The charism of the African Benedictine Sisters of St. Agnes of Chipole is to live Benedictine spirituality — prayer, community, stability, hospitality, and work — in the context of service to the Church and society. Their life is rooted in the contemplative rhythm of ora et labora, which sends them forth to serve people in rural and urban communities through education, healthcare, pastoral ministry, catechesis, care for the poor and vulnerable, formation of youth, and social outreach. Their ministries reflect Gospel living through attentive prayer and compassionate service, sustaining communities spiritually and practically.

The African Benedictine Sisters of St. Agnes, Chipole were founded on 5 June 1938 by Bishop Gallus Steiger, O.S.B., in Chipole, Songea (Ruvuma Region), Tanzania, growing out of an early group of women who responded to God’s call under Benedictine formation. The congregation’s roots go back to earlier groupings of Benedictine oblates, and in 1938 they were formally established as a canonical religious institute with the Rule of St. Benedict and a mission in East Africa. Over decades, the community expanded its presence and ministries throughout Tanzania, serving in education (primary and secondary schools), healthcare (dispensaries and clinics), pastoral work, agricultural projects, youth ministries, and care for orphans and vulnerable families. Today the Sisters number in the hundreds and maintain houses in many parts of Tanzania, contributing significantly to the Catholic Church’s mission in the region.

📧 stagnessisters@gmail.com — general mission/vocations for the Chipole Benedictine Sisters.