THE HISTORY

At the beginning of 1959, the Bishop of Nyasaland (later on it was called Malawi), met the superior of the Congregation in Amersfoort. He requested the sisters to educate the women and the girls, particularly on the economical household economy. It was also expected to open a hostel for the children.

The request of "Africa is calling" very much attracted the sisters. So many sisters enrolled for this mission, but only six sisters were selected and sent to Nyasaland. The sisters in The Netherlands strongly supported the mission in Africa. They carried out Fancy Fairs and other social actions to succeed this new mission. The "Africa is calling" was echoed in the hearts of the sisters!

On September 13^th, 1959 the first three sisters departed from Amersfoort. They were Sr. Annetta Verhoef, Sr. Gonzalina Schwieters and Sr. Rosa Kamphuis. The sisters could not go together, because the temporary place in the bishop house was only available for three sisters. One month later, on October 20^th, 1959 the second group with three sisters landed in Nyasaland. They were Sr. Gertrude Walenkamp, Sr. Melania Kraaijkamp and Sr. Werenfrida Adema.

Although the first house in Stella Maris - Blantyre had not been completely built - there was no water for cooking, drinking and bathing - the sisters had moved into this house. They could immediately adjust themselves with the hot weather, lived in a simple way and struggled to communicate in English.

In accordance with the mission goals, their activities were a.o.: starting to teach and open a dormitory for the children, to teach sewing and handwork in some schools, to look after the new building for the school, etc. On May 22^nd, 1962 the school "Stella Maris" - Blantyre was officially opened by Governor Sir Glyn Jones.

In the following years, the number of sisters who were sent to Malawi increased. They were open to the needs of the local people; serving the children in Jacaranda Children's Home, teaching handwork for mothers and girls in several villages. The sisters eagerly opened the mission work in a very hot area – Bangula, there was no electricity and far away from the crowded city. The sisters opened a workshop for handicapped people in Sorgin and Kalemba Health Centre in Bangula.

Since 1959 till 2006, there were 27 sisters from Amersfoort who had dedicated their life for the mission in Malawi.

THE SPIRITUALITY

The spirituality and Purpose 

of the sisters of Our Lady

We call ourselves Sisters of Our Lady. With Mary we seek to identify ourselves.
In her we see that faithful attitude through which God can become strength in human beeings. She entrusts herself to him, not surmizing where her ‘yes' would lead her.
Surprised, she shouts for joy at how he had regard for her lowly state. What generations had long anticipated is now fulfilled in her: God has redeemed his people in the fruit of her womb, Jesus and made a new covenant with us.

We have heard the call of Jesus. We want to orient our lives to his good news. He showed us what it means in God's eyes to be human: everyone matters, no one is “beneath me”.
He identified himself preeminently with those considered the least. He even named us his friends. In this way he has become for us the way, the truth and the life.

In response we want to serve God in our selves and in others. Before all else to seek the kingdom of God and his mercy, justice and peace. Just as -according to Mary's words- the prophets and Jesus did: unmasking the arrogant, removing the powerful of the earth from their pedestals, elevating the poor and oppressed, filling the hungry with good things and sending the rich away empty-handed.

Here we recognize and acknowledge the dignity which God confers upon the humen being. We shall commit ourselves to this humanity created in the image of God, which was disclosed in all its fullness in Jesus Christ.

Our life in chastity, proverty and obedience, our prayer and work, is oriented to anew society, in which the full equality of people is central.

This demands that time and again we make room for each other's uniqueness while at the same time holding one another responsible.

It asks from us that we give attention to one another, wait for one another, stand by and encourage one another, but also that we challenge each other and dare to take risks.

To experience this relationship together is to live in the Name of God who is called Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

FORMATION IN THE REGION

POSTULANTS
The postulants in our Region Malawi are staying in Jacaranda Children Home. They started staying in this home in May, 2007. As of before they were living in the same house with the novices. Since Jacaranda had been a community for few sisters, It was very difficult to create accommodation for postulants. We had to turn our visitor's house for postulants.
Their presence in the home has brought a lot of change. It has become a big community and they are doing a lot to children.
As the postulancy period is for the postulants acquainted with religious life. Their stay in this home is giving them all the possibilities.

ACTIVITIES OF THE POSTULANTS:

• Parental care
• Extra teaching to children
• Study supervisor
• Religious education
• Bringing and taking nursery children to school.
• Gardening with the children
• Singing lessons
• Dancing lessons
• Drama and poems training
• Hand working
• Flowers arrangement in the house
• Mass preparations
• Kitchen and prayer turn in the house
• Working as bursar at Stella Maris Secondary School
• Working as a Librarian at Stella Maris Secondary School

We have four postulants their names are:

1. Fanny Mary Madise
2. Agnes M'manga
3. Judith Mwandama
4. Priscilla Mauya

Postulants; Fanny Mary Madise and Judith Mwandama works full time in the home, and Priscilla Mauya works as bursar and Agnes M'manga as a Librarian at our Stella Maris Secondary School .
A part from works they do follow their postulancy teaching program in a form of one week workshop three times a year and other lessons that needs more attention are taught during school holidays.

ON GOING FORMATION
Formation to religious life is an aspect of a long process in each one's life, including the aspect of one's growth as female or male.
Through this formation, “with an attitude that is open and critical, we try to understand how the image of God and His Kingdom – as fully and as beautifully as possible – can take form in each one of us and in all people.” (Constitutions, on Formation p.63).
To reach this goal, the General Chapter (2006) assigns to the General Council to stimulate the Provincial Councils/Coordinating Committee:
To continue to give priority to the formation of the sisters and to foster the ongoing formation so that the spirituality and the purpose of the congregation will become part and parcel. To give opportunities for growth to each person so that the quality of each person can emerge.
In Malawi , on going formation of the sisters is realised through the followings:

• attending annual retreats
• Participating in sessions and workshops based on Spirituality.

The retreats, sessions and workshops are organised at ARIMA (Association of Religious in Malawi) level. Topics such as ageing gracefully, what does it mean for me as a religious sister to be a prophet, Religious life nowadays what for, Canon Law, self acceptance/love etc. are offered.

AT DIOCESAN LEVEL
In each diocese, a steering committee (ARIMA sub committee) is put in place. This committee organises meetings and sessions at all levels for all religious in that particular diocese. Topics on community, prayer, responsible friendships etc. are discussed.
AT REGIONAL LEVEL
As Sisters of Our Lady, We organise region days. Here facilitators (Priests and Lay People) are invited to discuss selected topics on Spirituality, Relationships, Friendships, Prayer, Community life, Human development, Life Style etc. Apart from opportunities to grow, sisters develop positive self-image and self-esteem. This is important for self-image is a constant influence on your perception of yourself, others and life in general.
Some sisters have been to Kenya too to follow a 4 months Sabbatical Programme – A Psycho – Spiritual Approach to foster on Integral, Experiential Growth.
We will continue encouraging sisters participating in these sessions and workshops inside and outside Malawi. We feel that these sessions and workshops empower sisters to have confidence in themselves, to trust their feelings and maintain a sense of self-worth. This is reflected in their religious life and apostolic work.
Formation is the pillar of a constant religious life. Formation accompanies entire life. Formation is a life journey.