ASEC News & Reflections

ASEC is serving Catholic Sisters in 10 sub-Saharan African countries, providing access to educational opportunities. There is much to celebrate regarding the work of ASEC and the impact of Sisters who are benefiting from our programs.

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Pope Benedict XVI was elected to the position following the passing of John Paul II in 2005.

Pope Benedict XVI, Who Preached About Christian Love, Passes

Jan 5, 2023: [USA] Just like those who came before him, and after, Pope Benedict XVI had the enormous task of leading the Catholic Church in a complex and ever-changing world. This can never be considered easy and it is important to take a moment to honor his service after his recent passing.

On the left: Sr. Magdalena showcases the manuals she has been able to write for her congregation as a result of her education. On the right: Sr. Magdalena mentors youth on basic technology skills.

In Her Words: A Heart that Appreciates 'Mother ASEC'

Jan 3, 2023: [Tanzania] In 2019, Sr. Magdalena Laurent Izengo started her courses through ASEC's SLDI program in Tanzania. Since then, she has used her knowledge and skills to secure funding for projects that keep children in her community safe. Read about it in her own words.

Headmistress Sr. Maria N. Isaya with other staff at Mother Kevin 
Secondary School in Tanzania

In Her Words: Proud to be a Fruit of Higher Education for Sisters in Africa (HESA)

Dec 6, 2022: [Kenya] Sr. Maria N. Isaya, a religious woman of the Institute of the Little Sisters of St. Francis in Tanzania, started her journey with ASEC in 2016 through the Higher Education for Sisters in Africa (HESA). Since then she has brought transformation to her community by using her skills to provide education to those in poverty, improving their overall quality of life.

Sr. Lucy presented the progress of her current research to ASEC staff during a recent visit.

Visiting Scholar visits ASEC Headquarters, Presents Progress on Catholic Research

Nov 16, 2022: [Uganda, USA] Sr. Lucy's research may be able to help congregations in Uganda better prepare women religious for the work of their ministries.

Stock photo by Jesse Orrico, Unsplash.com

Late Sister, ASEC Founder to Donate Body to Science

Oct 27, 2022: [USA] When Sr. Margaret Gannon's decision to donate her body to science was announced at her memorial, some wondered, "Can she do that?" The official answer from the Catholic Church is, "Yes, yes she can."

ASEC Staff and Sisters representing several African countries and the U.S. gave a virtual toast to celebrate Sr. Joyce Rita and Sr. Clare as they depart the organization.

ASEC hosts farewell celebration for Nigeria and Kenya Program Coordinators

Oct 20, 2022: [Kenya, Nigeria] Although good-byes are often sad, ASEC Sisters understand well their vows of obedience and living by the will of God. So when it comes time to part ways, farewells have become more of celebrations at ASEC, for the time spent and service given by women religious.

Sr. Margaret Gannon instructs HESA students in Nairobi at HESA orientation.

ASEC Founding Member, Emerita Board of Director Called Home to the Lord

Oct 17, 2022: [] Sister Margaret Gannon, Sister, Servant of the Immaculate Heart of Mary of Scranton (IHM), Ph.D, died Friday, Oct. 14, 2022. Sr. Margaret was a pillar of ASEC, having helped create the organization in its inception and serving as a board member thereafter.

Dr. Rosemary Shaver, ASEC Senior Program Manager, successfully defended her dissertation on September 23, 2022.

Senior Program Manager is awarded Ed.D., doctoral award

Oct 3, 2022: [USA] HESA and Scholarship Senior Program Manager Rosemary Shaver, Ed.D. received her Doctorate in Education from Wilkes University after successful defense of her research on the perceived impact of service learning programs on higher education learners. Through her research she was able to find that it is a transformative experience that promotes self-examination, dialogue, and skill development among participants.

Sr. Nkechi has been a Sister of the Poor handmaids of Jesus Christ for 19 years. (Right side photo: Photo by Nnaemeka Ugochukwu on Unsplash.com)

Leadership Success: My Life Journey After ASEC

Sep 26, 2022: [Nigeria] Inspired by God’s divine love and the spirit of Saint Katharina Kasper, Sister Salesiana Bach, the then Provincial Superior of the German Province, and her leadership team took a courageous decision to embark on a journey of faith on April 4th, 2006.

Sisters Odette and Cecilia exploring the technology of the phone at an SLDI workshop in Cameroon, 2019.

Using Technology to Strengthen Ministries

Sep 8, 2022: [Cameroon, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Nigeria, SouthSudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia] Last spring, the New York Times published an article about how women religious are sharing their experiences through social media platforms, like TikTok. In this article we reflect on the recent trends and explain how our sisters are learning to utilize technology.

ASEC Executive Director, staff, country coordinators and SLDI program participants meet via Zoom to discuss how the program is helping congregations succeed.

SLDI Participants meet with Executive Director, Share the Impact of Computer Technology Workshops

Sep 6, 2022: [Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania, Zambia, USA] ASEC Sisters from Zambia, Tanzania and other countries in Africa have gathered recently for Basic Technology workshops as a part of the SLDI program. Last month they met with ASEC Executive Director Sr. Draru Mary Cecilia to discuss what they learned and why it is important.

ASEC Sisters complete a Basic Technology class in Nigeria, similar to the class the sisters in this article completed recently.

Sisters Learn Email, Facebook in Technology Workshop, Use Platforms to Express Gratitude

Aug 31, 2022: [Kenya] ASEC Sisters in Kenya recently participated in a Basic Technology workshop where they learned how to e-mail, create a Facebook page and other ways to communicate via digital platforms. The first thing they did was express their gratitude.

Executive Director Sr. Draru Mary Cecilia greeted guests at a dinner hosted during the LCWR Conference, August 2022.

ASEC Celebrates Board and Associate Members at Dinner During LCWR

Aug 18, 2022: [USA] During the Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR) conference in St. Louis, ASEC took the opportunity to meet with board members, associate board members, and other ASEC supporters at a dinner.

Sisters in leadership roles came together to attend a conference themed

‘Mystical Wisdom’ Found at LCWR Conference in St. Louis

Aug 16, 2022: [USA] The Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR) held its annual conference from August 9-12, 2022, in St. Louis, Mo. ASEC members attended to share our mission and to learn about other organizations.

ASEC Sisters are pictured walking during a HESA Reflective Learning workshop in Uganda, 2022.

Coming and Going: Trusting God’s Path for Sisters

Aug 2, 2022: [Uganda] Working in a collaborative network of sisters from various congregations, countries and continents demonstrates the value of each individual's footprint on the organization.

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