RNDM Mission Solidarity News is published four times each year – March, June, September and December.

RNDM Mission Solidarity is the RNDM office that promotes mission solidarity in communications and in funding

For the missionary works of the 900 Sisters of Our Lady of the Missions in 20 countries world wide.

ALL are invited to contribute to our RNDM mission solidarity funds.

“Through the Solidarity News we wish to thank everyone for the donations we received for earthquake damages – from the British Isles, New Zealand, Kenya, Australia, Canada and Caritas New Zealand. You gave a total of US$37,625.95. This kind and timely assistance from our Sisters and friends is helping us to undertake re-construction works in our houses of Ilo, Moquegua and Arequipa, and for the people affected by the earthquake in these areas. Thank you for your generosity and love. We ask God to bless you all!”

Loretta Bonokoski also wrote: “Unfortunately one of the buildings at Moquegua that suffered in the earthquake was the washroom facility funded by RNDM Solidarity this year. The building, which was almost ready for use, was completely damaged and we also lost whatever remained of the old. We need to raise our hopes again from the ashes, but we trust in the Providence of God Who has never failed us.”

Our Sisters have had an orphanage in Chittagong since 1883. Life in the cities of Bangladesh is very hard for the poor, and babies are often left to die. However everyone in Chittagong knows that the babies will always find a home and a chance to make something of their own lives with our Sisters. For nearly 120 years the orphanage, in the grounds of St Scholastica’s convent has welcomed them and these youngsters
Chittagong Orphanage

[below] obviously are enjoying the life!!

In Bolipara – a remote village in the Bandarban District – Our Sisters are working with the faith formation of the tribal people, supported by the Bishop and the Holy Cross Fathers. They also visit other villages in the District and are made most welcome [Photo below]. In spite of the difficult conditions - like the considerable risk of cerebral malaria - our Sisters are keen to work in this mission.

Sister Pushpa has plenty to do in Srimongol – teaching the Khasi girls in the mission school [Photo: right] and visiting families living in the Tea Gardens in the mission district [Photo: left]. RNDM Solidarity has helped with funds for this work.

Report from India, South

1. Nirmalalaya, Almel <from Sister Joyce>

‘Our Sisters are the only Christians in Sindgi Taluk, far away from the city of Bijapura. Our work takes us out to some 27 villages where women have been historically exploited and the education system is so irregular and poorly provided for that children are not sent to school. In some villages not even one child or adult can write their own name. The people are cordial and simple; they are hard working and hospitable, but frequently theirs is a story of mere survival. We Sisters organize activities and training programmes around the theme ‘Women – Symbol of Love’, building self-esteem, co-operation and leadership skills among the women. Where we can, we work to rehabilitate the child labourers, teaching them the basics so that some will want to go on and get a full school education. We offer residential 3-month and 6-month courses for this purpose. There are also adult literacy classes for the women and we promote cultural activities and celebrations for the people.

Fortunately we have 8 acres of fertile land and sufficient water to be self-sufficient. We grow all the local crops, with local help, and have planted many saplings as a model for the district.’

Children in class

Photo left: Child labourers starting to enjoy learning. Special thanks to the agency ‘Terre des Hommes’ for funding our
mother and child care programme.

Food distribution .