The Sisters of Our Lady of Apostles, Irish Province, invite you to visit their website.
We are an international group of Missionary Sisters who dedicate our lives to
the spread of the Good News of Jesus Christ, especially in Africa.
There are more than 750 OLA's working in nineteen countries across three continents.
We work in a variety of ministries: Health Care, Education,
Community Development, Empowerment of Women, Pastoral; Cathechesis.
Browse through this website to
discover more about the OLA Sisters, their life and their work.
Gathering of Former OLAs in Ardfoyle
On Saturday, September 18th, many former OLAs joined with the OLAs gathered in Ardfoyle to renew old acquaintances. Click here to read more
BT Young Scientist Visits Ardfoyle
Richard's mother Helen, Srs Rosari O'Sullivan, Dolores Davis
Richard's brother Anthony, Richard, Srs Catherine O'Connor, Philomena Woulfe and Dad, Michael
The OLA Sisters in Ardfoyle were delighted to welcome and congratulate Richard O’Shea, the current BT Young Scientist of the year who recently took time out with his family to visit Ardfoyle .
Richard conducted an 18-month research project to design and build the highly efficient and near smoke-free cooking stove from waste materials, mainly tin cans. “I learned that half of the world’s population, three billion people, rely on biomass [wood, dung and plant material] to cook their food,” Richard said, describing the inspiration for his project.
“Open fires and simple tin can stoves are very inefficient and need a lot of wood and produce lots of smoke. The smoke is causing serious health effects.”
He used only tools and materials available to someone building a low-cost cooking stove – tin cans, a small knife, a screwdriver and a nail. His final design burns hot using no more than scraps of wood. “It produces a very small amount of smoke,” he added. “I was able to cook food inside a shed with the door closed.” Richard would like aid agencies to copy his design and make its use widespread.
The inspiration for Richard's project came from his parents, Mike from Blarney and Helen from Malaysia, who first met while working as volunteers in Nigeria.
His father explained that since returning to Ireland, they would often have African visitors
and missionaries visiting the house, which all undoubtedly influenced Richard and his brother Anthony.
Richard with his brother Anthony
"to
know and love Jesus Christ to make him known and loved".
Sisters of Our Lady of Apostles, faithful to the creative vision
of our founder, in this third millennium we live and work in a
pluricultural world, going beyond the boundaries of country and
religion to bring the Good News of the Reign of God to the poorest
persons.
We feel called to respond in a special way to those who have never
heard God’s word.
Our intercultural communities remain open to the Spirit and we
promote the inculturation of Gospel values wherever we are.
We engage in solidarity with non-violent actionfor the sake of
justice, peace and the integrity of creation.
The promotion of woman and the marginalized takes priority in
our apostolates while at the same time we are ready to be uprooted
whenever a more urgent need is presented and calls us to respond.
Our
presence and collaboration encourages the missionary dimension
of the local church.
Drawing strength and inspiration from our Cenacle spirituality
we are signs of HOPE for all peoples to whom we are sent.
Montana, 17 November, 1994
Saro Wiwa letters handed over to NUI Maynooth
Sr Majella McCarron, OLA donates Ken Saro Wiwa letters to NUI Maynooth. Read more... OLA Mission in Botswana
Botswana is the newest OLA Mission. A new OLA Community
opened there in 2008. To read more about the OLAs in Botswana, click here
Interested in becoming an OLA?
Many young Irish women have dedicated their lives to mission in Africa and Argentina by joining OLA. If you are interested in learning more about becoming an OLA, please contact us on labyrinth@olaireland.ie
25 years in West Green, London
On October 30th 2010: OLA Sisters joined with parishioners in West Green to celebrate 25 years of OLA mission in the parish.Browse through these photos to get a flavour of the celebrations.
Volunteering Opportunities
Interested in either a short or long term experience in Tanzania? The OLA Sisters are currently looking for Nurse Midwives and/or Home Economics Teachers
to work in our mission in Tanzania. If you are interested in discovering more about OLA work in Tanzania, click here or please contact us on volunteering@olaireland.ie
