Meanwhile in France, the numbers
grew and new houses were opened to answer the needs, spreading into
Switzerland which was then established as a Region. In 1957,in response to
the appeal of Pope Pius XII, Sisters were sent to Algeria to open a
mission there. These Sisters were mainly from France. They worked in
education, nursing and service of the poor. With the current regulations the
Sisters cannot get work permits so there are only two sisters remaining
there today but what a powerful witness of praying, loving presence they
give.
In 1960 the Sisters began a new
venture in West Africa. Here the pioneering Sisters did trojan work in the
bush villages. They also opened a school in Kedougou. Today many of the
native clergy are former pupils of Kedougou. Later a community was opened in
Tambacounda where again nursing care, a centre for women and a school began.
A new opening at Dakar followed. These communities are French speaking and
most of the sisters are from France though they were supported by sisters
from England. In 1982 the Sisters launched a new mission in The Gambia,
which is mainly English speaking. First there was the community in Basse,
one of the poorest mission stations and then in Lamin. These missions are
serving the poor and working especially for the promotion of women. In the
late ‘80’s young women in Senegal expressed a desire to become Sisters and a
novitiate was opened. Much energy and personnel is being invested in the
formation of the young Sisters. Requests for new foundations are always
coming.
