1942 — Anne-Marie Javouhey of Senegal Canonized for African Mission Work

Though not officially canonized until much later, on June 12, 1942, the Church commemorated the mission work of Anne-Marie Javouhey, a French nun whose 19th-century efforts in Senegal profoundly influenced African religious and educational life. She founded schools and hospitals and worked to free enslaved Africans, particularly in Saint-Louis and Gorée. Her work contributed to the rise of educated African elites in French West Africa and laid the groundwork for modern Catholic missions across the continent. While debates continue about the colonial aspects of mission work, Javouhey’s legacy is respected for empowering local communities and advocating for dignity and spiritual inclusion. June 12 marks the day of a major posthumous commemoration of her influence in African Catholic dioceses, particularly in Senegal.