Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

On Friday, November 18, Pope Benedict XVI arrived in Benin and travelled through Cotonou to greet the many persons gathered along the streets to welcome him. At 4:30 p.m. he arrived at the cathedral where he was met by bishops, the President, priests, religious, and laity. Sr. Piercarla, Sr. Germaine and I were present and had the privilege of seeing him up close. We spoke with his master of ceremonies, Monsignor Guido, and with a photographer from Rome. The Pope’s Saturday schedule was very full. Sr. Piercarla, the sisters in Abomey, the novices, and the young women with us participated in his visit to the Seminary in Ouidà. Sr. Germaine and I did not have tickets so we watched the event from home on TV. On Sunday morning we all left at 4:30 a.m. for Cotonou Stadium where the Pope arrived at 8:30 to celebrate Mass, which was beautiful and joyful. A few clouds helped to shelter us from the sun, which at this time of year is very hot. I relived in this experience my time in Rome where I participated often in celebrations at St. Peter’s. Most important, though, was the encouragement he gave for a new Africa where reconciliation, justice, and peace may reign.

On Monday, together with the community in Abomey, we celebrated Mother Clelia’s feast day. I was able to spend some time with the novices as well. This year I am a little freer than I was last year since I do not have a novitiate group, which allows me the opportunity to teach catechism at our parish. I am enjoying my experience teaching 32 young people ages 10 to 15. I continue to work with our aspirants and attend meetings of aspirants in the parish and diocese. I also work with a GFASC group. We have with us two prepostulants and a third, who is completing her thesis in psychology, will arrive in January. The four postulants are doing well. I thank God for all his gifts to me: my health, peace, and so much more.