Catholic Sisters Working with Others to Reduce Child Mortality in Peru
It is an epic time for the Sisters of Bon Secours community as our sisters become part of a 1.1 million dollar project aimed at decreasing deaths in children under the age of five in Peru.
On February 16, 2010, the Catholic Medical Mission Board (CMMB) announced their partnership with the Bon Secours Health System, Christus Health and Caritas de Peru in implementing Unidos Contra La Mortalidad Infantil (United Against Infant Mortality) in three major regions of Peru – Trujillo, Huancayo and Chimbote.
As stated by Sr. Patricia Eck, Congregation Leader of our international community of Sisters and Chair of Bon Secours Ministries, “Our sisters have long been a presence in Peru offering professional outreach to the suffering in Huancayo and Chimbote and with the alliance of the Bon Secours Health System with CMMB we can do more.”
Headquartered in the town of Trujillo, the Sisters of Bon Secours in Peru are currently overseeing the needs of eight communities in which they serve, providing pastoral care, outreach to children and youth, education, and pastoral health services. They have established an industrial sewing cooperative which provides employment and assistance to poor women and they also provide Christian based schools. They also visit with the people in the Peruvian mountains traveling from pueblo to pueblo to bring them spiritual direction and bring comfort to God’s people.
CMMB had been approached by Bon Secours Ministries to expand its global ministry there. As stated by CMMB President and CEO, Jack Galbraith “When they approached us with the idea of building upon our mutual expertise, we were more than ready.”
CMMB will provide medication, supplies, coordination of volunteer health care experts and the implementation of professional healthcare systems.
Among many initiatives, the program will provide home visits for expectant mothers and newborns. Mothers will be educated in newborn care including recognizing illnesses, avenues to seek professional help, methods of breastfeeding and measures to prevent illness.
The Sisters are honored to join Bon Secours Health System, CHRISTUS health and Caritas del Peru in partnering with the CMMB in expanding services to mothers and children in Peru that increase life expectancy. We will continue to provide updates to our work in Peru as we move forward.
CLICK HERE to see the photo gallery of Sr. Pat’s recent visit to Peru.
We invite you to consider a Catholic religious calling as a nun. Contact us if you would like information about our religious community life and mission. Email or call Sr. Pat Dowling, Vocation Director at: cbsvocations@bshsi.org or (410-442-3172).
