Casa Loreto July 2020
What’s happening
An update
INSIDE THIS ISSUE Grounded! Locked Down! Cocooned: Maybe GROUNDED, LOCKED DOWN, COCOONED! We Were Caterpillars……………………………...1 MAYBE WE WERE CATERPILLARS Six months in Rome…………………………….….3 Presentation Manor and Covid………………..4 Covid 19—Prevention and sensitization…….5 A voice from Ghana…………………………….....6 Keep social distance… to encounter………...7 Our graduates have come back to help……..8 A time of patient waiting………..……………..10 Another frontline worker……………………....11 Excerpts from Manila…………………………….12 Helping Kibera families……………………...... 13 Covid prevention in a small island………..…15 Great gratitude to Cecilia O’Dwyer…….…...16 Lockdown in Llandudno……………...…….....17 My experience in Peru…………………………...19 My experience in the border………………....20 A nurse’s call…………………………………………21 An invitation to prayer……………………....…22 My memories with God, always in the way……………………………………………………..22 A suitable time to travel and explore new landscapes…………………………………………...25 Congratulations to Anita Braganza…………26 Be merry and doubt not your Master……...27 Our mid-term break vaulted us around the world. Still we were Darjeeling Mary Ward Social Centre…...... 28 into the privileged but arduous naïvely making our 2020 meet- New residence in Entally……………………….29 work of tallying the leaning for ing schedule and finalizing Sisters turning 100 ……………………………….29 union in late January 2020. By flight bookings to the next visit- Candidates, Novices and Temporary Pro- then, we know now that Covid ation, consultations, ELM, GC fessed……………………………………………..…..30 19 was rapidly making its way prep and Union. A new joint CJ IBVM office in Rome ……..41 Thank you for the care…………..………….….41 The death toll and illness on over- story of the paschal mystery. burdened hospitals were hitting Sunday we were with Jesus in a crisis levels in other places but new kind of Alleluia; ourselves here in Casa Loreto we prayed women outside the tomb with our feverishly for those people. And own stories of life and resurrec- then like something out of a sci- tion. ence fiction movie planes were grounded, schools closed, work- We could wonder about how you ers stayed home, stores closed, all were living these times. We could businesses halted as death num- share your stories across the In- bers skyrocketed. stitute. Those stories rained down hope for an opportunity to The cost of hand sanitizer and give meaning to this era. We face masks quadrupled and the could feel the energy returning to act of going outside required doc- communicate in different ways umentation. We were locked and to reach into the isolation to down. This may well be the expe- find meaning, hope and even mis- rience of many of us. Traumatic sion. as that may seem, the poor were stranded, homeless, neglected It drove us to think beyond the and abandoned by society and flight cancellations and the inabil- PANDEMIC LOCK- ity to touch the wounds of Jesus DOWN IN ITALY starvation threatened more omi- nously than the vicious virus. ourselves. The doubts began to dull, and the dream of a new way Following the outbreak of Here in Casa Loreto we gave our- began to unfold. This new way coronavirus disease 2019, the selves a daily schedule where we found us listening with two ears Italian government con- talked about the condition in our and one heart. It invited us to firmed the country's first world, Institute business and grow wings instead of crawling cases of the disease on 30 even our personal lives. around in one hundred different January 2020, when the virus directions. It invited us to trust was detected in two Chinese We read and listened to the news tourists visiting Italy. the mystery and possibility of new and anticipated with a certain life that will emerge out of the awe—when will this be over? A third case was confirmed news and realities of death. on 7 February, with the pa- We tried to plan. We stopped We gradually began to “zoom.” tient being an Italian man planning. We had momentary evacuated from Wuhan. We didn’t want to start with zoom distractions in our Friday evening because the universe and this vex- The first lockdowns began theme nights. We tried to discern ing virus was somehow demand- around 21 February 2020, the best ways to engage, to care, ing that we stop. As we open back covering ten municipalities of to reach out and to survive. into the business of moving for- the province of Lodi in Lom- We had daily liturgies. They were ward, have we changed much? bardy and one in the province spectacular. The reflections gave What next, butterfly? of Padua in Veneto, and af- wings to our imagination. Our fecting around 50,000 peo- Eucharist was thanksgiving with a ple. concentration on our world with On 9 March 2020, the govern- names and faces and plans to ment of Italy under Prime make more evident the presence Minister Giuseppe Conte of God in everything. imposed a national quaran- tine, restricting the move- Holy Week—Thursday we were ment of the population except with Jesus at table. Friday we for necessity, work, and were with Jesus in our world of health circumstances. suffering. Saturday we were with Jesus conquering death in the
“We tried to discern the best ways to engage, to care, to reach out and survive.”
2 SIX MONTHS IN ROME
Every year UISG (International Union of Superiors General) organizes a 6 months’ course for formators attended by sisters who help women to understand their vocation better. This year there were 5 CJ/IBVM sisters coming to Rome to attend the course: Bernadette Lepcha IBVM, Chetana Gregory CJ and Pratima Tudu CJ all from India, Rosaline Mganga IBVM from Kenya and Selvi Adaikalam IBVM from Australia. They arrived in a cold January, ready to start their course at the begin- ning of February. The first weeks were spent getting to know one another, the sisters in the CJ Generalate, where they were all hosted, and the sisters in Casa Loreto. Everything was going fast: in the formators’ course there were 44 reli- gious from 26 different countries and the exchanges were extremely interesting and enriching. Life in the community at the CJ Generalate and the mentoring of both the CJ and IBVM leadership teams was em- powering. In addition to all this, on the 2nd of February, the feast of the Presenta- tion of the Lord, they were able to participate in the Pope’s general au- From left: Chetana, Selvi, Bernadette, Pratima dience for Consecrated people… Nothing could be better! Sitting: Rosaline Then the news about Covid 19 and its spread across Italy started getting more and more serious and on March 9 a national lockdown was de- clared. All five sisters were worried about their families and their communi- ties at home and about the people in Italy. They were also very confused about what would be happening to the activities already sched- uled.Luckily the course was quickly reorganized with lectures online. Selvi says “This period of lockdown was such a great experience for me to get to know a lot more about myself and about living in a community and sharing so much with other sisters, realizing how much we have in common, no matter if we belong to IBVM or to CJ”. “The Course of Formators’ Training Course was enriching and self- transforming but one thing I missed was listening and learning from the sharing of the experienced formators who were there in the course, because the online course did not give this opportunity.” says Berna- dette. With Jane Livesey CJ and Noelle Corscadden IBVM Pratma adds she was particularly happy about the communion she felt with her family and the entire world because being able to go slower and find more time for prayer and meditation led to a state of deeper connection which was enriching to her. Chetana recalls that hearing of the loss of humanity due to Covid 19 was a great concern for her. But, on the other hand, it was a quiet time in which to bond with self, God, community and nature. It also offered an opportunity to appreciate the true gift of digital technology to carry on with the online classes and benefit much from it, although they missed celebrating the differences of interculturality in person. Rosaline says she is grateful to God and her leaders for giving her the opportunity to do this course which has helped her go deeper into her life and to be affirmed and challenged. The community experience with the CJs was rich especially as we move towards union; the community In the chapel at the CJ was very supportive especially during lockdown. Generalate All of them are now spending their last days in Italy visiting holy places like the Sanctuary of Loreto the Basilica of Saint Antony of Padua and more, waiting for the restrictive measures for lockdown to change and allow them to get back home. 3 PRESENTATION MANOR AND COVID
Gordon Perrault, Executive Director of Presentation Manor (Scarborough, Ontario, Canada) follows all the directives from the Min- istry of Health. He also believes that his first priority is the health and well-being of the two hundred residents and of the staff. He is always pro-active so—doors locked — no visitors— no non-essential workers no leaving the property and temperatures taken twice a day. As a result, no resident at our Retirement Home contracted the Virus. However, we did have a few setbacks. After one set of testing a P.S.W. tested positive for the Virus — so complete lockdown for 14 days for all of us no leaving your room day or night, meals delivered to you, tem- PRESENTATION MANOR peratures taken, mail delivered to your door and needed medication given. It is a faith-based retirement residence founded by reli- For some residents, it was a time of frustration and even anger. Others gious men and women who saw it as a time of peace, rest and prayer. It was also a time of difficulty have always endeavoured to provide compassionate care. for residents with dementia. The Security would find one of our sisters “sitting pretty” at the front door—all dressed up and carrying her coat, hat and purse. She was waiting for someone to pick her up. She wanted to go out for an evening of fun. How lovely was that!! On our corridor another P.S.W. tested positive—-so lockdown for 14 more days. I feel as if I have made four seven-day retreats. That should count for four years! Nevertheless, I personally felt blessed, as I could slide open my window and stand on my little “ Juliet Balcony” to watch the Sun- rise or the Sunset. This was also the time that George Floyd a black man was murdered by a white policeman. I had the time to watch his Memorials. A time to reflect on racism in Canada and in myself. I could see that racism is in Presentation Manor strives to offer a true sense of commu- Governments, Businesses, Schools, and Churches. nity. Recently, I heard people say that when this is over, we should get back To know more go to website to normal. I feel that we cannot and should not go back. We must forge a new normal. A new normal where people of Color are respected and included in all walks of life. It is beginning. I know that the road will be long and winding. Slowly the new normal will arise and Peace can reign. This has always been God’s hope for us when He said Peace to you! Sister Christine Leyser, IBVM
4 COVID 19 —PREVENTION AND SENSITISATION
Numbers continue to rise slowly the families who are struggling By Lenah Mambo IBVM in Zambia, with increased deaths, most due to increase in basic food but thankfully there are no re- prices as a result of the pandemic ported cases in Lukulu. The Ministry of General Educa- We remain safe and well though tion opened schools for Learners missing Elizabeth who is still in Examination classes (Grade 7, stranded in Australia unable to 9 and 12) on 1st June after the clo- return. There is growing compla- sure on 20th March 2020 due to cency towards the virus in Zam- Covid-19. bia, not helped by the fact that the Government currently does not The Ministry of General Educa- give regular updates regarding tion in collaboration with Minis- the situation. try of Health ensured that before the schools opened, strict health Our main focus is on prevention measures were put in place for and sensitising people in our pro- the safety of the staff and learn- jects. ers. Social distance in classroom was to be adhered to. Thanks to MWIA we have a good supply of soap and sanitizers for In most schools, a classroom ac- the projects that have re-opened commodates about 25 pupils con- and were able to make a donation trary to the usual 50 or about per of much needed hand-sanitizer to class. Masking up for all and hand Pat giving a donation of hand the local hospital which is very washing facilities and sanitizers sanitizer to Dr Kanda and nursing staff at Lukulu District poorly resourced and lacks such had to be strategically located in Hospital. basic necessities. each learning institution. We have also been able to give Regular reminders and on going emergency food relief to some of sensitization on health guidelines
“We have also been able to give emergency food relief to some of the fam- ilies who are struggling the most”
has helped, so far no Covid-19 case wise not manage to come to school has been reported in local schools. or concentrate in class on an emp- ty stomach. In order for the teaching staff to teach effectively by facial expres- To some, this is the only meal they sions, protective face screens were have in a day. sourced for each. Thanks again to MWIA, we are able to provide hot meal during lunch time to Teachers with face screens vulnerable preparing for lessons in the staffroom at. St. Columba’s pupils at St. school. Columba’s secondary school who could other- 5 A VOICE FROM GHANA
My listening goes across social encounter at a family level: they by Nancy Mugo IBVM have been days of frustration, helplessness, anger and fear of death as many would express.
They are days full of challenges in coping with new normal across the globe. As time goes by, society realizes a special role of par-
enting, keeping save at home at the same time assuming their role of providing for their families in whichever way possible giv- en that many have been laid off; proving parental role and assur- ing that being home would not give rise to other crisis has proved otherwise as we hear of misfortunes such as sexual abuse and early pregnancies for young girls, and initiation to networks un- safe for children as they learn to live without being monitored; fitting to say that children have lost contact with teachers, care takers and some with their parents. However, amidst all the challenges there has been ways of en- gagement with those privileged to access studies online and some back to school which has added value and positive impact in aca- demic progress. Adhering to directives given, has been the only way out in keep- ing safe from the deadly virus, as much as citizens have to adapt to decisions made day by day in a country that has to go on elec- tions in few months to come bring about a number of concerns, some people questions economic stability and status that is to sustain the process and still take care of the basic needs of the JPIC Obuasi Ghana on a jour- ney to meet the needy within peoples; observing physical distance as a safety protocol during the diocese. registration exercise with cases of the virus rising by hundreds every day; and putting the priority between the lives of the peo- ple and political affairs.
Nevertheless, many seems not to worry as though nothing calls for a concern, we experience with gratitude the spirit of reaching out to the most vulnerable and this is well demonstrated by reli- gious bodies, government, NGOs and individuals at all levels. There is hope; there will be life after the Pandemic.
6 KEEP SOCIAL DISTANCE… TO ENCOUNTER The topic “keep social distance… That was my chance to know by Aithien Nguyen IBVM to encounter” sounds impossible. more people, even if we couldn’t Yes. Keep distance and encounter have a long chat and had to keep obviously have different mean- safe distance. Our house –the ings. uma lulik – is not a scary place any more. However, when I reflect on the time I have just passed, over Books too have become a new through I am still in it, I find that part of our ministry for education. I have more chances to meet with Not many Timorese people know others, myself and my Creator. how to use a book because they don’t have books. Schools are Having been in Gari-uai for 4 closed, students stay at home, years, I didn’t have many chances without educational resources. to “know” villagers individually but hearing about their stories, Therefore, I worked with our and they were scared to come to teachers and we created copied our house – an uma lulik (holy books for students in our pre- house in their customs). school to study at home. During lockdown time, we had 3 exercise Coronavirus appeared, and its copied books for each student. outbreak has been changing life of the whole world. An uncertain Each student’s parents came to lockdown time was started in the meet with me and learned how to use these books and taught their children at home. So, I saved those chances to know more our students’ families, individually. And hopefully, between school and family, we might create a new way of cooperating about teach-
middle of March in Timor-Leste. We searched all the pharmacies and shops, but we couldn’t find any medical masks. Therefore, we started a new ministry: sewing cotton face masks to sell and save the income to share food supplies with elders and poor families in the village. ing and learning. Our house became a public place: During lockdown time, Margie selling reusable masks at a cheap Bourke and I totally shared a price. Many people, not only from common space – our house. We Gari-uai but other villages, or had conversations with various passengers from elsewhere, felt topics. Internet was very poorly free and more relaxed to come to connected, so we couldn’t follow our house. any Mass online.
“Our house became a public place: selling reusable masks at a cheap price. ” 7 Instead, we had daily morning Lockdown time became a long prayers and received Eucharist. retreat for me. We had freer and longer time to remember and hold everyone in It reminded me of who I am. It
our prayers, we met you all then, made me feel that God is very
with God. close. It blessed me to have daily loving faithful conversations with Lockdown time also gave me God: “Lord, please show me a way more time to chat with family and friends by phone or emails. It that You want me to follow”. even helped me to reconnect with many people with whom I haven’t
had contacts for a long time.
OUR GRADUATES HAVE COME BACK TO
HELP
Like other countries South Sudan closed down schools and churches by Orla Treacy IBVM towards the end of March, by then we didn’t have a reported case. It took some weeks before the first case was reported. Today we have over 2,000 registered cases and over thirty deaths, testing is poor and we expect that numbers are much higher. Three of our five Vice Presidents tested positive in April, along with the taskforce members who were formed to fight against coronavirus! With our schools closed we have turned our attention to the community and to health care. Our Clinic is now open to the public and we see up to six hundred patients a week. Thankfully many of our graduates who are studying nursing and medicine have come back to help us. One of the big tasks when the graduates came back was to go out into the community for health education. Their first challenge was in em- phasising the importance of hand washing. Most families have little access to water and soap is a luxury. With the help of some donors we were able to prepare water containers and soap for the many families Birthday month, we didn’t around. have birthday candles!! Orla, Baiada, Petra and Clara.
Some of our graduates heading to the community with water containers and soap for health education.
July is our rainy season and the number of cases of malaria are increas- ing each day. Malaria and Covid-19 present with similar symptoms; our health team are not taking any chances. Thankfully we have obtained and made some protective personal equipment. Social distancing has 8 been another challenge in welcoming patients to the clinic. We have been able to use the school tents around the clinic to help with social distancing. As a community we are trying to make the most of a new reality. We are a new community of Loreto and CJ, coming from India, Romania, Ken- ya and Ireland. Alongside the whole local community, we have also started planting; our maize and groundnuts are doing well! And we are each having time to enjoy new activities and old. Baiada teaches tailoring to the graduates and they have made masks for all the workers and community. Clara along with her clinic work has acquired some ducks, who are now laying eggs! Petra is busy building up her psycho-therapy work and Orla has become a part-time driving instructor! Each month we do our best to gather with our resident staff and find some reason to celebrate. Despite the many challenges around we continue to give thanks for our mission here.
Some of the health team in their PPE in front of the tents.
“As a community we are trying to make the most of a new reality. ”
9 A TIME OF PATIENT WAITING
It is hard to believe how fast time transport is allowed yet. flies. by Margaret Sewe IBVM Recently, we felt we need to have The tertianship programme came our doors opened for visits but
to an abrupt end. This was necessi- with all the required caution ad- tated by a lockdown of the country hered to. To pay us a visit, one due to Covid-19 which lasted close needs to be fun- loving: to 3 months between March 8th th - We take your temperature at the and May 15 2020 while we were nd door, if it is suspect, we will turn in our 2 week of Apostolic experi- ence. you away
- Wearing mask mandatory We then returned to Bray for offi- cial the closure of tertianship - Disinfecting of shoes provided for 2019/2020. Four of us were una- at our door before you can get in ble to return to our countries for lack of international flights and - Special areas/room designated have been given a two-months that will accord our visitors the grace period from June to August needed time and space for a chat on our residence permits. and to share in our warm hospitali- ty here. On 4th of June 2020 I was re- missioned back to Balbriggan Com- Lack of flights: one feels like a munity by the Province Leader caged bird. Anxiety has been part here in Ireland. Agnes at the garden party of my reality. Balbriggan is a community of thir- This sometimes evokes emotions teen (13) cocooners as the over 70s and one cannot avoid tears welling and the vulnerable are referred to up with the realization that covid- in Ireland. For us, age does not 19 is only beginning to take its toll define our capabilities. We are all back at home in Kenya, with a alive and active; often enjoying spike in numbers of new infections moments of jokes together. hence more uncertainty. In this place poets, florists, artists, A hard reality to grasp. Yet know- farmers and singers reside. Each ing this is not within my control morning we awake to freshly home gives some level of consolation. I -baked bread. Home-made varie- do all within my powers to follow ties of marmalades courtesy of one the health guidelines and pray for a of the sisters here and spongy lem- possible better tomorrow. on cakes and hot buns cheer the day. The genuine concern and oppor- tunity for sharing my feelings with I have learnt to enjoy the simple my community both here and back things of life with my fellow co- at home has helped a lot in break- cooners. We enjoy garden walks; ing the tension within. pay visits to Jack and Jill’s unit (our pet cats); contemplating na- My ministry is a ministry of pres- ture in our beautiful garden of ence… presence to self and to oth- fruits and flowers. It is simply a ers. Alertness and sensitivity to the beautiful life-giving home. little things around being of para- Tai chi in progress mount importance. Simply put we Since the restrictions allowing free- are beaming with life undeterred dom of movement within the coun- by Covid-19 and its tendency to try were eased on 29th June, mov- instil crippling fear. Our communi- ing out of the compound is consid- ty has managed this gracefully. ered non-essential travel for now Balbriggan community is a real unless you have an appointment home away from home for me. with the GP. We have occasional scenic rides offered for those who miss the feel of being out, by our caring members here as no public 10 ANOTHER FRONTLINE WORKER
By Nuala Gannon IBVM
Here in the Philippines prior to, and since lockdown, I have had the oppor- tunity to be exposed to the lived reality of the lives of people who are home- less, as well as those who are living in inhumane conditions. The extent of poverty never ceases to numb me and leaves me with a sense of helplessness. We took the students for an exposure day to a Centre where hundreds of homeless people including men, women and children who live under make- shift shelter on the streets, are offered the opportunity to discover again their human dignity. Due to family disputes, marriage break down, drug abuse, rejection and so much more, they have become outcasts of society. The Centre is run by the Divine Word Missionaries and is called ‘Kalinga’. For almost five years now, Kalinga Center, a project of Society of Divine Word Missionary priest, Flaviano Villanueva, has been offering the home- less meals, a place to shower, and clothing. This proud father with his daughter, is one of the Father Flavie, as he is known in the community, said the program aims to forty homeless people I had brief conversations give the poor the chance to find dignity and create their own self-worth. with in the course of two hours. Two hundred peo- ple came to the Centre during our morning visit.
Nuala, IBVM of the English region, works in Fondacio Asia-RVA in Quezon City in the Philippines has been there for the duration of the lockdown. In her recent communication to her region she shared this story and photo- graphs.
“The extent of poverty never ceases to numb me and leaves me with a sense of helplessness”.
11
EXCERPTS FROM MANILA
We are still in lock-down but Grab (not quite in action – for
some slight easing of local re- deliveries of pizza and practical by Margaret C. Honner IBVM strictions means local traffic is things) – these drive me crazy back – private cars, motorbikes almost in the same proportion as
and bicycles are joined by the tri- they assist! cycles – so the lovely clean air we have enjoyed during the lock- I seem to be forever on a very down is under threat. steep learning curve and just
when I think I have got it right, Trains have begun running again, the internet fails. with a strong army presence at street level to control the num- Then someone sends me some- thing beautiful about how this bers moving to the platforms lockdown time is teaching us pa- above, so the trains run with very limited numbers. In addition to tience and inviting us to inner supermarkets and pharmacies, we serenity! The screensaver on my now have office supply shops, computer has someone running along an empty beach and there hardware stores and a few other services back open for business – are times when indeed I long to long queues, a very limited num- be there. Enjoy if you can! ber of customers allowed in the Yet I think I am getting the mes- shop at any one time (eg two!!). sage and moving from trying to
Street Mass in Manila Still, our inconveniences are manage many unexpected things nothing compared with the diffi- like major plumbing disasters culties faced by so many here, that have to wait till “after lock- with cyclone and earthquake add- down” for help, and trying to keep ed to the pandemic problems. pretty full time teaching/studying The government is distributing going here until “after lockdown”, quite significant amounts of cash to really accepting that this is it and food to 17 million people and for a fairly long while yet. many aid organizations are also Then just as I settled in for the providing support; our wonderful long haul, some things opened up Korean CJ sisters are in the thick – a photocopy shop so at last we of that ministry, at considerable are working from textbooks, the risk. little electrical repair shop fixing Meanwhile the rainy season has two fans, our microwave and an begun, gently enough, with rain electric kettle we have been trying most afternoons or evenings and to manage without, a hardware our in-house classes continue shop from which we purchased a with more and more help from slow cooker (which should in- YouTube, which eases my load. crease my capacity to cook the Youtube is comparatively local beef), much needed light- straightforward, but GoToMeet- bulbs and some wet weather mats ing , Zoom (classes by Chris for the muddy path connecting Burke), Skype (counselling by my downstairs room and the Gertie Mallya, group chats with main house above. Timor Leste ), Messenger And at last, someone came to look (formators offering courses) at our significant plumbing disas- Rosalina, Gracilda and Mar- Google.meet (ditto), Viber (my istela staying connected ters (two bathrooms out of action favourite phone contact ), during lockdown for nearly two months) and we WhatsApp, Microsoft Teams hope the workmen will be allowed (getting help from our office),
“Still, our inconveniences are nothing compared with the difficulties faced by so many here, with cyclone and earthquake added to the pan- demic problems.”
12 to come next week. Since one of through a whole series of David the bathrooms is leaking into my Attenborough DVDs, for example, office below, and there’s lots of which blew their minds. One said rain outside, it will be pretty dis- that up till now all these creatures ruptive but, oh, so welcome! were just to be caught and killed for food or to protect tiny crops, In all this, we feel safe and in so they all grew up throwing good spirits – my three young sticks and stones at anything that companions from East Timor are moved. Now they have a real ap- admirable, though it is very hard preciation of the amazing variety when they get sad news from and complexity and wonder of the home. I have really enjoyed natural world. broadening their horizons even if it is mostly online. We worked
HELPING KIBERA FAMILIES
A group of women sit at an entrance to the estate waiting for someone by Leonida Oriki IBVM to hire them to clean their house or do laundry. They call it looking for food for children. The number is getting bigger each day and the wait- ing longer. ‘No one wants to hire us anymore’ one of them told me. “These people fear Kibera people saying we have corona’. These days they go home empty handed to their tiny and crowed. The same place they sleep is the same spot for cooking and eating. Girls are getting abused and impregnated while boys are being lured into crime and drugs. They turn up at the WKW (WANAWAKE KWA WANAWAKE) gate. The centre is their home, they will get a meal, per- haps the only one for that day. The centre is a safe place. Working with Kibera slum families at this time covid-19 is overwhelm- ing. Our GC 2014 call 3 Go where the need is greatest, has acquired a new meaning. There is lots of risk involved as Kibera leads in the num- ber of people with the virus in Nairobi county. The following is being done to assist the families:
WKW has been distributing food and non-food items (Sanitizer, sanitary towels and masks) twice a month to 250 Kibera Families every month since the outbreak of coronavirus in Kenya.
Feeding children at the Centre.
Online education is increasing the knowledge gap between the rich and the poor. To mitigate this the children, collect printed assign- ments from the Centre, books to read and attend zoom classes from the Centre where computers have been set up for this purpose. They return completed assignments to the Centre for scanning and forwarding to their teachers for marking.
With no work many families are facing eviction. House rent is paid for those in this state.
Families are experiencing lots of conflict as they all try to live to- gether in their very limited and crowded spaces. These families are given counselling and regular home visits to check how they are doing. 13
Children enjoying lunch at WKW Centre.
There is an enormous amount of suffering for Kibera children. The
abuse has reached alarming proportions. WKW is working with the police to keep children safe. The police trace lost children, appre- hend abusers. The children’s department and the national hospital too to give abused children counselling and treatment.
Paying medical bills.
Constant sensitization sessions for children and families on keeping safe from covid-19.
“Girls are getting abused while boys are being lured into crime and drugs. The centre is a safe place. The centre is their home, they will get a meal, perhaps the only one for that day.”
A parent receiving food.
14 COVID PREVENTION IN A SMALL ISLAND
Our island was affected by Covid cessive ongoing news, I privileged by Denise Sullivan IBVM 19 on a small scale compared to more the many good materials other countries, but we went received through “WhatsApp”, through confinement/lockdown documentaries, messages and as everywhere else. It was applied support from other sisters, fami- suddenly and we had no employ- lies etc. We appreciated the sup- ees to care for our elderly sisters. port of our two sisters from Port Louis who willingly joined us dur- The community leader, three able ing the confinement. Sharing at sisters and myself, teamed up for table made me discover interest- the house chores and nursing ing aspects of our sisters. Physical care. The elderly sisters helped as “keep fit” exercises together and they could. Putting our strengths, gardening became fun and creativity and goodwill together, “cleared the air”. we managed to cope. My difficulty was the fear of this unknown, un- I also kept contact with the wom- seen silent virus/“enemy”. Re- en in the village which I usually ceiving many information on TV, visit. As we could not meet, I en- and other media, I was over- couraged our local leaders to take whelmed at times, seeing the vi- care of mothers in need them-
From left to right: Jacquel- ine Paturau, Luc, Denise, Aurette, Therese, Jacquel- ine Wong and Stella.
rus everywhere. I took all precau- selves. They organized visits, tions still I worried when I had a sharing of food provisions, some dry cough, sore throat or when I financial help and took care of the had to go out e.g. to Pharmacy. premises of the centre. Due to Community life in this exception- confinement and no sale of their al reality was a challenge. At products, these mothers did not times reminding me of Novitiate receive their monthly stipend. days! We were together all the Financial help was donated by times, with our different strong characters and way of being. our Provincial and Council and shared appropriately by the lead- Nursing two very sick elderly sis- ers (Covid 19 Solidarity fund). ters, doing day and night shifts We have not resumed normal ac- added to the stress (having re- tivities yet. It is encouraging for tired long ago). Allowing God’s me that with the formation and love to mould me, helped making encouragement we give them, me resilient with a positive atti- they were able to take charge of Ladies of Bois Marchand’s tude. My fears lessened, trusting some financial aspects and care Women’s Association pre- in God’s providence and mercy for their fellow members them- paring cakes. through personal and community selves, without waiting for exter- prayers, adoration, nal agents. I believe they can be trusted to take more responsibili- Live stream Eucharist (local and ties in future. abroad), self care and rest. In my 15 worries, our Lord’s presence was felt in many ways. Instead of ex-
GREAT GRATITUDE: CECILIA O’DWYER
It is with enormous gratitude for 2017 their spectrum of influence
her generous loving passion for and networking widened and ex- her ministry, optimism and com- emplified collaboration at its best petency as UN NGO Representa- on the world stage for civic and
tive for the office in New York, societal accountability. that Institute Leadership com-
mends Cecilia O’Dwyer, IBVM She continued the work and lega- for more than seven years of dedi- cy of the IBVM Sisters before her. cated service in a mission of jus- We are grateful and indebted to Cecilia for her years of service but tice-building-advocacy in New York City, NY USA. moreover for the strong and effec- tive infrastructure that she has
bolstered and built during her
tenure.
Because of Covid -19 Cecilia de-
parted for Spain without fanfare.
We are sure that her goodbyes were quick and maybe unre- solved. She continues to bring closure from her home province, Spain.
We congratulate her for her best- practice leadership and hope she will have an opportunity to return to New York for a more signifi- cant closure to her life and minis- Cecilia began her service in 2013 try in New York. elevating the effectiveness of the office in its promotion of a “more humane, just and sustainable world.”
She brought this mission to life by her consistent prodding for par- ticipation, educating for a higher consciousness, initiating pro- gramming and study that led to internships for university stu- dents from across the globe, im- mersion experiences and partici- We are delighted that Janet pation of our IBVM and CJ net- Palafox, IBVM has accepted works bringing interest and activ- For more information the baton of collaboration with ism across the congregations. about IBVM at the UN Cynthia Mathew, CJ as UN Ngo visit website Her instrumental work in getting Representative in New York but ECOSOC status for our NGO gave from her homeland in Australia the office wider inroads for a again due to the pandemic. They more influential voice in advocacy will continue the United Nations at the United Nations from our ministry at a distance until fur- networking perspective. ther notice. Thank you, Janet, for your ‘yes’ and we look forward to Joined by Cynthia Mathew, CJ in the gifts you bring to further ad- vocacy at the United Nations.
16 LOCKDOWN IN LLANDUDNO There is a stir in the air. The quietness - even eeriness - of the past By Kate Myers IBVM months is passing. Lockdown restrictions are easing now, and although Wales is behind England and Ireland in this, here, in Loreto House we are aware that change is coming and we are not quite sure how we feel about it! Most of us, though, recognise that slow emergence from our hiberna- tion would be safer, and so we are accepting the situation. The past months have affected us all differently. For some the routine of the house has been welcome - providing clarity and security, with no con- fusion from comings and goings. For others, though, there is a growing need for wings to spread a little, for physical communication with family, companions and friends, and for a feeling of being in touch with the world. Our Prayer Centre watches and waits for the possible re-opening date. All the necessary precautions are in place, and we look forward to the life that visitors will bring.
One thing on which we are all agreed – time in lockdown seems to pass The Loreto Sisters (IBVM) much more quickly. We are constantly beginning a new week and won- came to Llandudno from dering where on earth the last one went! Perhaps we are wishing our lives Manchester in 1919. They acquired two properties on away in the waiting. the West Shore side of the great Orme, “Eithinog ” and Although we long for the celebration of Mass in our chapel, we have en- “Clifton Lodge”, and estab- joyed our visits to a wide variety of Churches for our daily streamed Mass lished a boarding and day school there, Eithinog be- from the United Kingdom, Ireland, America and Australia. ing the School and Clifton the Convent and boarders’ We have seen many dedicated clergy delivering uplifting homilies in dormitories. The school beautifully adorned churches, and we have shared in the heartfelt prayers expanded and further ac- commodation for boarders for people of whom we have never heard. All this has helped us to be more was gradually added, these appreciative of the universality of the Church, and our oneness in Christ. areas now being used as part of the Centre, namely, We have much to be grateful for too. Most important - we have all kept The Wing and The Anniver- sary Suite, the latter named well. In fact, if the state of health is measured by age, then one could say in 2009 in celebration of we are blooming, as we have just celebrated two significant birthdays. the 400th anniversary of the founding of lBVM by Mary Ward.
Sr Genevieve Moran, now 105 and the oldest member in the Institute, was joined through Zoom on her big day, by members of the Province and the Generalate Team.
17
Sr Antonia Hickie, our runner-up at 104, enjoyed a quieter day sharing fam- ily photos, receiving phone calls from family and friends and many gifts. We are grateful, of course, for companionship and for the support of our carers and house staff. We are grateful, too, for the dedication of the Heads and staff of our schools as we hear of the amazing and relentless work they have done over the past months to ensure that our students are receiving the best they can be given in really challenging times, and we know that they really appreciate the support of our prayer. It seems that technology has come into its own, and the once unheard word ZOOM is now part of our vocabulary! So much creativity has been born out of these extraordinary times and we have made the most of it, compiling a little show each week of the best of the musical, inspirational and even humorous video clips rising out of lock- down. Over time, the centre has We are also getting great value from one of last year’s Christmas gifts – the evolved into a residential and non-residential spiritual complete box set of Downton Abbey. (A really good portrayal of ‘upstairs retreat space for all. and downstairs’ life in the 1940s - and a welcome escape from the virus!) To find out more about the Inspired by Pope Francis we have renewed our commitment to reading and Loreto Llandudno Centre taking to heart the message of Laudato Sì, and we plan to give time to con- see the website sider its various themes in the course of the coming months. The wealth of resources gives us plenty to think about and inspires us to take whatever action we can, given our limitations. Shortly before lockdown began we were waiting with excitement for Sr Anne Donnelly’s arrival from Peru. Sadly, the coronavirus prevented her from travelling and there was nothing could be done about that. Now, as the world comes to life again, we dare to look forward to her being with us. We are aware, though, that our joy means great sadness for the Peru region as Anne will be greatly missed there. The whole phenomenon of the pandemic has given us much food for thought and given rise to some really good conversations and sharing of opinions. We cannot help but wonder if the world will be changed by it - or perhaps, more importantly, will we change the world because of it?
18 MY EXPERIENCE IN PERU I did not have the slightest idea of what my experience in Peru would be like, in that process of opening myself to new realities; as I had come from by Celia da Silva another Congregation and only two years ago I began to know the Insti- tute in Spain. We only know a reality when we live it so although the Sisters in Spain had described the IBVM Peru mission, when I arrived in our Community of Jicamarca, in November, I was quite surprised at how very different it was from everything I had previously experienced. One day after Mass, a pretty girl approached me, she gave me her bracelet without further ado and went away: for me it was as if God himself had looked for a very delicate way to say to me: "Be calm". I have really met very kind people, as well as the Sisters themselves who were always avail- able to help me. The Fe y Alegría School Library, where I have been helping the children, was a beautiful experience where I learned a great deal along with them, in an environment of love and dedication. Then I had the joy of coinciding with the visit of Noelle and Brenda which for me was very important; It was followed by meetings, between the IBVM Communities as well as with the Mary Ward Family; then, my re- treat and courses in Confer: They were very significant months. Standing: Mercedes, Celia, I was to return to Spain in April but this was not possible as we were Ann, Deepa caught by the Covid-19 crisis; the confinement began on 15 March. We are Seated: Miros, Winifred, Ann D. truly in God's hands.
Because of this very complex and unusual situation which took us all by surprise, without us knowing very well what to do, From left: Celia, Brenda, Ann D. we all entered a new Noelle, Mary Elizabeth, Irene, reality and had to Patricia learn, little by little, how to respond to what was happening. Also, we were con- cerned about what was happening else- where in the world. A complex time began, full of new challenges: especially for the people around us whom we knew did not have the conditions to enable them to be very long in quarantine. If they did not go out to work, they did not have the means to feed their families. The Community was looking for ways to help and decided to share what we could with the Chapel commu- nity in Lomas, not far away. We prepared food packages for them and have continued in that challenge, and in prayer, asking God for help for the most vulnerable everywhere. This time of confinement, in fact, has also allowed me to deepen and delve deeper into the spirituality and charism of the Institute in my tran- sition process. I can say that this experience has been a great gift, very enriching in every way because God speaks to us in many ways. I hope you will see the fruits of everything I have lived and learned in these months in Peru. I thank the IBVM Sisters for this very helpful opportunity. 19 MY EXPERIENCE IN THE BORDER
The border is in my blood. I high homicide and femicide by Christa Parra IBVM am a Mexican American from rates. Migrants are vulnerable a small town in Arizona near to being kidnapped, ransomed, the U.S./Mexico border. abused, and/or forced into human trafficking by cartels The sisters who first invited and gangs. The resources and me to consider religious life shelters are very limited in know what it means to cross Juarez. borders. They left Ireland in the 1950s to begin a mission in For now, I am the only Mary Arizona. They encouraged me Ward sister on the ground, but to go to Peru for a few months I feel we are all there. We be- before I entered our communi- lieve that where one of us is, all ty. While I was there, I was of us are. We live in El Paso inspired by our ministries and and cross daily into Mexico. Sr. Miroslava who made her We are part of a network of final vows. A deep desire for support in Juarez for people religious life was awakened in seeking asylum. We offer hos- me. During this time, I also pitality and resources at a port looked at a world map of of entry in Mexico where peo- where we had missions. I did- ple arrive from U.S. detention n’t see us in Mexico or at the centers. We accompany men, border and I wondered why. women, and children. There As I entered our community in are thousands of people who 2008, this question stayed in are waiting for their cases in my heart. Juarez hoping to make it into the U.S. one day. We also walk Every time I have crossed bor- with a group of women and ders and met our sisters at var- their children at a shelter ious international gatherings, I called La Casa de Acogida always share the dream of us (House of Welcome). We help one day being on the U.S./ at a Human Rights Center Mexico border. providing legal assistance, food, and clothing. We deeply Last October, I had permission love the people we are blessed from our leadership team to to accompany. We are listen- move to El Paso, Texas and ing and learning a lot. We see work in Juarez, Mexico. I be- God in our brothers and sis- lieve this is not just MY border ters. dream, but OUR border dream and God’s mission. This loca- In April, the impact of the pan- tion is one of the many places demic restricted the border, around the world where the put a stay at home order in need is the greatest. We are place, and limited our access to responding to a humanitarian these sacred spaces. The coro- crisis. Hundreds of thousands navirus cases are on the rise in of people from South and Cen- Arizona, Texas, and Juarez tral America and Cuba have among other places. I have crossed this border in the last returned to Arizona with our few years to seek asylum. sisters. Last year, the U.S. government It was difficult to temporarily began the Migrant Protection leave the border, but the Protocol (MPP) program also dream has not left us. The known as "Remain in Mexico." needs are drastically increas- People seeking asylum are ing in vulnerable communities. forced to wait for their multi- ple court hearings over several The dream is now our reality months and years in Mexico and we are just getting started instead of in the U.S.. Juarez is at the border. known as a violent city with 20
A NURSE’S CALL The Amazon Region has been in my heart for several years now, with a latent and deep desire to know and learn from the indigenous people, the guardians of the forests. by Miroslava Santillan Peru being second to Brazil as the largest Amazon territory; the five GC 14 Davila IBVM Calls; the encyclical Laudato Sí; the Document from the Synod on the Amazon Region and the presence of an inter – congregational community recently promoted by the Conference of Religious of Peru for the Amazon area, and in which reflection we have participated during the last two and a half years, all contributed to my own deep desire. Moved by the Covid Pandemic, the President of the CLAR launched a call, inviting religious qualified in health issues, to help in the Amazon Region. That day I decided to begin a personal and community discernment, re- sulting in offering my support to work in the Apostolic Vicariate of Puerto Maldonado as part of the inter – congregational community. I arrived in Puerto Maldonado in a humanitarian flight organized by the Vicariate. From the first day I felt at home and I am grateful to God for life in the community. We are four in all from the following Congrega- tions: Holy Family of Bordeaux, Sacred Hearts, Mercedaria Missionaries and me. There was just one thing that made me fearful: to go out on mis- sion alone. So it was a really lovely experience when, sensing my enthusi- asm, Ursula, a nurse from the Holy Family of Bordeaux Sisters, offered to join me. What a great relief that was, to go out accompanied to an un- known place. The Director of the Health Networks proposed that we work in the Health Post of Infierno (Translated Hell), in the hope that, through our media- tion between the local community and the health personnel, the families in the locality might rebuild their confidence in the Health Establish- ment. She expressed her conviction that our religious consecra- tion, spirituality and professional preparation would make a significant contribution. When we went there, we discov- ered that the Chaman of the local community had died of Covid two weeks previously – an elderly man whose health condition indicated a transfer to the hospital in Puerto Maldonado. His family refused and took him home; as the days went by his condition deteriorated so the family took him to the hospital where he died, and the family were only informed days after he had been buried. They demanded the corpse to carry out their customary funeral rites which was impossible because of the present protocol established by the Health Ministry - an issue that provoked deep distrust in the local com- munity. To begin with, we clarified the protocol for attention in the homes: use of protective garb, protection of material and equipment for personal and daily use, observation of the maximum care and detail in order to avoid 21 contagion by ourselves or others. I noticed that the local people are not afraid of contagion of Covid 19. Rather they talk about death in the same way as they talk about life. They trust the wisdom of the elders and the curative capacity of medici- nal plants. Inhalation is the order of the day and besides they wash themselves down with these plants and make drinks from plants re- nowned for their anti-inflammatory potential. As I listened I began to realize I cannot live in tension and fear. Rather I needed to relax and live as they do as far as possible. We are getting to know most of the families in the area as we do follow up on Covid patients, evaluating their vitality and symptoms, collaborat- ing with our knowledge and learning from ancestral wisdom about plants and their medicinal and curative powers. When we finish our work we spend some time with the children of the poorer families, helping them with mathematics etc. The children have difficulty with the present telecommunication education as the exam- ples given are either realities from the coastal area or the mountain re- gion of the Andes, realities that are totally foreign to the way of living of the Amazon Region.
We are continually surrounded by the children who call us ‘little doc- tors’ or ‘the nurses’ and it is they who welcome us when we visit the fam- ilies. We are here two weeks and the people are beginning to return to the Health Post. Tension is still present The local leaders are aware of their rights and demand great commitment from the health personnel in their service of the local community, especially regarding working hours and professional quality.
AN INVITATION TO PRAYER Anne Byrne (Australia & South East Asia Region) has begun an initia- tive, inviting her province members to a RING OF PRAYER, to pray for an end to the Pandemic and also to pray for all those who are affected by it. If anyone would like to join in all you need to do is to nominate a time in the morning, afternoon or evening for 15 or 30 minutes to commit to praying for our world at that time each day. It is a ‘Union of minds and hearts’ for us can also be extended to Mary Ward’s Circle of Friends.
22 MY MEMORIES WITH GOD, ALWAYS, ON
THE WAY By Victoria Lassaletta I was in my 88th year and some signs of all age were already showing Pemartin IBVM up! In dialogue with my Provincial I parted from my last mission seeing that my following of Jesus needed other spaces. So I marched into the Infirmary in El Soto (Madrid). Thanks to my character, it wasn`t too hard for me. God was there too, and in the Community I came to meet many of my sisters with whom I had lived in the north, center and south of the country... The School was very close, with a path with trees and flowers, that connected us with lively boys and girls, in the school grounds. That made me happy. My thoughts went also towards the most vulnerable community sisters with whom I could share the heeling Jesus who continued to cheer our lives as ever. Our home and infirmary is a welcoming place, people from other houses and nationalities continually passed by; the daily Eucharist celebration served by two priests, one from the Congo and the other from Came- roon, was an immense gift… until the Pandemic arrived
1. Thanks to the confinement I 4. I thought, where is Justice if I came across my true self, I start- am unable to give to the lonely ed looking inside and to God in ones the Good News about living my depth in Liberty? 2. I found my littleness and I 5. And on seeing the world in traded for beauty, in that Nature pain Virgin Mary was my Hope that can't be seen as one rushes! as a Mother that draws all from the strength of her Loving heart 3. I saw roses as they opened and people as they risked, I saw how much they engaged in com- mitment and joy.
Before the Pandemic, in a family environment, our community leader tried to bring us joy and entertainment, encouraging craft workshops, watercolor, memory exercises, etc., including some interesting outings. During the confinement there was an offer from Cecilia, for all those who wished in the Spanish Province to connect through Zoom, and a video conference took place every week, where different topics were discussed such as a better future, the climate change, Laudato Sii Document. It was all very positive and we close the experience with a nice party, in which we also thanked our professional carers, who are really great:
TO OUR DEAR ANGELS 3. So many hours of patience! So many precious minutes! At our 1. Do you know the greatest home, the Nursing homeThe news? Big hearted angels could Irish sisters in el Soto! be seen as they flied over this exact place! 2. It was a divine dream, coming 4. May God give you of his Joy from over the World accompa- and give courage to your mis- nying our way which was en- sion A life-giving service, that is hanced and made beautiful. Love, proper of a Mother! 23 And, as I have already said, in the Confinement, I came across my fail- ures but also with the greatness of God; the situation of immigrants, refugees and poor people hurts and worries me… what could we do for them, their misery and infirmities? I feel being a coward, but we cannot consent to so much inequality! I finish with the prayer that I did on Pentecost
1. Pentecosts cries out: 2. In Liberty and with great ¡UNION! Being in the diversi- Joy, in the face of a suffering ty, Mary Ward, her heart, world, I will overcome, as seeking for justice and truth Mary did with the weapons of Love!
24 A SUITABLE TIME TO TRAVEL AND EXPLORE NEW LANDSCAPES by Clotilde de Maroussem IBVM To be immersed in Asilah, a Mo- congregation from Washington, roccan Islamic land, creates un- Buddhism services in San Diego deniable tensions which are add- and New York, or being with the ed to the ups and downs that I Sufi dance of Whirling Dervishes have to face in my life, communi- in Istanbul have been fruitful ty and mission. times.
Clotilde de Maroussem So as not to be overwhelmed by Rooted in my Christian faith this lives and works in Morocco them and being faithful to the has equipped me to be able to and has a passion for in- inner thread that is going on in adjust and give a better service in terfaith dialogue as well as my life since some years, I decid- my present mission, and to the a commitment to inviting ed to study on line from January ones in the future, where ever I viewers into the pictures to June. It has been a course on will be. with all of their senses. interfaith and interspirituality She writes, “when I take with an US Institute. Some explanations of my art pro- my camera I prefer to be ject, part of the exam, call BE- alone and let the inspira- Theses months of lockdown form YOND tion come from inside. It is a process where I need March, and still going on until the th These photos have been taken in first to smell the area, feel 12 of August…have been difficult the vibration and tune in many ways (in my life, the Mauritius, India and Morocco, myself with all these move- challenge of a community where excepted the photo of the Taj Ma- ments in me. I agree with there is only two of us, the differ- hal, the ones I got was not suita- the Canadian photogra- ent kinds of poverty in the mis- ble for this purpose. They refer to pher David Duchemin, sion because of the context of the the interfaith and interspirituality when he says : The chal- corona virus) has also increased in Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, lenge is how to create the Christian, Baha’ism, Confucian- illusion of depth (using this desire in me to understand a little more about who the Divine ism and Hinduism. Divinities and colors, light and emotions) symbols, women and men, seek- which will impact the is. hearts and minds of oth- ers of different faith and specifi- ers.” This journey done with seekers of cally during festival time. Rites of different Christian denominations different faiths and houses of and a Jewish one, coming from prayer. The role of music and art different states of the USA and an in the different traditions and Australian person, has enriched also time of transitions with the me. And also being able to follow different cemetery. celebrations on line with a Jewish
25 The Taj Mahal (this Muslim mau- I will never imagine that this in- soleum of the Mughal time) and ner travel based mainly on com- his size represent for me my actu- passion and humility will bring al immersion in an Islamic coun- me in the point to give back my try. own surname: Clotilde
CONGRATULATIONS
Anita Braganza, former Prov- ince Leader of South Asia has just completed her sabbatical programme at the Springbank Retreat for Eco-Spirituality and the Arts in South Caroli- na, USA. Springbank is a retreat cen- Anita will now join the staff of tre of Franciscan tradi- Springbank Retreat. Their tions which offers sabbati- next sabbatical begins in Sep- cal programs designed to tember. provide a supportive envi- ronment for those in transi- We wish her well as she ap- tion, those in need of spir- plies for her visa. itual renewal. To know more about the centre visit their site.
26 BE MERRY AND DOUBT NOT YOUR MASTER The Loreto Mission in Bangladesh first began in the year 1845 under the leadership of Mother Delphine Hart and it remained for nine years. by Archana Gomes IBVM Due to an outbreak of cholera, shortage of personnel, intense poverty in communities and ministry, natural calamities, and for political reasons, the Loreto Sisters handed over their two houses, Nazareth Convent in Chittagong and Bethlehem Convent in Dhaka to the Marist and RNDM Sisters and returned to Kolkata in 1854. India was at that time a British colony and present day Bangladesh was then part of India and known as East Bengal. Bangladesh emerged as a new nation in 1971. After 151 years, Loreto South Asian Province once again responded to the Call ‘Courage to Move’ and re-established its mission in 2005 to serve the people of this land. It is with great joy that we share that this mission has grown ever since for 15 years the Convent in Padrishibpur Village is serving the people in the field of Education, Social work with women and Faith formation. In the course of these years another mission has evolved in Barisal town. We are working with Caritas in the field of Health Ministry, and the poorer section of the socie- ty is benefiting much from this selfless service ren- dered to them at any hour of the day. Yvonne, Maloti and Aruna Just over a year ago Loreto began to extend its service from Barisal Diocese to the Archdiocese of Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh. The main ministries of the Sis- ters are Pastoral work, Faith Formation, Vocation Promotion, development in the field of Education, and taking care of ‘Our Lady of Lourdes School’ for the Archdiocese since January 23, 2020. We are truly blessed to be able to share the good news that there are three Loreto Sisters, Linda, Makhelina and Dipika, from Bangladesh itself and one Novice, Shova, presently making her novitiate in Kenya. There are more young girls who are keen to join Loreto. We are sad to say that the Pandemic COVID 19 has brought great dis- tress to our country that already has had several natural calamities; be- ing densely populated with the highest number of poverty stricken peo- ple in the world, the suffering is beyond our comprehension. Social distancing and isolation due to fear of contracting the virus, pov- erty due to no income, sudden deaths in the family, are causing im- mense struggle for all. It is consoling to see that all the eight Diocese in Bangladesh are trying to raise local funds to help as many poor families as possible. Several Catholic Credit Unions have also assisted in food distribution. We ourselves have experienced the kindness of the local people during the quarantine period. Overall it seems that Covid19 has brought people closer in spirit and is making them aware of the need to be generous to the less privileged. It is definitely helping us all to depend on the providence of God. We con- 27 tinue to live in the spirit of “be merry and doubt not your Master” Mary Ward. DARJEELING MARY WARD SOCIAL CENTRE With lock down lingering on, more Immediate help was provided to people are going to bed with empty starving leprosy patients in Siliguri By Flora Anthony IBVM stomach. and to the families of domestic helpers. North Bengal witnessed a sharp rise in the number of people with- The staff of DMWSC worked round out any means of sustenance and the clock to reach the poor and influx of migrant workers in recent needy families, assembled re- times. sources for them and linked the community with the service provid- We responded to the needs of the ers. migrant workers, daily wagers; women and children by providing The Self Help Groups was brought dry ration and cooked food in dif- under one roof in order to provide ferent parts of Siliguri and in our self made masks and hygiene kits to neighborhood. the poorest. Over 2000 ready to eat meal was During our relief camps we found channelized in tea gardens of that a huge number of people did North Bengal, we gave a helping not know about social distancing or hand in whatever way we could; hand washing in order to protect from hospitalization of the sick to them from COVID-19.
assisting medical personnel, buying Majorities have no access to soap or medicine for the old people and clean water and physical distancing education on menstrual hygiene is difficult in slums owing to lim- and distribution of sanitary pads. ited space and shared facilities. A strong network of baal pancha- Awareness and capacity building of yats and vigilance committees was the communities about critical is- put to work in order to report any sues like social distancing, use of form of violence against women masks, soap, health and hygiene and children during lock down, practices, mental health and im- online counselling help was served munity building was put into prac- for women and children in distress. tice by our field workers.
28
NEW RESIDENCE IN ENTALLY
India
From left to right Front row: Elizabeth D’souza, Joan Smyth, Claire MacFarland Second row: Cecily Wong, Eithne McDonald, Lourdes Noronha, Angela Rodrigues Back: Beatrice Stuart, Christopher D’souza, Alma Toppo
WE CELEBRATE OUR SISTERS TURNING 100
Irlanda
Kenya Sr. Berchmans Doohan Sr. Phillipine Stamp Ireland Eastern Africa
100 years of love, wisdom and joy!!
29
CANDIDATES, NOVICES AND TEMPORARY
PROFESSED
Ireland Candidate
Mary Hall
Spain
Célia Da Silva, in transition from another congregation
Canada Province Temporary Professed
From left to right:
Melinda Uy and Sarah Rudolph
30 Eastern Africa Province Candidates
Front left to right: Susan Tonui and Eliza- beth Top left to right:
Natalia Omambia, Cathe- rine Mutua and Irene Cherono
Eastern Africa Province Novices
1st row from left Jeniffer Malia,Bel inda Isoyi, Delphina marube, Shova Costa and Julia Munene (1st year novices) 2nd row from right: Teresia Muthoni,Mildred Deme,Mercy Ibaare Thresesiah Muoti and Salome Chepkoech (2nd year Novices)
31 Eastern Africa Temporary Professed
Top from left to right: Patricia ndunge, Maren Awiti – Junior mistress, Clara Atieno, Juster Fidel, Roseline Bonareri, Maria Nyamusi, Eunice Ndabih, Tigist Beyene, Pendo Cleofer, Rainer Boniface, Maureen Wanyoro, Violet Mwikali, Santrina Ray- mond, Jackline Mwongela, Oliva Oswald
Front from left: Hellen Atieno, Joan Mili- mu, Angeline Wanzagi, Helen Wairimu, Naomi Osoro, Regina Mlelwa, Mariana Ngoi, Lilian Matheka, Pauline Waitha- ka
South Asia Province Candidates
From left to right:
Genevieve Nongtudu, Pusps Rai, Teresa Rai and Janifa Kerketta
32 South Asia Province Novices
From left to right: Sheetal Julitha Tirkey, Beronica Tirkey and Rohita Tirkey
South Asia Province Temporary Professed
From left to right:
First row: Mann Vero- nica Tapa, Nithya
Top row: Babina Lepcha, Vimala Rami
33 33 South Asia Province Temporary Professed
From left to right: Binita Surin, Jiwanti Tete, Nirmala Toppo, Swati Lakra, Rajni Lu- gun, Swati Lakra, Rajni Lugun; Anima Kerketta
From left to right: Mini Priyanka Dungdung, Madhuri Toppo, Mariam Ekka
34 South Asia Province Temporary Professed
From left to right:
First row: Biviyana Lepcha and Valeria Mun- du
Top row: Malti Lomga, C. Linda Mrong
From left to right: Sanjyothi Kerketta, Dipika Mrong, Pri- yanka Soreng, Mariana Bage, Preety Pratima Minj
35
South Asia Province Temporary Professed
From left to right:
Micalina Murmu, Rosita Tirkey, Resha Minj, Miri Phawa
First row left: Adrina Rai Toprow left: Maxima Top- po From left: Sangeeta Surin and Greta Roberts
36 South Asia Province Temporary Professed
From left to right:
Isilda Sangriang, Anu Anet Lepcha, Lily Grace Soreng, Manjula Lomga, Sarita Horo, Ablin Tirkey, Priyanka Dung Dung
South Asia Province to be finally Professed on the 22nd of august
From left to right:
Ranjita Kerketta, Ganga Devi Bardewa, Rani Hembrom, Anita Nayak
37 Australia and South East Asia Province
Jwan Kada, second year Candidate
Timor Leste Candidates from Manila
From left to right:
Maristela Quebo, Gracilda Da Costa, Rosalina Belo
Second year Candidates
38 Timor Leste Candidates from Bacau
From left to right:
Leonela Fransisco Til- man, Sancha de Jesus
First year Candidates
Australia Province Temporary Professed
Selvi Adaikalam lives in Timor Leste
39
Australia Province Temporary Professed
Rachel McLoughlin
Vietnam
From left to right:
Thao Trang and Tran Tuyet Trinh
40 A NEW JOINT CJ IBVM OFFICE IN ROME
As you might already know from a Communication sent at the end of june, after considerable research, consultation and discernment, and in accord- ance with our now longstanding commitment to never doing alone what we can better do together, we have recently created a joint CJ/IBVM communi- cations office and appointed a qualified communications person to run the office. The Mary Ward Communications Office will be located in Casa Loreto, but will work equally with those in Via Nomentana 250, as well as networks around the world. We have appointed a lay woman, Stefania Donaera, to run the office. Stefania comes to us after twenty years of work in an Italian-based NGO, working as a media specialist. She is a native Italian speaker but is conver- sant with English, French, Portuguese and some Spanish. Her email ad- dress is [email protected] and over the course of the com- ing months she will begin to be in touch with the wider community of our two branches.
THANK YOU FOR THE CARE
Noelle, Brenda, Igora, Judy and Macarena would like to say a special word of thanks to all our house and caring staff around the world, to the sisters who have volunteered their time and energy, and to those who look after our sisters in care and residential homes. To date so many of our sisters who are aged or vulnerable have managed to remain well, thanks to the high level of care they receive. We are grateful to all who contribute to the caring, the cleaning, the ad- ministration of our houses and homes.
Casa Loreto The Institute Leadership would like to thank: IBVM Generalate Flore Anthony, Anne Byrne, Celia da Silva, Clotilde de Maroussem, Nu- Via Massaua 3 ala Gannon, Archana Gomes, Isabel Gortazar, Margaret C. Honner, Vic- toria Lassaletta Pemartin, Christine Leyser, Maria Lopez, Lenah Mam- 00162 bo, Aurora Moreno, Kate Myers, Nancy Mugo, Aithien Nguyen, Leonida Rome, Italy Oriki, Christa Parra, Miroslava Santillan Davila, Margaret Sewe, Denise Sullivan, Orla Treacy, Josette Zammit Mangion and all those who sent pictures, suggestions, informations for their contribution. If you want to send your contributions for the next issue, please contact Stefania Donaera, Mary Ward Communication Officer at