EDITORIAL

The mission here and now! 

Since their founding in 1868 under the guidance of Cardinal Charles Lavigerie, Archbishop of Algiers, the vocation of the White Sisters and White Fathers from Canada has always been to spread the faith in Africa. It’s a historical tradition deeply rooted in their identity and commitment to the mission.
Hundreds of Canadians, mostly from Quebec, have dedicated their lives to this mission. Africa holds a central place in their lives. Their dedication has contributed to the rise of an African Church, which is now thriving across the continent.
Nowadays, the Missionaries of Africa have diversified with the inclusion of many daughters and sons of Lavigerie from different African countries. To avoid linking the terms ‘White Sisters’ and ‘White Fathers’ with skin color, in fact to prevent the labels ‘Black-White Sisters’ or ‘Black-White Fathers,’ we adopted the name ‘Missionaries of Africa’.

In reality, the nuns are known as the 'Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Africa.' However, it’s important to note that Africa isn’t limited to its original continent. Indeed, thanks to immigration, Africa is now present all over the world. This increased presence of Africans in various places, whether in our neighborhoods, our cities, or even our churches, has a positive impact on our community. It brings new energy and enrichment for everyone. Therefore, it’s crucial to continue the mission outside the African continent, in places where Africans are building their future, like in Oshawa, Ontario, and in the missionary pastoral unit of Limoilou, Basse-Ville, and Vanier in Quebec City. The Missionaries of Africa form a single spiritual family beyond their cultural and ethnic origins. Now engaged in local parishes, they are living out the missionary vision of their founder.