Thirty-five years ago in El Salvador, Maryknoll Sisters Ita Ford and Maura Clarke were martyred by government militia, simply because they were aiding victims who died during the country’s 12-year civil war.

Today, Sister Mary Annel carries on the faith in El Salvador, putting her own life on the line to serve the poor. Sister Mary, who is a physician, works in a poverty-stricken community where gang violence runs rampant. She administers the Salvadoran Foundation for the Fight Against AIDS. Her team operates a clinic from which they provide loving care and weekly treatment to over 100 people suffering from HIV/AIDS.

Sister Gloria Ardenio Agnes works in the clinic and visits people in their homes. She and her team provide food supplements where basic nutrition is lacking and alternative health therapies. They also provide desperately needed education and uniforms for the children to wear to school.

Mrs. Sample, thanks to your prayers and support, our Maryknoll Sisters are able to serve on the frontlines amid violence and conflict to build peace and bring the love of Christ to the poor.

I humbly request your prayers and support for Sisters Mary and Gloria … and for all our Sisters who work for peace and justice throughout the world. Your gift will help our Sisters in their struggle against poverty and oppression. Whatever gift you feel comfortable giving – large or small – will go a long way to help our Sisters in their ministries.

Today in El Salvador, the flame for social justice still burns and the passion against oppression still grows. Many young people are beginning to find the courage to speak out on behalf of social justice for themselves and their country. Progress is happening.

From the diary of Sr. Mary…

Thanks to our donors’ faithful support, CONTRASIDA — our HIV/AIDS program — is changing lives for good. The program provides medical care, advocacy, education, peer support, even meals and homework. It does so with an emphasis on human dignity. And it has had a great impact on HIV prevention and on helping young people change cultural patterns to avoid infection.

 

And our Maryknoll Sisters continue to work and to prepare the Salvadoran people to win for themselves the freedom for which Christ died.

Thank you for doing your part in bringing peace and justice to the poor through the ministries of our Maryknoll Sisters.

Please know that we will always keep you and your loved ones in prayer, asking for God’s protection.

Gratefully,

Sister Anastasia

P.S. Thank you for praying for our Sisters’ safety and for supporting them in their ministries. I know you journey with us to all parts of the world and we are grateful. Please send your special intentions today. We will always keep you and your loved ones in prayer.

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