Sister Francine – Goma (Democratic Republic of the Congo)
PROJECT 44 of 72
MISSION
Location
Diocese
Bunia
Country
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Continent
Africa
GPS coordinates
1.57500 30.24104
Time zone
UTC+2
CONGREGATION
Congregation
Motherhouse
Liège, Belgium
Diocese
Liège
Country
Belgium
Continent
Europe
Congregation Feast Day
25 March
GPS coordinates
50.63960 5.57009
Time zone
UTC+1
Contact persons
Sister Anuarite and Sister Francine
Mother General
Sister Irma Eulalia Maria Wanderley de Lima
Website
TRAINING ORGANISATION
Location
Camigliano Santa Gemma (LU)
Country
Italy
Continent
Europe
GPS coordinates
43.86621 10.60469
Time zone
UTC+1
Start date
16/11/2023
End date
30/08/2021
Tutor
Sister Gloriose Nshimirimana
REAL SPACE
Project manager
Sister Anuarite
Start date
14 November 2023
Type
Poultry farming
Although she is in Goma, Sister Francine, with the help of her fellow sister, Sister Marie Odette, is trying to establish a poultry farm in Bunia, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, funded by spazio + spadoni. Parishioners from Comunità Santa Gemma also helped prepare her for this activity, taking her to visit farms in the area and explaining the techniques needed for success. The project faced difficulties from the outset because of instability and guerrilla warfare in the area. With the fighting intensifying and the spread of Ebola, the poultry project in Bunia has stopped and will resume as soon as conditions permit. Meanwhile, in Goma, Sister Francine continues to promote the Works of Mercy – OPERA M, despite the immense difficulties caused by the war.
Sister Francine arrived in Italy in November 2023 and was welcomed by Comunità Parrocchiale Santa Gemma and Congregazione Missionaria delle Sorelle di Santa Gemma, who hosted her at their Motherhouse throughout her stay in Italy.
Within the Parish Community, she settled in well and easily thanks to her command of Italian, the result of months of study before her arrival. Every day, Sister Francine was involved in various activities: after-school support for children, a creative youth centre, preparing food for the soup kitchen, and a first-aid course at Misericordia di Santa Gemma. In the community, together with the other sisters, she was able to learn some Italian recipes, took a sewing course, and received training on the Works of Mercy.
Learn more Divine Mercy Sunday. Divine Grace offered in the face of Despair “Mercy opens the doors to hope” | DIOCESE OF GOMA (DRC) Teachings on the Works of Mercy in the Ecclesial Community of Goma “Rejoice and Do Good.” The Works of Mercy Embodied in the Motto of the Sisters of Christian Instruction Missionaries of the Works of Mercy The Congo and the Consequences of War The Works of Mercy Through Parish Youth Work in Italy The missionary experience of the Works of Mercy in Italy
Timeline
2023
21.02 | Start of relationship with the Congregation
The first contact with the Congregation is established
17-28.07 | Sister Anuarite in Italy
Sister Anuarite comes to Italy to attend training on the Works of Mercy organised by spazio + spadoni
08.08 | Start of relationship with the Parish Community
The Parish Community decides to carry out the HIC SUM project
14.11| First funding disbursed
The funding is intended for the start of construction of the chicken coop
16.11 | Sister’s arrival
Sister Francine arrives in Italy, welcomed by Congregazione Missionaria Santa Gemma and Comunità Parrocchiale Santa Gemma
07.12 | Training
spazio + spadoni technical training at Casa Madre Sorelle di Santa Gemma
December | spazio + spadoni meets the Goma community
During a missionary trip to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Selene travels to Goma and stays in Sister Francine’s community while the latter is in Italy. She is welcomed by Provincial Superior Sister Anuarite
November – December | Training
First-aid course at Misericordia Santa Gemma, parish after-school support, creative youth centre, training on the Works of Mercy, soup kitchen.
December | Training
Sewing course
2024
January – March | First-aid training
First-aid course at Misericordia Santa Gemma
January – March | Sewing training
Sewing course
January – March | Parish and community activities
After-school support, creative youth centre, training on the Works of Mercy, soup kitchen
20.01 | Volunteer training
Training on the charism of volunteering
06.02 | Social enterprise training
Training in chicken farming
18.02 | Social enterprise training
Training in chicken farming
02.03 | Bread-making course
04.03 | Training
spazio + spadoni technical training at the Convento di San Cerbone
08.03 | Cooking training
Learning Italian cooking
14.03 | Pilgrimage to Assisi
Sister Francine is accompanied to Assisi
24.03 | Sister’s departure
Sister Francine brings forward her return to the Congo because of commitments with the university where she works
2025
12-13.10 | Meeting with spazio + spadoni
Meeting in Rome between spazio + spadoni, Sister Francine, Sister Anuarite and the Congregation. The sisters were in Italy both for a general meeting of the Congregation and to take part in the Jubilee; it was the right opportunity for a meeting and a discussion about the activities supported by spazio + spadoni
Project evaluations
All evaluations
- January 2024
The Congregation proposes two projects: poultry farming and cutting and sewing. - January 2024
Discussion of the proposed projects. - February 2024
The Congregation decides to pursue poultry farming, setting aside the cutting and sewing project. - May 2024
Monitoring. - September 2024
Monitoring. - January-December 2025
Monitoring of the promotion of the Works of Mercy and the Social Enterprise in the face of the severe situation affecting the area.
Photos and videos
