Ministry in Peru

The Sisters of Mercy have been in Peru since 1961 when a group of six sisters took the long journey to participate in the mission of the Archdiocese of St. John’s in Monsefu, Chiclayo.

Today they minister in two areas of the country – in Chiclayo Diocese on the Pacific coast and in Cajamarca Diocese in the Andes mountains. Six sisters of the Congregation of the Sisters of Mercy of Newfoundland (including two native Peruvians) work with the people, especially the poor, in approximately forty five towns and small villages in these two regions of Peru.

In 2008 there is a novice and a postulant, both Peruvian women, who have chosen to join our community and ministry in their home country. They share the life of our Congregation as well as the life of other women in the initial formation program in Lima. These sisters are Peruvians who are preparing to become professed members of Mercy congregations based in Newfoundland, the United States and Ireland.

The sisters in Peru work closely with the people in catechetics, adult education, and in the various aspects of parish and liturgical life. They serve as teachers, social workers, advocates and champions of social justice. Through international connections the sisters frequently obtain and administer grants and other assistance for their many projects.

Supporting the ministry

Monies donated to the Misericordia Mission Fund are used to provide basic needs for poor families-food, clothing, fuel, medicine, education and shelter. Many children receive basic education and sometimes, post secondary education through donations to the fund.

Educational programs and materials, e.g. reading materials, Bibles, computers, student supplies are made available when resources allow. Emphasis is placed on working with women in areas of family care, health, nutrition, sewing, gardening, etc. Opportunities are provided for men to develop skills in carpentry and farming of family plots, a cooperative venture to help the people to help themselves. Medical needs in the form of prescription drugs, diagnostic tests, x-rays, and special procedures or treatments are also provided through the fund. All monies donated to the Misericordia Mission Fund are used in their entirety for the needs of the poor. The funds are managed and distributed by the Sisters who are ministering in Peru. Income tax receipts are issued for all donations to the fund:

Misericordia Mission Fund
P.O. Box 1757
St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada, A1C 5P5

Telephone: 709-726-7320
Fax: 709-726-4414
E.mail: mercygeneralate@sistersofmercynf.org