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 members of her large extended family on Sunday September 6th in Broeksittard, a place where she lived her missionary vocation for many years. She will mark the 75 years tomorrow on September 8th in her community with the SMA Fathers in Cadier en Keer. God’s blessings on our Sister today and every day.
“Van dorpsmeisje naar missiezuster in Algerije: 75 jaar kloosterleven van zuster Paula-Maria”
(De Limburger, 7 September 2026)
The article tells the life story of Sister Paula-Maria, who is celebrating 75 years of religious life. Born in a small village in North Holland, she grew up during the Second World War, an experience that shaped her vocation. As a young woman, she joined the Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Apostles, beginning a long journey of service.
She spent many years as a missionary sister in Algeria, where she worked with children, supported families, and lived through periods of political tension and insecurity. Her mission later continued in other parts of the world, always marked by dedication, simplicity, and deep faith.
Now 95 years old, Sister Paula-Maria lives in the Mission House in Cadier en Keer, where she reflects on her decades of service. She speaks about:
• her childhood during wartime
• her calling to religious life
• her missionary work with women and children
• the joys and challenges of living in Algeria
• her gratitude for a life spent in service
The article portrays her as a woman of resilience, humility, and unwavering commitment to the Gospel.