Sister Rachelle – Comè (Benin)
PROJECT 50 of 72
MISSION
Location
Diocese
Cotonou
Country
Benin
Continent
Africa
GPS coordinates
6.40973 1.88506
Time zone
UTC+1
CONGREGATION
Congregation
Motherhouse
Lokossa
Diocese
Lokossa
Country
Benin
Continent
Africa
Congregation Feast Day
2 February
GPS coordinates
6.64449 1.71760
Time zone
UTC+1
Contact person
Sister Rachelle
Mother General
Sister Nadine Marie Adjagba
TRAINING ORGANISATION
Location
Orta Nova (FG)
Country
Italy
Continent
Europe
GPS coordinates
41.33331 15.71010
Time zone
UTC+1
Start date
15/08/2021
End date
30/08/2021
Tutor
Gaetano Volpe
REAL SPACE
Project manager
Sister Rachelle
Start date
22 September 2025
Type
Bakery/patisserie
The Congregation decided to renovate an old bakery in Comé, Benin. The spazio + spadoni Movement committed to restoring it, identifying the activity as a sustainable source of support for the religious community and a place of welcome and refreshment for local people in need. The “Bread of Mercy” project was thus born as a tangible sign of care for the population’s material and spiritual needs.
The partnership with the Servantes de la Lumière du Christ sisters began during preparations for the Forum in Cotonou, Benin, on 25 and 26 November 2023.
After that experience, a training programme began for several congregations in Benin interested in exploring the charism of spazio + spadoni. It consisted of a series of evening meetings led by Helen, the linker in Benin, with Luigi Spadoni joining remotely. Sister Rachelle also participated actively.
At the end of the training programme for sister Ambassadors, the Servantes de la Lumière du Christ selected Sister Sophie to dedicate herself on a continuing basis to promoting the Works of Mercy, particularly in schools.
From 6 to 11 July 2024, two young sisters of the Congregation, then studying in Rome, attended training on the Works of Mercy organised by spazio + spadoni in the capital. Later that summer, they spent a month at the Misericordia di Orta Nova, strengthening a relationship built on sharing, service and mutual understanding.
This long collaboration eventually led to the selection of Sister Rachelle, who came to Italy for HIC SUM project training at the Confraternity of Orta Nova.
During her stay, Sister Rachelle and the spiritual adviser (Padre Correttore) took part in a wide-ranging training programme for volunteers and the community. This included:
biblical training for volunteers;
training in schools on the Works of Mercy;
learning about the Misericordie Movement;
exploring the activities and charism of spazio + spadoni;
reflecting on harmful habits in the Western world and their environmental and social impact in Africa.
Everything was experienced in a spirit of fraternity, expressed through both theoretical training and direct service to vulnerable people. Sister Rachelle joined the volunteers in caring for the sick and assisting with medical transport, putting mercy into practice through her presence, listening and closeness.
In a true spirit of fraternal exchange, local people also contributed to the sister’s experience and her Congregation through healthcare training, baking training – particularly useful for the bakery already operating in Africa – and shared acts of charity.
There were simple yet profound signs of this bond, such as local people sending an ophthalmic medicine to the sister’s Congregation: a meaningful gesture expressing tenderness and closeness to Africa.
A project that brings together continents, communities and hearts, where bread becomes a tangible sign of mercy and fraternity becomes a way of everyday life.
Learn more UISG | Interview with Mother General Nadine Adjagba (Benin) The riEvoluzione of the Works of Mercy by spazio + spadoni in Benin: “After the Forum”
Timeline
2023
25-26.11 | Cotonou Forum and partnership with the Congregation begins
The partnership with the Servantes de la Lumière du Christ Congregation begins during preparations for the Forum on the riEvoluzione of the Works of Mercy in Cotonou, Benin.
2024
19.02 | Works of Mercy training
Following the Forum on the riEvoluzione of the Works of Mercy, a series of meetings begins in Cotonou and online for OPERA M Ambassadors. Sister Rachelle also takes part in this training.
07.03 | Works of Mercy training
Training for Ambassadors of the Works of Mercy continues following the Cotonou Forum.
04.04 | Works of Mercy training
The OPERA M Ambassadors’ training meetings that began after the Cotonou Forum continue, with Sister Rachelle also taking part.
02.05 | Works of Mercy training
The OPERA M Ambassadors’ training meetings that began after the Cotonou Forum continue, with Sister Rachelle also taking part.
06-11.07 | Works of Mercy training in Italy
Sister Victoire and Sister Christine, members of the Congregation studying in Rome, are sent by the Mother General to attend the training.
12-31.07 | Training at the Misericordia di Orta Nova
Sister Victoire and Sister Christine train at the Misericordia di Orta Nova before returning to Rome for their studies.
30.07 | Works of Mercy training
The OPERA M Ambassadors’ training meetings that began after the Cotonou Forum continue, with Sister Rachelle also taking part.
03.11 | Sister Sophie’s appointment
The Congregation chooses Sister Sophie to dedicate herself fully to promoting the Works of Mercy and OPERA M.
2025
04.05 | Meeting with the Mother General
During the UISG Assembly held in Rome from 5 to 9 May, spazio + spadoni meets Mother Nadine and hosts her for the entire conference at the Motherhouse of the Figlie di Maria Missionarie.
02.06 | Second meeting with the Mother General
Luigi Spadoni meets Mother Nadine in Parma.
22.09 | First funding disbursed
The funding is intended to establish the bakery project.
15.12 | Sister’s arrival
Sister Rachelle arrives in Rome from Benin and is welcomed by volunteers from the Misericordia di Orta Nova.
2026
16.02 | Cheese-making training
Sister Rachelle receives training at a dairy to learn how milk is made into cheese, particularly mozzarella!
20-22.02 | Training at San Cerbone
Friends from the Misericordia di Orta Nova, where Sister Rachelle is undertaking her HIC SUM training and will remain for a few more months, accompany her to San Cerbone. Experiencing the atmosphere at the spazio + spadoni headquarters helps her gain a deeper understanding of the Movement’s charism: promoting the Works of Mercy.
15.06 | Sister’s departure
Sister Rachelle leaves the Misericordia di Orta Nova and returns to Benin.
Project evaluations
All evaluations
- May 2025
The sisters choose to establish a bakery. Discussions begin to assess renovating an old bakery rather than building a new one. - June 2025
Assessment of the feasibility of renovating the old bakery. - July 2025
Submission of the renovation cost estimate.
Photos and videos
