To mark the fiftieth anniversary of the presence of the Dominican Sisters of the Anunciata in Côte d’Ivoire, the organization of the Golden Jubilee adopted a decentralized approach. Each community celebrated a Mass of Thanksgiving in its respective parish, in accordance with the desire to highlight the local roots and missionary history of the congregation. The solemn opening Mass took place at the Saint Pierre Claver Parish in Bonoua to officially launch the jubilee year. A pilgrimage to Ono, following in the footsteps of the first missionary sisters, helped to revive the memory of the congregation’s apostolic beginnings on Ivorian soil. In turn, the novitiate community, in collaboration with the Toussaint Parish in Membi, organized a Mass of Thanksgiving on Saturday, April 26, 2025, bringing together the clergy, the faithful, and the religious sisters. Beyond the liturgy, the day of Saturday, April 26th, was filled with recreational activities such as dances, songs, poems, choreographies, and comedic performances to promote conviviality and the expression of talents within the parish community. There were also quiz competitions between the neighboring parishes of Saint Pierre Claver, Divine Providence, and Toussaint. Finally, a meal shared with the clergy and the faithful concluded the day in the spirit of fraternity that characterizes the mission of the Dominican Sisters of the Anunciata.
The Golden Jubilee of the Sisters’ presence in Côte d’Ivoire will continue in prayer, fraternity, and joy to bear witness to the apostolic vitality and commitment of the sisters in the Church and Ivorian society.
Sr Regina Emeline ABITAN
