Sister Ines Paulo Albino was born on April 25, 1969, in Bula, Guinea-Bissau. A member of the Adorers of the Blood of Christ, she professed her perpetual vows on September 14, 1997. With a Licentiate in Biblical Theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, she has dedicated her life to evangelization, catechesis, and youth ministry.Her missionary journey has taken her from leading the National Office of the Pontifical Mission Societies (TPMS) in Guinea-Bissau to serving as the Treasurer and a Counselor of her religious community’s Italian Region. Despite her administrative responsibilities, her missionary spirit remains at the heart of everything she does.
“I was born into a missionary Church,” Sister Ines explains. “Missionaries brought the faith in Guinea-Bissau, and their passion for Christ shaped me. Even though my congregation is not specifically missionary by charism, our sisters have carried the Gospel to the ends of the earth.” This experience profoundly influenced her calling to missionary service in her home country and internationally.
The Importance of Missionary Childhood
While Sister Ines has worked in many aspects of mission life, the Pontifical Missionary Childhood Association (MCA) holds a special place in her heart. “The Church is always young,” she says. “Through MCA, we witness the joy and newness of life. Teaching a child from the very beginning to be altruistic and to live for others is an incredible gift.”
She emphasizes that forming children in missionary discipleship has long-term effects. “It is a joy to see a child grow into someone who becomes a gift to others. That is why MCA is so important. It is about planting seeds of generosity and faith that will bear fruit in the future.”
Sister Ines is also passionate about fostering a deeper connection between children in mission territories and those in donor countries. “I want children in places like the United States to know that they are not just donors; they are missionaries. It is not only about giving money—it is about giving oneself. True mission is about relationships.” She believes that strengthening the link between children who give and those who receive will create a more profound sense of solidarity and understanding.
The Challenge of Evangelization Today
Having spent years in mission fields, Sister Ines has witnessed firsthand both the challenges and opportunities facing the Church. “The faith in Guinea-Bissau is vibrant, but we still have much work to do,” she explains. “There are many conversions, but when difficulties arise—sickness, struggles—some return to ancestral beliefs. This is why catechesis and pastoral accompaniment are so crucial.”
She also recognizes the changing landscape of faith in Europe, where vocations are declining. “It is striking to see that while vocations are flourishing in Africa, they are dwindling in the very countries that once sent missionaries to us. The foundation of my congregation is in Italy, yet vocations here are rare.” For Sister Ines, the solution lies in radical witness: “Young people today need to see coherence. They need to see that what we preach is what we live. If they witness authenticity in our lives, they will be drawn to Christ.”
A Missionary in Rome
Today, Sister Ines finds herself back in Italy, though her heart remains deeply connected to mission territories. “I never wanted to leave my mission work, but I felt called to serve in a different way,” she reflects. “Working at the Pontifical Mission Societies is not about sitting in an office—it is about ensuring that resources reach those who need them most.”
Soon, she will embark on a mission trip to Romania, where she will lead missionary animation activities. Her passion for evangelization remains as strong as ever. “Being a missionary requires a special vocation,” she says. “Anyone can do mission work, but true missionaries have a fire in their hearts. They are willing to become bread broken for others.”
Despite her administrative role, Sister Ines continues to embody the spirit of a missionary. Whether in Guinea-Bissau, Italy, or Romania, she remains a witness to the Gospel, tirelessly working to ensure that the Church’s mission continues to thrive. She says, “The missionary passion that built the Church must continue to fuel its future. The work is not yet done.”
