Self-sufficiency help for Benedictine sisters
The Benedictine convent of Saint Agatha, in the village of Lolo in the Diocese of Mondou, in the south of Chad, was established in May 2005. It is the first-ever contemplative convent in this mainly Muslim country of North and Central Africa.
The first Benedictine sisters to arrive in Chad from the Democratic Republic of Congo felt it as a special grace to be able to take part in the “adventure” of its foundation. The local population also had great hopes for the convent, even though most of them knew very little about the monastic life. The young sisters who came to Chad were inspired with the new mission that had been entrusted to them and set to work with great courage and enthusiasm to fulfil it. There was nothing in Lolo initially—no school, no running water, no hospital—and most of the people could not read or write.
Since their arrival, the six Benedictine sisters now living in the convent have set up a spiritual centre, a kindergarten, and a primary school. They’re committed to providing women and girls—who are often forced into early marriage—with education in literacy and vocational training. For these women and girls in particular, the presence of the sisters is a great help.
But Chad is one of the poorest countries on earth, and it has been difficult for the convent to support itself economically. Sister Victorine, the prioress, had previously written to us to explain: “The few resources we receive from outside are not enough for us and we have difficulty covering the basic needs of the convent, for example food, medical supplies in the event of illness, and clothing, but also providing for the spiritual needs of the convent such as the training of our younger sisters, or offering retreats and spiritual exercises.”
Our generous benefactors donated $12,840 to help the Benedictine sisters set up a small agricultural project, allowing them to become more self-sufficient. This help enabled them to buy agricultural implements, seeds, and a couple of cows. They now have a six-hectare plot on which they grow peanuts to sell, plus a two-hectare plot on which they grow millet and sesame for their own use. Part of the proceeds are then reinvested in the project to make this project a sustainable one.
Sister Myriam is originally from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. She tells us, “I am in Chad for my first missionary experience. The community here is young and so we have to work very hard, above all in manual labour, in order to provide for our own lives and also support the local community with social measures, such as education, access to clean drinking water, and health care. I want to express my grateful thanks to Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) for this important support. I have learnt how to guide the draft animals and plow the fields, and also how to grow millet.”
Our grateful thanks to all our benefactors for helping the sisters support themselves in this way!
