Several Sisters from our Brazil Province currently minister to the needs of the poor in Bolivia. One of the poorest countries in South America, Bolivia is high in the Andes with about one-third in the tropical zone. We are seeking to expand our Franciscan presence beyond the borders of Brazil in this region to help meet the spiritual and social needs of the largely indigenous population.
Sisters Luzia Ferreira, Maria Lúcia do Nascimento and Vandete Barbosa de Oliveira currently serve our community mission in San Juan Parish, Guayaramerim, Bolivia. This new mission is across the river-border from Rondonia, Brazil where Sisters Isabel, Marlene, Sofia and Helena live.
Sister Maria Lúcia ministers primarily in the parish giving assistance to the small base communities and a missionary program with children. She leads liturgical celebrations and reflections on the Scriptures and catechizes children and adults.
Sister Vandete’s primary ministry is in the Holy Family Health Clinic where she cares for the needs of poor families. She applies and changes dressings, assists with physical therapy and general health issues. She is concerned that in this region many children are born with cleft palates, caused by the poor nutrition of their mothers during pregnancy. She attempts to get assistance for these children.
Sister Luzia spends part of her time working with the Pastoral for Prisoners. She meets with an ever changing group of about five women, one of whom has her three year old son in prison with her. The prisoners work making furniture and household goods as well as cooking and cleaning the area where they are incarcerated. Some of them are able to study as well. Weekly they have Eucharistic Liturgy and twice a week they reflect on the Word of God. Sister Luzia tells that it is a challenging work but at the same time, a rewarding one. It is hoped that the conditions in which these women are imprisoned will be improved in the future.
The sisters, all in their thirties, are adapting well to their new ministries, learning many new customs, mastering the language, and sharing their lives and love with the people they serve. They work with two priests and a brother to serve a total of over 20 communities in the parish. Several other religious orders are in Guayaramerim teaching and catechizing in other communities. They are doing their best to bring the Kingdom of God to this new mission. Already three young women are indicating an interest in religious life. May these vibrant young Sisters continue to live what they proclaim. Peace and All Good!