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Different Languages. Different Cultures. One People. One Message. One Christ.

Different Languages. Different Cultures. One People. One Message. One Christ. Sisters of Our Lady of Apostles Bring the Joy of Mission to the First West Africa Youth Days in Ghana The joyful rhythms of West Africa echoed through Accra as thousands of young Catholics gathered for the first-ever West Africa Youth Days (WAYD) 2026 in Ghana. Young pilgrims from 16 countries came together, bringing different languages, cultures, traditions, and experiences, yet united by one faith in Christ and one missionary calling. Under the theme, “Take Courage (John 16:33): Catholic Youth as Actors and Agents of Peace and Hope in West Africa,” the gathering became a historic celebration of faith, fraternity, and missionary discipleship for the Church in West Africa. For the Sisters of Our Lady of Apostles (OLA), this was much more than a youth event. It was a missionary encounter—a moment to accompany young people, proclaim the Gospel through joyful witness, and animate vocations in the spirit of our Founder, Fr. Augustine Planque, SMA, whose enduring conviction continues to guide our Congregation: “The mission is our sole aim.” A Church United in Christ Across Borders The opening ceremony beautifully reflected the vision captured in this slogan: Different Languages. Different Cultures. One People. One Message. One Christ. Welcoming pilgrims to Ghana, the President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, Most Rev. Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, greeted the young people with the warmth of ‘Akwaaba’ and reminded them that although they come from different nations, languages, and traditions, they are united by [...]

If You Love Mary, Imitate Her

If You Love Mary, Imitate Her “If you love Mary, imitate her.” These simple yet deep words became the heart of the celebration as we honour the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a feast that holds a special place in the life and spirituality of our Congregation. This is an invitation to look beyond expressions of devotion and to embrace the virtues that made Mary the first and perfect disciple of Christ. Loving Mary Through the Way We Live Reflecting on the feast, we are reminded that love for Mary is not measured only by prayers, hymns, or beautiful words, but by a sincere commitment to imitate her life. “It is easy to say, ‘I love you, Mother Mary.’ But Mary would be happier if she could see something of herself in us—her humility, kindness, simplicity, prayerfulness, trust in God, forgiveness, and generous love.” Mary’s life is a school of discipleship. Her “yes” to God was expressed not only in words but in a life of faithful service, quiet courage, and complete trust in God’s plan. She teaches every Christian, and especially every OLA Sister, how to welcome Christ into the world through everyday acts of love and service. A Feast at the Heart of the OLA Family For us, Sisters of Our Lady of Apostles, the feast of Mary’s Nativity carries a deep significance. It is a day to renew our Marian identity and missionary vocation, inspired by the woman whose life continues to guide the Congregation’s mission [...]

CELEBRATING SR PAULA MARIA

CELEBRATING SR PAULA MARIA Today in the local Paper in the South of the Netherlands, an area called Limburg, an article appeared adding the papers voice to those celebrating with Sr Paula Maria Wever OLA as she celebrates her 75 years as a vowed religious missionary in the Congregation of the Sisters of our Lady of Apostles. Tomorrow September 8th will mark 75 years since she first professed her vows on September 8th 1951 in Venissieux, the OLA Mother house in France at that time. Between March and September 1951, 38 young women from 7 nationalities made their first vows in the OLA Congregation: France (20) Ireland (6) Italy (6) Holland (2) Benin Republic (2) Lebanon (1) and Egypt (1). Through the course of the years, 9 of these young women left the Congregation, most before their final vows and the remainder during the turbulent years post Vatican II. 28 of those who remained as OLA have gone home to God, having lived their missionary vocation to the end. Sr Paula Maria is the only surviving member of the 1951 Profession Group. Back in 1951, the Congregation was celebrating a Jubilee, marking 75 years since the foundation. This year 2026, the Congregation is again celebrating a Jubilee: 150 years since the Foundation. Sr Paula Maria has lived half of those years as an OLA. We are grateful to God for her joy, her missionary spirit and her love of life and of people. She already had a wonderful celebration with [...]