Formation for Religious Sisters in India

It all began with eight young women in 1942. The Bishop of Shillong at the time was aware that many families in the north and northeast of India — most of whom belong to the disadvantaged ethnic minorities — were living in deep poverty. In order to help them, he founded a religious community, the Missionary Sisters of Mary Help of Christians.

Today, the more than 1,460 sisters of this congregation belong to some 68 different indigenous ethnic groups. This ethnic background helps them to be close to the local people and understand them better. “The fact that they live in harmony and mutual love is a powerful witness in a society marked by ethnic conflicts and violent clashes,” says Sister Jessy Mathew.

The sisters have plenty of work on their hands. The young people in particular need guidance, since they can see little future for themselves and often take refuge in drugs, which in turn leads to a high rate of HIV/AIDS. Equally, the social media they have access to, and which they follow uncritically, portray a false lifestyle, which further confuses and frustrates them. As a result, the sisters feel they have to step in and teach them true values. They also support the women and care for the street children, and on top of this, they actively help in the parishes by teaching catechism.

To be of service, the sisters themselves also need a solid formation — one that will enable them to give “the best of what they have in them,” as Sister Jessy explains. Given their lack of resources, we are proposing to help with a total of $10,400 for the training of 26 of these young religious sisters.

Will you join us in helping them?