Our Missionary Presence in Algeria
Our
Story
It all began in 2006, when the Community responded to a prophetic invitation from Archbishop Teissier.
The challenge was to care for young students arriving in Algeria from various parts of Africa, especially those who spoke Portuguese. We were born there, in the heart of North Africa.
Today, in a country bordering the Mediterranean where less than 0.1% of the population is Christian, the Shalom Mission (known locally as Salam, meaning peace) continues to write this story of love and resilience.
Far from large numbers, but close to people’s hearts, our missionaries serve at the Cathedral of Algiers and in local libraries, welcoming sub-Saharan university students, vulnerable children, and prisoners. A living, youthful Church built on communion and sharing.
The Shalom Community carries out its missionary presence at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Algiers (Algeria), where it works to revitalize pastoral life and welcome visitors, most of whom are local Muslim youth. The mission is also dedicated to providing pastoral care for students from sub-Saharan Africa, offering support as they navigate challenges related to integration and discrimination.
Recently, the mission received a historic visit from the Pope, a memorable moment shared by Father Jean Fernandes, a missionary with the Community for nearly eight years and the current rector of the cathedral, who had the opportunity to present the Shalom charism directly to the Holy Father.
The Shalom Community has also expanded its presence in Algeria to the university city of Béjaïa, where it collaborates with St. Joseph Parish to support foreign Christian students. Led by missionary Brother Jackson Santos, the work includes prayer groups, liturgical celebrations, and fellowship with young people at Abderrahmane Mira University.
In a country where the Church is composed mostly of foreigners and faces challenges such as a shortage of clergy and restrictions on the arrival of new missionaries, the Community’s presence has become a sign of hope, welcome, and strengthening of the faith in a minority context, while maintaining respectful and harmonious relations with the Muslim population.
