The first OLA Community arrived in Algeria in North Africa in
1937. For many years, OLA’s worked in several communities
in three Dioceses – Alger, Constantin and Oran. Since 2001
however, there are just three OLA Communities in Algeria, all
within the Diocese of Oran.
In 1938, an OLA Community opened in Hennaya, a little agricultural
village around 10 km fromTlemcen. Initially healthcare was the
main work of the Sisters but today collaboration with local efforts
for human and professional development is the emphasis.
From 1946 until 1974, the community in Oran were involved in health
care, working in the Diocesan Health Dispensaries. Since the Nationalisation
of healthcare in 1974 the sisters continue to collaborate closely
with the Ministry of health in delivering healthcare.
The newest OLA Communty in Algeria is based in Mascara where the
sisters have been working since 1989. Here the Sisters are involved
in a variety of ministries responding to the local needs. Sr.
Dympna McAneaney from Monaghan is based in this community and
her work involves teaching literacy and numeracy skills to local
Muslim women.
MASCARA,
ALGERIA
The OLAs came to Mascara the 16th October 1989.The first two sisters
were Raymonde Bedrossiour (Egyptian) and Maria Valaria Vassama
(Italian). They replaced the Sisters of Charity.In November the
same year Marie Colli, a retired nurse, came to join them. They
lived in a small house in Sidi Mouffok (our area), where they
started giving classes in embrodiery,sewing and machine knitting.The
beginnings were difficult.
In 1991 P. Raymond Gonnet, Spiritan came to Mascara. He started
some construction on the church building, part of which was rented
at the time to the Health Service. Finally another story was added.
This consisted of large workrooms a chapel and a flat for the
sisters. The chapel was consecrated by Bishop Claverie(deceased)
in December 94.
The sisters moved into the flat in January 95. It was a relief
to them, as they no longer
needed to be escorted to and from the Centre.This was due to the
insecurity during the years 92-98. With the change of location
it took awhile for the work to get off the ground; Later however
it flourished. The aim of the sisters was to form women and girls
to a high standard so that they could pass their skills on to
others. Now all the teachers in the centre are Algerian. There
are seven in all - each one responsible for an activity.
The Centre has also a well stocked and a well attended Library
for University students. There are also French and English classes,
for adults and students. I take care of the English classes. Religion
dosen't enter into our work. Our aim is to be open and welcoming
to the people who come to The Centre called EL AMEL meaning Hope.
We are invited from time to time to visit families and friends.
At he moment we are four in community. Marie Noel who is French
and has spent over forty years in Algeria. Marie Abdallagh from
Egypt who is here for three years. Lucie Boni from Benin who came
in January. In August I will be two years here. Living in Mascara
has broadened my horizons and given me some incite into the Muslim
world of North Africa.
Dympna Mc Eneaney
