New members "bridge" of unity
Today’s Catholic Newspaper, San Antonio, Texas – November 6, 2009 – www.satodayscatholic.org
While some build fences, the Sisters of Divine Providence (CDP) build community.
On the second weekend of September, sixteen (16) CDPs met in Cuidad Acuña, México on the U.S. – México border across from Del Rio, TX to gather in community and to bring together all the women in initial formation.
The gathering was an event of community, friendship, support and fun.
Seven women in formation had time to share stories, prayer, song and a very special trip to Amistad Dam.
The word “Amistad” means “Friendship”.
What a special location to express the bonds of ‘friendship’ and community as the new Sisters held hands across the actual border to express our unity and community bonds.
“We hope to grow in love and spirit as we minister to those in need,” stated Sister Elsa Garcia, vocation director.
The CDPs had the opportunity to visit ‘San Jose’, the Parish where our Sisters minister and the new mission of “La Esperanza” children’s home.
After traveling the rough road to the children’s home where 25 young children are cared for, the Sisters visited the parish that is under construction.
The pastor and the people of the parish were welcoming and happy to see the Sisters and celebrated the growing commitment of the Sisters to their parish and the children’s home.
The children’s home called “La Esperanza” is a new ministry for the CDP’s in northern Mexico.
The sisters wanted a way to respond to the needs of poor families who find it hard to make ends meet in a downturned economy, which has especially hit the poor in Mexico.
So the Providence sisters have joined the staff at La Esperanza, where they help poor parents by caring for the children while parents work.
The staff, with the sisters’ help, care for over 25 young children.
The sisters live there with the orphans and children.
They help them learn their faith as well as the daily living skills that will help them in the future.
The visit helped the seven women in formation realize that love and providence have no borders.