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The mission of Santo Domingo is truly an international community of Sisters in service to the people. Sister Mary Providence Kriley is from the United States , Hermana Myriam Colón from Puerto Rico, and Schwester Monika Mrosek is from Germany . They were recently joined by Sister Noel Han from Korea . What follows are some thoughts on their ministry . . . in their own words.
Sister Mary Providence Kriley Endeavoring to live the Good News of the Gospel, I daily serve the elderly poor people in St. Martin de Porres Center. My loving attention is extended to the infirm people of the parish with whom I visit and weekly encourage with Communion services in their homes.
Hermana Myriam Colón The program Infantil Emmanuel began about five years ago in response to the crisis created by the barrio of Las Canitas in the Dominican Republic where Hermana Myriam Colón ministers. About 125 children ages 5 to 12 participate in the program. Thirty-five counselors work with these children under the direction of Hermana Myriam. Twelve of these counselors were once participants in the program. Hermana Myriam also has organized a group of young women from various parishes who are participating in vocational discernment.
Schwester Monika Mrosek One of the first projects in the parish is the children's center Hogar Pituca Floies. It is situated in the poorest area of the Barrio near the river. Two hundred sixty children from age 3 to 10 are cared for there. The purpose is to give the children nutrition and education. Treat them with love and respect and show them God's kingdom. Sister Monika is working there as director for ten years, together with young women of the parish.
Sister Noel Han... [April 2004] It is only 17 days since I arrived in Santo Domingo . Almost everything here is different from Korea , such as the way of greeting, table manners, foods, language and so on. I met local people through our Sisters' ministries. They are kind and warm-hearted people. I am touched with compassion when I see their suffering. Their faith impressed me very much. Unlike the short Christian history of Korea , these local people seem to have integrated the Christian faith well into their daily lives, into their customs, their holidays, and their manner of speaking, etc. The presence of Sisters Mary, Monika, and Myriam convinces me of my calling once again. To me, these Sisters simply accepted these people and their way of living, so they are not like strangers here any more. The Sisters are living here as friends and real neighbors. The Sisters are not here merely to satisfy the physical needs of people, but they are here to share their joy and pleasure, together with their sorrow and difficulties. A Korean missionary priest once told me that we should not confuse the role of the missionary as that of a giver . But, rather, we must understand and accept the local people as our friends and neighbors. This is the most important thing for a missionary to remember. Consequently, from now on, I know what I am supposed to do. I must willingly share all new experiences in this ministry, and be happy to share my heart and my faith with these people in whatever I do. In addition, I will share my love with the Sisters, as I accept their love for me. Eventually, by carrying out our commitment wherever God calls us, we will make Providence visible as we harvest the fruits in due season.
Click the appropriate link below for our Spanish versions of "What It Means to Be A Woman of Providence" and/or Providencia Viva! Please Note: PDF Versions require Adobe Reader
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