The Daughters of Mary and Joseph (Ladies of Mary) began their ministry 'being instruments of mercy in the hand of God' in Burundi in 1930
They lived out this calling through various ministries: basic education, teaching, health care, secretarial work, social services e.g. prison ministry etc.
As we continue today in our service, "we constantly review our methods and procedures in the light of the Gospel and the discoveries and insights of our time. Following the inspiration of our Founder who called us to 'be there for the whole Church', we are sensitive to the needs of the time: ready to leave the security of established patterns and to risk new initiatives in responding to the needs of the Church and the world". (Constitutions 50)
We live in two communities here i
n Burundi: Bujumbura and Ngozi.
Bujumbura Community:
Sr. Christine: As well as being the Country Coordinator, she is in charge of the formation of postulants.
Sr. Esther: By her presence, she is a big support for all, as she welcomes visitors, deals with workers and lives her apostolate of prayer.
Sr Eleonore: She teaches those who are mentally disadvantaged in
the AKAMURI Centre (Centre of Light). She also follows evening courses in accountancy at the University.
Sr Louise: Besides being the bursar for the DMJs in Burundi she works fulltime at the Alpha CD Technology Society.
Ancilla: She is a first year postulant and follows her formation programme.
Ngozi Community:
This is Ngozi community except for Michelle who is on leave in Belgium and Marie -Claire who is studying in Belgium .
Sr Michelle: She is the assistant country coordinator and is responsible for Ngozi community. She teaches French at the Catechetical school.
Sr Janine: She works in prison ministry, supplying what is necessary for the prisoners, clothing, food and education. At the level of justice, she is the voice of the voiceless.
They are eager to learn professional skills according to their ability: sewing and carpentry.
Some of the group are capable of teaching others, French, English, music ....
They are the most deprived in this society, deprived of their liberty for many years.
Sr. Agnes: In her teaching, she encourages the youth to be self-confident so that they will be able to face the future courageously. She is truly an instrument in the hand of the Lord.
Sr Caritas: She is a student at Tangaza College , Nairobi Catholic University . She is following a course on Religious Formation. During her holidays, she helps in many ways in the community.
Sr Alice: She is a student at Ngozi University , studying in the Institute of Medical Sciences .
Sr Patricia: She is a student at Ngozi Paramedical School . She is upgrading.
Amid today's changes, we are following in the path of our Founder who urges us to live with "an unlimited devotion to Jesus Christ, his Church and all brothers and sisters". We draw strength and confidence from the lived tradition of our Congregation and from his vision and prayer.
D.M.J ASSOCIATES.
The 75th anniversary of the presence of our Congregation in Burundi has given to the former D.M.J. students a desire to become associates and to share in our spirituality and Charism.
They are progressing actively. Thank you and courage.
May God bless you!