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.
Our Peruvian Sisters are pleased to share with us that Sr. Mariselda Garcia Chumacero and Sr. Janet Cordova Alberca have made final vows.
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.”
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.
