In 2003, Sister Mary Rita Rohde, SNJM, of the U.S.-Ontario Province, founded Nuestra Casa. Today, through education, advocacy, and mutual support, Nuestra Casa empowers immigrants to create positive changes, enriching themselves, their families, and their communities.

What inspired you to found Nuestra Casa?

In 2002, I returned to the Yakima Valley in Washington State after serving on our Congregational Leadership Team for five years in Longueuil, Quebec. Because I had worked at Heritage University in the Yakima Valley prior to being in Quebec, I knew there were some unmet needs among the diverse population of the Valley. Thus, I interviewed 80 knowledgeable persons (teachers, social workers, church outreach workers, etc.), asking one question, “What is the greatest unmet need among low-income women and children in the lower Yakima Valley?” I shared the results of these interviews with our local Sisters and Associates and invited them to gather and discern to what ministry I was being called. As we discussed the information I had shared, it became obvious that the group of Valley residents who were most underserved and most vulnerable were immigrant women from Latin America.  Sister Margaret Downey, the eldest of the seven Sisters present, said, “Sister, you are an educator through and through, so you need to do something to educate immigrant women.” Everyone agreed! Thus birthed the concept of founding a non-profit to educate and empower immigrant women.

What were the primary challenges you faced in establishing Nuestra Casa?

It can be daunting to establish a new non-profit, but many knowledgeable colleagues and friends made it possible. I was fortunate to know a competent lawyer who was familiar with doing the paperwork to establish a non-profit organization. It wasn’t difficult to recruit members for a Board of Directors. And of course, money was needed.  Because I had learned to raise money for Heritage University, I knew how to raise funds, but I realized that would take time. So, I asked the SNJM Washington Provincial Leadership Team if they would fully fund Nuestra Casa the first year and fund half of the budget the second year, which they agreed to do.  Our staff was just me and two half-time employees, and we were able to use the Sunnyside Catholic Church facilities, so our budget was small. Although Nuestra Casa is an independent non-profit, founding it would not have been possible without the assistance of the Sisters of the Holy Names!

Because there were so many needs among the immigrant community, we began immediately to collaborate with other agencies and churches to offer services. We invited a police officer to teach in Spanish what was needed to pass the written portion of the test to get a driver’s license. Our first class enrolled 45 students which was understandable since there is no public transportation in the lower Yakima Valley, and most immigrants need to drive a car to get to their work in the fields and orchards. Along with two police departments we helped hundreds of immigrants get their driver’s licenses! A sampling of collaboration with other groups has included five churches, the local community college and three local public-school districts in offering English classes; clinics and the local hospital doing workshops about health issues; Heritage University teaching GED classes.  Individual volunteers have included a young man who taught fitness classes and a man who taught citizenship classes.

How would you say the SNJM spirit is reflected in Nuestra Casa’s endeavors?

While Nuestra Casa was founded to educate and empower immigrant women, men are also welcome. Hospitality is one of those SNJM values that one feels immediately upon entering the Nuestra Casa building. Immigrants are joyfully greeted and asked how Nuestra Casa can be of help. People may want to enroll in a class or register for an event or have a question about services. If the person needs a service that Nuestra Casa cannot provide, staff assist the inquirer to get in touch with an agency that can be of help.

For SNJMs, education is about much more than academics. At Nuestra Casa the full development of the person is evidenced in the large variety of offerings, including celebrations. A sense of community and belonging is fostered in classes, workshops and events. Care of Earth and the environment is demonstrated through workshops and care to avoid buying anything plastic when possible. Women’s Justice Circles sponsored by IPJC have addressed local and State justice issues with success.

Four SNJM Sisters have been on the Nuestra Casa Board at various times; three Sisters have been on the staff for a few years. SNJM Associates have been involved as an Executive Director, as a staff member, as a Board member, and one is currently a volunteer English teacher. For short periods of time various Sisters and Associates have brought students from Holy Names institutions to volunteer at Nuestra Casa. Our SNJM spirit and values have permeated this ministry.

What are you most proud of regarding this organization?

What makes me most proud is that Nuestra Casa is run by immigrant women. (I am a volunteer English teacher but otherwise have no official role at Nuestra Casa.)  The growth and expansion of Nuestra Casa’s services are due to its very competent leadership team who are all immigrant women. Of the eleven regular staff all but one are immigrant women.  When the staff become aware of needs in the immigrant community, they act to address those needs and find the funds to do so. One of the most impactful programs they have developed is the all-encompassing Citizenship Program. Three staff have been trained and certified by the U.S. Department of Justice to assist immigrants with the legal work necessary to apply for citizenship, thus saving immigrants the $2,000-$10,000 they would have paid lawyers for this service. This program includes Citizenship classes and individualized assistance for the 60 immigrants who annually complete the arduous process to become U.S. citizens. Annually with all its programs Nuestra Casa serves about 1,500 families from a building it is in the process of purchasing!

 

 

Sister Joanne Pundyk, SNJM, has been serving in Brazil since 1987. She is one of five SNJM sisters who founded the Centro Social Madre Maria Rosa. Located in the city of Maceió, the center serves the community by offering educational and recreational programs for children and adolescents (ages 7–14), artisanry classes, and adult literacy initiatives.

The center’s mission is to empower those in vulnerable situations through holistic development, active solidarity, and advocacy aimed at transforming unjust systems to ensure human dignity. This mission also encompasses supporting people affected by human trafficking, a critical issue in the region.

From a Brazilian perspective, how would you describe the current landscape of human trafficking?  

The issue of human trafficking continues to be a massive problem that undermines the human and spiritual values of the Brazilian people. It occurs on local, national, and international levels. It is directly related to impoverishment, a lack of gender equality, and a complete disregard for human dignity. A significant percentage of the persons caught in the web of human trafficking come from the northern and northeastern regions of the country—regions which have the highest number of people living in vulnerable conditions. On the positive side, there is a national plan by the federal government, now in its fourth edition, to address human trafficking and involve the population in reporting violations. Networks, such as Rede Um Grito Pela Vida, are directly involved in the struggle to eliminate this evil.  

Regarding the efforts to address human trafficking, what do you consider to be the primary achievement of Centro Social Madre Maria Rosa?  

The Centro Social Madre Maria Rosa—located in the city of Maceió on the northeastern coast of Brazil, which receives nearly a million tourists per year—is a safe harbor for children, adolescents, and women living on the periphery of the city. In terms of human trafficking, we have been able to raise awareness regarding what it is, how it happens, its consequences, and our responsibility to report suspected cases. Education is a vital element of prevention, and prevention saves lives.  

What has been your greatest source of satisfaction after all these years dedicated to helping young people? What drives you to pursue your mission in Brazil?  

I am happy that, as a team of dedicated people, we have provided a safe place for children, women, and their families to value their human dignity, develop their talents, and assume their roles in their community. People know that we are there for them, and so they become “multipliers” of what they have learned at our center.   I continue to live out my mission in Brazil because I am called to do so; it is a vocation. I experience much happiness and peace in being part of a group of people who are signs of hope among the challenges and adverse situations of our reality. The love and resilience of Mother Marie Rose is a constant inspiration for me.

In Canada, nearly 1,700,000 people[i] have reported experiencing homelessness at some point in their lives. In the province of Québec, approximately 330,000 people[ii] have gone through homelessness. Among them, 37,400 women have experienced visible homelessness, meaning they had to live on the street, in a park, a car, or a makeshift shelter.

Recently, La Presse reported that in 2025, “seven emergency shelters for homeless women in Montréal,” Québec’s largest city, “recorded more than 41,000 refusals for accommodation due to lack of space.”

In this context, an organization like La rue des Femmes, which “provides curative and preventive relational health care to women experiencing or at risk of homelessness,” is essential.

The Deputy Executive Director of La rue des Femmes, Louise Waridel, answered our questions to shed light on the urgent issue of women’s homelessness. It is worth noting that this organization is part of the collaborative ministries of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary.

Have you noticed improvements or increased vulnerability in women’s living conditions over the past few years?

I have been working in the field of homelessness and living in Montréal for the last 20 years. It is undeniable: we are seeing a dramatic increase in the number of people experiencing homelessness and a significant deterioration of women’s conditions. Their reality has become more complex, more intense, and, in many cases, more difficult.

However, it would be unfair to say that no progress has been made. There is greater public recognition of the realities faced by women experiencing homelessness, more research on the subject, and more discussion of trauma-informed approaches.

Nevertheless, on the ground, needs are growing faster than resources. Teams are exhausted, waiting lists are getting longer, and structural solutions are slow to materialize. When resources are scarce, people in precarious situations tend to be forgotten, and we lose sight of our intention to be a community grounded in values of hospitality, democracy, and openness to the world.

In times of crisis, those who most quickly find themselves in situations of precarity and adversity—those who endure the most difficult circumstances—are women, racialized people, Indigenous people, people of diverse gender identities, and those who are physically, psychologically, or relationally vulnerable.

Why do we speak of the “invisibility” of homelessness among women?

We speak of invisible homelessness among women because their reality often does not fit the public image of homelessness. When we imagine a homeless person, we often think of someone sleeping on the street, visible in public spaces. For many women, this is not the case; they experience what is known as “hidden” or “invisible” homelessness.

Rather than sleeping outside, some women choose to stay on the sofa of a relative, an acquaintance, or a partner, often accepting precarious arrangements to avoid the streets. They may stay temporarily with someone in exchange for domestic services, financial contributions, or, sometimes, under pressure. This arrangement allows them to avoid some of the immediate dangers of the street, but it creates unequal power dynamics that lead to exploitation.

Women also develop protection strategies to avoid being identified as “homeless.” They may make great efforts to maintain a neat appearance, hold on to a job, or stay active in they community to hide their housing instability. This ability to adapt contributes to their invisibility. Fear of violence also plays a central role in these strategies.

Why are homeless women more likely to experience violence?

Women experiencing homelessness live in an environment marked by instability, insecurity, and various forms of violence (physical, psychological, sexual, economic, and systemic). In a context where resources are limited and everyone is struggling to meet basic needs—food, housing, safety—tensions can quickly escalate into violence.

Living on the street therefore becomes a daily struggle for survival.

Substance use is also an aggravating factor. The cycle of addiction, combined with lack of sleep, malnutrition, and constant stress, can alter judgment and increase impulsive behaviors—both in the women themselves and in those around them. Situations involving the purchase, sale, or exchange of substances particularly expose women to exploitation, coercion, and assault.

Women are also often perceived as physically vulnerable, which can make them prime targets for aggressors. Some may be forced to exchange sexual services for a place to sleep, food, or protection, placing them in deeply unequal power dynamics.

Systemic violence further compounds these challenges. Social, judicial, and medical institutions are not always well adapted to the realities of homeless women. They may encounter judgment, stigma, or a lack of understanding. Prejudices suggesting they are responsible for their situation, or that they are unstable, or not credible, further marginalize them and limit their access to protection and support.

In short, women experiencing homelessness are more exposed to violence due to a complex web of individual, social, and structural factors. Their vulnerability is not a personal weakness, but rather a result of a context shaped by gender inequality, cumulative trauma, and insufficient protection.

Why is it so difficult for these women to obtain housing?

The current situation is complex. The shortage of affordable housing, rising rents, and high demand place landlords in a position of power, allowing them to be much more selective when choosing tenants. In this context, women receiving social assistance, those without stable employment, or those without recent landlord references are often excluded. Prejudices related to homelessness, mental health, or substance use further reinforce this exclusion.

Paradoxically, when we talk about homelessness, the greatest challenge is not only finding housing, but keeping it. If we skip essential steps, we risk setting homeless people up for failure again, and making them even more vulnerable.

When a person’s health has deteriorated to the point where going outside, cooking, or taking care of personal hygiene feels like an impossible task, maintaining housing is extremely difficult. When past traumas make the darkness of the night, noises, and the loneliness of an apartment feel terrifying, it only takes a few weeks for a person to return to the street.

Almost all the women who come to La rue des Femmes have experienced trauma in the face of dehumanizing structures and systems. As a result, they have lost trust in themselves and in others. This is why, at La rue des Femmes, we speak of relational health—the capacity to be in connection with oneself and with others. When something inside has been broken, time is needed for healing before a person can begin rebuilding her life.

That is why the solution cannot be limited to simply obtaining housing. First, we must offer a safe environment where healing can begin. We need spaces where trauma is recognized, where support is continuous, and where women can reflect on the type of environment that would truly suit them.

Sustainable housing is built through listening, psychosocial support, and the gradual rebuilding of autonomy. Sometimes, the answers women give regarding about their needs do not fit the traditional models we imagine—which challenges us to rethink our approaches and adapt our solutions.

[i] Statistics Canada, 2023

[ii] Government of Québec, 2021

SNJM Sister Karen Conlin has dedicated forty-five years to teaching music at the Holy Names Music Center (HNMC). She uses her skill as a music educator and professional cellist to promote peace, dignity, and hope. She occasionally plays the cello with other musicians for weddings, funerals, and other special events. She is currently a member of the U.S.-Ontario Province.

The heritage of the Holy Names Music Center spans more than a century. In 1888, five Sisters of the Holy Names arrived in Spokane from Portland, Oregon, to open an elementary school; piano lessons were already being offered before the end of that first year.

What is special about the HNMC, and what do you like most about it?

The Holy Names Music Center is distinguished by its vibrant, collaborative environment. I deeply value the opportunity to work alongside such a dedicated faculty, where we don’t just share teaching techniques and ideas, but also enjoy a genuine sense of camaraderie through our joint projects.

The Center provides us with dedicated teaching studios and access to the recital hall for performances. Perhaps most significantly, the school manages all billing and financial logistics with families, allowing us to focus entirely on our students. I also find great joy in the variety of our student recitals—ranging from piano and strings to vocal and guitar—and the fact that our facility supports summer camps, group lessons, and rehearsal space for local orchestras.

How are the HNMC’s activities in line with the Sisters of the Holy Names’ mission or educational goals?

Our work is rooted in the legacy of Mother Marie Rose, who founded the community on the conviction that education is a matter of justice and compassion—one that should be accessible to all children, regardless of wealth.

We believe in educating the “whole human person,” which means nurturing the soul and a sense of beauty alongside academic subjects. Our goal is to enrich every student: while some will pursue music as a career, others will find lifelong personal pleasure in playing, and many will become informed, appreciative audience members. To ensure this mission remains inclusive, we offer a generous financial aid scholarship fund that serves as a cornerstone of our community.

What difference can such an organization make in a society?

The Holy Names Music Center serves as a pillar of stability; our long-term presence in the Spokane area is a testament to our commitment to the community. By offering music education in a wide array of instruments and styles—through both private and group instruction—we provide a vital cultural and educational resource that enriches the lives of local residents.

What are your hopes for the future of the HNM Center?

My primary hope is to secure the long-term sustainability of the Center. This support will allow us to better invest in our dedicated faculty and ensure our facilities remain a high-quality environment for learning, preserving our status as a premier space for musical growth for years to come.

Learn more about the Holy Names Music Center here: hnmc.org

Sister Ana María has been a member of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM) since 1999. She is currently part of the U.S.-Ontario Province.

Talitha Kum is the international network of consecrated life against human trafficking, to which the SNJM sisters belong.

Sister Ana María, how long have you been involved in the work against human trafficking, and in what ways do you contribute?

Although I do not hold an official position within the SNJM Congregation, in recent years I have participated in the efforts against human trafficking in several ways:

• as the National Coordinator of the Kawsay Peru Network since 2020.
• as a member of the Commission Against Human Trafficking of CLAR (Latin American Confederation of Religious) since 2023.
• as the Coordinator of the Training Program for Young Leaders against human trafficking for Latin America and the Caribbean since 2023.

What does this appointment as the Regional Representative of Talitha Kum mean to you?

I accept the role of Regional Representative of Talitha Kum for Latin America and the Caribbean with deep gratitude and a keen sense of responsibility. I am grateful for the trust placed in me to continue this shared mission in service of human dignity, particularly for those most vulnerable to trafficking and exploitation.

The Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary took a stand against human trafficking as early as 2004. My journey within the Kawsay Peru Network—which I joined in 2016 and have coordinated nationally since 2020—has strengthened my conviction in the value of networking and collective action. I feel this appointment is a recognition of the path we have traveled together and our membership in various continental networks that share the same mission.

Do you believe you can bring about changes or contribute to the evolution of certain processes?

My commitment as Regional Representative is to listen, coordinate, and strengthen existing processes in different countries, fostering the exchange of experiences, local leadership, and a shared regional vision that responds to our challenges.

How do you view the current situation and what are your hopes for the future?

Latin America and the Caribbean face structural challenges such as poverty, violence, organized crime, climate change, and forced migration, which increase the vulnerability of many people. In this context, I recognize with hope the resilience and commitment of national networks, as well as the active participation of young leaders and lay collaborators who, alongside the sisters, are advancing pathways of prevention, protection, and solidarity.

Talitha Kum, as an international network, invites us to journey together by coordinating comprehensive responses ranging from prevention to protection, including advocacy and accompaniment, in a dynamic of collaboration, listening, and mutual learning between regions.

I look toward the future with hope and the certainty that by working as a network and in spirit of synodality, we can continue to promote the freedom, justice, and dignity of all people. I thank Sister Abby and my Congregation for their trust and encouragement as I assume this new service.

I entrust this service to God and Mother Marie-Rose, for a world free from human trafficking.

You can learn more about Talitha Kum here: www.talithakum.info/en/

Inter-Congregational Journey to Qacha’s Nek

Wow! It is so nourishing to realize that in the field of the Gospel there are still people who are so determined to do what they are called for. On May 18, 2025, many religious women and men went out to visit Qacha’s Nek to awaken the spirit of the youth and invite them to consider a religious vocation. Qacha’s Nek is an approximately four-hour drive from Maseru, through the mountains, to the southern part of Lesotho. Thirteen Sisters of the Holy Names made this journey by bus with the other religious women and men. (Video)

The welcome the religious received was extraordinary! In addition to two Bishops, John Joale Tlhomola, S.C.P. (Mohales’ Hoek) and Joseph Sephamola O.M.I. (Qacha’s Nek) the cathedral where the gathering was held was crowded with many youth from different schools and adult Christians. After the inspiring and joy-filled mass, each community presented their different charisms and the foundations of their congregations. The youth were very interested in knowing more about religious life. Bishop Tlhomola encouraged the religious to visit more often places that are faraway, like Qacha’s Nek.  The visits are opportunities for the youth to meet religious and to learn more about religious life.

Synodal Journey On Gender-Based Violence and Theft

“A true pilgrimage is measured not only by the distance traveled but by the kindness shared along the way.”
Pope Francis

On April 18, 2025, three churches gathered at Peka, St. Rose, to pray against gender- based violence which seems to be increasing in numbers in that region. The churches were: St. Rose Parish (R.C.C), Lesotho Evangelical Church of Southern Africa (LECSA) and Anglican Church of Lesotho (A.C.L). It was so thrilling to see that people and churches were on the same page, seeing things in one direction. Another big problem in the region is theft. Other people seem to enjoy taking what does not belong to them from other people who worked hard for them. Things like this, many people can ignore or try to avoid and not face them. But as the community of Peka, people came together and talked about how to deal with these issues. Mr. Tumelo Matsie as the councilor of Peka said “We are now facing the difficulties of the time, but that does not have to shake us because God is testing us. God just wants to test our conscience. Are we ready to do the right thing or are we willing to test God too? I guess this is our wakeup call as the community unites and fights what is happening in our community.”  (The Sisters are a key part of the Peka community and have a significant presence. The novitiate, residence for our senior sisters, boarding school, large meeting space for community gatherings, St. Rose Primary School and St. Rose Health Centre are in Peka.)

Supporting Immigrants and Refugees

SNJM’s Immigrant and Refugee Fund was established in 2019 to support organizations that directly serve people who live outside their country of origin or have been displaced within their country. On an annual basis, Sisters establish partnerships with organizations to find effective ways to provide resources for migrants and refugees.

 

Adelante Mujeres

Adelante Mujeres, which translates to “Women Rise Up,” was founded in Oregon in 2002 to serve under-represented communities. The organization’s first adult education program, led by Bridget Cooke and Sister Barbara Raymond, “formed a group that could talk about what they had really always wanted to do, but had never had the opportunity,” said Sister Barbara. That became a theme of Adelante Mujeres work: listening to the aspirations of passionate women and building programs and services to support their efforts.

Approximately 98% of participants in Adelante Mujeres’s programs are low or extremely low-income and an estimated 91% are first-generation immigrants. The “Casa Qui” program and storefront helps Latine women-owned businesses meet capital and financial requirements to enter the market. The “CHICAS” program served over 600 young people in 2024, providing after-school programs, field trips and summer camps.

SNJM’s grant supports Adelante Mujeres’s Leadership and Advocacy programs, including their “Immigration Academy,” which educates participants on immigration policies affecting their communities.

Through education, entrepreneurship and advocacy, Adelante Mujeres continues to create opportunities for Latine women and youth, empowering them to lead and shape a more inclusive community.

 

 

 

Immigrant Resources and Immediate Support (IRIS)

Bellingham, Washington’s Immigrant Resources and Immediate Support (IRIS) provides immediate assistance to immigrants and refugees experiencing a temporary period of crisis. The organization works to get assistance to families as quickly as possible, cutting through the red tape that immigrants often experience attaining resources. Sister Susan Wells, a member of the SNJM Congregational Leadership Team, is a member of the IRIS Advisory Board. “IRIS is unique in that we respond very quickly to urgent situations and provide low-barrier access to support services,” she said.

SNJM’s grant will assist in funding this critical work. IRIS plays a significant role in the network of community services that respect the human dignity of all members of the Skagit and Whatcom County communities. Sister Susan summarized, “The SNJM investment in IRIS has had a tremendous direct impact on the lives of so many immigrants and refugees who often have nowhere else to turn for support.”

Angela Rose House, a sponsored ministry of the Sisters of the Holy Names in Windsor, Ontario, serves as a sanctuary for refugee claimants seeking safety, stability and a fresh start. The house, donated in 2007 by the Ursuline Sisters of Chatham, opened its doors to refugees in February 2008. Named in honor of Ursuline foundress St. Angela Merici and SNJM foundress Blessed MarieRose Durocher, the house commemorates the lives of two women born 350 years apart who shared a vision of compassion and hospitality.

The three-story home provides temporary shelter for up to 10 people. In 2022, SNJM opened Oak House to complement Angela Rose House. This additional two-story home accommodates 10-12 individuals and serves as a transitional space for refugees ready to integrate into the community and achieve independence.

Refugees (families and single women) arrive first to Angela Rose House and, once they have completed their immigration application and begin working, move to Oak House to prepare for resettlement and integration into the Windsor community. Ilda Demir, who has served as coordinator of the homes for more than seven years, works directly with the residents, getting them settled and providing resources.

The impact of Angela Rose and Oak Houses is evident in the stories of its residents. Florence, a former resident, reflected, “When I arrived in Canada, I was welcomed here at the Angela Rose House. This has been my home since I entered Canada, and I thank God that I am now a Canadian citizen. I was helped with every need, regardless of how big. Truly, this is a place of hope.”

Another resident who moved to Oak House in January 2024 shared a similar sentiment: “I am so thankful for Ilda bringing us here from the immigration hotels, where I couldn’t cook and didn’t have enough space for my girls. Thank you to God for bringing the Angela Rose and Oak Houses into existence. It is a home filled with love, peace and laughter. A home where you are well taken care of, where the Sisters make sure you are safe. A home of no discrimination. My safe place.”

Besides offering transitional housing, Angela Rose House staff help the refugees with settlement, work with them to understand and complete the refugee claimant process, provide emotional support, walk them through registering children in school and adults for ESL classes, accompany them to appointments, and prepare them for independence. All the services aim to make the entire process easier for them as they settle into their home and integrate into the community.

For over 16 years, Angela Rose House has welcomed more than 360 refugees from 43 countries. Today, 20 refugees, including children, are residents of the two houses, continuing their journeys of rebuilding their lives in Canada. The benefits are long-lasting. Many of the refugees who have been through the houses maintain connections with each other as a supportive community.

The Angela Rose and Oak Street Houses are more than a refuge. They are a symbol of hope, resilience and the enduring spirit of hospitality that transforms lives and inspires communities.

“We celebrate you, Sisters, because you have persevered,” said SNJM Sister Barbara Spears at the graduation ceremony for 64 Sisters in Ghana. Graduates recently completed the Sister Leadership and Development Initiative program presented by the African Sisters Education Collaborative (ASEC). “I believe these Sisters have acquired competencies that will allow them to bring valuable change and growth to their ministries. The skills acquired do not end with the individual Sister, but rather they are tools for service to your congregations, the diocese, communities, society and yes, the people of God.”

Sister Barbara traveled to West Africa for two weeks in August of 2024 as the Board Chair of ASEC to attend joyful celebrations in Ghana and Nigeria, speaking to groups of graduates as they completed ASEC’s three-year program. ASEC, a U.S. organization that serves thousands of Sisters in Africa, has been funding education for 25 years, including leadership development, high school scholarships, higher education and two-year college programs.

SNJM first started relationships with communities in Africa when a group of Sisters traveled to the Southern African country of Lesotho in 1931. Healthcare-focused ministry work during the mission trip led to the creation of several healthcare centers including Lesotho’s Maryland Health Center. Today, SNJM’s Lesotho Province is an active community of over 70 Sisters. Twenty-seven of those Sisters have graduated from ASEC leadership and technology programs in the past decade, and Sister Francina Mokoteli is now Director of ASEC programs in Lesotho.

Education is a core component of many SNJM ministries because of its transformational impact. ASEC’s work supports communities in 11 countries in sub-Saharan Africa that face obstacles of poverty, chronic hunger, disease, ecological degradation and violence. Forty-eight percent of Sisters in these countries lack higher education credentials and access to the training they need to effectively carry out their service work (ASEC Congregation Survey, 2019-2020). ASEC programs help Sisters lead with education, strengthening their communities from within and making a difference in the lives of the most vulnerable and marginalized individuals in Africa.

Support of ASEC is part of SNJM’s response to the needs of our world and our commitment to “deepen our capacity to live our oneness and interdependence with the whole Earth community,” (SNJM Acts of the 35th Chapter, 2021). Sister Barbara said to the new group of leaders in Ghana, “We are challenged as women religious to examine the ways in which we can individually and collectively bridge the gap. You and I can do it.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Entry into the Novitiate

On January 7^th, 2025, the SNJM Lesotho Province was blessed with Sister Agnes Thefane, Sister Helena Mohasoa and Sister Remigia Ramang who entered the novitiate at Peka, St. Rose. The reception into the novitiate took place during the Holy Mass, led by Father Makhata, and was attended by many sisters from the Province and included two CLT members, Sister Linda Haydock and Sister Mary Haupt. In his homily, Father Makhata told the new Novices that they must have hope and love for the congregation. 

 

Celebration of First Profession

Early in the morning of January 8, the congregation welcomed five first vowed Sisters, namely Sister Alice Leroba, Sister Augustina Mokhosi, Sister Violet Makhetha, Sister Jenifer Phakalasane and Sister Anacletta Tsunyane.

 

 

 

 

 

Welcoming Three Young Women as SNJM Candidates

What an overwhelming moment to see young women so determined to dedicate themselves to God! 14^th February 2025 was a wonderful day to welcome Mary Damane, Mary Ann Mapule and Eulalia Mohale as Candidates in the SNJM Congregation at St Theresa Chapel in Bela-Bela. As the congregation at large we take this as a blessing from God to see the SNJM family growing in numbers of young sisters, especially in these days where we are having challenges of vocations in the whole world. One of these young women said these touching words that made each of us to think more about our vocations, “Lord, if you did not call me, please call me know I am already here”.