Sr. Irene Mendonca was sent from Mumbai Province in 1996 for universal mission. After a year of stay in Spain for learning the language she was assigned to Peru. Sr. Irene shares her life in the mission.My first missionary experience outside India is in AREQUIPA a State in the country PERU in the continent of SOUTH AMERICA. I am here since the year 1997.
PERU
Peru is the one of the poor countries in South America. It was the cradle of the most advanced indigenous civilizations and most powerful empire in pre-Columbian South America- that of the Incas. The Incas conquered the Andean people and fostered among the most advanced of ancient American civilizations. The Inca Empire ended when the Spaniards arrived in Peru. When the Spaniards came to Peru they also brought the Catholic Religion. So nearly 90% of the people are Catholics in Peru.
Peru declared independence on 28th July 1821. The country is divided into 24 regions which were further subdivided into 179 Provinces. Each province is divided into districts. Peru is governed by a President with great executive power who is elected by popular vote for a period of five years. Political instability is often experienced. The country has suffered terrorism from 1980s and thousands of people lost their lives and live in constant fear. For the past few years there is a lot of political unrest and people are dissatisfied with the new government. The Capital of Peru is Lima.
Peru has three main natural demarcations- the Coastal Zone (Costa), the Highlands (Sierra) and the Eastern hills and lowlands (Selva). Each region has different climatic conditions and culture.
There 26 millions of people in Peru. The literacy rate is very low.
Spanish is the Official language though people speak other dialects in different regions.
Peruvians are friendly and hospitable. Since there are no job opportunities delinquency is prevalent and sometimes people are afraid to walk on the streets.
Many young women earn their livelihood as vendors of various types of food and textile items. Though it is a Catholic country it is surprising to see that many adults are not baptized, many are not keen to participate in the celebration of the Sacraments. During the past few years people started going to other sects where their material needs are satisfied. So the Church has lot to do in the work of Evangelization.
MY MISSION 
The entire world is my home land this thought of Mary of the Passion, our foundress has been a source of inspiration from the beginning of my religious life. So during the preparation for my final profession, when I heard that I would be sent to Peru, I accepted it joyfully. Though I didnt know anything about this country its culture, people, language etc. I accepted the call to Universal mission and said a Total Yes to God on 31st December 1993, the day of my final profession. I extend my deep gratitude to the sisters of Mumbai province, especially to the sisters of my community at Maris Stella- Vijayawada, for their constant prayers, support and encouragement.
After being in Spain for a year to learn Spanish, I reached Peru on 7th Oct. 1997. it was only Gods grace that helped me to adapt well to the new situations here. I was in Lima for three months in one of the fraternities, where we were four sisters from four nationalities which was indeed an enriching experience. From here I was sent to Arequipa to help in the school office. Within a year I was transferred to another region where again I had to adapt to the new situations, climate, food, culture, people etc.here I remembered the beautiful words of Mary of the Passion, the entire world is my homeland which enabled me to accept the sudden change. So on 3rd march 1999 I reached my new destination.
Our community was mainly involved in the Pastoral work in the parish. We were four in the community- consisting of Spanish< Peruvian and Indian. Our parish priest was from Australia. So we were good group of five from four continents working together for the kingdom of god attending to the spiritual and temporal needs of the people.
I was accompanying the youth groups of the parish and teaching Catechism to the young people in preparation for their Sacraments of Baptism, communion and confirmation. To work with the youth was very much demanding. But the Eucharistic Lord was my strength and thanks to Fr. Anderson, the parish priest who helped me to accept the new challenges and understand the people with whom I had to work. Once a week as a team we had the meeting with the coordinators and delegates of each group to organize different activities in the parish and also their Christian formation.
Visiting the sick and praying for the dead were part of my ministry. In the beginning I was a bit hesitant to go and pray for the dead and accompany the people in sorrow. But it was a big parish with three thousand families divided into ten zones, and it was impossible for the parish priest to reach out to all, so little by little I had to make the effort to accept such challenges. We also have a dispensary and womens development programme.
During the Jubilee year with the collaboration of the parish priest we were able to start Holy hour in the parish every Thursday night which is part of our FMM Charism and this being continued even after left the mission. Now I am to Pre-Novitiate since 2003. We are four sisters and three pre-novices, all are Peruvians except my self.
To be in the formation house is demanding, but it is an enriching experience. This house was opened since 2002 and little by little sisters are making contact with the neighborhood. We invite them for Adoration and sharing and I accompany the Pre-Novices I go for pastoral ministry in one of the sectors. There the Pre-Novices teach Catechism while I gather a group of women for reflection and sharing of the Word of God.
Charism
To be a Franciscan Missionary of Mary and live the Charism is a challenge. To be an FMM outside ones own land is a further challenge. Eucharistic Lord is my strength who helps me every moment to respond to gods call in my day today life. The spirituality of Mary of the Passion and Francis is a source of inspiration to say YES to God in every situation. When we meet challenges and other difficulties here I wonder whether I am in the right path. What keeps me going ahead is the spirit of our Foundress is her inspiration that, the decision that I had taken in moments of light I will not change in moments of darkness. I believe that God is the Centre of my life and the cause of my existence and I know in whom I have put my trust
My hope is that these people little by little improve their quality of life and deepen their faith in God.
Sr. Irene Mendonca fmm  |
