A Little History of MMM in Angola

On October 21, 1952, pioneer MMMs boarded the SS Hildebrand at Liverpool en route to Lisbon, the first step on their journey to Angola. They had to learn the language and become Portuguese citizens before permission would be granted to enter Angola, where they finally arrived in March 1953.  

Gradually they established a small Hospital at Chiulo, which grew into an important facility with a Nurse Training School and with Laboratory Training later. On April 4, 1962, the day on which our communities around the world celebrated the Silver Jubilee of the founding of MMM, the Sisters in Angola crossed the Cunene river to expand their work and provide a Health Service at Cuamato. 

Following the country's Independence in 1975, a fiercely-fought Civil War wracked Angola until peace finally returned on April 4, 2002.

In 1987, new work was undertaken among an urban population of 184,000 on the outskirts of Lubango. In November 2000 another mission was established in Huambo, Angola's second largest city. 

Our newest mission is in process of being established at Viana, a satellite town a short distance from Angola's capital city, Luanda. 

The first Angolan MMMs made their religious profession in 1996 and we are encouraged by the interest among young Angolan women who continue to apply to join MMM.

Pictures:
Top: Surgery at Chiulo in the 1950s 
Middle: Pioneers in 1952
Bottom: Pumping water for Chiulo

Last modified: Wednesday, May 6th, 2009