Ouidah

In 1842, evangelization efforts resumed after an interruption of two hundred years. The Fathers of the Holy Spirit and the Immaculate Heart of Mary arrived in Ouidah and consecrated the whole western coast of Africa to the Virgin. Their catechesis underlined the relationship between Mary and Christ, and between Mary and the Church. They spread love for Mary and trust in her. Bishop Steinmetz headed the diocese of Ouidah over a period of 60 years (1892-1952), where he taught popular and familial practices, for instance this invocation:

"O Mary, help me to love Jesus, to seek his visit and to prepare to receive him often in holy communion. Virgin of the Blessed Sacrament, pray for me."

Today the Legion of Mary and the Daughters of Mary are organizations that have almost disappeared in Europe but that are still very active in Benin. Their work is considerable in the domain of faith and charity.

In Ouidah, Catholics and Protestants gather together to participate in events that honor Mary.

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Attilio GALLI, Madre della Chiesa dei Cinque continenti, Ed. Segno, Udine, 1997.