Sr. Lizzy Joseph Chackalkal was sent from Bangalore (India) Province
Mauritius:
Mauritius is part of the Mascarene group of islands formed from the depth of the Indian Oceanby volcanic eruptions millions of years ago. Although there are no active volcanoes today, evidence of the island’s volcanic origin can be seen. The island is 65 Km (40 miles) long, and 45 Km (28 miles) across. There are 160 Km (100 miles) of coastline, almost entirely surrounded by coral reefs, the third largest in the world. Around Mauritius itself, there are more than 15 islets encircled by their own lagoons.
The Mauritius achieved independence in 1968 and in 1992 it was proclaimed the Republic of Mauritius, a Sovereign Democratic State within the Commonwealth. It includes the island of Rodrigues, with which it is politically integrated, and several outlying islands. It is universally acknowledged as being one of the most democratic and stable countries in the developing world.
The Mauritian economy is based on sugar, tourism
and financial business services factor, which is as
spearheading future growth together with activities in
the consolidation such as offshore banking and the Freeport. Language: In the Government service- English is the principal media of communication
French & Creole
Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Marathi etc…
In Mauritius we have four communities comprising of 22 sisters. In my community we are six (3
Mauritians, I Korean, 1 Malgache and myself Indian). We are all involved in different pastoral work in the parish. We render service in 18 villages in our parish. The village that I concentrate is called “Cité La Caverne”. “Cité” means a little bit like slums. I meet now and then a group of youth in this village.
My Mission
I render voluntary service as a member of the Institution named ‘Mauritius Mental Health Association MMHA) assisting physically and mentally challenged ageing from 3 to 40years. Four days in a week I assist 10 children aged between 12 to 15 years. There about 130 children in the institution. From Monday to Friday children come from various regions between 9.30 am to 2.30 pm. The educational programme covers various activities such as reading, writing, colouring, painting, sports, gardening, music, singing, cleaning, kitchen workshop, etc. a pre-vocational unit provides formation in silversmith to young adolescents so that they may become self-dependent.
Living the Charism
In today’s world whether we are in or out of our country missionary life is a challenge. It demands a lot from us.
At this moment God has entrusted me with a new mission. And this type of mission needs a lot of courage; strength,
perseverance, humility, simplicity, patience and above all we need to forget ourselves to follow in His footsteps.
My vocation and my love for children help me to accept them as they are. I learn a lot from them. I work with the
staff who belong to different religion which has its own advantages where we have inter – religious dialogue and
exchange of Christian values.
There are problems of poverty, unemployment, political disturbances etc but people appear to be living in peace.
Empowerment of women - this was the one aim of Blessed Mary of the Passion in serving the less fortunate that led her to open educational institutions, health-care services and set up small income-generating works for women. We respond to the cry of the poor, the oppressed and the marginalized, especially the women through the same services today. We work for the integrity of creation through non-violence and eco-justice, sharing God's gifts with all.
Her farsightedness in establishing a printing press in the 19th century itself, to publish The Annals of the Institute as a means of sharing news and views with the wider public has set the trend for us to utilize the potent means of the media to communicate the compassionate face of God to all peoples thereby promoting communion and human relationships.
