The Society of Apostolic Life Donum Dei
founded by Father Marcell Roussel Galle on February 11, 1950, he was born in 1910 in Franche-Comte region of France.
He died on 22 February 1984, in Rome.
Donum Dei sisters are part of the Missionary Family Donum Dei ("Gift of God") a Roman Catholic religious congregation founded by Father Marcel Roussel-Galle on February 11, 1950.
Until December 2020, Donum Dei was a public association of the faithful, a Carmelite Third Order. On December 8, 2020, the Archbishop of Marseille promulgated the decree establishing the diocesan Society of Apostolic Life Donum Dei known as the Missionary Workers of the Immaculate. This signifies that they live their consecration, their communal, missionary life, with this legal status recognized in the Church.
| Stage | Duration | Purpose / Content |
|---|---|---|
| Aspirancy | 1-2 years | Discovery of community and missionary life, discernment of the call. |
| School of Prayer | >/2 years | Prayer, meditation, study of the constitutions and the charism. |
| Betrothal with Christ | 5 years | More intense mission, taking responsibility, specialized formation. |
| Preparation for Incorporation | 1 year | Final step before definitive commitment. |
| Definitive Incorporation | For life | Total and irrevocable commitment in the Society of Apostolic Life Donum Dei. |
To make Christ known and loved through the witness of life, service, and hospitality, inspired by the meeting of Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4).
A world where every person, especially the most vulnerable is welcomed, dignified, educated, and supported; a community crossing religious, cultural, and social boundaries;
where people grow in compassion, justice, character, and faith; following Christ's call to love, serve, and draw all to the "living water" of His mercy and grace.
The Virgin Mary, Immaculate Patroness and spiritual Mother of the Missionary Family. Model of purity, humility, and total availability to God.
St. Joseph. Guardian of Jesus and Mary, humble worker, and faithful servant. Model of humility, silence, trust, and dedication — inspiration for quiet strength and service.
St. Therese of the Child Jesus (of Lisieux) Patroness of the missions, model of the "little way": simplicity, trust, and love in small daily acts. Shows that holiness is accessible to all through confidence and love.
St. Joan of Arc. A model of fearless witness, total trust in God, and readiness to serve the Church in difficult times.
Merciful Love: answering Jesus's thirst with compassion.
Evangelization: leading all to Christ, Living Water.
Hospitality: simple, fraternal welcome.
uman Dignity:respect for every person, Service to the Poor: solidarity with the vulnerable.
Integrity: safeguarding and upright living.
Formation: education and faith growth, simplicity: humble availability for mission.
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1987. Incorporation into the Carmelite Order
Donum Dei Missionary Family was officially incorporated into the Carmelite Order (O.Carm),
strengthening its spiritual identity.
1994. Mission in Kenya
Beginning of missionary work in Africa with the first Donum Dei community in Kenya.
2010. Roussel House, Nairobi
Foundation stone laid for the Roussel House, a missionary and formation center in Nairobi.
Today. Worldwide Mission
Donum Dei Sisters are present on five continents, serving in hospitality, evangelization, and service to the poor.
0757221367
luciephonglan@gmail.com
Roussel House, Donum Dei