As part of its annual activities, including the ‘Spiritual Exercises,’ the Aspirat des Filles du Saint Esprit in Diébougou, Burkina Faso, marked 8 March, International Women’s Day, in the spirit of this liturgical season of Lent. As women, the Aspirants, old and new, as well as a few sympathisers, spent the day working, meditating, and relaxing.
The day, called ‘Operation mana-mana’, went as follows: 6am-8am: reforestation of the trees and flowers in the courtyard, weeding and watering, followed by a big clean-up of the courtyard. 8am-9am: breakfast and changing room. 9am-12.30pm: opening prayer and departure for the Colline Sainte de la Divine Miséricorde for the ‘Lenten walk’, with a programme including singing, the rosary, teaching, entertainment, Mass, games, a snack break, discussions with some members of the Community of the Beatitudes, information and closing prayers.
Back at the hostel, we were surprised by a fraternal meal prepared by the kitchen group and offered by the head of the hostel, Sister FATOUMATA Delphine, to mark the occasion. A little tired, but joy, determination and prayers were all there. The aspirants did not fail to entrust to the Lord the intentions of the whole Congregation, the projects of the Vice-Province, their families and above all to pray for peace in the world and in Burkina Faso which is prey to terrorist attacks, without forgetting to think about their studies. It was a beautiful and blessed day, as we also benefited from the mild sunshine.
It’s worth noting that the other residents of the ‘Marie Balavenne’ hostel who remained in the community were not left out of the day’s activities, some of them working in groups on a variety of tasks: making liquid soap, storing sugar for their needs, gardening, animal husbandry and, above all, cooking to boost their energy!
The aspirants were accompanied by sisters Eugenie FARGA and Jessica NAON. They wish you a very happy Lenten season and a safe journey to Easter!
We give thanks to the Lord for what has been achieved… “Marie Balavenne, Renée Burel, pray for us! Amen.”
Sent by Silvie ROAMBA, Vice-provincial. Published on 28 March 2025
– Aspirat. – Aspiration: To be an aspirant: to have an inner strength, a deep tendency that pushes someone towards an ideal or a better situation.
– Marie Balavenne, Renée Burel: founders of the Congregation
