{"id":106484,"date":"2026-05-14T15:52:37","date_gmt":"2026-05-14T14:52:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/spaziospadoni.org\/hic-sum\/benin-africa-progetto-50-di-72\/"},"modified":"2026-11-05T15:14:57","modified_gmt":"2026-11-05T14:14:57","slug":"benin-africa-project-50-of-72","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/spaziospadoni.org\/en\/hic-sum\/benin-africa-project-50-of-72\/","title":{"rendered":"Benin – Africa | Project #50 of 72"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Sister Rachelle – Com\u00e8 (Benin)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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PROJECT 50 of 72<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"hicsum<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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MISSION<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Location<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Com\u00e8<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Diocese<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cotonou<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Country<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Benin<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Continent<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Africa<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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GPS coordinates<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6.40973 1.88506<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Time zone<\/p>\n\n\n\n

UTC+1<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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CONGREGATION<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Congregation<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Institut des Servantes de la Lumi\u00e8re du Christ<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Motherhouse<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lokossa<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Diocese<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lokossa<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Country<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Benin<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Continent<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Africa<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Congregation Feast Day<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2 February<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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GPS coordinates<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6.64449 1.71760<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Time zone<\/p>\n\n\n\n

UTC+1<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Contact person<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sister Rachelle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Mother General<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sister Nadine Marie Adjagba<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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TRAINING ORGANISATION<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Name<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Misericordia Orta Nova<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Location<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Orta Nova (FG)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Country<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Italy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Continent<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Europe<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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GPS coordinates<\/p>\n\n\n\n

41.33331 15.71010<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Time zone<\/p>\n\n\n\n

UTC+1<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Start date<\/p>\n\n\n\n

15\/08\/2021<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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End date<\/p>\n\n\n\n

30\/08\/2021<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Tutor<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gaetano Volpe<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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REAL SPACE<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Project manager<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sister Rachelle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Start date<\/p>\n\n\n\n

22 September 2025<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Type<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bakery\/patisserie<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n\nOPERA M – PROJECT M27<\/span>\n<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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The Congregation decided to renovate an old bakery in Com\u00e9, 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 \u201cBread of Mercy\u201d project was thus born as a tangible sign of care for the population\u2019s material and spiritual needs.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The partnership with the Servantes de la Lumi\u00e8re du Christ sisters began during preparations for the Forum in Cotonou, Benin, on 25 and 26 November 2023.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the end of the training programme for sister Ambassadors, the Servantes de la Lumi\u00e8re du Christ selected Sister Sophie to dedicate herself on a continuing basis to promoting the Works of Mercy, particularly in schools.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

biblical training for volunteers;<\/p>\n\n\n\n

training in schools on the Works of Mercy;<\/p>\n\n\n\n

learning about the Misericordie Movement;<\/p>\n\n\n\n

exploring the activities and charism of spazio + spadoni;<\/p>\n\n\n\n

reflecting on harmful habits in the Western world and their environmental and social impact in Africa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In a true spirit of fraternal exchange, local people also contributed to the sister\u2019s experience and her Congregation through healthcare training, baking training \u2013 particularly useful for the bakery already operating in Africa \u2013 and shared acts of charity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There were simple yet profound signs of this bond, such as local people sending an ophthalmic medicine to the sister\u2019s Congregation: a meaningful gesture expressing tenderness and closeness to Africa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Learn more<\/strong> UISG | Interview with Mother General Nadine Adjagba (Benin)<\/a> The riEvoluzione of the Works of Mercy by spazio + spadoni in Benin: \u201cAfter the Forum\u201d<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Timeline<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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2023<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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25-26.11 | Cotonou Forum and partnership with the Congregation begins<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The partnership with the Servantes de la Lumi\u00e8re du Christ Congregation begins during preparations for the Forum on the riEvoluzione of the Works of Mercy in Cotonou, Benin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"IMG
25-26.11 | Cotonou Forum and partnership with the Congregation begins<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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2024<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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19.02 | Works of Mercy training<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"2024
19.02 | Works of Mercy training<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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07.03 | Works of Mercy training<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Training for Ambassadors of the Works of Mercy continues following the Cotonou Forum.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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04.04 | Works of Mercy training<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The OPERA M Ambassadors\u2019 training meetings that began after the Cotonou Forum continue, with Sister Rachelle also taking part.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"2024
04.04 | Works of Mercy training<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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02.05 | Works of Mercy training<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The OPERA M Ambassadors\u2019 training meetings that began after the Cotonou Forum continue, with Sister Rachelle also taking part.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"2024
02.05 | Works of Mercy training<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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06-11.07 | Works of Mercy training in Italy<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Sister Victoire and Sister Christine, members of the Congregation studying in Rome, are sent by the Mother General to attend the training.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"IMG
06-11.07 | Works of Mercy training in Italy<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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12-31.07 | Training at the Misericordia di Orta Nova<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Sister Victoire and Sister Christine train at the Misericordia di Orta Nova before returning to Rome for their studies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"Welcome
12-31.07 | Training at the Misericordia di Orta Nova<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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30.07 | Works of Mercy training<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The OPERA M Ambassadors\u2019 training meetings that began after the Cotonou Forum continue, with Sister Rachelle also taking part.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"2024
30.07 | Works of Mercy training<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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03.11 | Sister Sophie\u2019s appointment<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The Congregation chooses Sister Sophie to dedicate herself fully to promoting the Works of Mercy and OPERA M.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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2025<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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04.05 | Meeting with the Mother General<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"2025
04.05 | Meeting with the Mother General<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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02.06 | Second meeting with the Mother General<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Luigi Spadoni meets Mother Nadine in Parma.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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22.09 | First funding disbursed<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The funding is intended to establish the bakery project.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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15.12 | Sister\u2019s arrival<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Sister Rachelle arrives in Rome from Benin and is welcomed by volunteers from the Misericordia di Orta Nova.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"2025
15.12 | Sister\u2019s arrival<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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2026<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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16.02 | Cheese-making training<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Sister Rachelle receives training at a dairy to learn how milk is made into cheese, particularly mozzarella!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"2026
16.02 | Cheese-making training<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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20-22.02 | Training at San Cerbone<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019s charism: promoting the Works of Mercy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"2026
20-22.02 | Training at San Cerbone<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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15.06 | Sister\u2019s departure<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Sister Rachelle leaves the Misericordia di Orta Nova and returns to Benin.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Project evaluations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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All evaluations<\/h4>\n\n\n\n