A journey of love, unity & service
From a small gathering on the Lourdes campus in 1971 to a global sisterhood — and the chapter LESANs built in America.
LESA USA milestones LESA worldwide
- 1963Our alma mater
Our Lady of Lourdes College opens
The Holy Rosary Sisters of Ireland arrive in Mankon on October 12; on October 15 the doors open to the first 35 girls. lourdes-mankon.org
- 1971LESA is born
The first LESA meeting
In March, pioneers Rev. Sr. Mary Hewson, Rev. Sr. Denise, Mrs. Morfaw Maria Atanga and Mrs. Fortung Hortensia Ngang gather former students on the Lourdes campus.
- 1971The Mother Branch
LESA Bamenda leads the way
The first branch, under Rev. Sr. Mary Hewson as first President and Mrs. Sikod Rose Ngente as first Chairperson.
- Early yearsFoundations
Constitution, motto and the first LESA Ball
Rev. Sr. Mary Nerville, Mrs. Njende Mary and Mrs. Forju Anne help shape the Constitution. The inaugural LESA Ball is held at the Mankon Community Hall.
- 1992LESA USA
A chapter is founded in Maryland
LESANs in the United States organise as LESA USA, collaborating with sister chapters worldwide.
- 2001LESA Houston
Born at a “born house” visit
On October 13, seven Lourdes ex-students welcoming a new baby become LESA Houston.
- 2003Symbols
The LESA Anthem
Composed by Prof. Akenji Theresia Nkuo and first performed at the Lourdes Ruby Jubilee.
- 2004Convention
Houston hosts the convention
Accepted at the 2003 Washington DC convention — and the birth of “Ballet Sans Frontière”.
- 2015Governance
Bylaws and policies adopted
Bylaws plus bereavement, giving & donation and communication policies are adopted at the AGM in Wilmington, Delaware, June 12–14.
- 2024Governance
Revised LESA Constitution
Adopted at the Annual General Meeting held in Buea in March 2024.
- 2025Governance
LESA USA Bylaws, 2025 edition
Prepared by the LESA USA 2025 Strategic Committee, chaired by Zita Fomafung.
- 2026Education
LESA 101: The Story of LESA
Presented on October 12 by Mrs. Gladys Boma Njiti, Chairperson of the Education Committee.
The uniform
Marian blue and white, with Our Lady appearing to Bernadette — a visible expression of identity, belonging and pride wherever LESANs gather.
The anthem
Composed by Prof. Akenji Theresia Nkuo in 2003 and first performed at the Lourdes Ruby Jubilee, giving voice to the spirit LESANs carry within.
Beyond borders
Branches across Cameroon — Bamenda, Buea, Yaoundé, Douala, Ndop, Tiko, Limbe, Kumbo, Kumba, Bafoussam — and chapters in the USA, UK, Canada, Germany and beyond.
“The founders wrote the first chapter. Every generation since has added its own pages, including LESA USA.”