News#3-06

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.

In 2001 the buildings at Hogar Belen, on the hill site next to the parish church, were badly damaged by a major earthquake and our Solidarity friends were quick to make their donations to help us out of this difficult situation. At that time we were already developing a farm down below on the flat but the buildings there were also damaged.

Now we would like to report that the residents of Hogar Belen have moved out of the original buildings near the parish church that were too badly damaged to renovate. The renovated and new buildings on the farm have welcomed everyone - the abandoned children, the abandoned and abused women with children, the Sisters, and those in need, who are all finding on the farm a loving environment where food shelter and spiritual and human formation are the priorities.
Photo: Christmas celebration at Hogar Belen

Hogar Belen is also involved in parish work, sacramental preparation for the children and the catechists, and working with the young people preparing the Sunday liturgies. These young people are from the confirmation group.

‘We are very grateful for the Solidarity support which has given us a fresh start for Hogar Belen.’

For several years now we, in Senegal, have had the joy of welcoming
young Sisters to our communities as they come for an international
missionary experience, before making final vows. Whether involved
in the health ministry in Mboro or Ndondol, in literacy and library work
in Ndondol, in youth and pastoral work in our two missions, in
language learning, our young Sisters give generously of themselves and
experience the richness of sharing life and relationship with the people
for whom they have come.

After making final vows two Sisters – Anne Ndungu (Kenyan) and Cora Cagalawan (Filipina) -
have returned to our mission in Ndondol. Anne is involved in the health area, and Cora is doing literacy
and library work. Photos:Above Right: Cora in the Ndondol library

In Mboro, Fabiola Caceres (Peruvian) is learning new skills in the dispensary during her missionary
experience.

Below – Lt: Fabiola in the Mboro dispensary laboratory Below:Anne helping Philomena with the mother and child lesson in Ndondol.

For a good number of years now, our Sisters have been involved in Refugee Ministry Inc, an ecumenical group which sponsors refugees from mainly war-torn African countries. Those who have no relatives or friends in Canada are welcomed into Hospitality House, where with guidance and support they are introduced to all aspects of living in Canada – not least, coping with the winter cold! Winter footwear and clothing is a big expense in Canada. As they settle in, staff help them to find a job and when they have worked for a time and can become independent, staff will help them to find and set up an apartment. Gifts of furniture and clothing from the parishes are generous and well received.

Refugee Ministry pays the deposit on an apartment, and the first month’s rent to help them get started. Refugee Ministry, as the sponsor, is responsible for the newcomers for one year, so if there is sickness or the job is lost, Refugee Ministry will resume support.
Photo: Sister Margaret helps Jamal and Sahra and their 3 children with basic literacy

RNDM Solidarity has helped to provide some of the financial assistance that keeps the Hospitality House doors open to some of the 200 – 250 refugees that Refugee Ministry sponsors every year.

Nearly 125 years ago Euphrasie Barbier , our Foundress, came
to Chittagong and helped to establish an orphanage and a school.
Today this work continues in a variety of ways. The orphaned
and destitute babies are cared for in St Benedict’s Creche. While
a good number of these babies will be adopted out, those who
remain are cared for in St Peter’s Orphanage until such time as
they have finished their schooling, and have acquired the skills for
earning a living and supporting a family. On the same compound
our Sisters run a large primary school and an even larger secondary
school for students who pay fees. When the primary school finishes
for the day, free afternoon classes are offered so that children from
very poor families can also get a good start in life.
Photo – above: Sr Bibiana with some of the babies.in the Creche

Below - left: Sr Benedicta taking the St Peter’s sewing class Below – right: Sr Rebecca supervising the St Peter’s study

Sister Mohini writes “RNDM Solidarity funds help to pay the school tuition fees for the St Peter’s girls and for some of the boys and girls in the afternoon school., as well as helping to fund the Creche. The Sisters are most grateful for your kind help and support.”