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Magdalene Wolters from Rheine in North Rhine-Westphalia (Germany) loves South Africa and has been very involved in the facilities of the Dominican Sisters of Oakford for decades.

She regularly visits South Africa and, of course, the Dominican Sisters. She is currently traveling on the continent again, sending us photos that tell stories.

This is now her 25th trip to South Africa, an anniversary for her. As her a personal present, she had planned to visit all the projects that she has initiated in South Africa and supported from Germany for many years.

During her many visits, Magdalene Wolters has noticed that many things have changed in South Africa over the years and that poverty - mainly due to the consequences of Aids - is becoming ever greater.

In order to help the people, especially the children in South Africa, she therefore launched the “Sponsorships in South Africa” project, which now provides important and effective help for the people there.

From 1981 to 1983, Magdalene Wolters lived and worked at our „Oakford Priory“ mission stations. Of course she always visited the sisters during her travels.

She stayed at the AIDS center (hospice) in Ekukhanyeni for two and a half weeks, sharing her daily routine with the sisters, praying and working with them.

At hospice, Magdalene Wolters talked to the patients and - among other things – she played board games with them that she had brought from Germany.

From Ekukhanyeni, she also visited people out in the remote countryside and accompanied the monthly food transport to the orphanage.

Our sisters are also committed to the hospice. Sr. Lidia Maria Danyluk OP, who recently turned 60, put on her running shoes again and took part in a marathon. She proudly presents us with the medals she has won. We congratulate her on her sporting achievements!

Sr. Lidia is also involved in many other activities. She cuts the patients' hair at the AIDS center and also works regularly in the garden and on the grounds. Cutting trees in particular gives her strength and energy for her actual work as a social worker, she says.

Sr. Natalie Schlegel OP also makes sure that the patients at the AIDS Center feel comfortable. She lovingly cares for the seriously ill, helps them to eat and also looks after the patients' feet.

She can also often be found at the sewing machine. With her needle and thread skills, she always keeps the patients' clothes in order and ensures that they feel comfortable.

Sr. Anna-Rose Ngubane OP also visits the patients regularly and gives them time and attention and is open to their needs. She is also always present at the church services and provides support.
 

Text & Translation Martina Schneider
Photos Magdalene Wolters

March 2025