Support Elderly, Sick and Disabled Religious in Tanzania
Thursday, December 17, 2009

Project Code: 154-05-39

In the past they used to help others. Now, these 23 aged, sick and physically handicapped Sisters of the Congregation of the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Africa are themselves in need of help. Some are completely crippled or bedridden and totally dependent on the help of others. Those who still have their help continue to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ as much as they are can, while those who are no longer able to leave their beds offer up their sufferings for their people, whom they formerly helped with wise counsel and practical deeds of charity.

The Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Africa, a congregation founded almost 55 years ago in Tanzania, are devoted above all to helping those who are most in need in their country. They care for handicapped children, who are at best tolerated by their families but often neglected and hidden away from the neighbors, for in Tanzania physical handicap is seen as punishment for an evil deed, as a curse, and therefore as a source of shame for the family.

The Sisters also give refuge to young girls who are in danger of being forced into marriage by their families or to undergo the traditional practice of so-called "female circumcision," a form of brutal and highly dangerous genital mutilation which still frequently happens today. In such cases, the sisters speak with the parents and often succeed in persuading them to change their minds. However, in other cases the girls remain under the protection of the Sisters. The Immaculate Heart Sisters also care for AIDS victims and drug addicts.

The Sisters live close to ordinary people and share their sorrows and troubles with them first hand, and the people trust the Sisters, for they know that whenever they have a problem they will find an open ear and a helping hand. Today, the congregation numbers 150 Sisters, and the Sisters of the initial foundation have now passed on responsibility to younger hands; now it is they themselves who are in need of loving care.

At present the Sisters are receiving care in Musoma, in the north of the country. With financial help from ACN, they have acquired a small herd of cattle and a vegetable garden, so that the elderly Sisters can have a little milk and the occasional egg, meat and vegetables to eat. This is enough for their own needs, but there is nothing left over to sell at market and so bring in a little money. As a result, the Sisters are dependent on outside support, especially for medical care; they need medicine, mobility aids, glasses, among other things, and many have to undergo operations. Theirs is a local African community, with no mother house abroad to help them.

ACN has promised him $8,800. Will you help so that these frail, elderly and handicapped Sisters in Tanzania can be given the same loving care that they gave to others throughout their working lives? We are sure they will remember you in their grateful prayers.

Progress: 7% Raised: $ 575     Goal: $ 8800

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