About Anima Una
Discover the beating heart of Anima Una, a fraternal union at the service of religious congregations in West Africa.
Our History
The first meeting of Anima Una took place in Lomé from December 14 to 18, 1970, with 16 Mothers and General Assistants of indigenous congregations from Francophone West Africa. There were 16 participants. The Union was born under the leadership of Mother Marie Virginie de SOUZA (Sister of Saint Augustine of Benin), the first President of the association, with the encouragement of H.E. Bishop Bernardin GANTIN.
Anima Una, meaning "one soul" in Latin, aims to testify to the unity of African religious life. The association has held 23 General Assemblies across member countries, with the next one scheduled for May 8-16, 2026 in Lomé.
Current board (2023-2026)
Discovering Anima Una
« The Union of Indigenous Women's Congregations of Francophone West Africa Anima Una » is an ecclesial body of pontifical right, non-profit, which brings together Superiors General and General Assistants. Anima Una aims for fraternity and the establishment of a flow of experience sharing in the face of common difficulties.
Strengthen bonds of communion and solidarity among member congregations
Organize formation and training sessions for the sisters
Encourage sharing of experiences and best practices within the network
Support congregations in their pastoral and social projects
Represent member congregations before ecclesial and civil authorities
Next Assembly
Lomé, Togo - May 8 to 16, 2026
Our member congregations
Anima Una brings together 17 sister congregations spread across 7 countries in Francophone West Africa.
Congrégation des Filles de Saint Cœur de Marie
Total engagement in educational and medico-social missions.
Congrégation des Filles du Cœur Immaculé de Marie
Congregation of the current President of the Anima Una board (2023-2026), Mother Esther THERA.
Congrégation des Petites Sœurs de Notre Dame de Guinée
In pastoral service and social development in Guinea.
Congrégation des Sœurs de l'immaculée Conception de Ouagadougou
Major congregation of Burkina Faso, engaged in schools and dispensaries.
Congrégation Notre Dame de la Paix
Congregation of Ivory Coast, whose mother superior Christiane BAKA is currently the secretary of the Anima Una board.
Institut des Filles de la Résurrection de Ziguinchor
Congregation of the Vice-President of Anima Una, Mother Sophie Augustine AHOUIDI.
Institut des Franciscaines Filles de Padre Pio
Strong Franciscan spirituality, focused on prayer and charity.
Institut des Sœurs de la Providence de Saint Paul de Kara
Congregation very active in education and health care in northern Togo.
Institut des Sœurs de Notre Dame de l'Eglise
Involved since the origins in the foundation of the Anima Una Union.
Institut des Sœurs de Notre Dame de la Trinité
Missionary action oriented towards religious education.
Institut des Sœurs de Notre Dame du Lac Bam
Pioneering mission among rural populations of Burkina Faso.
Institut des Sœurs de Saint Augustin du Bénin
Historical congregation. Mother Flore Philomene FATON is the current treasurer.
Institut des Sœurs Oblates petites Servantes des Pauvres
Devoted to the service of the poorest and marginalized in Benin.
Institut des Sœurs Servantes de la Lumière du Christ
Charities, education and health in Benin.
Institut Famille des sœurs de l'Annonciation de Bobo-Dioulasso
Active in pastoral awakening, mentoring of women and youth.
Institut Notre Dame de l'Incarnation
Ivorian institute serving pastoral and educational needs.
Institut Religieux Féminin Mère du Divin Amour
From the new community, particularly engaged in evangelization.