AFRICAN DELEGATION
Canonical Erection : 29th October 2001
Patron : Venerable Stephen Ferrando
DELEGATION COUNCIL
Sr. Annie Jose – Delegation Superior
Sr. Mary Clara Topno – Councilor
Sr. Dona Mary Lyngdoh – Councilor
SOUTH AFRICA
Kolping Family Workshop
Sr. Bina Basumatary and Sr. Rosa Nag attended the Kolping family members workshop which was conducted from March 14 -16, 2025 at Kolping House Dysselsdorp, Oudtshoorn. Organised by Mrs. Judith Turner, the National Director of the Kolping Society of South Africa, the program highlighted the charism of the society and emphasized the importance of the three pillars of the Kolping Society which are – Family, Prayer and Work.
LESOTHO
Ferrando Tiny tots attend Moshoeshoe Day
Every year on March 11, the Kingdom of Lesotho observes Moshoeshoe Day to commemorate King Moshoeshoe the great, who was the founder of a small country in Southern Africa. He was born in 1786 and died in 1870. Since it was a public holiday, the MSMHC preschool children of Ferrando Convent, Ha Chonapase, Lesotho joined the celebration on March 13 which was organised in X 20 ground. Dressed in their traditional attire, children witnessed the vibrant celebration of the cultural heritage as they joined the others in performing cultural dances and songs.
ETHIOPIA
Festive Oratory
On January 18, 2025, festive oratory was organized at Meki Kidanemihiret, Cathedral Parish which had the lively participation of about 60 children from the two oratory centres – Girisa village and Cathedral Parish. The highlights of the first part of the program were the Holy Mass celebrated by Fr. Tesfaye Bishamo, the Parish Priest of Meki Kidanemihiret, Cathedral Parish and a short enriching session for children of different ages. Catechetical and moral instructions were given on various topics such as Sacraments, prayers, and good manners.
The day was enlivened with games, sing songs, entertaining programs and competitions such as Bible skits, singing and dance. Sr. Makrina Thongni and Sr. Hilaria Lyngdoh assisted by lay collaborators organised this event. The MSMHC sisters regularly organise oratory on Saturdays in Girisa village and Meki Kidanemihiret Cathedral the Parish.
ESWATINI
Parents – Teachers’ Meet
On March 7, 2025, St. John Bosco Pre-school, Eswatini hosted its annual parents – teachers meet highlighting the importance of constructive collaboration for the growth of children. The event began with a symbolic ceremony where a child lit a candle, representing the light of Christ, the source of knowledge and wisdom. The sharing of a flame among the representative of sisters, teachers, school committee members and parents had symbolical meaning of their interconnected roles in a child’s educational journey. During the meeting, education was compared to a three-legged African pot, emphasizing the crucial roles of parents, schools and children in supporting the educational process. Each leg is essential for stability and success, just like the legs of a pot.
SOUTH SUDAN
Women’s Day Observed praying for Peace
Led by the MSMHC sisters, International Women’s Day was observed on March 8 at Tonj, South Sudan. The day was uniquely significant as about 60 women gathered, marking the event with prayers and fasting for peace and harmony in the country. The day was remarkably a manifestation of faith, a spiritual journey, bringing awareness of women’s role in the church and the society as well as a deeper experience of God through the Eucharist and prayers.
MOZAMBIQUE
Living the Missionary Call
The MSMHC Sisters of St. Stephen’s Convent, Ponta O Dour, Mozambique, Africa are actively engaged in various missionary activities such as family visits, Catechism Classes on Saturdays, Basic Ecclesial Community (BEC) meetings, village visits, Youth programs and other church activities. The Sisters also run a sole pre- primary school of the locality that caters to the basic educational need of the poor. About 25 children are enrolled in the year 2025. The MSMHCs are working in collaboration with the MSFS fathers at the sub centre – St. Fatima of our Lady Church under the Salamanga Parish, Mozambique.