Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Hope for the Future

Sr. Lisa, a Canossian sister, has posted on her blog a letter from Sr. Giovanna Tosi, the Provincial Leader of North-Eastern Africa, requesting prayers for the people of Sudan particularly the newly recognized Republic of South Sudan. Please take a moment to read the entire letter... it's incredibly moving and informative as to the real needs of the people who are most directly affected right now.

Geographically we are in the North Sudan, predominantly Muslim, while the Republic of South Sudan is Christian. Our 12 Sisters there are safe, though stressed by the tension of the uncertainty of this moment. Our ministries, however, are affected; our institutions had some Christian staff and co-workers from the South. The North Sudan Government has issued a rule that obliged all employers to terminate the work contract with employees from the South, giving them their due and forcing them to return to South Sudan. Because of this we lost many teachers and collaborators, but even with shortage of personnel, sisters continue with the mission of education and serve the students in our schools regardless of who and which religion.
It remains with us now, as Sr. Margaret Peter mentioned in her recent prayer appeal for Sudan, the search for God’s will and the continuity of our presence in the North Sudan. Dearest Sisters, do not get tired to pray with us and for us, for the discernment we are called to do and the choices and decisions we have to make.

 God bless these sisters in their work! Please add their intentions to your prayers!

Prayer in Honor of St. Josephine Bakhita

To obtain favor from St. Josephine Bakhita please say this prayer, an Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be and kindly remember to pray for our suffering Christian brothers and sisters in Sudan, her native land, who at this very moment are being persecuted, sold into slavery, and converted against their will to the Muslim religion:

Loving God, rewarder of the humble, you blessed St. Josephine Bakhita with charity and patience. May her prayers help us, and her example inspire us to carry our cross and to love you always. Pour upon us the spirit of wisdom and love with which you filled St. Josephine Bakhita.
By serving you as she did, may we please you by our faith and our actions. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.


3 comments:

  1. I am wondering if these sisters get help from Aid to the Church in Need. It is a group we donate to regularly.

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  2. We are so fortunate here in America. Praying. thank you for making me aware.

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  3. Wow. It's easy to forget that this kid of guerilla missionary work is still going on -- and that real martyrdom is still a possibility for our missionary Sisters and priests. God bless them. Renewed prayers on their way. Thanks for this letter and reminder of the aid needed.

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Thank you for sharing your thoughts and yourself!