Dreaming of a life of dignity

In Brazil, Our Lady's Missionaries continue to be present and to walk with people who struggle for life

By Sr. Clarice Garvey, O.L.M.
Summer 2003

Return to Table of Contents
Print Article

For those of us working in Brazil, the multitude was heard loud and clear with the tremendous victory of our newly-elected President Luiz Inacio "Lula" da Silva. Literally the "stones were crying out" with the smallest child to the oldest adult all singing "Lula-la", the victory song of 53,000,000 people.

The people of Brazil see in their new president a chance to create a just society and they look to the future with hope. The challenge for me these days is to be able to walk with them in their efforts to make their dreams come true; dreams that so many have nourished for such a long time. People here dream of earning enough money to support their family and to have food to eat every day. They dream of sending their children to school, of having a house to live in, and of being true citizens who can exercise their rights. They dream of a life of dignity.

Sr. Mona Kelly, O.L.M.

I experience God in the children who attend our Little Library, a project started a few months ago by Doreen Wicks of I Can Foundation. The library is a place where children can learn to read and write, receive help with their homework as well as a nourishing lunch, play games, or just enjoy themselves in a safe atmosphere. There is nothing more exciting than when a child suddenly discovers she can read after sounding out single words for weeks. One little girl after her discovery said it very well, "This is a happy place!"

Sr. Pauline Doherty, O.L.M.

I would like to re-acquaint you with my friends, Elieni, her husband Nepolian, and their daughters, Joana and Sara. At present, Nepolian is sick with dengue fever and unable to buy and sell fish, which is the family livelihood. This leaves Elieni with an even greater burden of caring for her sick husband as well as gathering cans and pieces of metal to sell. Now she is the family's sole provider.

During this past year, a house in a nearby squatters' area became available. With help from you, our generous benefactors in Canada, Eliani's family was able to buy this house. Imagine their excitement and joy at having their own home. Now they have neighbours around them who have become their friends.

Since their new home is near to where I live I can continue to visit them without having to walk very far-a blessing for me in my "senior" years. And Joana and Sara are constant visitors to our house. Many other children on our street also come frequently for treats and to play games.

In January of this year, my nephew Dr. Ed Doherty and his wife Mary came from New Brunswick to visit me. I had the pleasure of meeting them in Manaus and accompanying them on a trip along the Amazon River.

We went in a small motorboat and were able to see the meeting of the waters of the tributaries of this magnificent river. We fished piranha (I caught four) and jacked (baited and caught) alligators. On our travels we stayed at a small hotel where we had wonderful food and a good night's sleep. It was thrilling to see the various kinds of monkeys, birds, fish, and even beautiful dolphins.

After our Amazon River journey, Mary and Eddie returned to Fortaleza with me to continue our visit. The generosity of the people and the natural beauty of the country will be a lasting memory for them.

Sr. Lucia Lee, O.L.M.

Sr. Lucia has seen that the people she works with are open to be touched by God's grace and to hear the music of wonderment even in their great pain. This is true of the people she meets in the city of Fortaleza at a daycare centre for those with AIDS.

People come to the centre upon their doctor's recommendation. There they receive food, medicine and emergency dressings, as well as courses in literacy, sewing, and painting. The centre also offers classes in craftmaking such as bead jewelry, crocheted purses, and pen holders. While teaching these crafts, Sr. Lucia listens to their stories and marvels at their openness to God's healing activity. She is a welcome presence there.

Sr. Lucia also experiences this grace and healing with those she meets at the centre for the treatment of cancer. Patients come from the rural areas and are usually accompanied by a family member or friend who attends to their needs. While teaching crafts to both patient and companion, Sr. Lucia listens to the intimate conversation, which often reveals a compassion and gratitude that touches her deeply. She in turn is very grateful for this gift.

Sr. Mary Hughes, O.L.M.

At 82 years of age, Sr. Mary Hughes is always learning. Since her health is good, she walks half an hour to São José Hospital where she visits people with AIDS. As she journeys to and from the hospital, she chats with people sitting out in front of their homes. They always ask about her work and the people she visits.

Her friend Rosa was especially interested and asked about individual people while promising to pray for them. One day, as Sr. Mary was returning to São José, Rosa in her kind and gentle manner called Sr. Mary over. Rosa asked about one of the patients she felt she had come to know through Sr. Mary's stories. Her last words to Sr. Mary were, as usual, "See you tomorrow if God wills." That very night Rosa, the kind woman who was always concerned about others, returned to her Creator.

For Sr. Mary, Rosa's passing was an experience of listening to the voice of God speaking to us through the ordinary people, people who believe, like Jeremiah (29:11), that God has plans for us. It was also for Sr. Mary a reminder of the importance of living each moment.

Return to Table of Contents
Print Article