A Minibus for Sisters in Uganda

The Little Sisters of Saint Francis are a local congregation founded in 1923 by the Irish Franciscan Sister Mary Kevin Kearney, who first came to Uganda in 1902. She started with five other sisters, initially working under the shade of a tree, treating the sick and teaching the people reading, writing, and basic hygiene. And at the same time, of course, they taught them the Faith. Additionally, she and her fellow sisters established orphanages, hospitals, schools, and maternity centers, and Sister Mary went on to found a local African congregation, since more and more sisters were needed to support the community.

Today, the congregation is present not only in Uganda, but in Kenya, Tanzania, and the United States, too. The Little Sisters of Saint Francis care for street children, orphans, the elderly, and the handicapped everywhere. They are also active in the prison ministry and in caring for the sick; they teach in the schools, counsel families, and give catechetical instruction in the parishes.

By now, the congregation has 801 sisters and is blessed with numerous new vocations. Each year, there are between 60 and 70 young women in their formation house in eastern Uganda, training for a lifetime of service to God and their African brothers and sisters. In fact, as part of their training, they are working in hospitals, prisons, and schools, and visiting families with problems like domestic violence. 

But until recently, it was difficult for the congregation to ferry these young novices and sisters to the places where they worked, which meant that the range of their work was limited. But now, thanks to your help of 21,580 dollars, the sisters have been able to purchase a minibus. As a result, they have increased the number of weekly visits to 50, intensifying and extending the help they can offer. They send their heartfelt thanks to all of you who made this possible.

Code: 158-05-29