Joined Together in the Mission of Charity

Journey to Ecuador for the Seton Hill sisters

Seton Hill sisters in Ecuador

Every summer, sisters from the US and Korean provinces of the Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill participate in an Interprovincial Experience of Charism and Ministry (IECM), which includes a 10-day immersion experience living and working in Pedro Carbo, Ecuador. The Seton Hill congregation has five sisters missioned there at a school for children with special needs and a medical clinic.

General Superior Sister Sung Hae Kim and General Councilor Sister Carole Blazina led the IECM participants in four days of presentations, discussions, and faith sharing in Chicago before the group began their long journey to Ecuador. Sister Tracy Kemme SC-C and Sister Janet Gildea SC-C met them in Pedro Carbo. They served as Spanish-English translators and joined in all activities. Participants spent time sharing crafts, music and games with the children at IECESM school, visiting student’s homes, and traveling to a remote village to host a festival of sorts with the local children.

Seton Hill sisters in Ecuador

“It’s just a wonderful support for the people and the sisters that we come there every year,” said participant and group leader Sister Jane Ann Cherubin. “It really shows how you can work together with different nationalities and can work together for a common good. It’s also a wonderful experience for us to rededicate our lives in working with those that are in need.”

Sister Grace Hartzog also participated in this year’s ministry experience and wrote blog entries for each day of their journey. Read the excerpt below: (read all the blog entries here)

Day 11: July 29, 2016

 

“The harvest is ready; the workers are few. Come with me into the village!” This mantra continued in our hearts and minds throughout the day as we traveled to a remote village to share with children and their families today. At 7:00 AM, the INESEM faculty and staff loaded the truck with food, games and supplies to share their gifts with the children.

 

We traveled on uneven gravel roads for almost two hours and in spite of the cows crossing the road who stood in protest we arrived in time to greet children who walked miles or were transported by horses or motorcycles to share the day with us.

 

Once again, we joined dedicated teachers, who witness daily the Sisters of Charity charism because of our Korean missionaries. They provided endless fun and learning opportunities for the 50 children who have only two small rooms for their classrooms and three teachers each day…

 

Read more blog entries

 

Seton Hill sister group in Ecuador

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