Around the World

Congregational News

The Congregation Team of the Sisters of St. John of God, founded by three Sisters of Bon Secours, visited the Generalate to "walk in the footsteps of the Bon Secours foundresses." They toured the Motherhouse, visited St. Sulpice where the founding sisters made their vows, saw Rue Cassett where the sisters first lived, visited Montparnasse cemetery and the gravesites of Josephine Potel and Angelique Geay. Their visit culminated with a meeting of the two leadership teams to discuss some form of collaboration in the future.

Sr. Rosalinda, of Peru, through our membership in UNANIMA, a recognized NGO by the UN, participated in a United Nations conference organized by the UN Public Information Department to further our understanding of the Millennium project as it relates to new objectives in addition to projected UN reform to increase civil society participation. Sr. Rosalinda spoke to the economic reality of Latin America, especially Peru. "We are challenged to be active and give voice to the voiceless and join efforts to achieve a more just society," Sr. Rosalinda stated. UNANIMA, a coalition of 16 congregations of women religious, received status recognition by the UN as non-governmental organization. UNANIMA's focus is concern for the plight of women and children, particularly the trafficking of women. Visit www.unanima-international.org for valuable information on these topics and suggestions for prayer services, available in English, French and Spanish. Sr. Anne Marie Mack of the USA is the congregational representative on the UNANIMA board that meets twice a year, and is the chair of the congregation's international circle on UNANIMA. Each province has representatives.

Peru

The Sisters in Peru have begun two new missions to serve those in need. The first is in Los Ranchos, six hours from Piura in the north. The focus of the Peruvian Sisters is evangelization and the promotion of women's rights. Los Ranchos receives electricity and water only a few hours daily. The town is comprised of 27 small villages that are accessible by horseback or walking. Macote is the second mission, which is 2600 meters above sea level in the Andean Mountains. The Sisters will be serving the people through evangelization. They will live in a parish with no priest.

Visit from the USA
Recently, Sr. Rita Thomas, at the invitation of Sr. Nancy, Congregational Leader, spent three months in Peru sharing her expertise and years of experience as a health care administrator with the Peruvian sisters to help in the preparations for the opening of the new Madre de Cristo Health Center in Esperanza, Peru, just outside of Trujillo. The Peruvian hospitality struck Sr. Rita – their openness, the importance of church in the lives of people, the level of poverty, and the dedication of the sisters to their mission of serving the poor. Sr. Rita states, "They challenged me to face my own lack of poverty, my materialism and consumerism, which is such a major part of our American culture. Always wanting more and better."

Ireland

Three new projects are in various stages of development in response to our own challenge to collaborate with other to benefit those in need, especially women and children. Glenfields Childcare Center will care for disadvantaged children in Cork to allow their mothers to train, study or work. The center will also have meeting space for local elderly. The Irish sisters will also collaborate with Bernados to develop a center for children while their parents receive programs on parenting, home management and social skills. The third project, Cope Housing Project involves developing residential housing for mentally challenged adults who may also have physical disabilities.

France

France-mission activity across the nations:
Sr. Jacqueline Rebours of France, in conjunction with a married couple and two teachers, initiated a missionary program with students at St. Joseph's secondary school in Vendome. The group developed projects to create solidarity with missionaries in Africa and Ecuador. The group made a pilgrimage to Lisieux and to be in solidarity with the poor they raised 67 Euros to benefit an orphanage in Benin. Seven students will continue the program this year.

Other News

The Association of Sister, Brother and Priest Physicians (ASBPP), is a support network of over a 100 members worldwide, most of whom are missionaries. They will hold their annual general meeting in 2006 in Ireland. Sister Mary Leamy, CBS, MD (Ireland) will host the gathering during which they will hear presentations on organizational ethics, advances in palliative care, pathology, surgery, medicine and intensive care, in addition to having a Celtic Spirituality day given by Sr. Bina Hogan, RSM that includes a visit to pilgrim sites. Sr. Vicky Segura, CBS, MD (USA) will assist in preparations for the meetings. Recently, ASBPP members elected Sr. Mary Leamy vice president of the association for 2006. The ASBPP provides updates on various medical topics, ethical and theological issues, and spirituality.

In Gratitude for Their Life

Sr. Joseph Fintan Barry, born in Cork, Ireland in 1920, the youngest of four recently passed away. As a Sister of Bon Secours, Sr. Joseph went to Glasgow, Scotland to nurse the sick. She dedicated her life to the care of the sick and her name is well known throughout all the diocese of Scotland. She was charming and gifted in the art of persuasion, especially when asking doctors and surgeons to care for the sick. She was deeply spiritual, and like St. Joseph, patron of the dying, she took great care of the dying.

Sr. Anthony Mary Kilroy of Ireland who made her first vows in 1945, ministered to the sick and dying in Belfast. Throughout her life, she prayed for peace in Northern Ireland. No small coincidence, on the day Sr. Anthony died, the IRA de-commissioned their arms.

Sr. Catherine Therese Mulvihill was born in the USA and while still a child her family moved back to Ireland. She entered Bon Secours in 1940 and shortly after making vows moved to England. It was during the Second World War when things were very difficult for the Sisters. She was a founding member of the Glasgow, Scotland community where she looked after the sick and the elderly. A great cook, she loved preparing meals for the sisters. Catherine also loved music and played the violin well. A spiritual woman, she loved Mary and lived her life simply. All loved her. Like her patron saint Therese of Lisieux, she did the ordinary things extraordinarily well.

Sr. Catherine Siena Murphy, Ireland, was a physical therapist before entering the Congregation. Her faith, humility and sense of humor were an inspiration to all. She referred to herself as the 'wise virgin' as she moved from room to room in the early days carrying a small basket of oil and talcum powder for therapy. She was a great consolation to all.