Tanzania, East Africa

International Mission

In response to the needs of the people of God, the congregation supports an international mission in Tanzania, East Africa. Sisters from the Netherlands first came to Biharamulo in the 1950s. Their primary concern was health care, which grew to include the founding of a small hospital.

Since 1987, Sisters from four countries of the congregation have served in Biharamulo. Sisters from the United States, Brazil, Indonesia, and Poland witness to how women from different "tribes" can live together peacefully and prayerfully. They came to minister in whatever ways the people would request, in religious education, in health care to lepers and victims of AIDS, in promoting women's rights, and in fostering the development of secular Franciscan life. Some women have completed four year secondary school before entering; others have completed a two or three year home economics program.

The photo on the right was taken on Profession Day, January 12, 2007. Most of the sisters from the mission were present.

Sister Marguerite Wolf, a native of Niagara Falls, has been serving at the mission for twenty years. Currently there are five novices who are living in the city of Mwanza located on beautiful Lake Victoria. Their formation is under the direction of Sister Irmina. This program includes a two year aspirancy, one year postulancy and two year novitiate before they take First Vows.

On February 11, 2002 three young women professed First Vows. They are the first African Women to enter the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Francis of Penance and Christian Charity. One of these women will works in Montessori education, one in the catechetical ministry and one is pursuing further studies.

In recent years, African women have been attracted to the Franciscan way of life and asked to join the congregation. Currently, there are nine novices and fifteen young professed. The formation program includes a year or two when interested women live together in community before entering the congregation so they can have an experience of communal living as they complete secondary schooling. The Church is called to a deeper concern for the whole world. We respond in fields of health, education, social service, and other spheres of ministry where we can serve in the spirit of St. Francis and Mother Magdalen. (General Constitutions #20)

In the picture on the right, Sister Diva from Brazil works with catechists in the parish and below postulants gather with their retreat director following their annual retreat day.

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