the Congregation upon the request of Bishop Bretault of Koudougou (Burkina Faso), native of Nantes.
After the arrival of the first missionaries, the Congregation established various communities in two countries: Ouaga, Koudougou, Ouahigouya, and in another area in Benin. Created in December 2003, the Benin-Burkina Faso area now has 102 Sisters, 91 of whom are African, divided among 15 communities. In 2000, a new community of 4 Sisters was opened in Chad.
For their 50th anniversary of being in Africa, the Sisters sensed a deep spirit of ecclesial communion. 50 French pilgrims (Sisters, collaborators, and friends) came to Africa to join in the jubilee celebrations. The pilgrimage gave the opportunity to see this great service to society and the testimony of faith offered by the young African Sisters.
The Sisters of Saint Mary of Torfou are called to live their religious consecration amidst difficult and oftentimes dramatic situations. The main problems are the lack of water – which leads to agricultural damages and lack of hygiene among the population – and the poverty among children. In spite of this, the Sisters bear witness to their faith in their daily activity: working in health care (caring for the sick and visiting them in their homes), pastoral work (with the youth in the Catholic groups and in catechesis), and teaching (in the primary and secondary schools and in the public centers). (AM) (Agenzia Fides 1/8/2008)
