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Sisters from Around the World Share Ministries with the Poor and Marginalized

This spring, nearly fifty Sisters of Notre Dame from around the world gathered in Rome to prayerfully explore and share their ministries with the poor and marginalized in various countries. Since the congregation is mostly known for its educational work, this conference was a historic occasion which recognized how social ministries of Sisters of Notre Dame serve people in great need.

Sr. Sujita Kallupurakkathu, Superior General, told the participatants that this gathering was the first such event in the congregation’s 159 year history. She gave talks on the theme of honoring the roots of social ministries and their role as participation in the mission of Jesus. Participants also had the opportunity to hear from Fr. Fancisco O’Conaire, OFM, an international leader in the movement for Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation(JPIC); Sr. Roxane Schares, SSND, who spoke on the tranformation of the heart; and members of the Sant Egidio Community.

Each participating province gave a report about their work and collaborated on a prayer service focused on justice themes ranging from human trafficking to orphaned children. The California province was represented by Sr. Jan Marie Villabolos. She enjoyed reflecting on the presentations with sisters from other cultures who share her dedication to serving people who have been made poor or marginalized.

“Joined together through our charism we saw a miraculously seamless garment stretch and encompass the vulnerable with compassion,” said Sr. Jan Marie. “We are all stewards of some resources, no matter how little, and just as Sr. Ignatia joined  Sr. Aloysia to make a difference in the lives of orphans, we too empower the poor to become agents of global and systemic change.”

Programs that provide empowerment and leadership training, health care, micro-financing and sustainable agriculture emerged as common ways that Sisters of Notre Dame address the needs of poor communities around the world. Each province assesses the local needs of people and creates a culturally appropriate response. Thus women’s groups in Africa and India both serve to help women gain skills and self-sufficiency, but they function differently.

Sisters of Notre Dame in California share the congregation’s commitment to serving the poor and marginalized. Their ministries and volunteer activities include supporting and serving at St. Julie Mission in Uganda, organizing a dinner program for a homeless shelter, serving on the boards of organizations that provide assistance, education or housing for people who are less fortunate, and providing a shelter for female victims of human trafficking.

The sisters who attended this conference will share what they learned with their provinces. As the congregation nears its next General Conference in 2010, Sisters of Notre Dame will consider how their work with the poor connects with the theme (sidebar).

Though this conference was an important event for the Sisters of Notre Dame, the ideas and ministries it explored apply to all God’s people.  “We are all called to witness our love for God through contemplative prayer and compassion,” said Sr. Jan Marie.