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Ever "attentive to the needs of our time", the Sisters of the Areia Province are famous in our Congregation for their mobility and flexibility. Their work with Christian "Base Communities" calls them to move in pairs or small groups of 3 or 4 to outlying poor villages for a few years, to help the people there to learn to work together to improve their lives. When these people can continue on their own, the Sisters then move on to bring the Good News and love of Christ to a new place. Here, Sr. Betania (far right) is leading aScripture Study group. |
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Because poverty is so precarious a state in which to live, perhaps it is easier for our Sisters who live and work with the very poor to be open to new missions, new calls from the Church. Trusting in God's providence, they live in a spirit of readiness to go where they are needed. |
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Knowing the need of God in their own lives, they keep their own spiritual formation a priority, often drawing on the programs presented at our annual Congregational Council meetings, where the spiritual life is always the first concern. Sr. Adriana with Indian children. |
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The Sisters of the Areia Province, even as they are open to new missions in more remote areas, remain committed to their three large schools where 36 Sisters serve hundreds of city children. In earlier years it was thought that a good way to help the poor was to bring the Gospel to the rich who would then become leaders in their society, living for the good of all. |
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In spite of lifetimes given in this effort, today the division of wealth in Brazil is more lopsided than ever. Private schools are now endangered because of the government's policy to disregard the services provided by such schools. Sr. Agnes directs the Boys Choir, during Mass at |
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Sr. Albertina (left) with the wives of the "landless farmers". Priests and Religious can join the poor in every material way, but always there is the difference of opportunity and education. Yet, it is a strong sign of God's love for these poor marginalized farm families (that the poor do not miss) when persons with faith and means give up comforts to join them in their struggles. It is our job to say 'yes', to 'go'; it is God's job to provide the wisdom, strength and means. |
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