60 years of Marist presence

List News

07/10/2019 - Senegal

60 years of the Chapel of the Holy Name of Mary – Our Lady of the Railway

On October 10, 1950, two French Marist Sisters: Marie Françoise and Saint Philippe arrived in Dakar aboard a banana cargo boat to collaborate with the Marist Fathers who had arrived two years earlier for the foundation of Cours Sainte Marie de Hann. The two pioneers were joined by other sisters from 1952, including Sisters Marie de Montfort, Jean Vianney, St Yves, Jeanne de France, André and Marie Yvonne, among others. Very quickly, they discovered the needs of the surrounding population. As well as their needs in education, catechesis and promotion of women in the neighborhoods of Keur Ngor or Ngoup, Yarakh, Bel-Air and Grand-Yoff were also important.

From 1959 to the present day, generations of Marist Sisters have succeeded one another in the service of the Catholic community of Yarakh sector, through catechesis, the pastoral care of young people, women, the liturgical service and their discreet presence with families, as well as continuing to teach at Cours Sainte Marie or to meet other needs of the area.

On 12th September 2009 the Sector of Yarakh celebrated its Golden Jubilee, 50 years of existence. Ten years later it lifted its voice with the psalmist “You have done great things. Lord who is like you?” What beautiful things have been lived during these 60 years! What gratitude for the marvels received from the Lord and may His name be blessed! In retracing the wonders of God throughout the 60 years of existence, the Yarakh area has expressed its gratitude to various individuals or groups who have marked its existence. Special mention to the Marist Sisters.

Sœur Innocence Bakhoum

To prepare for the celebration of the 60 years of existence of the Sector of Yarakh, the Ker Chavoin Community worked with the liturgy group. With my sisters, we have recognized the greatness of the mission we are in charge of and we have fully engaged before, during and after this celebration.

While always trying to be creative we mustn’t forget what the Sector of Yarakh is today and how its origins lie in the hope and the faith of courageous men and women of the past

who sowed the seed in the earth
who gave themselves tirelessly and generously to announce the Word.
who gave everything without counting the cost

The Chapel of the Holy Name of Mary enduring during 60 years has still enough energy to continue on its way and to respond to the calls of the Church with courage and confidence. Keur Chavoin Community

The celebration gathered many people including the Mayor of Hann Bel-Air who spoke of the cooperation between Muslims and Catholics : « I thank God because I was here to celebrate the 50 years. It was imperative that I be here again today to applaud the Christian Community that shows great example to the community at large. We are here to encourage all good initiatives which are happening at the heart of this community. You see the strong presence of imams here. I am a Muslim which says we are a sign of something that can work, a model for others. I wish to encourage all such initiatives. This is a way for me to reiterate our availability.”

One of the brothers of the musical group Guissé shared the following «I grew up in these neighbourhoods and I shared my childhood with Christian friends, at school and in Church. In the courtyard of the Church I learned about how choirs worked. I have memories that I was with my friend Dominic Diouf who had invited me. That showed good cohesiveness and I pray that this will endure, this cooperation between Muslim and Christian. It is wonderful that here in Senegal all forms of prayer happen and may that continue and grow greater”

Priest of the congregation of the Holy Spirit, Jean Pascal Diamé retraced a little the foundations and objectives of the Chapel. “These 60 years we think of the commitment of Christians and citizens who wished to build Church and society. Society is always changing: it carries the challenges and new realities that must be taken on. I think that Christians need to reposition themselves in asking ‘what is my place in the Church that can bring about transformation and development in our local area? We are in solidarity with one another, we are not an island. So it is for the Christians of Yarakh, who are a dynamic community, a young community trying to develop this community of Yarakh so that it will be prosperous, radiant and blossoming.”

Opened 60 years ago in the Commune of Hann Bel-Air, the Chapel of the Holy Name of Mary – Our Lady of the Railway celebrated 60 years of existence in the company of the faithful and the inhabitants of the local area.