Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Dacca (Agenzia Fides) – The people call them the “Blue Sisters” for their blue habit and they consider them their sisters and their friends, even if they are of a different religion. Impoverished families, unemployed and day-workers, people living in the suburbs and in the slums of Dacca, Bangladesh’s capital city, are all fond of these small, silent, and loving women that share in their life, living off Providence and offering an untiring service to their neighbor.
The sisters belong to the contemplative missionary congregation of Charles De Foucauld and are originally from the community of Cuneo (Italy). The live the missionary ideal in their lives as a silent presence among the poor, sharing, and being the leaven of the Gospel that transforms from within.
Two Italian Sisters, Sister Nives and Sister Emilia, offer a daily witness of Christian charity in the slums of Dacca, in the midst of a completely Muslim population. In their daily life, in the help the offer to children and families, in their service to the sick and elderly, they make no distinctions among religions. There is one solitary service for the love of their fellow mankind, for the sick and the marginalized, in whom they perceive Christ’s presence. Their lives are dedicated to welcoming their neighbor, simplicity, constant prayer; all carried out in silence and as a service towards others. The Muslim families appreciate their silent presence, and they help them and bring them little gifts, for example at Christmas time.
“Ecumenism for us means bearing witness and sharing,” the religious say. They speak of Jesus, the Christian faith when the people ask about the meaning and reason behind their work, their love that is freely given, and a life dedicated to others.
Sr. Nives is in charge of taking in the children off the street and sending them to school. Sr. Emilia has begun a medical clinic next to the Catholic parish, where she distributes medicines.
“We need to continue sowing, being present among the most despised in society. We realize more and more that the result of this effort is always in God’s hands,” the said, continuing on with their usual activity with a smile. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 24/7/2008)
