Arriving
in the Congo in 1923, the Sisters anticipated continuing their ministry
of education there but quickly realized that the needs were much
broader than that. Today we are involved as teachers and
administrators in high schools, many of which are boarding schools,
elementary schools, and pre-schools. We also staff clinics where the
nurse is often the sole medical professional. We care for many orphans,
providing for their every need. Poverty is so great in Congo that we
have nutritional centers in all of our missions that provide food for
those who are starving as well as orphans and patients in the hospital
[where there is no in-house food service.]
Language
in Cameroon is geographically divided. Originally the sisters went to
the southern part where French is spoken but then some sisters learned
English so they could also have missions in the English speaking
northern section. The missions in Cameroon are linked to those in
Congo and are very similar. Cameroon does have a much more stable
economy than Congo however. Sisters easily move between countries for
ministry. There is also one formation program for the young sisters
which must involve becoming comfortable in both French and English.
Sisters of St. Mary of Namur . 241 Lafayette Avenue . Buffalo, New York 14213 . (716) 884-8221