Sr. Rita Thomas has done it again!  Or rather, she has never stopped doing it.  What, you may ask?  Sr. Rita has never stopped providing good help to those in need.  As a Sister of Bon Secours, good help is just “who” she is!  And now, the Catholic Health Association of the United States has acknowledged her work, and awarded her with their Lifetime Achievement Award.  The award recognizes Sr. Rita’s dedication to strengthening ministries of the Sisters of Bon Secours as well as the Bon Secours Health System.  CLICK HERE to read the full article.

Here are some pictures from Sister Elaine Davia’s mission trip to Limpopo, South Africa.  CLICK HERE to read the story of her mission visit.  

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Contemplative, Cloistered, Semi-Cloistered, Apostolic, Nun, Sister…

These are all terms that I  find myself talking about daily.  They are also terms that many young Catholics cannot define or differentiate.

I am asked frequently, “What is the difference between a nun and a sister?”

Traditionally, there   is a clear difference, but nowadays, the lines have become a bit blurry.  Both nuns and sisters are women who have dedicated themselves to live vowed religious lives (of chastity, poverty and obedience) within the Catholic Church, following in the footsteps of Jesus in ministry.  Both have dedicated themselves to God. 

So, the difference, then, to put it simply, and traditionally, is that a nun lives her life within the walls of a monastery cloister,  serving others through contemplative prayer, while a sister shares her gifts out in the world, directly impacting those in need. 

Nuns live a cloistered life within their own community/monastery, rarely going outside of their monastery.  That is where they live, pray, work and recreate. 

Sisters, however, are never called “nuns”.  They are vowed religious sisters and are considered apostolic, or active.  Some sisters live, pray and work both within their own community and its … continue reading…

Sr. Pat Eck’s recently visited Peru to participate as a representative of the Sisters of Bon Secours in the Dedication Ceremony for the Infant Mortality Program in Trujillo, Peru.  CLICK HERE to read the full story.

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I received another update message from Sister Elaine in South Africa:
Hi everyone,

The clinic finally opened after being closed for the Christmas holiday.  The first day back wasn’t too busy, but next Tuesday is already is packed full now that the folks know we’re open again.

Only a little more than a week till I get back.  While it’s been a wonderful experience here, I am looking forward to coming home!

Love,

Sister Elaine
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In the midst of her mission, Sr. Elaine has had the opportunity to explore South Africa and was kind enough to send me another update with pictures. 
Hi everyone,

This week we’re getting back to work (working in the clinic, delivering the nutrition to the townships, re-starting the food for the refugee shelter, etc…).  Our couple of weeks on “holiday” were nice, we got a chance to relax, visit, clean the house real good and work in the yard, and do the fun Christmas and New Year activities.   

Attached this time are pictures from our trips to look for the “big 5”  (elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion and cheetah) that Vicky talked about last November.  We learned they are called that because they are the most dangerous animals to men who are hunting them on foot.   Enjoy.

Love,

Sister Elaine
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