PROVIDENCE

BY SISTER ROSE HEALY
In 1967 the
congregation
opened two
missions in Latin America,
one in Peru and one in
Guatemala. the Sisters withdrew
from Guatemala in 2003 leaving
their mission to another congregation.
Four sisters were missioned to
Peru. They settled in a very poor
area on the outskirts of Lima, the
capital.
After Vatican II the bishops of
Latin America met periodically to
implement the dictates of the Council
and to meet the challenges of
changing times. These conferences
were prophetic but the decisions
were not always accepted by all.
There are huge differences in how
individual bishops apply them.
Peruvian society is deeply divided
between rich and poor and along
racist times. Injustice and corruption
are rampant. Peru suffered decades
of violence during which thousands
were killed, hundreds buried in unmarked
graves and property
destroyed. Those who suffered most
were the poor peasants of the interior
but all suffered from blackouts
and general fear. The chief perpetrator
of these disasters were leftist
groups. However, the military was
also responsible for many of the
atrocities. Finally after the leaders of
the rebel groups were captured, life
returned to a more normal rhythm.
The government accepted the suggestion
of a commission to investigate,
evaluate damages and adopt
measures of compensation for
losses.
Lima is located on the Pacific coast.
The coastal area sector between the
Andes and the sea is desert. The
foot hills are barren, rocky slopes. It
is here that the poor from the interior
come to find a better life. What
they find is this barren space without
running water, electricity or
paved roads. They stake out their
area and build a shack with reed
mats. This strip of desert is broken
here and thereby swiftly flowing
rivers form verdant valleys. One of
these valleys forms part of the
parish where the sisters live. The
peasants who occupy these areas are
From Peru
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no better off than those in the
urban areas. The land is owned by
the wealthy who pay their workers
starvation wages.
The Sisters have dedicated time and
efforts to Christian formation:
preparation for sacraments, formation
of Base Christian Communities
as part of the Christian Workers
Movement, preparation of lay persons
to carry on these tasks, organization
of women’s groups and youth
groups. In the area of health attention
to the ill: financial aid for medicines
and treatments, preparation of
Health delegates.
We have given support to the efforts
for basic services: public transport,
water and sewage. We celebrated
with them the anniversary of the
Truth Commission and in solidarity
as they struggle for justice for themselves
and others. We add our voice
and our presence in demonstrations
against specific wrongs. The congregation
has a special fund for the
mission to which generous benefactors
contribute. We make use of
these funds to finance the expenses
of the health ministry and dedicate
considerably to post secondary education.
Those whom we choose to
educate are selected because of their
need and their outlook on life. We
want those who will use their talents
to make Peru better for all, expecially
the poor.
In keeping with trends in Canada,
we have established a program for
lay Associates. In 1992, five members
of the parish team with
Carmen Alomia as coordinator,
formed the first group. We now
have 33 Associates many of whom
are professionals who share our
values.
In these 44 years there have been
many changes. The reed shacks have
been replaced by durable and at
times, attractive houses of brick and
cement. The Sisters of Providence
community has also changed. Only
one Canadian Sr. Rose Marie Bokenfohr
remains accompanied by two
Peruvians, Sr. Sara Jiménez and
Sr. Maria Chinchay. A second parish
has been formed in the country area
and Sr. Sara has been invited to
work there.