Today in the Sector of West Africa...

 ...there are 

six African Marist sisters

engaged in teaching, nursing

and pastoral ministry.

They are supported by a few sisters 

from other countries

Other young women 

are in formation 

and still others are discerning 

whether they too are called 

to this way of life. 

There is much to celebrate

in this Jeanne-Marie Chavoin Year 

by those who wish 

to follow in her footsteps! 

 

 

"To be a presence of Mary wherever or whatever their work may be.."

History

The Marist Sisters came to Hann-Dakar, Senegal in 1950 to work  with the Marist Fathers, who had arrived in 1948 to commence the college, Cours Ste Marie.  The Sisters worked in teaching, spiritual animation and pastoral work particularly in Yarax.  Though the years have seen many changes in this College (it is now under lay direction, there are 3,600 students from "le jardin d'enfant" to the final year of High School), the Sisters still work in the school both in teaching and spiritual animation.

In 1984 the Sisters came to The Gambia, and an international Region of Senegambia was formed in June 1985.  The first community was started in Farafenni with a kindergarten.  The Sisters have  withdrawn from this area and are now centred in Fajikunda - a 'suburb' of Banjul - at the moment where they work in the parish, in religious formation - they now have their first Gambian novice - , in primary education and with young women who have not had the chance of sufficient education.

Visiting people in the villages and in hospitals.


                         Children in the Fajikunda school, Banjul.

 

In 1990 a novitiate was opened in Yarax, Senegal. There are now Senegalese Sisters along with other Senegalese, Gambian and Beninese young women in formation. 

In 1992 another house was opened in Ndiedieng, Senegal, a village where the Sisters started a "jardin d'enfants" realising that it is through the children that the parents can be reached.  Much work is done in the outlying areas in bringing the knowledge of Christ to many who have never had this opportunity, both through instruction and loving care for the people.

The Sisters are few in number, yet, in this society which is 90% Muslim, they endeavour to be a presence of Mary wherever or whatever their work may be, sowing Gospel values, and  doing all they can to work with the underprivileged. In this society, women in particular, frequently form a large part of this underprivileged group.


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