nsa

Sisters of our Lady of Apostles » Articles by: nsa

SMA-OLA: New Chapter of Missionary Collaboration in Nantes, France

SMA-OLA: New Chapter of Missionary Collaboration in Nantes, France A new missionary chapter unfolds for the Sisters of Our Lady of Apostles (OLA) and the Society of African Missions (SMA) in Nantes, France. On 19 September 2026, the Diocese of Nantes celebrated the installation of a new pastoral team for the Parish of Saint-Barthélemy-entre-Loire-et-Divatte, bringing the SMA and OLA together in a shared mission to serve the people of God. This new mission reflects the growing Mission Collaboration between the two institutes and their common commitment to evangelisation in today’s World. During a joyful Eucharistic celebration, Bishop Laurent Percerou officially installed Fr. Yves Tchogli Koffi Tognisse, SMA, as Parish Priest of Saint-Barthélemy-entre-Loire-et-Divatte. He will serve the parish together with Fr. Emmanuel Ambi, SMA, and Fr. Aloïs Kituba, SMA, as parish vicars. In the coming months, four Sisters of Our Lady of Apostles will join the pastoral team, strengthening this missionary presence through their ministries and witness. In his homily, Bishop Percerou reminded the congregation that “the vineyard is not that of the parish priest; it is that of the Lord.” Echoing the Gospel invitation, he called priests, religious, and lay faithful alike to respond generously to Christ’s words: “You too, come to my vineyard.” His message highlighted the common responsibility of the whole Church in God’s mission and the importance of working together in mission. This installation visibly expresses the SMA–OLA collaboration journey that has grown steadily since 2016. Rooted in a common missionary heritage inspired by Fr. Augustine Planque [...]

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 [...]