To be makers of peace, reconciliation and pardon
CisJordan
31 sisters in 4 communities
The country in continual insecurity, unemployment at 40%. Dialogue among Christians, Moslems and Jews is a permanent challenge.
Challenges – formation of Christians and evangelisation of families, reconciliation between the religions and the peoples
Sisters’ main work – pursuing their commitment to peace, reconciliation and pardon with those people in their schools, hospitals and in parishes, development of the Friends of St Emilie and the Ministry of Vocations.
Israel
58 sisters in 10 communities
A country that exists in permanent tension. The communities are situated in both Arab and Jewish areas.
Challenges – to be open and receptive to the cry of the poor, to help bring about peace and reconciliation, a greater collaboration with lay people
Sisters’ main work – to be in solidarity with the people and striving to meet the challenges presented. There is also a hospital, a hostel for young women, a retreat house, outreach to village people and tours of the Holy Land
Lebanon/Syria
50 sisters in 8 communities of whom 10 sisters are in 2 communities in Syria.
Lebanon is still coming to terms with the fact that it is a multi-denominational country. New values are being promulgated by the mass media in opposition to traditional morals and religious and family values. In Syria, Islam is all pervading, many Christians are leaving because of lack of work opportunities, those who remain constitute a tiny minority and belong to several rites.
Challenges – to work with the youth and instil the values of reconciliation and pardon
Sisters’ main work – education, with special attention to backward students, working with the handicapped, caring for people of all religious persuasions in their hospital, outreach to village people, supporting the spiritual life of colleagues.
Jordan
A new foundation of witness in a country continually at war.
5 sisters in 2 communities who come from the provinces of Cisjordan, Lebanon and Israel
The Sisters respond to the appeals of the Church through their parish commitments