Welcome to our province ...
The Antilles / French Guiana Province comprises of Martinique, Guadeloupe and French Guiana, the latter being the largest French overseas department in South America. The socio-political history of the three areas is closely linked.
Guyana now has 3 communities and 10 sisters. It was founded in 1822, and is a mission land that is very dear to us, because Mother Javouhey has left a strong legacy here.
In November of 2022, the Community of Saint Pierre Claver at Acarouany, near Mana, reopened after almost 50 years of closure. The community, founded by Anne-Marie Javouhey, used to provide a home for those suffering from leprosy. The mayor of Mana wants to turn it into an historical and spiritual site.
Mother Javouhey visited Martinique and Guadeloupebut French Guiana, where she worked for the liberation of the "black slaves",remained her favourite place. Arriving between 1822 and 1824, the Sisters were pioneers in education, healthcare and social work with vulnerable populations.
Guadeloupe
4 communities
22 sisters
founded in 1822
Martinique
1 community
8 sisters
founded in 1822
French Guiana
3 communities
10 sisters
founded in 1822
Let's share love and hope with our world ...
The Community's current mission is rich and multifaceted. To respond to the needs of a diverse population, it is committed to local pastoral care, attentive to the realities of each individual.
Today, this community has been transformed into a true centre of life, a place of warm welcome where young and old - from infants to the elderly - find a reason to stop, talk and enjoy the simple joy of the Sisters' presence.
By welcoming people, listening to them and making themselves available, they become a living sign of love and hope at the heart of everyday life.
Today ...
Diversified mission: The Community has a diverse mission that responds to the spiritual, social and human needs of the population.
Local pastoral care :
- Religious education for children
- Preparation for the sacraments
- Welcoming pilgrims to the diocesan pilgrimage site
Formation for all :
- Musical training
- Capacity building
- Mobile nursery for the little ones
Social and administrative support :
- Support with administrative procedures
- Support for the social integration of young people and women into society
- Promoting local talent
Solidarity and support network :
- In collaboration with Secours Catholique, benefactors and people of goodwill
- Help for families in precarious situations
- Organising social events and community activities
Mother Javouhey's legacy :
- The project of Mother Javouhey, who in her time made this place a magnificent jewel: I quote "Before 1832, lepers were isolated on the Isles of Salvation. As early as 1830, Mother Javouhey asked for them to be transferred to Acarouany, where the water was fresh and food plentiful. Two sisters were on site, along with the doctor from Mana and a chaplain who came to visit. (Handwritten sources from the Saint-Laurent du Maroni municipal archives).
Missionary disciples ... to this call from God, we respond with total availability, ready to leave our country to go where God calls us to serve our brothers and sisters.