The African Sisters Education Collaborative (ASEC) recently hosted an evening reception at the Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in America in Washington, DC. The gathering brought together ASEC board members, staff, benefactors, and friends from across the region to honor the power of connection, shared purpose, and faith-driven service.
The mission of ASEC is to educate Catholic women religious in Africa to strengthen their leadership capacity to provide services that address local and global challenges. This mission guided the tone and focus of the evening, which served as both a celebration of past accomplishments and a recommitment to the transformative work that lies ahead.
Set against the backdrop of the Monastery’s historic architecture and tranquil gardens, the event offered guests an opportunity to reflect on ASEC’s mission and the significant impact of its programs across sub-Saharan Africa. Attendees were invited to tour the Monastery Church and upper gardens, fostering a spirit of contemplation and reverence ahead of the formal program.
The evening commenced with a warm welcome from Sr. Draru Mary Cecilia, LSMIG, Executive Director of ASEC, who expressed her deep appreciation for the commitment and generosity of those present. Fr. Tom Gaunt followed with a solemn invocation, centering the program in faith and the shared values that guide ASEC’s work.
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Guests connect over food and conversation surrounded by African-themed décor, including hand-carved giraffes and vibrant cloths from the communities ASEC serves.
The program featured compelling testimonials from ASEC board members Dr. Mary Gautier and Dr. Don McCrabb, who spoke of their personal encounters with African sisters and the profound changes these women religious are effecting in their communities. A video presentation further highlighted the transformative impact of ASEC’s educational programs, illustrating how educated sisters are driving sustainable development and social change in underserved regions.
The atmosphere was enriched by African-themed décor and music, which served as a visual and auditory reminder of the diverse communities that ASEC serves. Guests engaged in meaningful dialogue, reflecting on the organization’s progress and expressing enthusiasm for its future direction.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to our generous sponsors whose support strengthens ASEC’s mission to educate Catholic sisters in Africa. Our Platinum Patrons, Society of the Holy Child Jesus and Trappistine Nuns, Inc., of Our Lady of the Mississippi Abbey, have shown extraordinary commitment to our work. We are grateful to our Gold ASEC Mission Partners, Franciscan Sisters of St. Joseph of Hamburg, Sisters of St. Joseph of Philadelphia, and the Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange. We also recognize our Silver ASEC Ambassadors, Kathleen Curran, Sisters of Bon Secours, USA, and Lawrence & Deborah Newhouse Dunham for their meaningful contributions.
For those unable to attend, ASEC encourages participation in future gatherings that celebrate and support this vital mission. The evening underscored a resounding truth: when the ASEC community convenes, lives are transformed.
